PBS_Braincraft

The science behind procrastination.

What do we mean by "normal"? Cognitive scientists have found that your notion of normality is shaped by the average (like statistical norms and hard data we have about things) and your ideals (the beliefs you hold). So our sense of normal is all a little different – knowing this can help us understand other views and how our perceptions can change.

Many think eating carbs makes you gain weight, but carbohydrates are your body’s main fuel source. This is what happens in your body when you eat carbs. To maintain a healthy diet; the key is to eat carbs, protein, and fat in moderation, focusing on giving your body, and brain, the fuel it needs, without going overboard. I *love* pasta – but go for a regular serving size... and not all-you-can eat

Why do you get a brain freeze? Sometimes, after ice-cream or a cold drink, it can feel like your skull is squeezing in our your brain – it can even be pretty painful. The cold temperatures are picked up by pain receptors near your palate, so while a brain freeze feels like a headache, it's actually just referred pain from your mouth. Keep watching for a few ways to get rid of a brain freeze... as

Generally we move our bodies pretty automatically and quickly, thanks to myelin, insulation which coats some of our nerve cells. Though one autoimmune disease – Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – attacks this insulation, impacting patients’ motor and sensory functions. Researching brain development and the disease itself can help develop better treatments for MS patients in the future.

Can we subconsciously "catch" emotions from other people?

The honest truth about keeping secrets.

Our reaction to be tickled may be nature's way of encouraging self defence training from an early age.

Your brain does its best to piece together the world – but our senses are susceptible to being tricked. For centuries we thought that optical illusions only tricked our visual perception – now we know that the same illusions can trick the touch perception of those who are blind. There’s more to the humble optical illusion than first meets the eye

Even those that are most productive in their lives are known to take a “breather” from the chores and obligations and just let their mind wander. Taking a break to do simple or "mindless" tasks can have a positive impact on your creativity, productivity and decision making. So if you're going to procrastinate or waste time, here's how to do it properly. And it involves one of our most favorite platforms - YouTube! There are ways you can effectively waste time that can lead to a boost in problem-solving, productivity and creativity. Researchers at the University of Melbourne have published a number of studies on “workplace internet leisure browsing”. We have to say, we are experts at workplace internet leisure browsing! In one of said studies, researchers have said that those who “surf the internet for fun at work” within a reasonable time limit, say, less than 20% of their total time in the office, are 9% more productive than those who stay clear of these activities. In the follow-up studies, researchers argue that workplace internet leisure browsing is “an unobtrusive interruption which enables restoration of mental capacity and fosters feels of autonomy”. A study titled “Inspired by Distraction: Mind Wandering Facilitates Creative Incubation” from the University of California, found that when participants did an undemanding task, it led to substantial improvement in performance on a problem they’ve encountered before, compared to those doing a demanding task, just resting or having no break at all. The conclusion is that letting the mind to wander by doing simple tasks can boost creative problem-solving. You don’t have to watch <a href="https://rumble.com/v33t8a-what-what-goat.html" target="_blank">goat</a> or <a href="https://rumble.com/v2zo8e-6-month-old-kitten-dancing-with-her-owner.html" target="_blank">kitten videos</a>; you can just go for a walk. It is equally as effective.

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This sleep cycle is a good average: your circadian rhythm can shift somewhat depending on your sleep/wake schedule. If you wake consistently at 9am, then your blood pressure with go up closer to 8:45am and everything else will be shifted as well. It's tied to sunlight A LOT but since we have artificial light, there's wiggle room within that.

The Allais Paradox undermines the theory of expected utility because it shows that we don't always make decisions that align with our wants and needs. So, would you prefer a higher chance of living, or a longer life? And then, which pills did you choose?

How do you hear your inner voice? You know, that little person in your head... wait, is there a voice in YOUR head? Do YOU have an inner voice at all?