Science Confirms the Obvious!

Science Disproves the Obvious

1. Kids Love Santa
   
   Not so much. Two new studies by a Baruch College researcher reveal that 246 of 300 children who lined up to visit the jolly icon were indifferent to his charms. The scientist evaluated facial expressions using a chart designed to help health workers judge pain experienced by children.
   
   
   
2. Expect the Worst, and You Won't Be Disappointed
   Sorry to disappoint.New psychology research published in the journal Cognition and Emotion tested the reassuring yet erroneous adage with more than 80 college students. The study discovered that those who expected to perform poorly on a test actually felt worse when they failed, compared to those who similarly tanked but had faced the task with a positive attitude.
   
   
3. You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
   
   Actually, you can. New research funded by the National Institute of Aging found that older beagles fed a healthy diet and given plenty of exercise performed nearly as well as younger ones on cognitive tests.

Laura Allen is a science writer living in New York City.