TED Talks
Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds
Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs...
TED Talks
TED: Why some people are more altruistic than others | Abigail Marsh
Why do some people do selfless things, helping other people even at risk to their own well-being? Psychology researcher Abigail Marsh studies the motivations of people who do extremely altruistic acts, like donating a kidney to a...
TED-Ed
TED-Ed: What's that ringing in your ears? | Marc Fagelson
Tinnitus has been bothering humanity since Ancient Babylon, plaguing everyone from Leonardo da Vinci to Charles Darwin. Today, roughly one in seven people worldwide experiences this auditory sensation. So what exactly is tinnitus, and...
SciShow
The Overlap of Autoimmunity and Mental Health Conditions
Our immune systems aren't just critical to our physical health. It turns out they may play a big role in our mental health, as well. And learning more about how these two aspects of our health are interconnected can help us develop more...
TED Talks
TED: The seeds of change helping African farmers grow out of poverty | Andrew Youn
Farmers stand at the center of the world, says Andrew Youn, cofounder of One Acre Fund, an agricultural organization that's empowering sub-Saharan farm families with the loans, seeds, fertilizer and training needed to increase crop...
TED Talks
Jim Fallon: Exploring the mind of a killer
Psychopathic killers are the basis for some must-watch TV, but what really makes them tick? Neuroscientist Jim Fallon talks about brain scans and genetic analysis that may uncover the rotten wiring in the nature (and nurture) of...
SciShow
Do Weighted Blankets Really Do Anything?
If you’ve used a weighted blanket before, you might have felt how weirdly comforting it is, but can it actually help your mental health?
TED Talks
TED: The mood-boosting power of crying | Kathy Mendias
Here's a talk about tears -- and why crying isn't something to be afraid or ashamed of. Exploring the science behind the mood-boosting power of crying, childbirth and lactation educator Kathy Mendias shows how tears can enhance your...
TED Talks
Lisa Godwin: How teachers can help students navigate trauma
"To make a difference in the life of a child ... I made the commitment to tell my personal story," says educator Lisa Godwin. In this moving talk, she shares her experience of overcoming childhood trauma with the quiet, unwavering...
TED Talks
Laura Carstensen: Older people are happier
In the 20th century we added an unprecedented number of years to our lifespans, but is the quality of life as good? Surprisingly, yes! Psychologist Laura Carstensen shows research that demonstrates that as people get older they become...
TED Talks
Alix Generous: How I learned to communicate my inner life with Asperger's
Alix Generous is a young woman with a million and one ideas -- she's done award-winning science, helped develop new technology and tells a darn good joke (you'll see). She has Asperger's, a form of autistic spectrum disorder that can...
SciShow
Why Is It So Hard to Remember Things Right Now?
If you feel like you’ve been more forgetful than normal recently, you’re definitely not alone. Your memory can have a lot to do with what's happening around you.
SciShow
Your Microbiome and Your Brain
We've talked about the trillions of microbes inside you before, but we're learning that these little creatures may have more influence than you thought!
TED Talks
Thomas Curran: Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse
Social psychologist Thomas Curran explores how the pressure to be perfect -- in our social media feeds, in school, at work -- is driving a rise in mental illness, especially among young people. Learn more about the causes of this...
TED Talks
Yvonne van Amerongen: The "dementia village" that's redefining elder care
How would you prefer to spend the last years of your life: in a sterile, hospital-like institution or in a village with a supermarket, pub, theater and park within easy walking distance? The answer seems obvious now, but when Yvonne van...
TED Talks
TED: What kids can teach adults about asking for help | YeYoon Kim
Do you need some help? It's OK to ask, says YeYoon Kim, a former kindergarten teacher who learned from her students how powerful and courageous it can be to reach out for support. Sharing the story of one of the most difficult periods in...
SciShow
Why Perfectionism Isn’t as Good as You Think
People often think of perfectionism as a good thing, but it’s more than just a strong desire to do something well, and it can actually be a risk factor for several clinical disorders.
TED Talks
Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability
Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand...
TED Talks
TED: What happens in your brain when you pay attention? | Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar
Attention isn't just about what we focus on -- it's also about what our brains filter out. By investigating patterns in the brain as people try to focus, computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar hopes to build computer...
SciShow
How Do You Define A Disorder?
The tremendous complexity of the human brain makes it difficult for psychologists to pin down exactly how and why things go wrong, so how do we define and diagnose disorders?
SciShow
Why Does Pet Therapy Work? (It’s Not Just Cute Dogs)
Many studies have shown that pets can relieve anxiety, stress, and provide comfort, but why pet therapy is effective has a lot more to do with us than our furry pals.
TED Talks
TED: The brain-changing benefits of exercise | Wendy Suzuki
What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory -- and...
TED Talks
TED: How to stay calm when you know you'll be stressed | Daniel Levitin
You're not at your best when you're stressed. In fact, your brain has evolved over millennia to release cortisol in stressful situations, inhibiting rational, logical thinking but potentially helping you survive, say, being attacked by a...
TED Talks
TED: A new way to help young people with their mental health | Tom Osborn
TED Fellow Tom Osborn wants more young people to have access to the mental health support they need. With the Shamiri Institute, he and his team are training 18- to 22-year-olds to deliver evidence-based mental health care to their peers...