What Antarctica can tell us about loneliness and our brains Antarctica is cold, hazardous, and lonely – and it changes your brain. Not many people have set foot on this icy continent, but the scientists in polar research stations reveal insights into the impact of expeditions to the South Pole on the mind and brain. Greta Sandow • February 26, 2024
Stress doesn’t need an outlet. A persistent myth exposed There is no 'outlet' for negative emotions (stress). Instead, it will just pass if the source of frustration stops. Revenge may help. But it may be wiser to put it into perspective, meditate on it, seek distraction, or wait until your brain stops mulling it over. Jos Brosschot • February 12, 2024
The pathway to Clinical Neuropsychology This story gives insight into the journey of being a student at Leiden University to what is like to be a clinical neuropsychologist. It shows that a career path after graduation is full of challenges that we can see as opportunities to grow. Bianca Maria Wiersema • January 18, 2024
Can AI write a psychology book? This question captured my imagination for quite some time. As a psychologist deeply immersed in both the intricacies of the human mind and the rapid advancements of technology, I found myself standing at a crossroads of psychology and technology. Cevdet Acarsoy • December 18, 2023
Connecting over pizza with fellow early-career researchers Last November the annual VNOP-CAS Research Days took place. The emphasis of the event is on early-career researchers – the first day is only open to PhDs and postdocs – so it’s a perfect opportunity to connect and form lasting connections. Iris Langereis • December 12, 2023
There is No Scientific News II. The hunt for the newest of the newest research threatens the accumulation of knowledge The desperate hunt for the latest and newest scientific findings, by journalists as well as scientists, frustrates the accumulation of knowledge. Preprints and Google Scholar only make it worse. This is my second call for slow science… Jos Brosschot • December 04, 2023
Political instability and student and staff mental health Urgent action is needed to improve the mental health of international students and staff whose countries are hit by a large-scale crisis. Sepideh Saadat • September 21, 2023
Money as motivation for lifestyle change A large body of research, confirmed by painful personal experience, has established without a doubt: maintaining a healthy lifestyle is tough. Money is here to the rescue! This blog explains how you can reap the benefits of health-promoting financial incentives. David de Buisonjé • September 14, 2023
Talking about the loss of a parent Recent years have seen increased awareness of grief, especially around days such as Mother's Day and Father's Day. People who are bereaved seem to feel a need to share their stories and experiences. How can we start the conversation about the loss of a parent? Carline van Heijningen • May 10, 2023
