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Why written languages look alike the world over
What do Cyrillic, Arabic, Sanskrit, and 113 other writing systems have in common? Different as they appear at first glance, they share basic structural features, according to a new study: characters with vertical symmetry (like the Roman letters A and T) and a preference for vertical and horizontal lines over oblique lines (like those in the letters X and W). The explanation appears to be rooted in the wiring of our brain. “People appear to have an aesthetic preference for certain kinds of shapes and designs, and that preference seems to explain the writing systems we see,” says Julie Fiez, a psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania who was not involved in the study.
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New Research From Clinical Psychological Science
A sample of new research exploring gene-environment interactions underlying rule-breaking and aggression, emotion and cognition in schizophrenia, and factors related to serotonin functioning and alcohol problems.
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Spanking Linked to Increase in Children’s Behavior Problems
Spanking at age 5 is associated with increased behavior problems 1 and 3 years later — an increase that cannot be attributed to characteristics of the child or the family environment
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Tools to Drive Eco-Friendly Behaviors
Can a human-machine interface encourage drivers to engage in more eco-friendly behaviors behind the wheel?
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Here’s how scientists are tricking you into eating your veggies
There are people in this world who genuinely love vegetables. Some snack on frozen broccoli straight from the bag. Others crave carrots, adore asparagus, and even finish their kale without being bribed, begged, or threatened. Then there are the rest of us. Sure, a vegetable-rich diet lowers your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and more. But why do they have to taste so … vegetal? ... But there may yet be hope for us vegetable skeptics. Scientists are coming up with ways to cajole you into eating your veggies. Some involve a little bit of manipulation, while others focus on making the vegetables themselves taste better.
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How #MeToo Sparks Sharing — And Healing
As a Ph.D. candidate in the social sciences more than 20 years ago, Duana Welch, 49, had done enough research to know the consequences she'd face by reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. "When women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, the woman was the person blamed and the woman was not believed," she said. "I was very angry that I would pay the price for coming forward. I knew what would happen." ...
