Study measures the psychological toll of wildfires
Research in Southeast Asia quantifies how much wildfire smoke hurts peoples’ moods; finds the effect is greater when fires originate in other countries.
Study: Colon cancer screenings are more effective than previously understood
By reevaluating existing data, researchers find the procedure is even more valuable than consensus had indicated.
How do reasonable people disagree?
A study by philosopher Kevin Dorst explains how political differences can result from a process of “rational polarization.”
In online news, do mouse clicks speak louder than words?
Partisan media might deepen political polarization, but we should measure people’s media habits more carefully before drawing conclusions, researchers say.
How “blue” and “green” appeared in a language that didn’t have words for them
People of a remote Amazonian society who learned Spanish as a second language began to interpret colors in a new way, an MIT study has found.
Analyzing pathways to persuasion
When it comes to shaping political beliefs, MIT postdoc Chloe Wittenberg PhD ’23 finds video captivates, but might not beat text.
Practicing mindfulness with an app may improve children’s mental health
New research suggests daily mindfulness training at home helped reduce kids’ stress levels and negative emotions.
How a single neuron’s parallel outputs can coordinate many aspects of behavior
Study finds that in worms, the HSN neuron uses multiple chemicals and connections to orchestrate egg-laying and locomotion over the course of several minutes.
Finding solidarity in the teachers’ lounge
MIT PhD candidate Elizabeth Parker-Magyar finds close workplace networks among educators drive their activism even outside of democracies.
Is AI in the eye of the beholder?
Study shows users can be primed to believe certain things about an AI chatbot’s motives, which influences their interactions with the chatbot.
Cracking the code that relates brain and behavior in a simple animal
MIT researchers model and create an atlas for how neurons of the worm C. elegans encode its behaviors, make findings available on their “WormWideWeb.”
When rumors take flight
Professor Adam Berinsky’s new book examines the political misinformation that threatens the US system of government.
Using social media to raise awareness of women’s resources
An experiment in Egypt suggests ways to spread information for women facing domestic violence.
Q&A: Alexey Makarin on why social media harms youth mental health
MIT professor discusses the US surgeon general’s recent advisory and why scrolling social media can lead to depression and anxiety.
Why big changes early in life can help later on
Study shows moving can help foster a more robust social network, by strengthening “long ties” with others.