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Researchers think activities that occupy our hands, like folding laundry, doing yardwork or knitting, are actually making our brains happier. Tony Dokoupil talks with Dr. Kelly Lambert of the University of Richmond, and author Matthew Crawford ("Shop Class as Soulcraft"), who's never happier than when he is tinkering in the garage. Dokoupil also tests out the theory with artist Zaria Forman, who concocts vivid paintings without ever putting brush to canvas. (Originally broadcast March 18, 2018.)

TV host Jimmy Kimmel was always the lovable frat boy of late-night, often more playful than political. But Kimmel put comedy on hold when his on-air story about his son's fight for life became a call to action on healthcare; and following the Las Vegas massacre last fall, his monologue turned into an emotional call for sanity, and gun control. Kimmel talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his road to late-night, and why he's not so bothered if viewers are upset by his heartfelt monologues. (This story originally aired on October 15, 2017.)

The United States is the only industrialized country where the rates of maternal deaths have increased, rather than decreased. And "near deaths" are on the rise: 60,000 a year across the country. Erin Moriarty of "48 Hours" talks to young woman who have a higher risk of dying during pregnancy and childbirth than their mothers did, and meets a midwife from England who saw expectant mothers being turned away from doctors offices in Florida, and in response opened up a health clinic that welcomes everyone.

Tribute Games, the developer behind the fantastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, is back with its take on another comic book IP. Scott Pilgrim EX is a beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles in 2026.

This looks like a real evolution of its work with those pizza-loving turtles. There's a large map to explore with plenty of secrets, seven playable characters and, most importantly for Pilgrim fans, a brand-new story. Vegans, robots and demons have taken over Toronto! This seems only nominally better than ex-boyfriends.

The developer promises "countless creative combos" and all kinds of quests "across space and time." The graphics and soundtrack are both absolutely soaked in retro goodness.

If the idea of a sidescrolling Scott Pilgrim beat-em-up seems eerily familiar to you, it's not the Mandela Effect. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was first released all the way back in 2010.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-dev-behind-tmnt-shredders-revenge-is-making-a-scott-pilgrim-beat-em-up-223721054.html?src=rss

Drinkbox Studios is back with a new title called Blighted, a 3D Metroidvania that promises to take the concept of generational memory to some bizarre and compelling new places. It will have a solo or co-op story that sees players fighting their way through a world full of monsters and secrets as they attempt to control the blight that corrupts them. And maybe eat some brains. The game was announced during the Summer Game Fest kickoff stream, and the creators aim to have a playable demo available later this year.

The team describes Blighted as a "psychedelic western nightmare," which is pretty much exactly what I love to see from Drinkbox Studios. This company is probably best known for the excellent 2D platformers Guacamelee! and Guacamelee! 2, but don't sleep on the surreal dungeon-crawler Severed either. Drinkbox games have a powerful sense of place and clever action mechanics, so I'm very curious to see how they'll bring those sensibilities into this genre.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/blighted-is-a-trippy-metroidvania-from-the-team-behind-guacamelee-000030687.html?src=rss

Even if your job isn't being replaced by a robot, there is plenty of economic insecurity today, with many people just one paycheck away from disaster. To fight economic hardship, the City of Stockton, Calif., is launching a pilot program to test the benefits of a basic universal income (BUI) - giving $500 a month to impoverished residents, no strings attached. Lee Cowan hears from Mayor Michael Tubbs about his effort, funded by the Economic Security Project, and talks with former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and University of California, Berkeley professor Laura Tyson about the costs and benefits of "free" money. (This story originally aired on April 15, 2018)

Freelancers, consultants and entrepreneurs no longer need to work out of their homes or garages. Instead, they can rent space at "co-working" firms, such as WeWork, that provide a place to plug in as well as all the perks of a shared office space, from baristas and tap rooms to day care. Tony Dokoupil examines the co-working industry, which has grown from as few as 70 people in 2007 to 1.5 million worldwide, and is expanding beyond the parameters of simple working space. (This story originally aired on April 15, 2018)