{"product_id":"why-brains-need-friends-ben-rein-9780593850848","title":"Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection","description":"\u003cb\u003eA neuroscientist's guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life, and thriving in a post-interaction world\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHeadlines have made clear that we are in a crisis of loneliness, but the conversation has yet to explore how spending less time interacting can impact the body and mind on a cellular level--and why this knowledge is part of the way forward. Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein dives into the fascinating science of social interaction, revealing how our brains are wired for connection and why modern life is challenging those ancient instincts. Through the lens of neuroscience, he explains our need for interaction and provides new frameworks for bringing more connection into our lives. Rein uncovers the mesmerizing biological factors at play in our moments together, from small talk with baristas to deep conversation with friends, and shares how to leverage this knowledge to our advantage as we seek happiness and health. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eEnlightening and empowering, this powerful book reveals: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The hidden dangers of isolation and why it increases the risk of death by any cause.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Why the brain experiences virtual interactions differently from in-person encounters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The science of likeability and the secrets of making a positive impression.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe neuroscience of empathy, deep connections, and how we understand others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e How relationships with animals can support our health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e How certain drugs like ecstasy enhance social connections, while others like pain killers impair them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Strategies for improving your social life to maximize benefits to your mental and physical health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeaving together cutting-edge scientific discoveries, storytelling, and practical advice inspired by data, Rein reveals how our brains and our bodies are made stronger by connection, and ultimately why brain health is critical to our wellbeing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Ben Rein\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 059385084X\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780593850848\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Avery Publishing Group\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/14\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 304\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover","brand":"Ben Rein","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":46721585709311,"sku":"9780593850848","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_18dd9962-ca5b-4955-a3cc-dd216437eaf9.jpg?v=1742753306","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/why-brains-need-friends-ben-rein-9780593850848","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}