Surprising Science — May 7, 2010

Letting It Roll

Scientists have found that the brains of problem gamblers react more intensely to “near misses” than those of casual gamblers—possibly spurring them on to play more.

bigthinkeditor

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Scientists have found that the brains of problem gamblers react more intensely to “near misses” than those of casual gamblers—possibly spurring them on to play more. The brain region that responds to rewards by delivering a dose of dopamine was found to be especially active in these people, indicating a possible correlation between brain chemistry and the severity of a gambling addiction.

The most counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

Flipping the script on leader feedback: Why leaders need feedback too

Leaders don’t lack resources aimed at helping them deliver more meaningful employee feedback. Yet, candid and comprehensive feedback for leaders, particularly on leadership and management skills, receives far less attention. […]

Illustration of Earth with digital connections and text "Generative vs. Predictive AI" on a dark background.

Hard Science

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Life

Test Internal Ceros

Collage of classical art suggesting a theme related to somatic markers.

Business

How “somatic markers” can transform your decision-making

Ditch the old brain vs. heart assumptions, and instead think about a heart-led brain.

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, ‘reductio ad absurdum’ shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

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Kill the Birds?

A German animal biologist Silvia Gaus says we should be killing the oil-soaked birds in the Gulf of Mexico. Doing so would be less painful in the long run than trying to clean them, she says.