New research highlights how simple mental habits, everyday games, and even unusual foods may play a role in improving health and learning.
Scientists at Virginia Tech report progress in helping people quit smoking by encouraging “future-focused thoughts.” By asking smokers to visualize the long-term damage smoking can cause to the lungs, heart, and other organs, researchers found participants were more successful at quitting—especially when this technique was combined with counseling and nicotine patches.
Meanwhile, a study from the University of Oregon suggests that old-fashioned board games can sharpen children’s math skills. Researchers found that kids who played games with linear movement—where pieces advance along a numbered path—showed significant improvement in understanding and using numbers. Even short, 10-minute play sessions led to a 76 percent chance of better numerical skills.
Finally, scientists in England are taking a closer look at bamboo, a food most commonly associated with pandas. Early findings suggest that bamboo may help control blood sugar, reduce inflammation, support gut health, and act as an antioxidant in humans. While the results are promising, researchers caution that more studies are needed before bamboo becomes a dietary trend.
Together, these studies show how small changes in thinking, play, and diet could have meaningful benefits for health and learning.