Brain
- Brain
Scientists Say: Dopamine
This brain chemical helps focus our attention and plan our path toward success.
- Science & Society
Our brains might help explain why people disagree on politics
Differing political views may stem from our evolutionary past — and show up in distinct brain activity. Knowing this may help with challenging discussions.
- Brain
Why we aren’t really ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’
The idea that we use different sides of the brains to be creative or logical is popular — but it’s not supported by science. Here’s why.
- Brain
Here’s why being creative is good for your brain
Neuroarts, a new field of science, is finding that exposure to arts can improve learning, behavior and mental health.
- Brain
Zap, zap, zap! Our bodies are electric
Electricity powers key functions in the brain, heart and bone. Scientists are working to understand those currents to improve our health and moods.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: THC
The active chemical in marijuana might have some medicinal value. But studies point to THC's potential risks, especially for teens.
- Animals
Parrots may offer clues to how our intelligence evolved
Studies of the brainy birds’ abilities to use tools, solve puzzles, speak words and more may teach us about how our species got our smarts.
- Brain
Just how brainy was a T. rex?
A debate rages over how to count brain cells in dinosaurs. At issue: figuring out how these extinct animals’ likely behaved.
- Animals
Tiny treadmills reveal how fruit flies sprint
Forcing fruit flies to move shows how the insects coordinate their steps. This holds clues to other animals’ brains and movement.
- Brain
Herbal medicine could help recovery after concussion
A finalist at Regeneron ISEF found that a plant native to China could supplement a common pain reliever that comes with unwanted side effects.
- Psychology
You’re too distracted. Here’s why that matters and what to do about it
Science reveals the many reasons we are so distracted, from poor sleep and social media to diet and exercise. It also shows us how to take back our focus.
- Brain
Handwriting may boost brain connections that aid memory
Writing with a pen — but not typing — boosted links between regions used for motion and memory. That may help explain why writing fosters learning.
