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stephen beech

New research discovers loneliness hurts memory in older adults

New research discovers loneliness hurts memory in older adults

By Stephen Beech Loneliness has a negative impact on the memory of older adults, according to new research. But feeling lonely doesn't accelerate brain decline, the findings suggest. Lonelier people performed worse in initial memory tests. But over the course of seven years, their ability to recall information

Can lobsters feel pain?

Can lobsters feel pain?

Painkillers work for lobsters too, reveals new research. Scientists found that over-the-counter tablets prevent pain in the crustaceans — regarded as a delicacy — as well as humans. The research team say their findings are further evidence that lobsters may feel pain — and that more humane methods of killing them

New research suggests cavemen hunted turtles, but not to eat

New research suggests cavemen hunted turtles, but not to eat

By Stephen Beech Cavemen hunted turtles — but not for food, suggests new research. Shells of reptiles caught by children may have been used as ladles or digging devices by early humans over 100,000 years ago, say scientists. Careful cleaning of fragments found at the Neumark-Nord archaeological site in

Is small talk actually good for us?

Is small talk actually good for us?

By Stephen Beech It really is good to talk, according to new research. People underestimate how enjoyable seemingly mundane everyday conversations can be, suggests the findings. Even small talk, idle gossip or general chit-chat that many people try to avoid because they think it will be boring may actually

Scientists link melting Arctic sea ice melt to cloud formation

Scientists link melting Arctic sea ice melt to cloud formation

By Stephen Beech Tiny particles bubbling up from melting Arctic sea ice play a key role in cloud formation, suggests new research. The discovery may explain why Arctic clouds behave differently — and lead to improved forecasting of future climate change, say American scientists. Their findings highlight how the airborne "

Study finds perfectionists happier at work when their boss does this

Study finds perfectionists happier at work when their boss does this

By Stephen Beech Perfectionism at work and job satisfaction are more dependent on the expectations of a boss than meeting employees' own high standards, according to a new study. The happiness of perfectionists depends on whether their goals meet their supervisor's expectations, suggests the findings. More than

Study reveals relationship with hats goes far deeper than fashion

Study reveals relationship with hats goes far deeper than fashion

By Stephen Beech Hat etiquette was both a status symbol and a source of conflict in 17th century Britain, reveals new research. From refusing to doff headwear in court to resisting hat-snatching highway robbers, historians say the relationship with hats goes far deeper than fashion. While "hatiquette"