Inside the Mind

Nothing beats watching a blockbuster on the big screen, but today's home theater systems do an impressive job bringing that experience into your home. In this article, we'll explain how the components of a home theater system re-create the sounds and

By Jonathan Strickland

Ever find yourself momentarily disoriented in a familiar place or encounter a friend who looks like a stranger? You could be experiencing jamais vu.

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

Does it bug you when people around you fidget? If it does, you have something called misokinesia and you are not alone because one-third of those studied felt the same way.

By Todd Handy & Sumeet Jaswal

Research shows no two brains are put together quite the same way. And we can find out the patterns in under two minutes.

By Jesslyn Shields

A man in Cornwall, England, went 11 consecutive days without a wink of sleep. Find out how he did it, why he did it and why you shouldn't give it a try.

By Jacob Silverman

Alcoholism can be difficult to spot. Learn the difference between heavy drinking and alcoholism, how alcohol affects the body, what factors may lead to alcoholism and what treatments are available for this addiction.

By Stephanie Watson

What exactly is fear? In this article, we'll examine the psychological and physical properties of fear, find out what causes a fear response and look at some ways you can defeat it.

By Julia Layton

Dreams combine verbal, visual and emotional stimuli into mystifying storylines. Should we bother to interpret them? Are they random brain impulses, or do they offer insight into our waking lives?

By Lee Ann Obringer & Yves Jeffcoat

Whether brain death is a result of cardiac arrest and lack of oxygen to the brain, or of a gunshot wound to the head, the diagnosis is the same. Learn what the term "brain dead" actually means.

By Leslie C. Olson

Most people would recall every detail of being held up in a bank robbery but not so well the details of their last birthday party. The brain is wired for recalling trauma for a very good reason.

By Colleen Cancio

Aristotle defined hate as a dislike so intense that whoever feels it wants to cause another person real harm. What is going on in our brains when we hate? And can hate ever be a good thing?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Pack your PJs, toothbrush and favorite pillow: A trip to a sleep lab often involves an overnight observation and some electrode-monitored snoozing. But what can the lab tell you about your sleep patterns?

By Jessika Toothman

Once scientists discovered that some members of the great ape family could recognize their reflections in mirrors, academics began to wonder whether these animals were actually conscious of themselves. That debate continues today.

By Jessika Toothman & Sascha Bos

We'd like to think we're pretty clever, but when you correct for body mass, dolphin brains aren't far off from our own. What cognitive skills do dolphins possess, and could they really be our intellectual equals?

By Jessika Toothman

Computers can handle far more calculations per second than the human brain, and can store and retrieve information very reliably. Should we be jealous of these hunks of silicon and metal on our desks?

By Jonathan Strickland

No man is an island -- unless he has a score of Twitter followers and Facebook friends but no one to go bowling with. Loneliness isn't just all in your head, but it definitely affects your brain.

By Molly Edmonds

If girls just want to have fun, does that mean boys are serious stoics? There's no real way to measure joy, but studies have turned up some interesting facts about men's and women's happiness.

By Cristen Conger

Most of us want, seek and wish for two things: happiness and health (OK, and maybe money). Does good health require a smile, or can the grumps among us soldier on in sound body?

By Tom Scheve

Ignorance is bliss. But what if you're more than just unaware? If you are dumb as a doornail, flat-out foolish or dim-witted, are you happier than the genius next door?

By Cristen Conger

Yes, they do. According to studies, people who smile their way through life are likely to outlive Debbie Downers by a significant number of years. How many?

By Jennifer Horton

Laughter may be the best medicine, but can it actually cure an illness? Some doctors are prescribing a daily case of the giggles along with conventional treatments.

By Victoria Vogt

Turns out sunshine isn't all about wrinkles and cancer. By covering up, staying inside and lathering on sunscreen, we may be missing out on the happier powers of the sun.

By Julia Layton

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most significant documents in American history. However, the origin of one of its signature phrases -- the pursuit of happiness -- is shrouded in mystery.

By Josh Clark

Marriage entails waking up beside the one you love and sharing cozy, homemade dinners for two. But when the honeymoon haze clears, are married people happier than singles?

By Cristen Conger

Laughter is good medicine, but you probably won't be asking for a stand-up comedian after you break your arm. As far as your health goes, can a belly laugh help take the inches off your midsection?

By Tom Scheve