Congress Talks About Behavioral Research

Congress is holding hearings on the proposed budgets of various federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health. In addition to long-time Congressional advocate Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), behavioral science has a new friend in the House: Rep Tim Ryan (D-OH), who in this video is talking to NIH Acting Director Raynard Kington and other NIH officials about stress research and about a new NIH initiative on basic behavioral research. View Video

Try A Little Powerlessness

Self-control is one of our most cherished values. We applaud those with the discipline to regulate their appetites and actions, and we try hard to instill this virtue in our children. Think of the slogans: Just say no. Just do it. We celebrate the power of the mind to make hard choices and keep us on course. But what if we can’t just do it? What if “it” is too difficult or our strategy for success is misguided?

The Truth Behind 'Lie to Me'

The truth is, we all lie. That’s the premise behind the television series “Lie to Me,” a show inspired by APS Fellow and Charter Member Paul Ekman’s pioneering work on emotions and facial expressions. Check out Ekman’s blog “The Truth Behind Lie to Me,” to learn more about the real science in each episode. Ekman will also be joined by members of the production group and cast to talk about how psychological research is used in this new show at the APS 21st Annual Convention in May.

Ode to Joy and Serenity and Curiosity and . . .

Young patas monkeys love to play tag on the savannahs of West Africa, and they have an odd play habit. When they are being chased, they fling themselves on to saplings, which bend and catapult them in unexpected directions. This exuberant and quirky behavior disappears as the speedy red monkeys grow into adulthood, with one exception ...