Science Snippets

Hedonic adaptation refers to the process by which emotional responses to life events diminish over time. It explains why people acclimate to both good and bad circumstances—whether a lottery win or a setback—and revert to their typical level of happiness. Researchers describe it as a "hedonic treadmill," where people continuously pursue new experiences or possessions to feel happy, only to find themselves back at square one after the novelty wears off.

Why We Evolved Hedonic Adaptation

Hedonic adaptation likely evolved as a survival mechanism. For early humans, extreme emotions—whether constant elation or despair—could have been distracting or detrimental in life-or-death situations. Adaptation allowed individuals to focus on immediate challenges rather than getting stuck in overwhelming highs or lows.

For example, celebrating the abundance of a successful hunt was useful for motivation, but dwelling on that joy for too long could divert attention from preparing for future scarcity. Similarly, adapting to losses helped early humans remain functional and resilient, improving their chances of survival.

The Downsides

While hedonic adaptation helps us cope with adversity, it also dampens the joy of achievements and positive changes. This can lead to a relentless pursuit of new goals, possessions, or experiences—a cycle of temporary highs followed by inevitable returns to a baseline level of happiness. This can leave people feeling unfulfilled despite significant accomplishments.

Moreover, hedonic adaptation can make it difficult to appreciate what one already has. As newness fades, the excitement we once felt about a milestone or possession diminishes, leading us to take it for granted. This can foster a sense of dissatisfaction, even in otherwise favorable circumstances.

Overcoming Hedonic Adaptation

Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on and appreciating what you have can slow adaptation and enhance contentment. Journaling about daily blessings or expressing gratitude to others can strengthen this habit.

Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present, savoring positive experiences instead of rushing to the next moment.

Pursue Meaningful Goals: Focusing on activities that align with your values and purpose creates a deeper sense of fulfillment than material pursuits.

Cultivate Relationships: Building strong social connections fosters long-lasting happiness, as relationships provide ongoing support, joy, and meaning.
Introduce Novelty: Regularly trying new activities or changing routines can keep experiences fresh and engaging.

Learn more at "The Many Faces of Hedonic Adaptation" by Søren Harnow Klausen et al

Tribalism is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. For early humans, group cohesion was critical for survival. Tribes provided protection from predators, shared resources, and collective problem-solving. Loyalty to one's tribe ensured mutual support and cooperation, making group survival more likely.

The "us versus them" mindset was also an adaptive tool for recognizing threats. Outsiders could be competitors for resources or pose direct danger, and early humans needed to quickly identify and react to these risks. This instinct ensured the survival of tightly-knit groups, but it also laid the groundwork for intergroup conflict.

Negative Effects

In modern times, the same instincts that helped our ancestors survive often manifest in less constructive ways, such as political polarization, cultural conflicts, online echo chambers and stereotyping. Toxic tribalism arises when group loyalty eclipses critical thinking and empathy. This can lead to behaviors like scapegoating, demonizing out-groups, and resisting collaboration or compromise. Social media amplifies these divisions by promoting content that reinforces group identity and outrage, further entrenching people in their beliefs and making dialogue across divides more difficult.

Overcoming Tribalism

Developing Empathy helps individuals understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of those outside their group. This can reduce biases and promote connection across divides.

Focusing on Common Goals such as climate change or public health crises, can shift focus from competition to collaboration, encouraging groups to work together for mutual benefit.

Encouraging Critical Thinking by promoting education and dialogue that challenge group biases can help individuals evaluate information objectively and avoid blind loyalty to their in-group.

Fostering Intergroup Contact through interactions with people from different backgrounds or beliefs can reduce prejudice and foster mutual respect.

Creating Inclusive Narratives through shifting the focus from narrow group identities to broader, inclusive identities—such as global citizenship—can help reduce the divisive effects of tribalism.

Learn More at Segal, E. (2019). When Tribalism Goes Bad.

With a sharp intellect and a relentless work ethic, Franklin contributed some of the most critical evidence for understanding DNA’s double-helix structure. Yet, for much of history, her pivotal role in one of biology’s greatest discoveries was overlooked.

Born in 1920 in London to a well-educated and supportive family, she excelled in science from an early age, later studying chemistry at Cambridge University. After earning her doctorate, she honed her expertise in X-ray crystallography, a technique that uses the scattering of X-rays to deduce the structure of molecules. This skill would become central to her groundbreaking contributions to biology.

In 1951, Franklin joined King’s College London, where she worked on deciphering the structure of DNA. Using her expertise in X-ray diffraction, she captured a series of images, the most famous being Photo 51. This image revealed crucial details about DNA’s helical structure, including its consistent width and the spacing of its bases. Her meticulous work provided the foundation for understanding how genetic information is stored and replicated.

Despite her achievements, Franklin’s contributions were not fully recognized during her lifetime. Without her knowledge, Photo 51 was shown to James Watson and Francis Crick, who used it as critical evidence in their model of DNA’s double helix. While Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins received the Nobel Prize in 1962 for their discovery, Franklin’s name was absent from the accolade. Her early death in 1958, at the age of 37 from ovarian cancer, meant she never saw the full recognition of her contributions.

Today, Franklin’s legacy is celebrated as a symbol of perseverance and scientific excellence. Her work not only laid the groundwork for understanding DNA but also extended to the study of RNA, viruses, and coal structure. She was a pioneer in fields often dominated by men, challenging barriers and proving that brilliance knows no gender.

Though history initially overlooked her contributions, she is now rightly acknowledged as a key figure in one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century. Her dedication to uncovering the secrets of life continues to inspire scientists and advocates for equality in science, ensuring that her legacy endures.

Learn more at The Rosalind Franklin Society

To Jane, Mr. H is more than a toy; he is a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the human capacity to make a difference. Mr. H was gifted to Jane Goodall in 1996 by her friend Gary Haun, a blind magician who was inspired by her work. Gary originally intended to give Jane a stuffed chimpanzee, but when he couldn’t find one, he opted for a stuffed monkey instead. When presenting the gift, he jokingly referred to it as a chimpanzee, and the name "Mr. H" stuck—short for "Haun." The mix-up became part of the charm, and Mr. H quickly became an essential part of Jane’s travels and public appearances.

What makes Mr. H so special is not just his connection to Jane but also the story he represents. Gary Haun, despite losing his sight, pursued a career in magic, proving that determination and creativity can overcome significant challenges. To Jane, Mr. H embodies this spirit of perseverance and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary things people can accomplish, no matter the obstacles they face.

Mr. H has accompanied Jane Goodall to over 65 countries, sitting by her side as she speaks to audiences about conservation, climate change, and the need for empathy toward all living beings. Children and adults alike are drawn to the little stuffed monkey, which has become a symbol of her message. For Jane, Mr. H is also a way to connect with people, showing that small, tangible objects can carry profound meaning and inspire hope.

Over the years, Mr. H has become a beloved figure in his own right. Jane often shares his story during her lectures, using him as a tool to remind people that every individual can make a difference. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, innovation, or perseverance, Mr. H’s story inspires others to believe in their own ability to effect change.

Jane Goodall’s bond with Mr. H highlights her unique ability to bring humanity to her work. Through her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees, she taught the world about the emotional and intellectual lives of animals. Through Mr. H, she reminds us of the strength and potential within ourselves. Together, they symbolize the interconnectedness of all life and the enduring power of hope.

Learn more at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada

The tree’s iconic shape is an adaptation to its harsh environment. The umbrella-like canopy minimizes water loss by providing shade to the tree’s roots and the soil below. This structure also helps the tree capture moisture from the island’s occasional fogs, funneling it toward its trunk and root system. These adaptations allow the dragon tree to thrive in Socotra’s arid, rocky terrain, where rainfall is sparse, and temperatures can be extreme.

The tree’s name derives from its crimson sap, known as "dragon’s blood." This resin has been highly valued throughout history for its medicinal, cosmetic, and ritualistic properties. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, prized dragon’s blood as a dye, incense, and healing balm for wounds and infections. Local traditions still regard it as a cure-all, blending its ancient mystique with modern uses.

Socotra’s dragon tree is a keystone species in the island’s unique ecosystem, providing a habitat for various plants, animals, and insects found nowhere else on Earth. Its umbrella-shaped canopy offers shade and protection to smaller species, while its resin and fallen leaves contribute to the nutrient cycle of the sparse soil.

The Socotra dragon tree faces numerous threats, including climate change, overgrazing by livestock, and habitat loss. These challenges have led to a decline in the tree’s population, prompting conservation efforts to protect this iconic species. Local and international organizations are working to restore its habitat, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at its beauty.

Standing against the stark backdrop of Socotra’s rugged terrain, it reminds us of the intricate connections between life and environment, urging us to protect the wonders that make our planet unique.

Learn more at UNESCO

The LHC propels particles—usually protons or heavy ions—using a series of superconducting magnets. These magnets, cooled to just 1.9 Kelvin (-271.25°C), guide the particles through the collider’s circular path while powerful electric fields accelerate them to near-light speeds. By the time the particles reach their maximum velocity, they are traveling at over 186,000 miles per second, just shy of light speed.

Reaching this velocity is no small task. As particles accelerate, they gain energy and relativistic mass, requiring even greater force to push them closer to the ultimate speed limit set by the universe: the speed of light. At 99.9999991% of this limit, particles in the LHC achieve incredible momentum, making each collision an event rich with data and discoveries.

The particles’ 11,245 laps per second are not just an impressive statistic—they’re crucial for the LHC’s mission. This speed allows particles to collide billions of times per second at specific points within the collider. These collisions create conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang, producing exotic particles that exist for only fractions of a second. By studying these fleeting phenomena, scientists unravel the mysteries of the universe, from the nature of dark matter to the origins of mass.

The precision required for these collisions is mind-boggling. The particles, smaller than atoms, must collide head-on despite traveling in opposite directions at near-light speeds. This is akin to firing two needles across the Atlantic Ocean and having them meet precisely in the middle. The success of these collisions has already led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the detection of the Higgs boson, often referred to as the “God particle.” In this race of light, the particles in the LHC reveal not just the secrets of the cosmos but also the limitless potential of human curiosity.

Learn more at CERN

The secret behind the rainbow eucalyptus’s striking colors lies in its bark. Unlike most trees that shed their bark irregularly, the rainbow eucalyptus peels off in patches throughout the year. As the outer layer is shed, the inner bark beneath is exposed, starting as a bright, lime-green color. Over time, the exposed layer matures and oxidizes, gradually transitioning through a spectrum of colors, including blue, purple, orange, and finally a deep red before it falls away. The continuous peeling and color-changing process create the tree’s iconic rainbow effect.

The vibrant colors are not just for show; they play a role in the tree’s survival. The smooth bark and constant peeling help the tree shed parasites, fungi, and lichen that might otherwise take hold. By keeping its surface clean and fresh, the rainbow eucalyptus ensures its growth is not hindered by harmful organisms. This self-renewing process also helps the tree thrive in the wet, humid climates of its native habitat.

Standing up to 250 feet tall in its native environment, the rainbow eucalyptus is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. Its ability to grow quickly and adapt to tropical conditions has made it a popular choice for reforestation projects. The tree is also cultivated in non-native regions like Hawaii and Florida, where its colorful bark makes it a favorite among gardeners and landscape enthusiasts.

Beyond its visual appeal, the rainbow eucalyptus has practical uses. Its wood is valued for its strength and durability, often used in paper production and construction. Its multicolored trunk, ever-changing and vibrant, stands as a testament to the endless creativity of the natural world.

Learn more at University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. "Eucalyptus deglupta (Rainbow Eucalyptus)."