Researchers have found that brainwave synchrony between individuals can be used to guide and improve social interactions, potentially "engineering" social connectedness. Studies involving thousands of participants, including collaborations with musicians and artists, demonstrated that being "on the same wavelength" is linked to healthy social relationships and can be boosted through interventions. This phenomenon, termed 'social synchrony', aligns brain, body, and language rhythms, playing a crucial role in social cohesion and learning.
A recent study indicates that dogs possess the ability to segment human speech into individual words, a skill previously thought to be unique to humans. This "consonant bias" in speech processing appears to develop through regular exposure to human language, suggesting that efficient speech processing is not solely dependent on complex human linguistic capabilities. The findings, published in Science, highlight how brain function can be reshaped by speech exposure even in evolutionarily distant species.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, backed by India, to correct the world map for a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution addresses the distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which minimises the perceived sizes of regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, promoting an unbalanced global view. India supports the move towards more accurate cartographic practices, specifically endorsing broader use of Equal Area map projections.
A seven-year study analysing thousands of social science research papers reveals insights into the reproducibility and robustness of findings in the field.
A major US study has assessed the reproducibility of research papers in the social sciences, revealing insights into the credibility of findings and highlighting challenges in replicating results.
Ranjit Bajaj has declined the manager role for the India U-15 men's national team for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup, citing fundamental differences in footballing philosophy with head coach Bibiano Fernandes.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh announce ban social media for teens, sparking debate about its effectiveness, impact on education, and implications for advertisers targeting young audiences.
Karnataka Chief Minister announces a ban on social media for children under 16 and increased measures to prevent drug abuse in schools, colleges, and universities, alongside investments in education infrastructure and mental health support.
Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.
Loneliness can engulf people at different stages in their lives. Weighing in on their lonely state of mind are three people -- a soul-searching Gen Z stage actress, Malikka Advani; a beleaguered big-tech employee in his 40s, Vinod Patel; and a confidence-exuding business writer, Maya Lalchandani -- who reveal the different methods they employ to tackle this emotion.
A new study suggests that dreams are not random but reflect a complex interplay between personal traits, external events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and individual experiences.
The IndiaAI Mission, under MeitY, has selected 10 Indian AI startups for its Global Acceleration Programme, aimed at fostering international growth and innovation.
A humanoid robot performing at a university dance event in China startled the crowd when it unexpectedly hugged a female student, prompting a debate about AI safety and autonomous behaviour.
Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.
'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'
Your sleep is a mirror to your mind, habits and health.
'Recently a girl who was suicidal was brought to me.' 'When I asked her what was bothering her, she said she and her friend took photos at the same place and posted them on Instagram.' 'While her friend got 23 likes, she didn't get a single like.' 'She said, "nobody likes me, nobody wants me in this world. I am rejected by everybody".' 'And she wanted to end her life.'
Experts warn of the dangers of online gaming addiction among adolescents, citing limited social interaction, blurred realities and the potential for tragic outcomes. Recent incidents highlight the need for awareness and intervention.
Trump's remarks came amid heightened US messaging about the Iran situation and a series of White House statements indicating that multiple options remain under review.
What looks like convenience today might well be shaping a future where essential human skills quietly fade away.
The Supreme Court has raised concerns about discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, questioning the Centre on the lack of 'upward movement' for meritorious candidates. The court also ordered nationwide monitoring of care institutions for persons with cognitive disabilities.
Certain everyday habits -- like poor sleep, stress and multitasking -- can quietly weaken your brain. Making simple lifestyle can help protect your mental health.
The technology major confirmed that a 'low single-digit percentage' of its 270,000 employees would be affected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
In a world that needs more connection, learn how to break free from loneliness, build meaningful relationships, and improve your health.
Disability rights came under the spotlight again as the country's largest airline IndiGo refused to let a teenager with special needs board its aircraft. While the twitterati as well as fellow passengers have called for strict action, IndiGo has stood by its action saying the airport manager took the decision to ensure safety of other passengers. "Throughout the check-in and boarding process, our intent of course was to carry the family. "However, at the boarding area, the teenager was visibly in panic.
'This will be a close election. At least now, it appears that the NDA has an edge.'
rediffGURU Nayagam PP, founder of EduJob360, breaks down the top government competitive exams aspirants can target in 2026, along with their eligibility criteria, important dates, syllabus essentials and preparation strategies.
Raghav Himatsingka, co-founder, Raising Superstars, explains how simple activities can help improve your child's cognitive skills and critical thinking.
'If learning to read changed our brain in a good way and we gained remarkable knowledge that we shared with each other then, by the same logic, won't lack of reading also change our brain? Won't it reduce the valuable knowledge we acquire and share with each other,' asks reading coach Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta on National Reading Day.
Generative AI is transforming workplaces but at a cost -- there are fewer jobs for young workers just entering the workforce, reveals a Goldman Sachs report.
'Reels may be short, but their impact on eye health can last a lifetime.'
Factors that cause severe distress include early smartphone usage, consumption of ultra-processed foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and a growing sense of loneliness.
Around 7.4 per cent of Indians aged 60 and above are affected by dementia. This number is expected to rise from the current 8.8 million to 17 million by 2036, marking a 97 per cent increase.
Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad has brought back all traumatic memories.
Clinically diagnosed as trichophagia, or Rapunzel Syndrome, the psychological condition involves the victims picking their own hair for ingestion.
Dinesh Raheja tips his hat to his favourite Raj Kapoor movie, as we continue celebrating the legend's birth centenary.
"Crooked Joe Biden is the worst president, by far, in the history of our nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our country, from our southern border to energy dominance, national security, international standing and so much more," Trump said.
Early retirement is not just about money and calculators. It is more about rediscovering your passions, strengthening bonds, and living a life filled with purpose, connection, and lasting happiness. It's about reclaiming your life, explains Vatsal Ramaiya.
It is 'when someone uses their emotional problems to hook an audience on the Internet.'
It essentially amounts to 'performing sadness online for sympathy and/or attention,' explains Sandeep Goyal.
Jayashree Ramadas, Dean of the PhD programme in Science Education at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, tells us what science education is about, why science needs to be studied in a socially-applicable manner, and some interesting careers in teaching, education, and cognitive science that might follow.
