Why Experiences Boost Happiness and Connection

Christmas Emotions and Rituals

We often hear that “money can’t buy happiness.” Yet a growing body of research suggests something more nuanced: how we spend our money matters. According to new findings highlighted in Scientific American, spending on experiences—such as concerts, trips, meals, or classes—creates deeper feelings of connection, belonging, and well-being than spending on material goods. This research…

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What Elephants Teach Us About Intentional Gestures

Humans often assume we’ve cornered the market on complex communication. But a new study suggests that another highly social species—the elephant—shares our ability to use intentional nonverbal gestures to influence others’ behavior. Researchers recently discovered that elephants can deliberately use trunk gestures to ask humans for food, passing behavioral tests typically reserved for primates. It’s…

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Autism and Facial Micromovements Explained

Autism and Facial Expressions: What We Often Miss Facial expressions are the universal language of emotion. But for many autistic individuals, their emotional signals can be so subtle they go unnoticed. A recent study from Rutgers University shows that tiny facial micromovements—invisible to the naked eye—carry rich emotional meaning. This discovery reshapes how we understand…

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Junk Food Fuels Violence? The Science of Diet & Aggression

When it comes to understanding violent or aggressive behavior, we often focus on psychology or environment. But there’s a hidden factor most people overlook: diet. Read: Another perspective on understanding anger Recent studies suggest that junk food consumption can influence emotional stability, aggression, and even violent tendencies—especially among teens and young adults. In this article,…

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