Cultural Neuroscience

Aging

The Quality of Older Adults' Neighborhoods

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on May 8, 2024

Older U.S. adults and their families have reason to consider space and place for optimizing older adults' short term memory and attentional needs.

Older U.S. adults and their families have reason to consider space and place for optimizing older adults' short term memory and attentional needs.

Flow

In the Zone: How the Brain Helps Us Flow

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on March 9, 2024

Flow involves two ingredients: Extensive practice builds the necessary skills and neural connections. However, you must also relinquish the urge to control the outcome.

Flow involves two ingredients: Extensive practice builds the necessary skills and neural connections. However, you must also relinquish the urge to control the outcome.

Social Media

What Motivates the Content of Instagram Posts?

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on December 26, 2023

Every behavior that we do has an underlying explanation. Regarding content posted on Instagram, the users' desired identity goals are important.

Every behavior that we do has an underlying explanation. Regarding content posted on Instagram, the users' desired identity goals are important.

Grief

How People Feel the Presence of a Deceased Partner

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on November 1, 2023

Across societies, it is not uncommon to perceive the presence of loved ones who are no longer physically with us.

Across societies, it is not uncommon to perceive the presence of loved ones who are no longer physically with us.

Gender

Anxious About Mis-Gendering a Non-Binary Person?

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on September 22, 2023

People who are socially supportive of gender non-binary identity may be anxious and make mistakes by mis-gendering a non-binary child or adult.

People who are socially supportive of gender non-binary identity may be anxious and make mistakes by mis-gendering a non-binary child or adult.

Anxiety

Anxious? Vitamin D and Sun Exposure Could Help

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on June 22, 2023

It's summer and here comes the sun. Quality time in the sunshine, and vitamin D food sources, could reduce brain-based anxiety.

It's summer and here comes the sun. Quality time in the sunshine, and vitamin D food sources, could reduce brain-based anxiety.

Artificial Intelligence

The Talking Dead? Using Deepfake Resurrection for Good

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on April 20, 2023

The talking dead in artificial intelligence? Research shows benefit from receiving a positive motivational message from someone no longer alive.

The talking dead in artificial intelligence? Research shows benefit from receiving a positive motivational message from someone no longer alive.

Internet Addiction

Daily Living Skills Are Impacted by Screen Time

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on March 1, 2023

Is your toddler getting enough outside playtime? Consider the neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Is your toddler getting enough outside playtime? Consider the neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Anger

How to Reduce Anger Rumination and Expression

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on January 9, 2023

Do you believe that you need to better regulate your anger as a new motivational goal? Here's how to start.

Do you believe that you need to better regulate your anger as a new motivational goal? Here's how to start.

Suicide

Brain Evidence About Suicide Attempts and Youth

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on November 25, 2022

What has recent research revealed as a link to lifetime suicide attempts among youth and young adults?

What has recent research revealed as a link to lifetime suicide attempts among youth and young adults?

Emotions

Studying Hands to Recognize Basic Emotions

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on October 21, 2022

Can watching others' hands help you recognize their emotions?

Can watching others' hands help you recognize their emotions?

Environment

You May Have a Look-Alike Who Isn’t a Family Member

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on September 15, 2022

Don't be surprised if you see a stranger who truly does looks like you.

Don't be surprised if you see a stranger who truly does looks like you.

Executive Function

Groove Rhythm Is Good for Your Mind

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on July 29, 2022

Do you love good house/club music beats? Moving your body to the groove rhythm evokes positive feelings and cognitive benefits.

Do you love good house/club music beats? Moving your body to the groove rhythm evokes positive feelings and cognitive benefits.

Neuroscience

Understanding the Risk Taken By Migrants Found Dead in Texas

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on June 30, 2022

Cultural neuroscience can explain why migrants risk their lives to cross the border illegally. Emotional distress, neural processing, decision-making, and a sense of life purpose are important.

Cultural neuroscience can explain why migrants risk their lives to cross the border illegally. Emotional distress, neural processing, decision-making, and a sense of life purpose are important.

Loneliness

Loneliness Among Teens Has Increased Over the Years

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on May 30, 2022

Globally, teens report more school loneliness. Culture has shifted to more online activity, but real-life social interactions are important for their mental health.

Globally, teens report more school loneliness. Culture has shifted to more online activity, but real-life social interactions are important for their mental health.

Identity

Key Attributes Are Linked to the Label "Citizen of the World"

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on May 17, 2022

A cosmopolitan identity and being culturally open are a few characteristics.

A cosmopolitan identity and being culturally open are a few characteristics.

Stress

A Deep Sigh May Help Reading Comprehension on Cell Phones

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on April 19, 2022

Most of us read information from our cell phones, but research suggests that we might want to be mindful to breathe deeply while doing it.

Most of us read information from our cell phones, but research suggests that we might want to be mindful to breathe deeply while doing it.

Neuroscience

Brain and Culture at the Movies

Michele K. Lewis Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

Cultural neuroscience is not a household term—but it's relevant to understanding everyday life behaviors, including the ways we react when watching movies.

Cultural neuroscience is not a household term—but it's relevant to understanding everyday life behaviors, including the ways we react when watching movies.