Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
The people who think AI might become conscious
With a leap in the evolution of large language models, some leading thinkers are questioning whether AI might become sentient
Why do cats like concrete slabs?
Cat owners have noticed their pets seem to go crazy for concrete blocks. Why?
Only 64% of Americans accept the idea of evolution — here's one reason why
Fundamentalists don't necessarily examine evolution and then reject it; they tend to start with the conclusion that it must be false and work backwards.
Science news this week: 'Anti-aging' magic mushrooms and record-breaking internet speeds
July 19, 2025: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.
Best sleep trackers 2025 — From smart rings to fitness watches
These are the best sleep trackers you can buy in every category, from smartwatches and screen-less to ring-style trackers.
Why male corporate leaders and billionaires may need financial therapy more than anyone
Corporate leaders and billionaires are often viewed as visionaries and wealth creators. But beneath the surface, many are trapped in an invisible financial "crisis"—one rooted not in market volatility or...
Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns—and what employers can do about it
About one in four employees has a diagnosable mental health condition, and up to 65% say mental health concerns interfere with their ability to work.
Incels, misogyny, role models: What England's new relationships and sex education lessons will cover
Sex and relationships education for children at primary and secondary state-funded schools in England will see significant changes following the release of new statutory guidance from the government. There are...
Teenage diaries from Stalin's Russia reveal boys' struggles with love, famine and Soviet pressure to achieve
Overlooked diaries written by teenage boys in pre-war Soviet Russia reveal relatable perspectives on love, lust, boredom, pressure to succeed and trying to fit in; but also experience of famine,...
Neuroscientist who studied Einstein's brain dies at 90
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Marian Cleeves Diamond, a neuroscientist who studied Albert Einstein's brain and was one of the first to show that...
Prejudice may push low-income shoppers to unhealthy options
An unhealthy diet is not just a result of food insecurity but also of the stigma that surrounds it, believes Guelph researcher Kelly Hodgins. “Our societal discourses, assumptions and judgements...
Teen drug overdose deaths in U.S. creep up after years of decline
After years of decline, teen deaths from drug overdoses have inched up, a new U.S. government report shows.
Why loneliness can be as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
Marci O'Connor, a Quebec mother of two teenagers, struggles with her confident, independent self and recurring loneliness — feelings that psychologists say are increasingly posing public health challenges.
'A broken system': Why workers are fighting mandatory mail-order drug plans
Denying workers a choice in where they can buy their prescription drugs can save companies money, but many workers say the choice is simply too important.
Could Magnesium and TikTok's 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail' Actually Help You Sleep?
TikTok’s “sleepy girl mocktails” remind us how important magnesium is for sleep and health
Secret Mathematical Patterns Revealed in Bach's Music
Physicists found that the music of Johann Sebastian Bach contains mathematical patterns that help convey information
Virtual Bar Scenes Are a New Tool to Study Why People Commit Crimes in the Heat of the Moment
Virtual-reality could assist researchers in decoding how emotions spur a decision to commit a crime
Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning
Engaging the fine motor system to produce letters by hand has positive effects on learning and memory
Flimsy Antiabortion Studies Cited in Case to Ban Mifepristone Are Retracted
Outside experts found that two studies cited in a federal case on medication abortion had serious design problems and that their authors had undisclosed conflicts of interest
Best cameras for kids 2025 — cheap, quality photos and videos
These are the best cameras for children interested in photography, shooting videos and content creation, as tested and rated by our experts.
'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds': Jess Bush and Martin Quinn talk feeling comfortable in their characters for Season 3 (exclusive)
'I'm trying to make it as realistic as possible, so that a modern day Scottish person could see themselves in space one day.'
Born this way? Researchers explore the science of gender identity
NEW YORK (Reuters) - While President Donald Trump has thrust transgender people back into the conflict between conservative and liberal values in the United States, geneticists are quietly working on...
Why do some moms have more boys than girls—or vice versa? New study provides clues
At first glance, the sex of your unborn child seems like it should be a coin toss: Most sperm carry either an X or a Y chromosome, giving the baby a roughly...
Brainwashing? Like ‘The Manchurian Candidate’?
Rebecca Lemov.Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer Nation & World Brainwashing? Like ‘The Manchurian Candidate’? More than vestige of Cold War, mind-control techniques remain with us in social media, cults, AI, elsewhere, new book argues...
Projects help students ‘build bridges’ across differences
Campus & Community Projects help students ‘build bridges’ across differences Julie McDonough Harvard Correspondent June 17, 2025 long read Online games and small group discussions provide opportunities for people with contrasting points of...
From bad to worse
Arts & Culture From bad to worse Photo illustration by Liz Zonarich/Harvard Staff Sy Boles Harvard Staff Writer June 23, 2025 6 min read Harvard faculty recommend bios of infamous historical figures Writing...
Reading skills — and struggles — manifest earlier than thought
Science & Tech Reading skills — and struggles — manifest earlier than thought New finding underscores need to intervene before kids start school, say researchers Liz Mineo Harvard Staff Writer June 23, 2025...
Why are young people taking fewer risks?
Richard Weissbourd directs the Making Caring Common Project at Harvard.Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer Health Why are young people taking fewer risks? Psychologist describes generation overparented — but also overwhelmed by ‘frightening world’ Sy...