Sharon Begley

Author / Teacher

Sharon Begley

Sharon Begley, our longtime science columnist, died of cancer on January 16, 2021, at age 64. Our thoughts and good wishes go out to her family and her wide circle of colleagues, for whom she was an exemplar of the highest standards of the journalistic profession. Sharon was a senior science writer with The Boston Globe Media Group, author of Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain, and coauthor with Richard Davidson of The Emotional Life of Your Brain.

Articles by Sharon Begley

The Beautiful and the Good
Learn

The Beautiful and the Good

What are our brains doing when we assume that someone who’s beautiful on the outside must be beautiful on the inside? Sharon Begley investigates. Read More

Why So Curious?
Focus & Attention

Why So Curious?

Curiosity killed the cat. Or did it? Research suggests it keeps us—and other animals—sharp. Read More

Feeling Moody? Here’s Why.
Learn

Feeling Moody? Here’s Why.

Moods are fleeting, volatile. They come and go at the drop of a hat. But beneath the surface, research suggests, they serve a deeper purpose. Read More

Pink Brains, Blue Brains
Learn

Pink Brains, Blue Brains

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, right? Maybe not. Research suggests these differences are overstated. Read More

Climate Change: A Faceless Villain
Magazine

Climate Change: A Faceless Villain

Why do so many of us persist in doing nothing about global warming? Blame it on psychology. Read More

The Stickiness of Misinformation
Learn

The Stickiness of Misinformation

Even the most ridiculous rumors can cling in our minds—despite what the proof says. Sharon Begley tells us why. Read More

Brain Freeze!
Focus & Attention

Brain Freeze!

Choking during pressure-packed performances is the worst. Sharon Begley tells us why we do it, and how to avoid it. Read More

Why Music Strikes a Chord
Creativity

Why Music Strikes a Chord

Music has the power to enable the recall of incredibly vivid memories from the corners of our mind. Read More

3 Ways to Power Boost Your Aging Brain
Focus & Attention

3 Ways to Power Boost Your Aging Brain

Brain functions peak at age 30. Thankfully, what scientists are finding out about meditation and cognitive abilities is very promising. Read More

When Memory is Under Attack
Focus & Attention

When Memory is Under Attack

A study suggests mindfulness improves working memory and reduces negative emotions in Marines before they deploy.  Read More

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