The Fallible Mind

Relationships

'Tis the Season for Heartbreak and Complex Breakups

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on December 4, 2023

In a time of joy and togetherness, breaking up seems inconceivable.

In a time of joy and togetherness, breaking up seems inconceivable.

Resilience

Winter Blues and Loneliness: Resilience During the Holidays

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on November 20, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Loneliness during the holidays is a poignant reality for many. But it is also an opportunity for self–discovery and developing resilience. It could be worse

A Personal Perspective: Loneliness during the holidays is a poignant reality for many. But it is also an opportunity for self–discovery and developing resilience. It could be worse

Cognition

The Funny and Fascinating Paradoxes of Oxymorons

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on April 28, 2023

Oxymorons are figures of speech that combine contradictory words, such as “original copy” or “deafening silence,” that paradoxically create fresh ways of looking at things.

Oxymorons are figures of speech that combine contradictory words, such as “original copy” or “deafening silence,” that paradoxically create fresh ways of looking at things.

Circadian Rhythm

Why So Many People Hate Daylight Saving Time

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on March 8, 2023

Nearly half of the 143 countries that tried daylight saving time abandoned it. Is it time for the U.S. to do the same?

Nearly half of the 143 countries that tried daylight saving time abandoned it. Is it time for the U.S. to do the same?

Friends

Left Alone, I’ve Outlived All My Old Friends. Now What?

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on March 5, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Many assume that the newly bereaved must be lonely. But this is not true. One can experience grief without feeling bereft.

A Personal Perspective: Many assume that the newly bereaved must be lonely. But this is not true. One can experience grief without feeling bereft.

Cognition

Why You May Do Your Best Thinking in the Shower

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on March 4, 2023

What is it about mindless, habitual activities that unlock deep insights? The answer may be flow.

What is it about mindless, habitual activities that unlock deep insights? The answer may be flow.

Attention

How Your iPhone Makes You Invisible to Your Child

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on July 13, 2022

Attention theory reveals the malevolent influence of screen tech on children. Adults can wake up, work, shop, and find entertainment without interacting with anyone all day.

Attention theory reveals the malevolent influence of screen tech on children. Adults can wake up, work, shop, and find entertainment without interacting with anyone all day.

Anxiety

How Screens Interfere With The Innate Drive to Socialise

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on July 9, 2022

Constant screen stimulation competes with growing brain pathways for socialization & emotional intelligence. Infants read people before they can speak, but for how much longer?

Constant screen stimulation competes with growing brain pathways for socialization & emotional intelligence. Infants read people before they can speak, but for how much longer?

Memory

Walking Builds the Aging Brain’s Structure and Mental Acuity

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on June 21, 2022

The brain can restore and rejuvenate itself in people who move. Walking and dancing can build brain tissue and keep you sharp as you age.

The brain can restore and rejuvenate itself in people who move. Walking and dancing can build brain tissue and keep you sharp as you age.

Dopamine

To Fight Epidemic Near-Sightedness, Send Your Kids Outdoors

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on June 19, 2022

The West should worry, as Asian governments do, about generations growing up short-sighted. An epidemic of myopia is upon un, and it is not benign.

The West should worry, as Asian governments do, about generations growing up short-sighted. An epidemic of myopia is upon un, and it is not benign.

Sleep

Does the Return of Daylight Savings Make You Cringe?

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on March 12, 2022

Many dread the twice-yearly shifts back and forth. Daylight savings doesn’t save daylight—it merely time-shifts, and for many people offers nothing except stress and aggravation.

Many dread the twice-yearly shifts back and forth. Daylight savings doesn’t save daylight—it merely time-shifts, and for many people offers nothing except stress and aggravation.

Genetics

A Further Link Between Vitamin D Levels and Covid Severity

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on March 2, 2022

To counter COVID and other lung infections, one's optimal dose of Vitamin D depends on geographic location and seasonal sunlight exposure.

To counter COVID and other lung infections, one's optimal dose of Vitamin D depends on geographic location and seasonal sunlight exposure.

Placebo

A “Striking” Link Between Vitamin D Levels and Omicron

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on February 13, 2022

New data reveal an unexpected risk factor for the highly contagious Omicron as well as other COVID variants. Vitamin D levels serve as a useful marker.

New data reveal an unexpected risk factor for the highly contagious Omicron as well as other COVID variants. Vitamin D levels serve as a useful marker.

Resilience

Resilience Has Gone Bust in Year Three of the Pandemic

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on February 2, 2022

The unhappiness felt in the wake of today's pandemic is different from that experienced in its early days. How can we manage?

The unhappiness felt in the wake of today's pandemic is different from that experienced in its early days. How can we manage?

Burnout

Burnout Is Causing Growing Hostility Towards Others

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on January 31, 2022

Something has to give in a world of increased polarization, anger, hatred, and fear. How can individuals counteract it?

Something has to give in a world of increased polarization, anger, hatred, and fear. How can individuals counteract it?

Intelligence

Why Netflix Warns Flashing, Fast Edits Can Trigger Seizures

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on December 27, 2021

Many people are unaware of their sensitivity to flickering lights or visual patterns until they have a seizure.

Many people are unaware of their sensitivity to flickering lights or visual patterns until they have a seizure.

Some manifestations of long COVID are permanent, and women fare worse than men.

Sleep

Standard Time Returns: 4 Ways to Reset Your Circadian Clock

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on November 3, 2021

No drug can shift the circadian phase to a new time zone the way that simply going to bed does.

No drug can shift the circadian phase to a new time zone the way that simply going to bed does.

Burnout

Why We Feel Post-Pandemic Burnout and Exhaustion

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on July 28, 2021

Do less. Take a walk. Look up at trees. Soak in the silence. The energy bandwidth the brain has to work with is limited.

Do less. Take a walk. Look up at trees. Soak in the silence. The energy bandwidth the brain has to work with is limited.

Media

Social Media Mixed With Isolation Is a Recipe for Discontent

Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on July 27, 2021

For the outraged, people who disagree with a point of view are not merely wrong or have a different perspective: social media allows them to be dismissed as asinine, stupid, idiots, and evil.

For the outraged, people who disagree with a point of view are not merely wrong or have a different perspective: social media allows them to be dismissed as asinine, stupid, idiots, and evil.