All Stories by Bruce Bower
- Humans
Bigger numbers, not better brains, smarten human cultures
An experiment using a computer game supports the idea that big populations drove the evolution of complex human cultures.
- Neuroscience
Brain enables sight without light
Sensory cross talk may underlie ability to see one’s own hand moving when it’s pitch black.
- Psychology
Groups recall travel details better than loners
Small teams of people can recite key information from public announcements better than any one person.
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- Anthropology
Fossil skull points to single root for human evolution
New find suggests that humankind’s origins trace to an ancient species that spread from Africa to Asia.
- Anthropology
Ancient farmers, foragers kept genes to themselves
Ancient DNA and diet clues suggest how farmers and hunter-gathers contributed to modern Europeans’ genetic profiles.
- Psychology
Reading high-brow literature may aid in reading minds
Think of it as the bookworm’s bonus: People who read first-rate fiction become more socially literate, at least briefly, a new study suggests.
- Anthropology
Ancient farming populations went boom, then bust
Agriculture’s introduction led to big falls as well as rises in numbers of Europeans.
- Psychology
Mental rotation gears up by age 5 for both boys and girls
Kid-friendly test suggests that the ability to visualize objects from different angles starts early.
- Psychology
Poker pros’ arms betray their hands
Top players' arm motions when betting provide clues to whether or not they hold strong cards.
- Psychology
Bad acts spark a ‘cheater’s high’
Committing low-stakes acts of dishonesty enhances perpetrators’ moods.
- Humans
Babies perk up to sounds of ancient hazards
Evolution has primed infants to focus on noises linked to longstanding dangers, a new study finds.
