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Sen. Cotton on Trump saying US will ‘run’ Venezuela: ‘It means that the new leaders… need to meet our demands’
Dana Bash to Rep. Jim Jordan on Trump’s attacks in Venezuela: ‘How is that America first?’
A natural evolution of cruelty
It’s not always the best-adapted animal that survives. Sometimes, it’s the one that exploits its fellow creatures
KMT chair hopes to take peace message to Beijing while on political tightrope
Ethiopia advances youth-led food systems transformation through new science-policy-society interface workshop
Ethiopia has taken an important step toward strengthening evidence-informed, inclusive, and youth-driven food systems transformation. With the workshop “Building the Next Generation of Ethiopia’s Food Systems Leaders”, the country launched a promising national Science-Policy-Society Interface...
Top general details US military raid that captured Venezuela's Maduro
The operation involved more than 150 military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and bomber planes.
NFL head coach, GM firings: What's coming this hiring cycle
Sources around the league outline which head coaches and general managers are safe, which are not, and how the NFL's hiring calendar is about to unfold
Expert: There's a flood of political campaign spending flowing into Michigan in 2026
2026 is a big political year in Michigan. Voters are not only electing a new governor, attorney general and secretary of state, but also 13 representatives to the U.S. House and a U.S. senator.
AI scientist Ling Haibin, father of first plant ID app, leaves US for China
Pioneering scientist takes up new position at Westlake University to seek ‘fresh exploration’ with greater freedom and inclusivity.
January 2, 2026
A look back at the biggest science stories of 2025, and a few you may have missed. Plus, over the past year, most of your body has replaced itself cell by cell. What can we learn from other animals’ dramatic feats of regeneration? And, ultramarathoners can run with what seems like superhuman stamina. But are their bodies much different than the rest of ours?
Elon Musk's Grok AI faces government backlash after it was used to create sexualized images of women and minors
Grok has sparked backlash after the AI image generator was used to generate nonconsensual sexualized images of real people, including minors.
The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026
Thoughts on the year of gaming to come, and in particular, GTA 6, unions, Saudi Arabia, generative AI and sex.
Alain Aspect, Nobel laureate in physics: ‘Einstein was so smart that he would have had to recognize quantum entanglement’
The pioneer of quantum computing talks about how Albert Einstein would have reacted to his experiments, the hype around the technology, and the parallels between physics and his new hobby: magic
India’s entertainment sector eyes Netflix-Warner deal, fears impact
Films in Indian cinemas could be screened for a shorter period before they move to Netflix’s streaming platform, an association warns.
A "herculean" genetic study just found a new way to treat ADHD
Attention depends on the brain’s ability to filter out distractions, but new research suggests this works best when background brain activity is quieter. Scientists found that lowering certain versions of the Homer1 gene improved focus in mice by calming neural noise. The effect was strongest during a critical developmental window. This approach could inspire new treatments for ADHD that work by reducing mental clutter instead of increasing stimulation.
Welcome to the Future of Noise Canceling
The next generation of noise reduction is currently being developed in R&D labs around the world. Take a look at what's to come.
About 6 in 10 Americans say they feel politically connected by generation
Americans feel more politically connected by generation than they do by race or gender, CNN polling data finds.
Brenna Henn Wanted to Improve Genetic Medicine. Then Her N.I.H. Grant Was Cut.
Brenna Henn had a long-term grant to study the genetic diversity of Africans and people of African descent. Then her N.I.H. funding was cut.
New year, new tattoo? Here are the emerging health risks to consider
While most people worry about the pain of tattooing, studies suggest that being inked — and removing ink if you change your mind — may increase the chance of health issues down the track.
There is as much life left to discover on planet Earth as that which is already known
Around 16,000 new species are described each year, but most animals and plants are listed as threatened as soon as they are brought to light
Gen Z is embracing millennial fashion, celebrity skincare, and Apple tech in 2026
According to members of Gen Z, celebrity skincare brands, short Ugg slippers, and Apple iPhones are currently status symbols of their generation.
Burglary suspects facing felony charges after robbing Mount Morris business
Two people are facing felony charges after a burglary in Livingston County on Dec. 23.
How to Watch Texas Tech vs. Oregon: Orange Bowl Quarterfinal Time, TV Channel, Live Stream
Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oregon Ducks Orange Bowl quarterfinal game, Thursday, Jan. 1.
Trump tells WSJ he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than his doctors advise in lengthy interview on his health
President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Thursday that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors have recommended, blaming that for the visible hand bruises that have generated renewed questions about his health.
Trump tells WSJ he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than his doctors advise in lengthy interview on his health
President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Thursday that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors have recommended, blaming that for the visible hand bruises that have generated renewed questions about his health.
Nathalie Cabrol, astrobiologist: ‘It’s an achievement of science to admit we don’t know what life is’
The French-American scientist heads the Carl Sagan Center and researches the potential for humans to inhabit the extreme environments of our galaxy
2026 election could be Alabama’s biggest political shakeup in decades: The races to watch
The ballot includes open seats for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, and lieutenant governor.
AI Labor Is Boring. AI Lust Is Big Business
After years of hype about generative AI increasing productivity and making lives easier, 2025 was the year erotic chatbots defined AI’s narrative.
Instagram boss says the platform's polished feed is 'dead' thanks to AI
In an end-of-year message, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said that the platform would have to evolve to cope with a coming flood of AI-generated content
LG Gram Pro AI laptops to debut with Exaone 3.5 and long battery life at CES
LG Electronics has revealed it will bring new ultra-light LG Gram laptops to CES 2026. The devices will feature the proprietary Exaone generative AI model and extended battery performance.
Matt Szafranski of Western Mass. Politics & Insight on some of the Pioneer Valley's top political stories of 2025
All politics is local, and the Pioneer Valley is no exception. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos spoke with Western Mass Politics and Insight editor-in-chief Matt Szafranski about some of this year’s top political stories. They include what could be a generational divide taking shape in Springfield and beyond, and political upheaval in Northampton, where a group devoted to securing public school funding took on the city government at the ballot box...
From gene therapy breakthroughs to preventable disease outbreaks: The health trends that will shape 2026
Live Science's health channel editor makes predictions about the medical breakthroughs and public health shifts to come in 2026.
Historic ‘little’ family deli in N.J. closes after 65 years in business
Three generations of the same family operated the business since 1961.
Welcome to an election year. What to expect from 2026 Arizona politics
Arizona is gearing up for a major midterm season with the governor's and attorney general's offices on the line. Gaggle guests look ahead to 2026.
Great Green Wall 2.0: China is geoengineering deserts with blue-green algae
Scientists aim to reclaim thousands of hectares of desert using cyanobacteria that can stabilise sand and create foundation for plant growth.
Pennsylvania awarded $193 million for rural health care from Trump bill that also cut Medicaid
WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania’s plan to stabilize its struggling rural health care systems will get a $193 million infusion as President...
How China cracked US ‘super code’, health benefits of lard: 7 science highlights
From China building world’s largest smart transformer to health benefits of lard, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
Health research grant reviews restored after settlement with Mass. AG, Trump admin.
More than a dozen state attorneys general filed suit against the Trump administration earlier this year, claiming it was intentionally delaying grant reviews.
New issue: Don't count the calories | BBC Science Focus Magazine
January’s long nights, howling winds and unending drizzle that constitute a British winter all seem to scream: stay indoors, get under a blanket and stay very still. But every year, I reach January and the same conclusion as millions of others: it’s time for change. Christmas is what does it. There’s only so much indulgence the body can take. It starts on the 24th when, if you’re lucky, work’s finished and the fridge is full. Over the next seven days, I’ll feast like a Tudor monarch, picking at carcasses, stabbing at cheese and washing it all down with a bit of port (well, someone’s got to finish it). But by New Year’s Day I’ve had enough. Meaningful, lasting change isn’t easy. The science says so. Sure, a fitness influencer will scream at you until they’re Christmas-ham-pink in the face that losing weight is JUST SIMPLE MATHS: burn more calories than you consume, and you’ll lose weight. But your genes, biology and chemistry don’t work like a calculator. There’s more to it. So we’re here to help you construct bite-sized changes that will add up to significant improvements in your health and wellbeing this year.
Takeaways from Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting in Florida
President Donald Trump’s Monday meeting in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu generated plenty of warm words — but no clear progress in their peace plan for Gaza.
Her Turn to Lead: How a Family Event Business Found New Life--and New Markets
Singapore-based exhibition and event agency Leon Exhibition Pte Ltd has announced a leadership transition, with second-generation leader Shuhui Mai taking the lead.
Science in 2050: the future breakthroughs that will shape our world
Nature - Nuclear fusion. People on Mars. Artificial general intelligence. These are just some of the advances that could come by the mid-century mark.
Why Americans are facing rising health insurance costs
Experts point to several factors behind the surge in health insurance prices, including general inflation, the growing use of high-cost prescription drugs, and consolidation among medical providers.
Trump says contested allegation that Ukrainian drone targeted a Putin residence is ‘not good’
Were you paying attention to the big scientific discoveries of 2025?
From dire wolves to dementia risk, this quiz will test your knowledge on some of the biggest science news stories of the year.
Citrus Burn Cited in Scientific Discussion of Metabolic Health and Dietary Support
Citrus Burn is discussed in the context of consumer and scientific discourses with wider discussions on the topic of metabolic health, dietary supplements, and wellness decision-making Citrus Burn Citrus Burn New York City, NY, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dietary supplements positioning, understanding, and appraisal by the general population have become a subject of consumer reporting and scientific debate as interest in metabolic health and weight-related wellness and in the role dietary
Lightspeed Ventures partner says Sora will make social media creators 'far, far, far less valuable'
Lightspeed Ventures partner Michael Mignano predicted that AI-generated video would lead to the "end of the creator."
Applied Digital to Spin Out Cloud Business, Proposes Business Combination with EKSO to Launch ChronoScale
Proposed Business Combination with Nasdaq-listed EKSO to Form an Accelerated Focused GPU Platform Purpose Built for Next-Generation AI…...
Former PlayStation Exec Says Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo Must Learn From VHS's Victory Over Betamax if They Want to Truly Expand the Console Audience
Video game console sales cap out each generation at around 250 million, so how will the console manufacturers break through that barrier? By learning a crucial lesson from the videotape format war, one former PlayStation executive has suggested.
I bought a company with my credit card. Twenty years later, it generated $55 million in global sales.
Teresa Johnson shares how a leap of faith on a pottery studio grew into Color Me Mine, now earning $55 million and transforming her family's future.
Scientists found a dangerous feedback loop accelerating Arctic warming
The Arctic is changing rapidly, and scientists have uncovered a powerful mix of natural and human-driven processes fueling that change. Cracks in sea ice release heat and pollutants that form clouds and speed up melting, while emissions from nearby oil fields alter the chemistry of the air. These interactions trigger feedback loops that let in more sunlight, generate smog, and push warming even further. Together, they paint a troubling picture of how fragile the Arctic system has become.
Japan’s Viral Horse-Racing Video Game Has Players Flocking to Real-Life Stables
With more than 30 million downloads, Umamusume: Pretty Derby has generated anime adaptations, live concerts and a new legion of racetrack fans.
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor dies, aged 52
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Emma Johnston has died from complications associated with cancer, aged 52.
2025 in Review: ORNL’s Top Science News Stories
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory marked another year of research driven by innovation and collaboration in 2025, as reflected in the laboratory’s most-read stories. The year’s top story announced two new AI supercomputers, establishing ORNL’s vital role as part of DOE’s Genesis Mission, a national initiative to accelerate science through artificial intelligence.
Nursing home giant dodges millions in settlements for patient deaths
Genesis HealthCare used bankruptcy to avoid paying families after settling lawsuits over neglect, including cases with maggot-infested wounds and sexual assault.
Photographing Cosmic Rays With A Consumer Camera
The reason photographic darkrooms are needed is because almost any amount of light can ruin the film or the photographic paper before they are fixed. Until then these things are generally kept in s…
Thinking through what may be on tap in 2026
When the three-million-year-old bones of Lucy were unearthed in an Ethiopian valley in 1974, paleoanthropologists anointed her as the Eve to all of us. Though her skull was not big enough to accommodate our larger, homo sapiens’ brain, she was a genetic hominid. Although a few bone fragments of a greater age have been discovered […]
‘Enough is enough’: Sen. Katie Britt calls on Congress to ‘put up guardrails’ for kids with AI
Sen. Bernie Sanders warns AI is ‘the most consequential technology in the history of humanity’
Seeing Sound For Under $200
There are five general senses: touch for feels, taste for food, smell for avoiding trash, hearing for sounds, and, of course, eyesight for visualizing the very waves making up that sound. [Plasmatr…
Fusion reactors may create dark matter particles
Researchers say fusion reactors might do more than generate clean energy—they could also create particles linked to dark matter. A new theoretical study shows how neutrons inside future fusion reactors could spark rare reactions that produce axions, particles long suspected to exist but never observed. The work revisits an idea teased years ago on The Big Bang Theory, where fictional physicists couldn’t solve the puzzle. This time, real scientists think they’ve found a way.
AI-generated faces now indistinguishable from real deal -- but...
It's the AI-mitation game.
AI is getting better and better at generating faces — but you can train to spot the fakes
Even the most skilled face recognizers are duped by AI-generated faces, a new study finds. But they can improve with training.
Call Your Grandparents This Holiday Season—for Their Health
Call Your Grandparents This Holiday Season—For Their Health: Everyday conversations across generations may boost older adults’ sense of purpose
December 26, 2025
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts. Plus, we revisit some of our top stories of 2025, covering research into how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocalizations, how algorithms and social media are changing language, and what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
Level-5 CEO Wants People To Stop Demonizing Generative AI
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has shared further thoughts on AI after a past interview of his went viral online
ER patient attacks guard on Christmas inside Wyoming's M Health Fairview Lakes hospital, officials say
Deceiving US experts; proving Einstein wrong: 2025 China science breakthroughs
From the detonation of a hydrogen-based explosive to ending a century-old debate, here are some of the major science developments of the year.
How the AJC delivers news is changing. Our commitment to business news is not.
Our jobs remain essentially the same as generations of Atlanta journalists before us: to fairly and accurately cover our hometown.
The seed vaults that could save humanity
These genetic libraries plan for worse-case scenarios.
Hollywood cozied up to AI in 2025 and had nothing good to show for it
Hollywood bet big on generative AI slop in 2025.
All in the family: In 2026, a surge of politicians' kids are running for office
As voters clamor for change, a new generation of Pelosis, Kennedys, Kings and other powerful families are stepping up to keep their political legacies alive.
Chinese team tackles a century-old physics puzzle: can we travel back in time?
Theoretical breakthrough shows that time’s arrow can emerge naturally from how quantum parts become interconnected.
Scientists say evolution works differently than we thought
A major evolutionary theory says most genetic changes don’t really matter, but new evidence suggests that’s not true. Researchers found that helpful mutations happen surprisingly often. The twist is that changing environments prevent these mutations from spreading widely before they become useless or harmful. Evolution, it turns out, is less about reaching perfection and more about endlessly chasing a moving target.
A Woolly Mouse Is Stealing Christmas Thanks To Science
Colossal Biosciences blends holiday cheer and genetic breakthroughs in a cozy new video starring a woolly mouse.
New York Enacts FAIR Business Practices Act Expanding State Consumer Protection Law
On December 19, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law S8416, amending New York’s General Business Law to enact the Fostering Affordability and
Health System Barriers, Treatment Disparities Prolong gMG Diagnosis
Patients with generalized myasthenia gravis face significant barriers to diagnosis, creating the need for improved patient–health care interactions.
Waymo is testing Gemini as an in-car AI assistant in its robotaxis
Waymo is testing a Gemini-powered in-car AI assistant, per findings from a 1,200-line system prompt. The assistant can answer general knowledge questions, control certain in-cabin features, and more.
Mass. health officials warn of possible measles exposure in multiple locations
Health officials are issuing a warning about possible measles exposure in multiple locations in Massachusetts. The state Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that an out-of-state visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and visited multiple locations which could have resulted in other people being exposed to the virus. Health officials said…
Woman Suffers AI Psychosis After Obsessively Generating AI Images of Herself
A woman working for a generative AI image startup says the tech led her into a manic bipolar episode, which triggered psychosis.
Maine among 19 states suing HHS over youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
Applications open for Adventist Health's new LAUNCH workforce development program for students
Adventist Health wants to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Hong Kong firms hoping new southbound travel scheme will drive more business
Social media users are selling driving courses to Guangdong car owners while local companies are offering perks to attract business.
Paul Mauro on Gene Simmons' advice about politics: I didn’t see this coming
‘The Five’ discusses KISS rocker Gene Simmons’ message to Americans to stay out of other people’s politics.
Plant science with a twist
From morning glories spiraling up fence posts to grape vines corkscrewing through arbors, twisted growth is a problem-solving tool found throughout the plant kingdom. Roots “do the twist” all the time, skewing hard right or left to avoid rocks and other debris. Scientists have long known that mutations in certain genes affecting microtubules in plants can cause plants to grow in a twisting manner.
Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
A Daring Scene on Broadway This Season Has Audiences Talking, in More Ways Than One
NEW YORK (AP) — On any given evening as the lights come up on Act 2 of “Liberation,” Bess Wohl's intergenerational Broadway play about a women’s consciousness-raising group, you can hear supportive cheers of “Whoo!” and “Yeah!” — and sometimes, a round of applause. All before a single word has been ...
Meet the third-generation Louisiana gas station CEO who chairs trade group for $906B industry
Growing up in the 1990s in tiny Mansura, about 30 miles southeast of Alexandria, Annie Gauthier dreamed of becoming a historian and later toyed with the idea of law school.
Lemon Slice nabs $10.5M from YC and Matrix to build out its digital avatar tech
Digital avatar generation company Lemon Slice is working to add a video layer to AI chatbots with a new diffusion model that can create digital avatars from a single image.
The Kennedy dynasty: the future of America's most famous political clan
All you need to know about the family’s younger generation
Battlefield 6 players suspect AI cosmetics have been snuck into the game, despite EA saying that wouldn't happen
Battlefield 6 players have found what they believe to be an generative AI sticker in the game, causing outrage.
Your roommate’s genes may be shaping your gut bacteria
Scientists studying thousands of rats discovered that gut bacteria are shaped by both personal genetics and the genetics of social partners. Some genes promote certain microbes that can spread between individuals living together. When researchers accounted for this social sharing, genetic influence on the microbiome turned out to be much stronger than previously thought. The study suggests genes can affect others indirectly, without DNA ever being exchanged.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”