
Laura Yan
Why is it so hard to make new friends when you're older?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they’re talking about. Today we asked psychologists and relationship experts about growing lonely with age.
Are humans meant to be monogamous?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they’re talking about. Today, we ask psychology, biology, and sexuality experts whether humans are wired to stay together.
Can humans hibernate?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they’re talking about. Today, we ask scientists and researchers to find out whether humans can enter a state of suspended animation.

I'm the Union Square psychic and I'll cleanse your soul for ten bucks
We talked to a self-made clairvoyant who reads fortunes in New York's Union Square. This is her story.
How do we know who to trust?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they're talking about. We ask psychology, advertising and information security experts about trusting people, brands and websites.
I let strangers make all my decisions for a week and wound up sobbing in an Uber

We challenged a writer to ask complete strangers to make her decisions for her. This is what happened to her vacation.

Pole dancing, naked yoga, punk rope: a week inside the weirdest fitness classes in NYC
Hopes&Fears challenged one writer to try the most niche exercise offerings on the market. Here’s how she fared.
Can you be addicted to adrenaline?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of experts. Today, we ask addiction professors and adventure junkies if an adrenaline "habit" is a real thing.

Death goes green: the eco-friendly funerals of the future
With biodegradable shrouds, QR codes, and human composting in city centers, a modern burial movement is gaining steam.

Art world to warlords: I'm a negotiation coach for million-dollar deals
In the latest installment of Hopes&Fears’ anonymous interview series, we talk to a negotiation consultant who coaches clients how to bluff their way through high-stakes talks.
Can you taxidermy people?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of experts. Today we wonder if one can taxidermy people and whether you can request your body to be taxidermied after your death.

I do magic tricks and hammer nails up my nose
In the latest installment of Hopes&Fears’ anonymous interview series, we talked to a magician and human blockhead about his romantic challenges and the worst kinds of audience members.
What are the worst ways to die?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they're talking about. Today, a neurosurgeon, a forensic psychologist and two horror experts speculate on most unpleasant deaths.
Is the best defense really a good offense?

Hopes&Fears answers questions with the help of people who know what they're talking about. Today we second-guess an adage with the help of war, chess and gaming experts.
Bill Gates thinks we might all die from a widespread flu epidemic

Bill Gates isn’t too concerned about a “well over 50 percent” likelihood of an apocalyptic infectious flu epidemic.
What are the rates for by-hour hotels and love motels around the world?

This week in City Index we look into short-term bookings for sexy time.
What it's like to take hippies with money on treks through the Himalayas
In the latest installment of Hopes&Fears' anonymous interview series, we spoke to an "unofficial" and "absolutely illegal" trekking guide.