Researchers at Nanyang Tech U in Singapore tested whether two people whose brains fall into sync while working together generate better results.

They must, right? Riigghhtt?! Not so fast…

33 pairs of same-gender strangers played Tetris in the test, both individually and as a team. In the collaborative rounds, one partner moved the blocks left and right while the other rotated them. Using scans, the team tracked brain-to-brain synchrony during play.

Result: synchronized brains produced far fewer combination moves (the complex, high-scoring plays that clear multiple rows) than un-synced brains.

Takeaway: being "on the same wavelength" is great for bonding (folks with synced brains found each other highly likable) but isn't great for solving hard problems.

Unsolicited Advice: utilize diversity of thought / strategy / approach for tough problems.

We treat our hometowns like a familiar backdrop, then jaunt elsewhere for adventure.

Here's an easy / cheap way to flip the script…

Buy a tourist guidebook on your town (it's more fun than searching "best things to do near me" and you're more likely to actually check stuff out).

Once a year, take a staycation day and play visitor. Hit the landmark you always drive past and stare at it. Order the "best breakfast in town" you've somehow never tried. Take the cheesy walking tour.

You live somewhere other people save up to visit. Savor it!

1. We don't check the fridge multiple times because we think new food will appear. We check because our standards drop.

2. If elevators weren't invented, execs would have offices on the 1st floor to show status.

3. Someone out there remembers you for something you don't remember doing.

4. There are people who know your face but not your name, and people who know your name but not your face.

5. Bananas would be far less commercially viable if their ripening wasn't so clearly displayed.