To study how playfulness shapes people’s responses to constraints and disruptions, scientists surveyed 503 Americans about their behavior and feelings during Covid-19. They found that people who were more playful were more positive about an uncertain future, while remaining realistic about the facts of the present. They were better at adapting to challenges and constraints, experienced more joy and immersion in daily activities, and were more resilient. The scientists called these playful people’s cognitive and behavioral redirecting, creatively imagining and actively pursuing more positive outcomes, ‘lemonading’.  

Scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have uncovered key insights into how T cells – the body's frontline immune soldiers – respond to infections like COVID-19. These findings could help scientists refine immune response strategies to improve long-term protection against diseases. Furthermore, these insights could contribute to more precise treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.