Human Behavior News & Analysis | Smithsonian Magazine

Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist E.O. Wilson appears in his office at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass. Wilson, an author, biologist, and humanist made well-chronicled efforts to team with evangelical Christians to fight global warming.

What Does E.O. Wilson Mean By a “Social Conquest of the Earth”

Carl Zimmer asks the evolutionary biologist about the theories in his high-profile new book

March 21, 2012

People in their 80s rarely complain of sleep problems.

Better Sleep in the Golden Years?

A large survey finds that the elderly are more satisfied with their sleep habits than are people in any other age group

March 1, 2012

Did the Titanic Sink Because of an Optical Illusion?

New research may have found the reason why the ship struck an iceberg: light refraction

March 1, 2012

After playing a sad movie scene for a group of women, researchers collected their tears and placed the unidentified fluid under men's noses. The result was a reduced sexual arousal and testosterone levels.

The Truth About Pheromones

Yes, scientists say, your airborne compounds send signals about your moods, your sexual orientation and even your genetic makeup

March 2012

"The questions is not what you look at, but what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

Perception, Defined

The renowned author of A Natural History of the Senses visits Florida’s Morikami Japanese Gardens to examine the astonishing wealth of human perception

March 2012

Studies show most football coaches make poor decisions on fourth down. Does Bill Belichick have a secret advantage?

Super Bowl Science: Are Football Coaches Irrational?

Studies show that coaches often make poor choices in crucial situations. But one coach may have a secret advantage

February 3, 2012

According to author Eric Klinenberg, there are more than 32 million people living alone—about 28 percent of all households.

Eric Klinenberg on Going Solo

The surprising benefits, to oneself and to society, of living alone

February 2012

Perceptions of wealth are often more complicated than just net worth, a new study indicates.

Money is in the Eye of the Beholder

A new study shows that our perceptions of wealth don’t always match up with reality

January 13, 2012

If spicy fruits are helpful to a chili plant, why aren't all chili peppers hot?

Why Not All Chili Peppers Are Hot

Being spicy helps a chili plant protect its fruit from fungal rot, but it has a downside in dry conditions

January 5, 2012

Along with co-authors Don DuRousseau and Joseph Cardillo, Galina Mindlin advise that repeated listening to selected songs can make you more productive, calmer or affectionate.

Music Playlists to Soothe Your Mind

Neuropsychiatrist Galina Mindlin suggests that listening to particular songs on your mp3 player can make you a more productive person

January 2012

This ancient rock painting from Zimbabwe depicts a person smoking out a beehive.

Humans, the Honey Hunters

Energy-rich honey may have helped hominids evolve big brains

December 19, 2011

The Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge University

Read Sir Isaac Newton’s Works Online

Cambridge University is digitizing its collection of works by Newton and other revolutionary scientists of the past

December 14, 2011

Perhaps necklaces of shell beads were among the earliest gifts our ancestors gave each other (as seen at the National Museum of Natural History).

Hominid Gifts for the Holidays

Human evolution T-shirt, necktie, coloring book and board game are just a few of the hominid-themed gifts you can give your loved ones this holiday season

December 12, 2011