Kissing might seem like a very human thing to do. But guess what? It's not! Scientists think that kissing started way before humans even existed. They believe that our ancient ancestors were doing it over 20 million years ago. That's a long time ago! So, how did they figure this out? Well, they studied different types of primates like chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutan...
People often wonder why they enjoy things that scare them, like roller coasters or horror films. It's not just about being brave. Experts explain that these activities create a special mix of fear and excitement. This mix is known as an "arousal response. " It's what makes your heart beat faster and your hands sweat. The brain can interpret this response in different...
People often judge others based on first impressions, and one of the first things they notice is how you walk. A recent study found that the way you move can make a big difference in how others perceive you. It turns out that a confident stride can make a person appear more dominant, even if they are not physically imposing. The study involved 52 men whose walks wer...
Gossip is not just small talk. It is a powerful tool that helps people stay connected and informed. By sharing stories about others, individuals can learn about their social environment. This knowledge helps them navigate their relationships and understand the dynamics around them. Beyond just sharing information, gossip plays a role in strengthening bonds. When peo...
The idea that large language models (LLMs) can stand in for humans in research is gaining traction. These models can produce responses that seem human-like, performing well in economic tests, surveys, and political discussions. This has sparked interest in using LLMs to simulate human behavior in social science studies. However, there is a significant catch. LLMs ope...
In Spain, a rock with a fingerprint and a red dot has sparked excitement among scientists. This rock, found in a shelter, is believed to be around 43, 000 years old. The red dot is thought to be a nose, making the rock look like a human face. This discovery raises questions about the artistic abilities of Neanderthals. The rock was found in a shelter in Segovia. It ...
Ever wondered why we stick to the same old patterns every day? It is because humans are creatures of habit. From waking up at the same time to following the same morning routine, these repetitive behaviors are part of our daily lives. They help us get things done, meet goals, and even reduce stress. But here is the thing, while routines can be helpful, they can a...
Ever wondered how we sort stuff in our heads? It turns out, we have a special way of organizing materials. We can see and compare materials easily, which is super important for daily life. But how do we do it? Researchers dug deep into this question. They created a huge collection of 200 different materials and 600 photos. Then, they got people to compare these mate...
Dating apps are everywhere these days. They're more than just tools for meeting new people; they're like windows into our minds. People often say one thing but do another. For instance, a person might claim they like someone with a certain trait, but their swipes might show something different. Take location, for example. The closer someone is, the more like...