Situations That Actually “Smell Fishy” Bolster Critical Thinking

Aside from making people feel more suspicious, situations that literally “smell fishy” may actually increase critical thinking. In a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, researchers tested this hypothesis by splitting a group of participants into two booths—one of the two sprayed with a fish scent—and asked participants one question: “How many animals of each kind did Moses take on the …

Pigalle Recruits At-Risk Teens as Models

At first glance, the models featured in Pigalle’s latest S/S ’16 presentation might seem typical for a Paris Fashion Week presentation. But, in fact, the group of teens are players from Piagalle founder Stephane Ashpool’s youth basketball team—comprised of at-risk 14- to 18-year-olds. Since starting Pigalle, Ashpool has spent considerable effort revitalizing the gang- and drug-riddled neighborhood from which the brand derives its name, and …

Why Caterpillars Are Responsible for Wasabi

Some of our favorite nose-burning condiments—including wasabi and horseradish—are apparently the product of an eons-long battle between caterpillars and plants. In the latest publication of “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” scientists reveal that a chemical war began 90 million years ago between cabbage caterpillars and plants from the order Brassicales, eventually pushing plants to create intense mustard oil flavors to defend themselves. Fast-forward …