April 2010

The magic of placebo

Magician Eric Mead draws on images from science to illustrate two simple magic tricks. Mead says, “Magic isn’t about solving puzzles, it’s about not knowing…and having a little bit of mystery.
Source: TEDmed

Survival of the Tattooed and Pierced?

Body art may be evidence of high-quality genes in men

iStockphoto
iStockphoto

When surveyed, most people say they get tattoos or unconventional piercings to express individuality. But could something more psychologically primal be afoot? Researchers at the University of Wroclaw in Poland measured about 200 men and women—half of them inked or pierced in places other than their earlobes—for body symmetry, or how similar their right and left sides are. (More similarity indicates genetic health and is associated with sexual attractiveness.) [continue reading…]

Self-esteem declines sharply after 60

Self-esteem rises steadily as people age but starts declining around the time of retirement, according to a longitudinal study of men and women ranging in age from 25 to 104.

“Self-esteem is related to better health, less criminal behavior, lower levels of depression and, overall, greater success in life,” said the study’s lead author, Ulrich Orth, PhD. “Therefore, it’s important to learn more about how the average person’s self-esteem changes over time.” [continue reading…]