The Rationality of Science
Does Caffeine Improve Attention?
October 31, 2023I often refer to caffeine as the great cognitive enhancer. Cognitive enhancement could mean a variety of things, including enhancement in the areas of a wide range of thinking processes: memory, attention, executive functions, psychomotor skills, and so on. When I drink caffeine, I focus better for longer periods of time. My cognitive abilities are …
Investigating Muscle Cramps
October 27, 2023It is reasonable to suggest that a decrease in electrolytes causes cramps while exercising. That appears to be common knowledge. What does science say about this topic? What Science Says Muscle cramping is a common occurrence in athletes. In fact, it is very common in runners. Most people that spend a significant amount of time …
Science Writing as a Tool for Learning
September 29, 2023When I first started writing, I almost exclusively wrote fad fitness and nutrition plans. My first writing job was for a local newspaper, and the article addressed the key foundations of fitness. After writing that article, I wrote a few more articles for websites and fitness magazines. I was working in the fitness industry at …
Why We Choke in Sports and Academics
September 25, 2023Why is it that some athletes look awesome in practice, but never live up to their potential in competition? Some athletes choke. Choking occurs when performance is below that expected given one’s skills. Choking under pressure is poor performance as a response to the perceived stress of a situation (Beilock 2010). Choking is not the …
Why Scientific Literacy Matters?
August 31, 2023I have written on a broad range of scientific topics and acquired a fair amount of knowledge regarding scientific concepts. I am still learning more about science every day. My style of writing generally requires a lot of reading about the topic before I write about it. Writing about a topic is a great way …
Working Memory and the Dynamic Biological Mind
August 25, 2023A standard concept of the mind used by neuroscientists and others who study the brain is the biological mind. Eric Kandel, neuroscientist/Nobel Laureate, stresses that all psychological processes, including the mind, emanate from the brain (Kandel 2018). “The mind is what the brain does” is a phrase often used in describing the mind. In the …
Placebo Effects and Sports Performance
July 25, 2023Placebo effects are often discussed in the context of medical treatments. There is a relatively large body of research investigating placebo effects in clinical research. Placebo research is often used in testing drugs and other medical procedures. Placebo effects have been shown across a range of conditions; placebo effects can be as powerful as specifics …
Progress in Science
July 11, 2023Headlines read “Scientists reveal secret to longevity” or “Breakthrough discovery about the human brain.” These breakthrough headlines fill the media and are fascinating to consumers. However, they often lead to a misunderstanding of how science progresses. Rarely, if ever, does a high-quality study provide completely new information that is in no way connected to early …
Myths about Health That Should Die
June 26, 2023You probably think about your body and health almost daily. Some of the things you think are probably true, but much of what you think is probably false. It may surprise some people to learn that health myths are prevalent, and we may encounter them in the doctor’s office as well as in everyday life. …
Perspectives on Organic Food
June 15, 2023Organic food is popular despite the price. It is often more expensive than conventional food. Consumers may purchase organic foods for several reasons, including perceived benefits to the environment, animal welfare, and worker safety, and the perception that organic foodsare safer and more nutritious. Proponents of organic food may be as passionate and as emotional …