BRAIN WAVES
Too hot to handle. Do hot heads make cold hearts? In a 2017 study, researchers found that uncomfortable heat significantly reduced people's willingness to help others. The study looked at few different scenarios. In one, mall employees during were 59% less likely to help customers during a 2010 heatwave. In another, college students in stuffy classrooms answered significantly fewer questions on a (fictional) survey for an organization helping underprivileged children compared to students in an air-conditioned classroom. In a final experiment, people who simply imagined being hot – but remained in a normal temperature room - were less likely to take that same survey. “The point of our study is that ambient temperature affects individual states that shape emotional and behavioral reactions,” researcher Liuba Belkin told Quartz. In other words, heat doesn’t just make us grumpy — it might make us less helpful.
Stay cool. What does it mean to be cool? Researchers surveyed nearly 6,000 people from 12 countries and found remarkably consistent ideas about coolness, regardless of where they lived or their demographics. They identified six key traits that people believe make someone “cool”: being extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous. “What blew my mind was the fact that it was pretty much the same result everywhere,” co-author Caleb Warren told the New York Times. The researchers pointed out that being a cool person isn’t the same as being a good person, although there are some overlapping traits. Read the full study here, and let us know if it makes you cooler.
If you're happy and you know it. We all think we know what will make us happy: more money. A better job. Love. But psychologists say happiness doesn’t necessarily work like that. Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For? What should you do with your life? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there are scientifically-tested methods that can help you to feel more in harmony with yourself and the world. This week, and in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning. It’s the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, which this year will focus on purpose and passion. If you’ve reached the midpoint of the year and you’re feeling adrift, alone, or burned out, this series is for you.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Maureen Futtner’s Story: A few days after her sister passed away, a stranger on the subway asked Maureen how she was doing. The conversation that followed is one that she will forever cherish.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
TICKET GIVEAWAY TO HIDDEN BRAIN ON TOUR!
The Hidden Brain tour is in full swing, and we’re giving away pairs of tickets to next weekend’s shows on July 11 in Minneapolis and July 13 in Chicago! To enter to win, send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Tell us the names of the two people who’d like to attend and whether you’re interested in Minneapolis or Chicago tickets. Please also let us know which Hidden Brain episode is your favorite, and why it resonated with you. Keep an eye on future issues of the newsletter for ticket giveaways for other upcoming stops on our tour!
MIND GAMES
Two mothers and two daughters went out to eat. Everyone ate one burger, yet only three burgers were eaten in all. How is this possible?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
Sam's mother has four children:
April, May, June, and ...
What is the name of the fourth child?
The answer: Sam
A MOMENT OF JOY
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.