The Sensory Revolution

Dementia

New Study: Ozempic May Lower the Risk of Alzheimer’s

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 30, 2025

Diabetics are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the general public. Could a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug also stave off dementia?

Diabetics are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the general public. Could a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug also stave off dementia?

Sleep

Research Says: Let Your Teen Sleep In

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 29, 2025

Only 23 percent of high school students get the recommended amount of sleep. A new study suggests that letting them catch up on weekends could make a big difference for their mental health.

Only 23 percent of high school students get the recommended amount of sleep. A new study suggests that letting them catch up on weekends could make a big difference for their mental health.

Genetics

Loss of Smell Is an Early Warning Sign for Alzheimer's

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 19, 2025

One of the most common genes associated with Alzheimer's has now been linked to loss of smell. The discovery may offer a new way to identify seniors at risk of Alzheimer's disease.

One of the most common genes associated with Alzheimer's has now been linked to loss of smell. The discovery may offer a new way to identify seniors at risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Chronic Pain

The Best Way to Talk to a Child Who's in Pain

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 30, 2024

Our instinct is to reassure but it's better to validate.

Our instinct is to reassure but it's better to validate.

Neuroscience

What Your Favorite Movie Reveals About Your Brain

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 25, 2024

We choose the genres that optimally stimulate our brains.

We choose the genres that optimally stimulate our brains.

Sensory Processing Disorder

Back-to-School Sensory Overload and How to Prevent It

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 12, 2024

The back-to-school season can be especially difficult for children with sensory sensitivities. Here are 5 tips for creating a calm and happy return to the classroom.

The back-to-school season can be especially difficult for children with sensory sensitivities. Here are 5 tips for creating a calm and happy return to the classroom.

SSRIs

Antidepressants and Heat Stroke Risk: What You Need to Know

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 20, 2024

Antidepressants can raise body temperature even when it's hot outside and can bring on dehydration or overheating.

Antidepressants can raise body temperature even when it's hot outside and can bring on dehydration or overheating.

Friends

Why Teens Who Are Good Friends Become Great Parents

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on May 22, 2024

Supportive friends can also make up for having harsh parents.

Supportive friends can also make up for having harsh parents.

Scent

Could You Recognize Your Dog by Scent Alone?

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on April 15, 2024

Dogs aren't the only ones who use smell to spot loved ones.

Dogs aren't the only ones who use smell to spot loved ones.

Evolutionary Psychology

Does Sense of Order Distinguish Humans From Other Animals?

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on March 31, 2024

Research shows that even our closest primate relatives struggle to learn sequences. Could sequential memory differentiate us from the rest of the animal world?

Research shows that even our closest primate relatives struggle to learn sequences. Could sequential memory differentiate us from the rest of the animal world?

Scent

Why Disliking a Partner's Smell Could End a Relationship

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on March 30, 2024

Have you fallen out of love with your partner's scent? Your relationship may be in trouble.

Have you fallen out of love with your partner's scent? Your relationship may be in trouble.

Chronic Pain

Childhood Trauma Increases the Long-Term Risk of Chronic Pain

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on January 20, 2024

Childhood trauma increases one's chronic pain risk by 45 percent, but trauma-informed pain management could improve early intervention and treatment strategies.

Childhood trauma increases one's chronic pain risk by 45 percent, but trauma-informed pain management could improve early intervention and treatment strategies.

Sleep

Blue Light May Not Be Keeping You Awake After All

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 31, 2023

Think that Night Shift setting on your phone is helping you get to sleep? A study shows that brightness of light matters more for sleep quality than perceived color.

Think that Night Shift setting on your phone is helping you get to sleep? A study shows that brightness of light matters more for sleep quality than perceived color.

Scent

Scent Diffusers Improve Memory in Seniors

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 31, 2023

In a recent study, nightly use of essential oil diffusers over six months improved cognitive performance in seniors by a stunning 226 percent.

In a recent study, nightly use of essential oil diffusers over six months improved cognitive performance in seniors by a stunning 226 percent.

Depression

A Poor Sense of Smell Is Linked with Depression in Seniors

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on December 17, 2023

Adults over 70 who have a poor sense of smell are more likely to develop depression later in life, says Johns Hopkins study.

Adults over 70 who have a poor sense of smell are more likely to develop depression later in life, says Johns Hopkins study.

Narcissism

One Narcissistic Trait You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 28, 2023

A study found that people who are high in narcissism share a surprising deficit.

A study found that people who are high in narcissism share a surprising deficit.

Near-Death Experiences

Dying People May Remain Conscious an Hour After Flatlining

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on September 25, 2023

Forty percent of patients may show lucid brain activity up to an hour into CPR, a new study finds.

Forty percent of patients may show lucid brain activity up to an hour into CPR, a new study finds.

Health

5 Offbeat Tricks for Cooling Down In High Heat

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

These five techniques harness the body's natural ways of cooling itself off to keep you comfortable when the mercury rises.

These five techniques harness the body's natural ways of cooling itself off to keep you comfortable when the mercury rises.

Dementia

How to Use Music to Reconnect With a Dementia Patient

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 30, 2023

A recent study shows that music can become a bridge to communication between dementia patients and their caregivers, even after patients have lost the ability to speak.

A recent study shows that music can become a bridge to communication between dementia patients and their caregivers, even after patients have lost the ability to speak.

Time Blindness

Could You Be Time Blind?

Ainsley Hawthorn Ph.D. on June 28, 2023

Time blindness, commonly associated with ADHD, autism, and other executive function disorders, can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

Time blindness, commonly associated with ADHD, autism, and other executive function disorders, can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.