This Simple Expression is Like a Mini-Orgasm for the Brain
Think about the last time you received a genuine compliment. How did that feel? Studies show compliments improve mood and brain function!
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Melissa Hughes
- Aug 24
- 4 min
How the Brain Creates the Taste of Wine
The simple act of tasting wine is anything but simple. Everything from background music to the sound of the cork pop influence the taste.
Melissa Hughes
- Jul 8
- 3 min
Is it Just Me, or is the World Just a Cat Playing with Australia?
We once believed that pareidolia was a sign of psychosis, but experts now believe it's an ancestral hand-me-down hardwired into our brains.
Melissa Hughes
- May 2
- 5 min
In Search of AWE: What it is and why we need it
While scientists can’t seem to agree as to whether awe is an emotion or a cognitive state, recent research says we need more of it!
Melissa Hughes
- Feb 17
- 4 min
5 Ways to Find Your Flow
Flow state is a state of pure focus and concentration that enables you to do what you’re doing at the top of your game.
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 20
- 4 min
Restaurant Science: The Magic of Menus and Music
From the menu to the music to the server, the brain begins tasting the food long before it even reaches the lips.
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 7
- 5 min
The Science of Conversation: 3 Ways to Boost your CQ
Constructive criticism can prevent us from making mistakes in the present. But without positive feedback longterm improvement isn't likely.
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 6
- 3 min
4 Phrases Great Leaders Use Often
People don't leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses. Most bad bosses lack the vocabulary to keep people engaged and productive.
Melissa Hughes
- Dec 22, 2021
- 3 min
The Science Behind the Smile
One's smile is a powerful communication tool that significantly influences how others perceive us.
Melissa Hughes
- Oct 26, 2021
- 4 min
Scientific Secrets in the Way the Brain Tastes Food
Eating is one of the most multisensory events that we do every single day. There are some fascinating secrets in how the brain tastes food.
Melissa Hughes
- Oct 1, 2021
- 3 min
Sticks and Stones may Break your Bones but Words will Change your Brain
Everyone knows that the words we use make a difference in the way we perceive information, but did you know it actually changes the brain?
Melissa Hughes
- Sep 8, 2021
- 4 min
Are We Hardwired for Fairness?
Thanks to neural imaging technology, we know that the brain is neurologically wired to reject injustice and expect fairness.
Melissa Hughes
- May 27, 2021
- 2 min
The Secret to Rewiring a Happier, Smarter Brain
Recognizing when and how negative thoughts steal your focus is the best way to rewire your brain for the positive thoughts that enable bette
Melissa Hughes
- Mar 25, 2021
- 4 min
How Your Personality Affects Your Productivity
How much time do you spend using communication tools such as email and messaging, and what is it doing to your productivity? While you...
Melissa Hughes
- Mar 17, 2021
- 4 min
The Flawed Brain that Tricks the Mind
When you hear the word bias, what comes to mind? Racial prejudice? Maybe you think of mainstream media or a particular political persuasion.
Melissa Hughes
- Mar 2, 2021
- 4 min
Loathe at First Sight
Have you ever met someone and immediately feel like – oh, I don’t like this person at all? You don’t know exactly why. Maybe they didn’t...
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 29, 2021
- 3 min
Setting a Goal? Bring your Bouncer
When you set a goal, the best way to reach it is to tap into the brain's bouncer for help.
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 21, 2021
- 2 min
The Brain's First Job Is NOT to Think
Greater understanding of how the brain develops gives us a better understanding of why rational thought isn't as automatic as we think.
Melissa Hughes
- Dec 31, 2020
- 3 min
6 Ways to Slay the Afternoon Slump
We’ve all been there… it’s full steam ahead all morning, you grab a quick lunch and have the best of intentions of powering through the...
Melissa Hughes
- Dec 23, 2020
- 3 min
Outsmarting your Instant Gratification Seeker
What’s that thing you really want to do but you just can’t seem to make it happen? Maybe you want to lose weight or exercise more or save...