Sleepy Children, Happy Children

Image of young girl napping on textbooks.

Hey kid, falling asleep at your desk! WAKE UP!  This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Children have IMMENSE energy one moment. But then, . . . they’re out like a light! But is there something GOOD about that nap? Jianghong Liu from University of Pennsylvania and an international team

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Help Needed

Diffusion of responsibility, bystander effect illustration — Stock Image & Photo from depositphotos.com

HELLLP! Somebody nabbed MY grocery cart in the Trader Joe’s parking lot! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. The “bystander effect” claims that individuals are less likely to help when other people are around. But what’s the chance that at least ONE person steps up?  

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Friendly Brains

Women forming heart gestures during daytime in a grass field

Birds of a feather flock together. But how about us humans? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Do you and your besties share a love of knitting? Schlocky horror movies? Barbershop quartets? Sure, but just how alike are you? Ryan Hyon from UCLA and colleagues

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Coffee or Nap?

Two cups of coffee on a potable table placed on a bed

Foggy brain? How do YOU recharge your batteries — nap or coffee? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Chug down a grande frappuccino after lunch and whoa, you are rip-roaring and ready to go! But does coffee ACTUALLY help? Sara Mednick and colleagues at the

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A Snooze Boost

Person sleeping

Exams…ugh! I’m drinking Red Bull and pulling all-nighters but I can’t remember ANYTHING! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. After a good night’s sleep, our memory is tip-top compared to when we’re more bleary-eyed. But how does a snooze help us remember? Jing Zhang and

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Just a Pinch

Dentist fraidycats. .. unite! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. We all tolerate pain differently. A prick for one person could be a stab for others. How can doctors know how much pain you are ACTUALLY feeling? Sure, they could just ask you. But Andrew

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Nowhere to Hide

Come out, come out, wherever you are!   This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. To treat cancer, first you have to find it –but cancer likes to play hide-and-seek. What if we could spot it easily — like exploring a cave with a flashlight?  Nozomi Nishizawa

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Betta Heart

Is the early bird senior dinner. . . catch of the day? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Senior mental wellness! Some crossword puzzles, some bingo, pick up fish sticks? Omega threes are said to be important. . . is this true? Alina Thomas and

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Making Friends

Hey – didn’t we meet a Central Perk? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Wasn’t Friends the best show ever? I felt I knew Jennifer Aniston better than my own sister! But… Is that possible? Géza Gergely Ambrus at Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany

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Food for Thought

AGH BUMBLEBEES!! Forgot the yogurt again! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science… saying… Ever wish you could add another memory card to your brain before grocery shopping?  Enter Li Li from Jiangnan University and team. They wondered if a GUT CHECK could improve memory… in

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