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 …

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 …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

History-making changes to US law, music's healing powers and internet cats in this week's look around the web

1. Important Quotes From the Supreme Court’s Decision on Gay Marriage In a narrow five-to-four decision, the US Supreme Court voted to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states, marking a momentous decision in American equality. Justice Anthony Kennedy held the power of the swing vote and, on his way to securing a landmark majority vote, penned a 100+ page document detailing the importance of …