Ruth Chang: How Can Making Hard Choices Empower Us?
One choice isn't always better than the other. Philosopher Ruth Chang says, once we realize that, it's easier to embrace the hard work of decision-making.
Humans
Dan Ariely: When Are Our Decisions Made For Us?
We often think that our decisions are our own. But Behavioral Economist Dan Ariely explains how our environment — even something as simple as how a question is framed — can affect what we choose.
Some Neanderthals Were Vegetarian — And They Likely Kissed Our Human Ancestors
A new study of the dental plaques of three Neanderthals reveals surprising facts about their lives, including what they ate, the diseases that ailed them and how they self-medicated (and smooched).
Trump, Democrats Look For Common Ground On Drug Prices
Two congressmen met with President Trump seeking support for a bill to expand the government's ability to negotiate drug prices. But it's not clear it would have much impact or will gain support.
Maybe You, Too, Could Become A Super Memorizer
After six weeks of training, people could memorize twice as much. Areas of the brain had begun communicating in new ways — a lot like what happens inside the heads of world memory champions.
Researchers Take A Step Toward Mind-Controlled Robots
Researchers have created a system where humans can guide robots with their brainwaves, signaling to the machines when they've made a mistake. It could help improve the way humans and robots interact.
At Least 6 People Have Died In Plains Wildfires
Wildfires are still burning out of control in Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Florida. The governor of Oklahoma has declared a state of emergency.
Are Routine Pelvic Exams A Must? Evidence Is Lacking, Task Force Says
There's not enough good evidence to make the call as to whether an annual pelvic exam is a good screening tool, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says.
Tribes & Traitors: What Happens When You Empathize with the Enemy?
This week on Hidden Brain, the stories of two men who showed empathy for the other side and found themselves labeled "enemy" by their own people.
Forbidding Forecast For Lyme Disease In The Northeast
Lyme disease is spreading, and this summer is shaping up as a whopper. Why has the tick-borne illness gotten so bad? The answer traces back to something the colonists did more than 200 years ago.