The Sensory Revolution

Scent

Dog Owners Can Recognize Their Pets by Scent Alone

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on April 15, 2024

We know dogs use their noses to identify us. Now, research shows we also rely on our sense of smell to recognize them.

We know dogs use their noses to identify us. Now, research shows we also rely on our sense of smell to recognize them.

Evolutionary Psychology

Does Sense of Order Distinguish Humans From Other Animals?

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on March 31, 2024

Research shows that even our closest primate relatives struggle to learn sequences. Could sequential memory differentiate us from the rest of the animal world?

Research shows that even our closest primate relatives struggle to learn sequences. Could sequential memory differentiate us from the rest of the animal world?

Scent

Why Disliking a Partner's Smell Could End a Relationship

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on March 30, 2024

Have you fallen out of love with your partner's scent? Your relationship may be in trouble.

Have you fallen out of love with your partner's scent? Your relationship may be in trouble.

Chronic Pain

Childhood Trauma Increases the Long-Term Risk of Chronic Pain

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on January 20, 2024

Childhood trauma increases one's chronic pain risk by 45 percent, but trauma-informed pain management could improve early intervention and treatment strategies.

Childhood trauma increases one's chronic pain risk by 45 percent, but trauma-informed pain management could improve early intervention and treatment strategies.

Sleep

Blue Light May Not Be Keeping You Awake After All

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 31, 2023

Think that Night Shift setting on your phone is helping you get to sleep? A study shows that brightness of light matters more for sleep quality than perceived color.

Think that Night Shift setting on your phone is helping you get to sleep? A study shows that brightness of light matters more for sleep quality than perceived color.

Scent

Scent Diffusers Improve Memory in Seniors

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 31, 2023

In a recent study, nightly use of essential oil diffusers over six months improved cognitive performance in seniors by a stunning 226 percent.

In a recent study, nightly use of essential oil diffusers over six months improved cognitive performance in seniors by a stunning 226 percent.

Depression

A Poor Sense of Smell Is Linked with Depression in Seniors

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 17, 2023

Adults over 70 who have a poor sense of smell are more likely to develop depression later in life, says Johns Hopkins study.

Adults over 70 who have a poor sense of smell are more likely to develop depression later in life, says Johns Hopkins study.

Narcissism

One Narcissistic Trait You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 28, 2023

A study found that people who are high in narcissism share a surprising deficit.

A study found that people who are high in narcissism share a surprising deficit.

Near-Death Experiences

Dying People May Remain Conscious an Hour After Flatlining

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 25, 2023

Forty percent of patients may show lucid brain activity up to an hour into CPR, a new study finds.

Forty percent of patients may show lucid brain activity up to an hour into CPR, a new study finds.

Health

5 Offbeat Tricks for Cooling Down In High Heat

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

These five techniques harness the body's natural ways of cooling itself off to keep you comfortable when the mercury rises.

These five techniques harness the body's natural ways of cooling itself off to keep you comfortable when the mercury rises.

Dementia

How to Use Music to Reconnect With a Dementia Patient

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 30, 2023

A recent study shows that music can become a bridge to communication between dementia patients and their caregivers, even after patients have lost the ability to speak.

A recent study shows that music can become a bridge to communication between dementia patients and their caregivers, even after patients have lost the ability to speak.

Time Blindness

Could You Be Time Blind?

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 28, 2023

Time blindness, commonly associated with ADHD, autism, and other executive function disorders, can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

Time blindness, commonly associated with ADHD, autism, and other executive function disorders, can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

Aging

Mental Illness Makes You Age More Quickly

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on May 24, 2023

A new study has revealed that people with mental illness are physically older than they should be for their age.

A new study has revealed that people with mental illness are physically older than they should be for their age.

Attention

Why Some People Just Have No Rhythm

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on March 22, 2023

The inability to move in sync with music has been linked with other surprising deficits, like dyslexia and a reduced ability to pay attention to other people.

The inability to move in sync with music has been linked with other surprising deficits, like dyslexia and a reduced ability to pay attention to other people.

Body Language

Elephants Speak in Voices Too Deep to Hear

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on February 8, 2023

Infrasound enables elephants to communicate over long distances.

Infrasound enables elephants to communicate over long distances.

Memory

How to Tell if You're a Super-Recognizer

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on January 23, 2023

Two to three percent of the population has an extraordinary memory for faces. Are you among them?

Two to three percent of the population has an extraordinary memory for faces. Are you among them?

Forgiveness

Craving Fatty Foods? Your Intestines May Be to Blame

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 30, 2022

New research shows that mice crave fat even when they can't taste it. The findings could offer new ways to help human beings limit fat consumption.

New research shows that mice crave fat even when they can't taste it. The findings could offer new ways to help human beings limit fat consumption.

Pregnancy

Babies Can Taste Their Mothers' Food in the Womb

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 29, 2022

Fetuses still in the womb smile or frown in response to different tastes. Could a mother's diet during pregnancy have a long-term impact on their child’s food preferences?

Fetuses still in the womb smile or frown in response to different tastes. Could a mother's diet during pregnancy have a long-term impact on their child’s food preferences?

Sensory Processing Disorder

What to Do When Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on July 23, 2022

SPD can interfere with a child's learning, development, and overall well-being.

SPD can interfere with a child's learning, development, and overall well-being.

Stress

Pandemic Stress Supercharges Personal Growth

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on May 27, 2021

A new study shows that people with high pandemic stress levels are also experiencing significant personal growth.

A new study shows that people with high pandemic stress levels are also experiencing significant personal growth.