MS-LS1-8
Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
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HumansHow to invent a language — like that of Avatar’s Na’vi
Linguists can choose to follow, mix or break the rules of real-world languages to create interesting fictional ones.
- Brain
Big moments can help you remember little things, too
Emotional events help solidify memories. Scientists think this could someday help students study better or aid recovery of trauma survivors.
By Sujata Gupta -
HumansThis linguist has invented over 20 languages
Margaret Ransdell-Green draws on her expertise in linguistics and music to create new, fictional languages — and sings in them, too.
By Celina Zhao -
PsychologyConnections at school could limit bullying’s harm to mental health
Recently bullied teens with a strong sense of connectedness at school reported fewer signs of depression than those without it, a new study finds.
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Health & MedicineShort exercise workouts can boost classroom performance
When students spend just nine minutes doing high-intensity interval exercises, their brains can work more efficiently, new data show.
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Health & MedicineSeeing sick faces revs up our immune system, new data show
It activates parts of the brain that detect threats and boosts the activity of at least one type of immune cell.
By Simon Makin -
AnimalsWhat dogs see on TV depends on their temperament
Breed, age or sex didn’t seem to matter in how dogs reacted to TV, but personality did. That’s according to a survey of more than 400 dog owners.
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TechSquirty gels bring food-like flavors to virtual reality
A new device recreates complex flavors including lemonade, coffee and fish soup by delivering a mix of chemicals.
By Simon Makin -
Health & MedicineToo much noise can harm far more than our ears
Sure, loud or unwanted sounds can damage hearing. But they also can disrupt learning, stress us out and more.
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PsychologyYou’re too distracted. Here’s why that matters and what to do about it
Science reveals the many reasons we are so distracted, from poor sleep and social media to diet and exercise. It also shows us how to take back our focus.
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HumansExplainer: What is autism?
Autism is not a disease, but a description used to characterize a certain type of brain development.
By Payal Dhar -
BrainHandwriting may boost brain connections that aid memory
Writing with a pen — but not typing — boosted links between regions used for motion and memory. That may help explain why writing fosters learning.