Scicurious

Neuroscience

The memory benefits of distraction

We usually think of distraction as a bad thing for memory. But under certain conditions, distraction may help rather than hurt.

Psychology

People prefer to just get pain over with

A new study shows that people would rather experience pain ASAP, even if it means experiencing more pain.

Neuroscience

Gene that boosts Alzheimer’s risk might protect against it too

Carrying certain genetic versions of apolipoprotein E is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A new study looks at the effects of different types of APOE on the major markers of Alzheimer’s in mice and shows that all forms are not equal.

Genetics

Sexy male mice have competitive moms

Moms allowed to compete for mates produce sons that make sexy pheromones, live hard and die young. How? Epigenetics.

Life

Thank insects and microbes that we aren’t over our knees in feces

Ever wondered why you’re not drowning in poop? Scientists harnessed the power of citizen science to find the beetles and microbes we can thank for that.

Psychology

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? A new study purports to answer the question. But can we apply this to how we deliver news? Well, I have good news, and I have bad news.

Animals

The hottest guy guppies stand out in a crowd

A new study shows that sexy male guppies are the ones who stand out the most, the rarest in the crowd. But what is the rare male effect for?

Neuroscience

Brain patterns of haunting memories

Some fearful experiences stick with us forever. Others we brush off easily. The difference could be in which neuronal patterns are activated in our brains.

Health & Medicine

The future of the robotic leg

While robotic legs have come incredibly far, the next step, integrating the function into the rest of the body, still has a way to go.

Animals

The reefs are alive with the sound of oysters

How does an oyster figure out where to settle down in life? It listens for where the party’s at. A new study shows that oyster larvae can detect sound in the water.

Animals

Wag the dog: When left vs. right matters

Most of us see a wagging dog’s tail and automatically think it’s a good sign. But are some wags more friendly than others? A new study says yes.

Animals

Making a snake spectacle

Snakes have a thin layer over their eyes filled with blood vessels. A scientist has shown how snakes control those blood vessels to help them see.