human behavior library

Human Behavior covers a variety of mysterious, engaging topics. Learn about fear, hiccups, tattoos, and more in this section.

Featured Article: How can someone die from drinking too much water?

Most of us think of water as the healthiest drink in the world. But in abnormal amounts, it can actually cause death. How can a liquid you need to stay alive end up killing you? See more »

Articles 1-20 of 29

13 Techniques to Cure the Hiccups

Have you ever tried holding your breath, drinking water upside down or another bizarre method of getting rid of the hiccups? See our list of 13.

Can prayer heal people?

Praying may help you be healthier, but what happens when someone prays for you? Is it possible to quantify the power of prayer?

Do we really get wiser with age?

It's commonly believed that that grandpa has more knowledge than his young whippersnapper of a grandkid. But do wrinkles on the face really relate to wrinkles on the brain?

Does contagious yawning mean you're nice?

When you see someone else yawn, you often find yourself doing it. Yawning is contagious. But what does that have to do with the ability to feel empathy?

Does living together before marriage lead to divorce?

Before we plunk down our hard-earned money, we consumers like to know that we'll be happy with our purchases. But do couples who choose to live together before marriage doom their unions from the start?

Does where you live determine how often you call in sick?

When you've got a tickle in your throat, you've got two options: Suck it up and head for the coffee pot, or roll over and call the boss. But why do workers in certain places so often choose the latter?

Fact or Fiction: Lying

Not all the lies in this quiz will be that obvious. Can you tell fact from fiction, or will we see your picture when we look up "gullible" in the dictionary?

How can someone die from drinking too much water?

Most of us think of water as the healthiest drink in the world. But in abnormal amounts, it can actually cause death. How can a liquid you need to stay alive end up killing you?

How Death by Cubicle Works

Some days, we'd all rather swallow staples than sit at our desks and stare at a computer screen. But beyond the boredom, is your job literally making you sick?

How Hiccups Work

Swallowing sugar, pulling your tongue, biting a lemon, holding your breath -- these are all homegrown hiccup cures. What makes hiccups so hard to stop?

How long can you go without food and water?

Gandhi fasted for three weeks while he was in his 70s, but he had water to drink. How long can the average person last without food or drink?

How Lying Works

A lie grows until it's as plain as the nose on your face, says Pinocchio's fairy friend. But if you don't see a long nose (or pants on fire), how do you spot a fib?

How Shepherd Center Works

If you were suddenly unable to walk, where would you go for help? How would you regain your independence? What role would technology play? Learn all about Shepherd Center.

Is my brain making me buy things I don't need?

Could your impulse buying really not be your fault? New research is looking at how the physiology of our brains affects our financial life.

Is the brain hardwired for religion?

Religion is one of the three things you're never supposed to talk about if you don't want your dinner party to turn into a food fight. But what about looking at religion through the lens of science instead of faith? Is there a connection between our gray matters and our pray matters?