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Most of brain reacts to winning, losing: study
Montreal Gazette: A new National Hockey League season is upon us, Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing and the National Football League's regular season has been in session for about a month. As you fixate on your television, watching every move of your favourite athletes and longing for that great play or crucial win that can serve up a rush that can approach orgasm, consider this: New research from Yale University shows even more of your brain than previously thought physically reacts to something perceived as a win or a loss.
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Falsche Erinnerungen sind nützlich
ORF Austria: Unser Gedächtnis spielt uns manchmal einen Streich. Sich nicht genau oder falsch an etwas zu erinnern, kann mitunter drastische Folgen haben, etwa vor Gericht. Einem Forscher zufolge können falsche Erinnerungen aber auch positive Effekte haben. Laut einer aktuellen Studie von Mark L. Howe von der britischen Lancaster University waren derartige Trugbilder in unserer Evolution durchaus sinnvoll und sind es bis heute, unter anderem in Hinblick auf unser psychisches Wohlergehen, aber auch beim Lösen mancher Probleme Read the whole story: ORF Austria
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Why you really can wash the man out of your hair
Daily Mail: The song was spot on – it is possible to wash that man right out of your hair. A study shows washing has powerful psychological effects, ‘cleansing’ us of negative feelings. In the musical South Pacific, heroine Nellie Forbush managed to ease her confusion over a lover when she sang ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’. But psychologists say the same principle applies to a wide range of emotions. ‘By washing the hands, taking a shower or even thinking of doing so, people can rid themselves of a sense of immorality, unlucky feelings, or doubt about a decision,’ said researcher Spike Lee of the University of Michigan in the U.S.
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Colour red boosts your physical strength
Zee News: New Delhi: A new study has found that when humans see red, their reactions become both faster and more forceful. The findings may have applications for sporting and other activities in which a brief burst of strength and speed is needed, such as weightlifting. But the authors caution that the colour energy boost is likely short-lived. "Red enhances our physical reactions because it is seen as a danger cue," said coauthor Andrew Elliot, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester and a lead researcher in the field of colour psychology. "Humans flush when they are angry or preparing for attack.
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Something for the weekend
Financial Times: Everyone admires generosity, it is considered a virtue and a worthy facet of anyone’s character. And in times of peace and non-competitive situations individuals want their leaders to demonstrate generosity, that is contributing to the public good. However, in certain circumstances - in tough and competitive times - generous leaders can be seen as weak leaders. And so when the going gets rough, individuals prefer leaders who are less altruistic and less willing to demonstrate generosity.
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The Nuts and Bolts of Emotional Sobriety
One of the cornerstones of alcoholism recovery is what’s called “emotional sobriety.” The idea is that alcoholics and other addicts, if they hope to stay sober over the long haul, must learn to regulate the negative feelings that can lead to discomfort, craving and—ultimately—relapse. It’s a lifelong project, a whole new way of thinking about life’s travails. But the recovery literature also says “first things first”—which simply means “don’t drink.” Especially in the early days of recovery, alcoholics are counseled not to analyze why they are addicted, or how they might have avoided alcoholism: “Don’t think and don’t drink” is the maxim.
