Bruce Bower

Bruce Bower

Behavioral Sciences Writer

Bruce Bower has written about the behavioral sciences since 1984. He often writes about psychology, anthropology, archaeology and mental health issues. Bruce has a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Following an internship at Science News in 1981, he worked as a reporter at Psychiatric News, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association, until joining Science News as a staff writer. In 1996, the American Psychological Association appointed Bruce a Science Writer Fellow, with a grant to visit psychological scientists of his own choosing. Early stints as an aide in a day school for children and teenagers with severe psychological problems and as a counselor in a drug diversion center provided Bruce with a surprisingly good background for a career in science journalism.

All Stories by Bruce Bower

  1. Computing

    M. Ehsan Hoque develops digital helpers that teach social skills

    Computer scientist M. Ehsan Hoque programs emotionally attuned assistants that bring people together.

  2. Anthropology

    The rise of agricultural states came at a big cost, a new book argues

    In ‘Against the Grain,’ a political scientist claims early states took a toll on formerly mobile groups’ health and happiness.

  3. Genetics

    Ancient boy’s DNA pushes back date of earliest humans

    Genes from South African fossils suggest humans emerged close to 300,000 years ago.

  4. Anthropology

    Neandertal kids were a lot like kids today — at least in how they grew

    Ancient youngster’s spine and brain grew at relatively slow pace.

  5. Psychology

    Confusion lingers over health-related pros and cons of marijuana

    50 years ago, the effects of chronic marijuana smoking on mental health were hazy. They still are.

  6. Anthropology

    Skeleton ignites debate over whether women were Viking warriors

    Scientists spar over a 10th century woman who may have had serious fight in her.

  7. Psychology

    Science can’t forecast love

    Scientists’ forecast for romantic matches is unpredictable.

  8. Archaeology

    People may have lived in Brazil more than 20,000 years ago

    Stone Age humans left behind clues of their presence at a remote Brazilian rock shelter.

  9. Archaeology

    People may have lived in Brazil more than 20,000 years ago

    Stone Age humans left behind clues of their presence at a remote Brazilian rock shelter.

  10. Anthropology

    Spiritual convictions and group identities inspire terrorist acts, study finds

    Sacred values and becoming one with comrades fuels terrorist acts, a report finds.

  11. Anthropology

    Fiery re-creations show how Neandertals could have easily made tar

    Neandertals could have made tar with simple methods and materials on hand, new experiments show.

  12. Anthropology

    Nitty-gritty of Homo naledi’s diet revealed in its teeth

    Ancient humanlike species ate something that damaged its teeth.