What secrets does the human brain hide? Latest discoveries in neuroscience & cognitive science and unbelievable facts about the human brain

6 Cognitive Effects That Distort the Way You Think

Cognitive effects can distort the way you think, increase anxiousness, and lead to numerous other difficulties. However, they are usually thought patterns viewing reality in an inaccurate and, typically, negative way. An example might be thinking “I am the unluckiest person on the planet”. As a result of this sort…

Mirror-Touch Synesthesia: the Extreme Version of Empathy

When a person says ‘I feel your pain,’ you take it to mean emotionally, not physically. But people that suffer from mirror-touch synesthesia feel exactly that; other people’s physical pain. What Is Mirror-Touch Synesthesia? The Condition of Synesthesia Before we discuss this strange condition, let’s get some background on the…

Spiral of Silence Theory Explains Why You’d Rather Stay Quiet

During the 1970s, Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann, a German political scientist, developed the spiral of silence theory. Working in the context of post-World War Two Germany, Noelle-Neumann coined the theory. She sought to explain why individuals choose to remain silent when they believe their view isn’t held by the majority. In this…

Dunbar’s Number or Why Most of Your Social Connections Are Not Your Friends

Have you heard of Dunbar’s number? My sister certainly has. Years ago, when her new neighbour asked her if she wanted to pop round for a coffee, she said: “No thanks, I’ve got enough friends.” Now, before you start judging my sis for being unnecessarily blunt, she does have a…

4 Examples of Sublimation That Demonstrate How It Works in Daily Life

We all have thoughts and feelings which we know are 'not okay' by society's standards. It's a natural element of the human condition. What sets humans apart from animals is not a lack of animal impulses, but rather how we manage our animal impulses. One of the techniques we subconsciously…