Environmental cues — like the color, size and shape of the dinnerware, the music playing in the background and the lighting in the dining room — can alter how we experience food and drink. For example, research suggests that serving food on a red plate tends to reduce the amount diners eat. Ariel Zambelich/NPR hide caption

A little nudge via text can help parents get the kids in for a second flu immunization, a study finds. Arman Zhenikeyev/Corbis hide caption

We seem to be hard-wired to enjoy the refreshing, cooling sensation of menthol in our mouths. Allison Dinner/the food passi/Corbis hide caption

Having warm, supportive parents early on correlates with success in adulthood. Agent Illustrateur/Ikon Images hide caption

Each item, including boots from Guatemala, a basket from Rwanda and a soda can cuff from Kenya, are handmade. And when people buy these gifts, the profits go back to the artisans and their community. Courtesy of Teysha; Indego Africa; Serrv hide caption

Loneliness may be part of the human condition, but social media don't seem to be harming teenagers' social lives. Neil Webb/Ikon Images/Corbis hide caption

"A" is for Abacus LA Johnson/NPR hide caption

The "Aroma R-evolution" kit comes with four forks and 21 vials full of aromas like olive oil, mint and smoke. You drop a dab of scented liquid onto the base of the fork, and the smell is supposed to subtly flavor the food you eat while using the utensil. Claire Eggers/NPR hide caption

Young adults seem to be taking advantage of health coverage. But they're still skipping the flu shot. Image Source/Corbis hide caption

The Limbic Reward System lights up when curiosity is piqued. LA Johnson/NPR hide caption

Feeling blue? That may not be a great excuse to tuck into some mac and cheese. iStockphoto hide caption