Michelle D. Hand, PhD

Stimulating the senses soothes the mind, research confirms Researcher Michelle Hand finds that music and nature decrease anxiety, stress, and depression

Hot off the press from The College of Public Health at George Mason University-- a brief snapshot of some of the life-giving research my incredible colleagues and I have been up to, surrounding the combined use of music and nature-based therapeutic strategies for wellness and recovery from trauma:

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth —a time to honor disabled joy and community, and to confront hard truths. Disabled people face some of the highest rates of sexual & domestic violence—and huge barriers to safety. Need support? Call: 800-838-8238 Text: 804-793-9999 Chat: vadata.org/chat Open 24/7/365

Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health? A workout can be a mental health boost—or a psychological strain. Two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to your mind.

Physical activity can benefit your mind. But why? Endorphins? The placebo effect? Two exercise researchers explain. 💪🧠

In Chicago, an Environmental Organization Feeds a Community Thanks to LVEJO, areas once considered toxic sites are a wellspring for food, culture, and ancestral knowledge.

It took decades for Little Village Environmental Justice Organization to restore the land within its neighborhood. Now areas once considered toxic sites are a wellspring for sharing food, culture, and ancestral knowledge.

The surprising age when cognitive skills actually peak (and how to keep them strong) Forget early cognitive decline. A new study demonstrates that for many, literacy and math abilities can improve into middle age and stay strong with continued use

Forget early cognitive decline. A new study demonstrates that for many, literacy and math abilities can improve into middle age and stay strong with continued use

Daylight saving time has started. Here's how to adjust The time change can be hard on our health. There are more car accidents, strokes and heart attacks this week. People eat more junk food and have more migraines. Here's why — plus tips to help you adap...

The time change can be hard on our health. There are more car accidents, strokes and heart attacks this week. People eat more junk food and have more migraines. Here's why — plus tips to help you adapt.

As Tariffs Slam Maple Syrup, Sugarmakers Branch Out US sugarmakers expand into alternative tree syrups to fortify their businesses in the face of climate change and newly implemented tariffs.

U.S. producers of maple syrup are looking for ways to protect their businesses, maintain stronger forests, and brace against climate change.

On #WomensDay and everyday!

thank you to everyone adding ALT text to your images. It ensures that your posts are #accessible.

Bluesky has a setting that will remind you to include text when you're posting an image. Go to Settings / Accessibility, and check the box next to "Require alt text before posting."

MORNING WALK feed! bsky.app/profile/did:...

What Lichen Tell Us About Ecology, Air Quality, And More Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.

Last October, we took a trip to the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, for a daylong exploration of lichen—the fuzzy growths often found on trees, roofs, and gravestones. Two experts joined us to discuss the fascinating world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.

For one husband, caregiving came easier when he learned to 'shut up and listen' The advice helped him when his wife was sick with breast cancer. And now 20 years later, he still finds it's still invaluable while supporting her through dementia.

The advice helped him when his wife was sick with breast cancer. And now 20 years later, he still finds it's still invaluable while supporting her through dementia.

Op-ed: Egg Prices Are Soaring. Are Backyard Chickens the Answer? As egg prices increase, backyard chicken flocks have become more appealing. Though the risk bird flu exposure is low, it’s not zero.

“The risk is low, but it isn’t zero, and contact with backyard chickens would put you at a higher exposure,” writes environmental journalist Jason Mark in an op-ed. “There are, though, ways to mitigate the danger.” https://buff.ly/4k5wKW0

Chien-Shiung Wu's trailblazing experiments in particle physics The Chinese American physicist led groundbreaking experiments that demonstrated parity violation and photon entanglement. Many in the physics community say Wu d

A fantastic article about experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu and her contributions outside of the Manhattan Project. ⚛️ 🧪 #scicomm

pubs.aip.org/physicstoday...

The Secret That Colleges Should Stop Keeping Despite ever-higher sticker prices, the real cost of getting a degree has been going down.

"College is getting more affordable: That’s the good news. The bad news is that no one seems to have heard the good news," Rose Horowitch writes:

Neuroscientists find beautiful music sparks unique brain connectivity patterns Does beauty in music resonate differently in our brains? New research using brain imaging uncovers intriguing patterns of neural connectivity that distinguish our responses to aesthetically pleasing and less appealing sounds.

Does beauty in music resonate differently in our brains? New research using brain imaging uncovers intriguing patterns of neural connectivity that distinguish our responses to aesthetically pleasing and less… #Neuroscience #MusicResearch #BrainConnectivity #AestheticExperience #SoundPerception

Homeland Security Head Kristi Noem Seeks to Enlist IRS Officers to Be Part of Mass Deportation Plan The IRS includes around 2,100 law enforcement officers.

Kristi Noem requested that IRS officers investigate financials relating to human trafficking networks and businesses that employ immigrants. The memo indicated that these officers could be sent to U.S. borders to arrest, detain and transport people.

How YouTube Is Changing American Gun Culture Influencers known as guntubers are delving into the world of firearms, showing viewers everything from how to shoot to how to modify an AR-15.

The gun industry props up so-called “guntubers,” whose online content has helped mass shooters train and arm themselves.

It’s past time for YouTube to reject the gun industry’s extremist agenda and rid its platform of this highly dangerous content.