I have a lot of tabs open in my browser with interesting research:
- The fact that taller people also tend to be slightly smarter is due in roughly equal parts to two phenomena — the same genes affect both traits and taller people are more likely than average to mate with smarter people and vice versa — according to a study led by the University of Colorado Boulder. (press release, research paper)
- Teachers who practice “mindfulness” are better able to reduce their own levels of stress and prevent burnout, according to a new study conducted by the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds (CIHM) at UW-Madison’s Waisman Center.(press release, research paper)
- Bilingual speakers can switch languages seamlessly, likely developing a higher level of mental flexibility than monolinguals, according to Penn State linguistic researchers.(press release, research paper)
And this one is a bit strange to close this list:
Knocking on wood is the most common superstition in Western culture used to reverse bad fortune or undo a “jinx.” Other cultures maintain similar practices, like spitting or throwing salt, after someone has tempted fate. Even people who aren’t particularly superstitious often participate in these practices. (press release)