Priming: Spooky Power of Words on the Mind

The power of words - be convinced.

Rocking Helps Sleeping

Research finds that rocking can induce better sleep in adults.

12 healthy males, took 2 naps daily - one bed rocked gently while the other bed was still. All men fell asleep faster when they swayed. Brain studies found that rocking increased the duration of N2, a non-REM stage that accounts for ~50% of a good night’s sleep.

Bacteria to Restore Art

Art restorers found a painting covered by salt crystals and glue. To solve the problem, they used Pseudomonas bacteria - a glue and salt-eating bacteria. They then trapped the bacteria in a gel so only the salt is destroyed but moisture doesn't affect the art itself.

Potency of Advertisements

Research finds that advertisements can make consumers believe they've tried products they haven't or that don't even exist.

100 volunteers looked at print ads for a made up popcorn brand. Only some saw an ad with a vivid description of the popcorn. 1 week later, those who saw the vivid ad (but didn't eat any popcorn) were twice as likely to believe they tried this fake product. Moreover, they were as confident they had tried the popcorn as people who actually did eat popcorn after seeing the fake ads.

Sleep More, Grow More

Research suggests that infants, male and female, who sleep more grow more and also gained weight and body fat. The extra growth may lead to erratic sleeping patterns as "growing pains" disturb the baby's sleep.

The Advantage of Being a Lefty

Left-handedness is a mystery. ~10% of humans are left-handed, but because of mating disadvantages (shorter lifespans, shorter stature, more likely to be homosexual), evolution should have weeded it out long ago. They are also more likely to have learning disabilities, as well as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism.

A study suggests left-handedness may allow them to surprise their opponent, providing an advantage in a fight. Analysis of some tribal cultures found that deaths due to fighting were more frequent where there was a higher percentage of lefties.

Alzheimers Possible Link to Inactive Lifestyle

Research suggests that elders who lived mostly in doors had a higher chance of developing dementia.

~1,300 senior citizens, none exhibiting signs of dementia, tested their cognitive function for 8 eight - and described their living quarters (e.g. they mostly watched tv, or went outdoors, or had friends over).

In the end, 180 had Alzheimers - those with a constricted living space being almost twice as likely to develop the condition as those who went outdoors.