Susan Blackmore
Recent articles by Susan Blackmore
Why are Stormtroopers so useless?
As the Star Wars universe continues to expand, we are left with more and more questions that remain unanswered. We answer a fundamental one here...
Is the brain of a genius heavier than an average brain?
How much does intelligence weigh?
Why do people see the same colours differently?
Being colourblind is one thing, but for people with tetrachromacy the world is an incredibly colourful place.
Why do some people take more risks?
Close to the edge, risky business...
Could fish be conscious?
Don’t go teasing your pet fish – the three-second-memory stereotype is a myth.
What is worse for your mood – interrupted sleep or shortened sleep?
We’d also argue that being hooked up to lab equipment is not conducive to a good night’s rest.
Are academic traits genetic?
You don’t have to be a genius to know that there is correlation between IQ and genetics.
Why do we see stars when we rub our eyes?
The shapes and colours that come alive in you eyes when you give them a good rub are known as phosphenes – but where do they come from?
Why are people only attracted to certain other people?
Attraction is a trade-off between looks, health and similar beliefs… how romantic.
Why do little girls like pink?
Girls like pink and boys like blue, that's what we're told but is it true...
Why does time go so fast when you’re asleep?
Time flies when you're having fun - maybe that's why we like sleeping so much...
What makes people afraid of the dark?
Achluophobia, lygophobia, myctophobia, nyctophobia, scotophobia - whatever you call your fear of the dark, it's good to know why you have it.
Is crying good for you?
Wahhhhh! If someone complains that you are crying all the time, tell them you're getting rid of toxins in your eyes.
Why do people cheat?
It seems we are never far away from an athletics doping scandal, but game theory explains why it is well worth the effort - if you don't get caught.
What are the most successful therapies for depression?
There’s no simple answer to treating depression because individual experience, and therefore success of treatments, depends on many factors.
Why do some people get migraines?
Migraines are frustrating, especially as their cause is still unknown.
How much does IQ help a human to survive?
It doesn't matter if you're a smarty-pants if you don't know how to survive in the wild.
Do people in a coma dream?
The term ‘coma’ covers many conditions, so if you can dream, it depends on which part of the brain is damaged.
Why does spicy food taste hot?
Spice is more than nice, it serves a purpose to the palate.
What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?
Though treated similarly in the media, the psychology behind psychopaths and sociopaths has some key differences.
Is mindfulness good for you?
Mindfulness is the new fad for mental health, BBC Science Focus weighs up its effectiveness.
Why do bats live in caves?
Mainly, they do it to avoid danger and save energy. Caves also provide optimal humidity, stable temperatures and much needed peace and quiet.
Why are some people perfectionists?
Does leaving something unfinished drive you crazy? Can’t stand coming second place? Then this one might be for you.
How is consciousness physically constructed in our brains?
Consciousness is one of the most fundamental aspects of being human, yet we know so little about it.