Science Archives

The Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language for Your Brain

A senior man studying a different language in a notebook in a classroom

What are the advantages of learning a foreign language? Can learning another language help prevent Alzheimer’s? Do language apps actually help? Learning a second language is a big challenge for your brain. Research suggests it might be the right kind of challenge to boost your executive function, improve your cognitive skills, and even delay the symptoms of cognitive decline. Here’s the psychological research behind learning another language.

Dr. Andrew Huberman on the Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex

A human head where the brain is glowing red.

Ready to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals? Want to boost your mental toughness? According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, the anterior mid-cingulate cortex is the part of the brain that controls willpower. On an episode of his podcast, he explained how you can not only fuel personal achievement but potentially extend your longevity. Read more to learn about the power of the anterior mid-cingulate cortex.

The Science of Willpower: Research, Theories, & Debates

a determined man with an illustration of his brain inside his head that illustrates the science of willpower

What’s the science behind willpower? What goes on in your brain? Can you do anything to strengthen your determination? On an episode of the podcast Huberman Lab, Andrew Huberman discussed the science of willpower. He talked about the role that the anterior mid-cingulate cortex plays in self-control and determination and highlighted recent debates in the field sparked by glucose-willpower theories. Keep reading to learn more about these intriguing issues.

Roy Baumeister: Willpower Is Finite (Ego Depletion Theory)

a draining battery indicating a low charge illustrating Roy Baumeister's ego depletion theory relating to willpower

Is the amount of willpower you have limited? Does your glucose consumption affect it? According to Roy Baumeister, willpower is a finite resource that can be depleted. On a thought-provoking episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman examined the debate surrounding Baumeister’s “ego depletion” theory. Continue reading to learn more about this theory and the controversy it provoked.

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky (Overview)

A young man reading a book outside in a field.

Have you tried to find happiness and fallen short? Do you have clarity on what makes people—especially you—happy? In The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky unpacks the factors that fuel long-term happiness and provides practical strategies to nurture and sustain it. She draws from extensive research as well as insights from leading scientists in the positive psychology field. Continue reading for an overview of this book that can help you understand—and find—happiness.

Is Happiness Genetic? How Your Happiness Baseline Is Set

Three mothers holding their babies as only one of them looks happy.

Is happiness genetic? What’s your happiness baseline? Can you offset the impact that your genes have on your happiness? Sonja Lyubomirsky writes that your genetics influence 50% of your long-term happiness and determine your “happiness baseline.” Simply put, your genes define the default level of happiness you typically feel, regardless of life’s ups and downs. Read more to learn how your genetics influence your happiness.

What Determines Happiness? These 3 Factors

A happy, smiling man holding pink balloons in front of a city.

What determines happiness? Which happiness factors are within your control? According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, three main factors influence your overall happiness. She contends that your genetics influence 50% of your long-term happiness, your circumstances influence 10%, and your thoughts and behaviors influence 40%. Keep reading to understand the power of each of these happiness factors.

Lex Fridman and Elon Musk on AI, Robotics, and Tesla

What are Elon Musk’s thoughts on artificial intelligence? How does Tesla use AI in its vehicles? In a conversation with Lex Fridman, Elon Musk delves into the role of AI in his company Tesla. He also adds that AI advances our understanding of intricate scientific concepts such as general relativity and quantum mechanics. Keep reading for more on Fridman and Musk’s conversation from the Lex Fridman Podcast.

A Guide to Dr. Amen’s Book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

How does your brain health impact your overall health? What are the best ways to take care of your brain? In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Daniel G. Amen asserts that, even if your brain’s health has been compromised, it has the potential for recovery and rejuvenation. Alongside insights gained from cutting-edge brain scans, he provides practical strategies for optimizing your brain’s health. Continue reading for an overview of Dr. Amen’s book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life.

Dr. Amen: SPECT Imaging Beats Symptom-Based Diagnosis

What’s SPECT imaging? How does it aid in brain dysfunction diagnosis and subsequent treatment plans? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen’s approach is informed by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans—a type of brain imaging that shows a brain’s blood flow and electrical activity. According to Dr. Amen, SPECT imaging revealed the flaws of traditional treatment. Read more to learn about SPECT scans and how they’re a useful tool for brain health.