At NPSC we know that one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is to learn new things. Unfortunately, with all of the information available to us, it can feel almost impossible to find the time to sift through the web to find the gems.

So, we’ve decided to do it for you! Every Friday, you can find five new articles or videos from the week that will stretch your mind, fuel your spirit, and feed your brain.

“The Forgotten Drink That Caffeinated North America for Centuries” by Ben Richmond, atlasobscura.com
“Yaupon tea, a botanical cousin to yerba mate, is now almost unknown.”

“14,000-Year-Old Piece Of Bread Rewrites The History Of Baking And Farming” by Lina Zeldovich, npr.org

This discovery means that “our ancestors were bakers first—and learned to farm afterwards.”

“40 Years Later, A Family Revisits Their Epic Canoe Trip” by Nate Dappen, National Geographic, youtube.com

It is well worth the time to watch this meaningful short film.

“You Should Actually Send That Thank You Note You’ve Been Meaning to Write” by Heather Murphy, nytimes.com

“New research showed the recipients of an emailed expression of gratitude felt much more ‘ecstatic’ than writers expected.”

“Secrets Given Away by Silent Letters” by Mental Floss Studios, mentalfloss.com

“Silent letters certainly make the English language more complicated, but they can also reveal connections between words you might not realize share a history.”

At NPSC we know that one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is to learn new things. Unfortunately, with all of the information available to us, it can feel almost impossible to find the time to sift through the web to find the gems.

So, we’ve decided to do it for you! Every Friday, you can find five new articles or videos from the week that will stretch your mind, fuel your spirit, and feed your brain.

“A Brief (but Global) History of Ketchup” by Ken Albala, smithsonianmag.com

“Canada recently slapped a tariff on U.S. exports of ketchup, and the EU plans to do the same. But is the condiment all that American?”

“Thai Caves Boys Ordained As Buddhist Novices” by Vanessa Romo, npr.org

“Eleven of the boys who were rescued from a cave in Thailand earlier this month — an international mission that captivated the world — have been ordained as Buddhist novices in honor to the volunteer diver who died during the harrowing ordeal.”

“How Not To Let Your Phone Ruin Your Vacation” by Catherine Price, nytimes.com

“Strategies for traveling without letting your phone keep you from enjoying your trip”

“15 Podcasts That Will Make You Feel Smarter” by Michele Debczak, mentalfloss.com

“If you’re interested in learning more about philosophy, science, linguistics, or history, here are podcasts to add to your queue.”

“Simon Sinek: Change Your Future” by Simon Sinek, Motivation Madness on YouTube

Sinek shares five life lessons.

At NPSC we know that one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is to learn new things. Unfortunately, with all of the information available to us, it can feel almost impossible to find the time to sift through the web to find the gems.

So, we’ve decided to do it for you! Every Friday, you can find five new articles or videos from the week that will stretch your mind, fuel your spirit, and feed your brain.

“What Knitting Can Teach You About Math” by Sara Jenson, smithsonianmag.com

“In this professor’s class, there are no calculators. Instead, students learn advanced math by drawing pictures, playing with beach balls—and knitting.”

“Empowering Kids in an Anxious World” by Cory Turner, npr.org

“These days, though, free play is on the decline, Lewis says, and so are the social and emotional skills that come with it.”

“Babies’ Cries May Predict What They Will Sound Like as Adults” by Briget Katz, smithsonianmag.com

“A new study has found that vocal pitch arises very early in life.”

“10 Smartest Books You Can Read This Summer” by Paul Ratner, bigthink.com

“These books may not be everyone’s idea of beach reading but they are sure to spark up your intelligence.”

“Catalonia’s UNESCO-Honored Castells: The Humanity of the Human Tower” by Dana C. Getz, spainattractions.es

“Since its 2010 designation as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Spain’s castells—human towers—have gained worldwide recognition. Casteller performances thrill crowds as they stand upon each other’s shoulders, jigsawing themselves into an intricately peopled architecture.”