Human behavior

A diagram of a brain surrounded by a maze with people walking toward the brain
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Have you ever wondered why we behave the way we do? From the evolution of human aggression to why humans are so curious, Live Science takes you inside our minds to explain the science behind the things we do, why we do them and what is going on in our brain when it happens. 

Discover more

—Are humans inherently violent?

—Are some people actually tone deaf?

Whether it's pondering the weird things humans do every day or why we believe in conspiracy theories, our expert writers and editors track down the biggest stories in psychology, sociology and neuroscience, bringing you the latest news, features and articles about human behavior.  

Editor's Picks

Black and white photo of wooden attic with cathedral-type windows and metal folding chair in center.
Are ghosts real? One difficulty in scientifically evaluating is ghost are real is the surprisingly wide variety of phenomena attributed to ghosts.
A man looks at his phone when he should be working.
Why do we procrastinate? Here's what you need to know about procrastination if your New Year's resolution is to stop dragging your feet.
Here, a real image of Buzz Aldrin saluting the U.S. flag on the surface of the moon.
20 of the best conspiracy theories From a faked moon landing to wild ideas about JFK's assassination, conspiracy theories and believers abound.

Latest about Human Behavior

A composite image. On the left, a close-up of excavated teeth and a jawbone. On the right, a purple smiley face shape on Mars.

Science news this week: 'Thorin' the last Neanderthal and a 'smiley face' on Mars

By Alexander McNamara published

Sept. 14, 2024: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.

Human Behavior
An astronaut walks on the moon

21 of the best conspiracy theories

By Stephanie Pappas, Benjamin Radford last updated

Conspiracy theories that have taken hold range from a faked moon landing to Barack Obama's birthplace to chemtrails.

Conspiracies & Paranormal
Girl reading books in front of a cartoon space scene

19 best science books for kids and young adults

By Ben Biggs last updated

Looking to inspire the next generation of curious minds? These are our picks of the best popular science books for children of all ages.

Human Behavior
A banner for Live Science's partnership with HTLGI festival. The code for the 20% discount is LS24

Live Science x HowTheLightGetsIn — Get discounted tickets to the world’s largest ideas and music festival

By Alexander McNamara published

Live Science has partnered with HowTheLightGetsIn, taking place from Sept. 21 to 22 at Kenwood House, London. See how our readers can get a special discount.

Arts & Entertainment
A woman smiles watching a soccer game, while a man next her sits looking bored on his phone

Do opposites really attract in relationships?

By Alice Sun published

When it comes to love, the adage is that opposites attract. But does that really hold?

Human Behavior
Two people bike up a mountain

'I'm as happy as I've ever been in my life': Why some people feel happiness near death

By Mattias Tranberg published

A palliative care researcher explains how death can help people appreciate life.

Human Behavior
Young woman walking in a terraced Rice field at sunset, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

30,000 years of history reveals that hard times boost human societies' resilience

By Stephanie Pappas published

Human societies that experience downturns do a better job of recovering from later disasters, new research finds.

Human Behavior
The Curie Society ($18.95) and The Curie Society, Volume 2: Eris Eternal ($22.95) are available on Amazon/MIT's Ritu Raman

'We're meeting people where they are': Graphic novels can help boost diversity in STEM, says MIT's Ritu Raman

By Alexander McNamara published

In a new series of comics, where young, female scientists take center stage, MIT's Ritu Raman explains how the format can inspire the next generation of young people into the world of STEM.

Arts & Entertainment
College student carrying his bag and laptop in campus. Young man turning back over his shoulder and walking in college campus.

Why do people feel like they're being watched, even when no one is there?

By Angely Mercado published

The causes range from innocuous media exposure to severe mental illness.

Human Behavior
A person's shadow on bank steps in Hiroshima, Japan.

Why did the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima leave shadows of people etched on sidewalks?

By Stacy Kish last updated

The nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of WWII left shadows of people on the ground and buildings. Here's why.

Warfare
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