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How Loneliness Begets Loneliness
The Atlantic: “I’m clearly a textbook case of the silent majority of middle-aged men who won’t admit they’re starved for friendship, even if all signs point to the contrary,” wrote Billy Baker in his recent exploration of male loneliness in The Boston Globe. Perhaps one reason the piece made so many internet rounds is just how many people could relate: Last year Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned that Americans are “facing an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.” ... John Cacioppo: When you look across studies, you get levels anywhere from 25 to 48 percent [of people reporting being lonely].
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How Attention ‘Deficits’ May Actually Benefit Kids
Forbes: Children’s attention has been the subject of a lot of discussion in the last few decades, and its “deficits” the cause of much frustration, contention and, in many cases, medication. A new study from The Ohio State University finds that there’s at least one pretty logical reason for kids’ wandering attention: Compared to grownups, kids aren’t quite as good at paying attention to what they’re told to—but they’re better at paying attention to what they aren’t. This may mean that kids ultimately pick up more details about their environments than grownups do.
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Eyewitness Confidence Can Predict Accuracy of Identifications, Researchers Find
A new report challenges the perception that eyewitness memory is inherently fallible, finding that eyewitness confidence can indicate the accuracy of identifications made under “pristine” conditions.
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Some Strategies to Limit Sugary Drinks May Backfire
One potential strategy for complying with serving limits on sugary drinks — offering smaller cup sizes with free refills — may actually increase individual consumption of sugar-filled beverages.
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Getting to Yes, And…
WGN Radio: Kelly connects with Berkeley professor Dacher Keltner, author of “The Power Paradox.” Keltner’s research provides surprising insights into how we gain and lose power. He also consulted on the Pixar smash “Inside Out.” Read the whole story: WGN Radio
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A Day In The Life Of An Academic Mom
NPR: Blogger Tania Lombrozo is an academic — and a mom. Here, she gives a window into what that's like day-to-day. 6:00 a.m. I'm yanked from sleep by the little one calling from her room. "Mommy! Is it time to wake up yet? Can I get up now? Pleeeeeeaaaase?" The answer is "no," but I get up anyway. 7:00 a.m. The little one wants oatmeal. The big one wants cereal. I just want coffee. I feed the kids, unload the dishwasher, assemble lunches and backpacks and sweaters and water bottles, brush teeth and hair. I am an octopus, all limbs in motion. Is that letter of reference due today? 8:00 a.m. My husband is taking the children to school; I go for a short run.
