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human brain is specially tuned to remember things that are out of the ordinary

Only relevant information receives a 'memory boost' by the reward system, which includes the nucleus accumbens," he noted, so people are more inclined to remember incidents from which they might learn something new

In this study, subjects were randomly assigned to view a picture of a woman or a picture of this same woman wearing a headscarf in the style of some Islamic women.

(First percentage: uncovered; second percentage: covered.) Age 36 or older: 15% vs. 30% Marital status is single: 59% vs. 25% Assuming woman is married, she is not working outside the home: 12% vs. 47% A good mother: 33% vs. 45% A devoted wife: 26% vs. 51% Lively: 60% vs. 40% Has a sense of humor: 61% vs. 37% Always looks on the bright side: 60% vs. 43% Might be the life of the party: 26% vs. 6% Sticks to a tight circle of people: 24% vs. 43% Keeps to herself: 8% vs. 22% Strict: 2% vs. 23%

tend to be more persuaded by abstract messages when the choice is far in the future, and by concrete messages when the choice is in the near future

Lacking Control Increases Illusory Pattern Perception

Lacking control is highly aversive, so we instinctive­ly seek out patterns to regain control—even if those patterns are illusory.

The sense of control had the apparent effect on physical health and well-being.

Researchers have discovered that infants respond to the rhythm and tempo of music and find it more engaging than speech

how memories, personality traits and skills are stored.

The connectome is a product of your genes and your experiences. It’s where nature meets nurture.