Can Pigeons Spell? New Study Suggests They Can Recognize Words
The smartest pigeon learned to recognize about 60 four-letter words. It's the first time an orthographic brain has been recorded in a nonprimate.
psychology
The Physics And Psychology Of 'The Wave' At Sporting Events
You may love or hate "the wave" as it sweeps through spectators at baseball, football and soccer games. But physicists say the synchronized action shows how humans are like particles.
Cosplayers Use Costume To Unleash Their Superpowers
A shy woman becomes a brave warrior princess. A man calls on Captain America to help him lose 45 pounds. In costume role play they become part of a community where they can transform themselves.
Invisibilia: The Unbearable Lightness Of Footwear
When we invented shoes, we slipped a surface between ourselves and the world. Ever wonder if this is the moment mankind fell from grace? No? Well, for better or worse, NPR's Colin Dwyer has.
Invisibilia: Do His Sunglasses Keep Him From Seeing The Light?
Cass Frankenstein started wearing sunglasses to protect himself from bullies. Decades later, he still wears them. Some friends and relatives say that holds people at bay. But he says it's worth it.
She Offered The Robber A Glass Of Wine, And That Flipped The Script
NPR's Alix Spiegel, co-host of the podcast and program Invisibilia, tells the story of a robbery that was halted when a woman decided to respond to the threat in an unexpected way — with kindness.
Don't Do What I Do: How Getting Out Of Sync Can Help Relationships
When someone's angry we tend to get angry in return. But responding in an unexpected way is a valid tool in psychotherapy, and it can help make everyday relationships work better, too.
How A Danish Town Helped Young Muslims Turn Away From ISIS
Muslim youths in Denmark were leaving to join ISIS in Syria, feeling they were being persecuted in Europe. Then the police in Aarhus responded in a completely unexpected way: They apologized.
Frustrated You Can't Find A Therapist? They're Frustrated, Too
Why is it so hard to connect people with therapists? Insurance bureaucracy cuts both ways, it turns out. Patients have trouble finding therapists in networks. And therapists have trouble joining them.
It's Tough To Make Good Health Choices, But Science Can Help
Good intentions are great, but they'll only take you so far. There are some research-backed techniques you can use to increase your odds of following through on living better, however.