Laughter is like a contagious bug that spreads quickly, and it has the power to create wonderful and joyful moments. As social beings, our laughter becomes even more intensified when we see others laughing. However, it’s important to note that laughter doesn’t always indicate happiness. Just like crying, fainting, or feeling breathless, laughter can also…
Month: August 2023
Using Realistic Robotic Pets to Address Loneliness in Seniors
In the year 2004, a remarkable invention emerged from a Japanese company. This revolutionary creation, known as PARO or “physically assistive robot,” is a biofeedback medical device that took the form of a delightful harp seal. It boasts a velvety, snowy-white fur and charming black eyes adorned with long, thick lashes. To add to its…
Freudenfreude: The Delightful Antithesis of Schadenfreude
We’ve all experienced that feeling of secretly enjoying someone else’s misfortune, a sensation commonly referred to as schadenfreude. It’s that satisfying moment in a movie when the villain finally gets what they deserve. However, in recent years, people worldwide have been seeking ways to shift their focus towards finding and spreading joy rather than finding…
Need a Boost? You’ll Feel Better with This Kid-run Hotline
When the world feels overwhelming with wars, inflation, never-ending election cycles, and the pandemic, it’s important to remember the power of kindness, advice, and laughter. Luckily, teachers at West Side School in Healdsburg, California have found a way to provide support right at your fingertips. Through a project called Peptoc, art teacher Jessica Martin and…
Uncommon Ailment Prompts New Mother to Produce Breast Milk Elsewhere
Pregnancy and motherhood are undoubtedly two of the most difficult experiences a person can go through in their life. And while both are always challenging, there are unique complications that can make these already tough situations even harder. Take, for example, the case of a 29-year-old woman in Austria who developed an extremely rare condition…
Effective Strategies from a Baby Sleep Coach to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
As a parent, I’m sure you’ve stumbled upon some of the supposed foolproof methods for getting your little one to drift off to dreamland. But let’s bust some of those myths together. To set the record straight, I reached out to Devon Clement, a seasoned postpartum doula, expert in newborn care, and baby sleep guru…
Study Finds Significant Decrease in Spanking Rates in U.S. Over Past 25 Years
According to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, American parents are disciplining their children without resorting to physical punishment more often than in previous years. The research, which utilized data from the Monitoring the Future study and focused on parents aged 35 with children aged 2 to 12, revealed a significant decrease in the…
Before the Invention of Infant Formula: What Were People’s Alternatives?
Running out of specific items, such as meat or toilet paper, can be quite bothersome and inconvenient. However, these shortages are not overly significant in the larger picture as people can manage without them. On the other hand, the shortage of baby formula in 2022 is genuinely worrisome for parents of infants, as well as…
Understanding the Role of Saliva in Modifying Food’s Flavor
Saliva. It’s not a topic that often crosses our minds. Of course, we might become aware of it when we catch a whiff of a mouthwatering steak or when we feel our mouths drying up before a nerve-wracking presentation. However, it’s astonishing to discover that something as seemingly insignificant as spit actually holds significance for…
Are You Possessing One of the 6 Most Uncommon Eye Colors Worldwide?
Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned actor from the 20th century, gained fame not only for her exceptional talent but also for her distinctive physical feature – her enchanting “violet” eyes. It’s remarkable to note that having such eye color is exceedingly rare, adding to its allure. While capturing this unique trait in photographs might be challenging,…
Understanding the Distinctions Between Sociopaths and Psychopaths
Have you ever come across someone who is often depicted as having a personality disorder like sociopathy or psychopathy? It’s quite common to hear such terms being thrown around in the news, magazines, or even in crime shows and horror movies. Have you ever come across those articles that give advice like “7 Signs Your…
Understanding the Function of Your Lungs
Have you ever stopped to think about how often you breathe? It’s quite remarkable that we can inhale and exhale without even realizing it. In fact, on average, we take in about 15 to 25 breaths per minute without putting any thought into it. And when we engage in physical activity, our breathing rate naturally…
What You Should Know About the Return of Polio
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States hard, leaving a lasting impact that we’re still recovering from. And as if that wasn’t enough, monkeypox has also made an unwelcome appearance in recent times. It’s incredibly disheartening to think that just when we thought we had gotten rid of a dangerous virus in the U.S., it’s…
Does Watering Lettuce Actually Aid in Sleep?
If you’ve ever had trouble falling asleep, you know how frustrating it can be. People go to great lengths to get some shut-eye, from taking sleep aids like melatonin or Benadryl to using earplugs, white noise machines, and weighted blankets. But what if the answer to your sleep troubles was as simple as brewing a…