Fighting climate change with kindness

We should eat less meat to reduce climate change. Recognition of similarities between us and other animals can help us to achieve just that. More effortlessly – out of kindness.

Maria Lojowska • June 13, 2022

Why zebras don’t get ulcers, but cows do: the physiological effects of psychological stressors in calves

The stress response system is highly adaptive, and has kept humans, zebras, and calves alive through history. But today it leaves humans in distress, whereas zebras are fine. And calves suffer stress as humans do… but for a different reason: humans themselves.

Remond Wulff • March 25, 2022

I want to stop eating but I can’t

Food is essential for our daily functioning, but what if food becomes an obsession? What if you can’t stop eating, even though it’s the thing you want most? Well, you’re not alone: there are many more binge eaters out there.

Joel Zwiep • October 29, 2019

Raise the age limits for junk food advertising

How come some people find it easy not to give that fast food joint a second glance, while others find their mouth watering as soon as they see it? And do children find it even harder to resist such temptations? Maybe the answers lie in our brain?

Floor van Meer • July 04, 2019

Disgusted by Cheese

Sandwiches at business lunches, cozy fondue evenings, vegetarian meals – cheese is everywhere. Scientific research now shows that a substantial proportion of the population are disgusted by this type of food, and that this disgust is reflected in the brain

Jiska Peper • November 18, 2016

Gut feelings

The gut is rather a neglected organ in the human body and is mostly known for its role in digestion. However, scientists are increasingly becoming aware of the important influence of the gut system on emotions and related brain systems.

Jiska Peper • May 11, 2015

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

Decision making in the game of life

Recent research has revealed a causal link between serotonin levels and people’s ‘sense of fairness’. A fascinating discovery because serotonin levels are in part dependent on what we eat. So, can you eat yourself toward a fairer world?

Jonathan Barnhoorn • July 08, 2013

The compensatory effects of food

The economic crisis has resulted in many budget cuts in health care and general care programs. The population as a whole is aging, and yet we desire to stay independent as long as possible. How can we retain the cognitive abilities supporting independence?

Laura Steenbergen • June 10, 2013

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