Alternative medicine and the placebo effect A lot of money is spent on alternative medicine, even though there is no scientific evidence that its benefits are anything more than a placebo effect. But if it makes patients feel better, is there actually anything wrong with these treatments? Sabine Peters • March 24, 2014
How we vote Although we like to think that our vote is solely the outcome of rational deliberation, research demonstrates the various influences on our political preferences. Even the language that is used might impact our ideological leanings. Jojanneke van der Toorn • March 17, 2014
Why asking Russians to be empathetic leads to increased anti-gay prejudice In response to Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law, politicians have urged the Russian authorities to show empathy and take the perspective of same-sex couples. I argue that this can be counterproductive: Perspective taking can foster anti-gay prejudice. Marlon Mooijman • March 04, 2014
Raising the minimal legal drinking age: the best preventive measure thinkable Barbara Braams is correct in that there is not one single solution to the problem of young people drinking large quantities of alcohol. Yet, no intervention is as effective in lowering adolescent alcohol use as raising the minimum legal drinking age. Winifred Gebhardt • February 19, 2014
Underage drinking: Why raising the minimum legal drinking age does not solve the problem Over the last couple of years over 700 adolescents have been admitted to hospital due to excessive alcohol use. These 'comazuipers' have sparked debate on underage drinking and brain development. Will the increased legal drinking age solve the problem? Barbara Braams • February 03, 2014
To spy or not to spy? Bridging the gap between politics and clinical cognitive neuroscience Suddenly the whole universe was shocked: “We are being spied upon!” But why? If countries and agencies spy on a macro level due to fear, why do people spy on a micro level? How does the brain function under such circumstances? Klodiana Daphne Tona • January 22, 2014
Misophonia: when the sound of slurping drives you crazy The sounds of other people eating, slurping, smacking their lips, or chewing can be pretty annoying. Yet, in some people hearing these sounds leads to blood-boiling rage: a condition called misophonia. Jiska Peper • January 13, 2014
Bieber Fever - Why teens obsess over celebrities The arena is filled with excitement, lights go dim and an intense roar rises up from the stadium full of fans, as their idol enters the stage. Most of these fans are teenage girls - why are teenagers especially prone to obsessing over pop stars? Barbara Braams • December 23, 2013
Refueling your mental engine, cheap and easy! Ever feel like your brain is running out of fuel? Our study shows that eating the right food can give you back that edge needed to keep up your great performance. In fact, food is found to be an efficient and easy way to enhance your cognition! Bryant Jongkees • December 16, 2013
