Blog Archives

How to improve your memory: strategies for kids and adults

How to improve your memory: strategies for kids and adults

We tend to think of people’s memories as being either good or bad. However, you might know someone with a terrible memory for names and faces who is very good at learning languages. Another person might have an extraordinary ability to recall past events in detail, but they struggle to memorise phone numbers. These apparent […] … learn more→

Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock Four breakthroughs that are changing our understanding of dreams

Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock Four breakthroughs that are changing our understanding of dreams

People have pondered whether dreams have a purpose throughout human history. Modern scientists are fascinated with this question too. For a long time the science of dreams has oscillated between fringe research and the mainstream. But creative study designs and new technology are transforming it into an exciting and serious research niche. Here are four recent breakthroughs that […] … learn more→

It’s hard to reach out to old friends, but doing so may help alleviate loneliness

It’s hard to reach out to old friends, but doing so may help alleviate loneliness

Millions of Canadians are lonely. This is worrisome because loneliness, defined by the World Health Organization as “the social pain of not feeling connected,” predicts both lower mental and physical health. Research shows that lacking a sense of social connection can pose an equivalent health risk to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. To combat loneliness, people are […] … learn more→

These are the four types of resilience that exist

These are the four types of resilience that exist

Sara and Jorge are two close friends who graduated from college at the same time. They both faced a difficult job market and struggled to find employment. However, their experiences and responses to adversity were very different. Sara decided to see the situation as an opportunity for personal growth. Thanks to her resilience and persistence, […] … learn more→

Smart Systems Engineered to put the brakes on DUI for good

Smart Systems Engineered to put the brakes on DUI for good

Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) remains a problem of epidemic proportions in the U.S. and beyond. Good people who normally obey the law are prone to having one or two too many before getting behind the wheel of their vehicles. At best, the driver might get pulled over by law enforcement and arrested […] … learn more→

‘Whatchamacallit’, ‘gizmo’ and ‘thingamajig’: what we say when we can’t find the right word – and why

‘Whatchamacallit’, ‘gizmo’ and ‘thingamajig’: what we say when we can’t find the right word – and why

Over 50,000 years ago, humans started speaking and we’ve not shut up since. Sometimes, though, we struggle to remember the name of an object, a place, or a person we want to talk about. The technical term for this phenomenon is “lethologica”. While severe word-finding difficulties can be due to serious neurological issues, such as […] … learn more→

IQ tests: can you improve your score by practising?

IQ tests: can you improve your score by practising?

Most adults never have to take an IQ test. But tests for assessing students’ cognitive abilities, such as the cognitive ability test (Cat), are used in schools around the world. These tests are very similar to IQ tests. Taking them may be a pain for kids. Possibly, it’s an even bigger pain for parents. Just for a […] … learn more→

What can you do if you think your teen already has unhealthy social media habits?

What can you do if you think your teen already has unhealthy social media habits?

Many parents are worried about how much their children use social media and what content they might encounter while using it. Amid proposals to ban teenagers under 16yrs from social media and calls to better educate them about being safe online, how can you tell if your child’s social media use is already a problem? And what steps can take to […] … learn more→

Perfectionism in adolescence: ally or enemy in the school environment?

Perfectionism in adolescence: ally or enemy in the school environment?

The end of the school year is coming. No more early mornings and cramming for exams. No more stress about receiving grades, comparing them with classmates and teaching them at home. The start of the holidays means the end of one of the main sources of stress for teenage boys and girls. Although feeling stressed […] … learn more→