NeurologyMarch 1, 2016
The Best Diet for Your Brain
The field of nutritional psychiatry is taking off as scientists home in on the ingredients for good mental health and cognitive staying power
Stories by Bret Stetka
Bret Stetka was a writer based in New York City and editorial director of Medscape Neurology (a subsidiary of WebMD). His work appeared in Wired, NPR and the Atlantic. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2005. Stetka died in 2022.
NeuroscienceMarch 1, 2016
By Land or by Sea: How Did Early Humans Access Key Brain-Building Nutrients?
Experts debate the origins of fatty acids in our ancestors’ diets
The SciencesJanuary 22, 2016
Prehistoric Carnage Site Is Evidence of Earliest Warfare
Discovery of 27 skeletons in Kenya point to the primal origins of conflict
HealthDecember 15, 2015
How Fermentation Gives Us Beer, Wine, Cheese—and Cancer?
Even in the presence of oxygen, cancer cells and some bacteria prefer fermentation, a new study finds
Mind & BrainDecember 1, 2015
Using Pigeons to Diagnose Cancer
Research reveals surprising visual sophistication
Mind & BrainNovember 1, 2015
Why Screams Are So Upsetting
Rapid fluctuations in volume—mimicked by sirens—trigger the brain’s fear centers
NeuroscienceNovember 1, 2015
How the Brain Purges Bad Memories
A brain circuit has been isolated that allows us to forget fear, suggesting a treatment target for anxiety disorders
NeurologyNovember 1, 2015
Missing Link Found between the Brain and Immune System
The discovery may help explain some long-standing mysteries about neurological disease
Mind & BrainJuly 31, 2015
How the Brain Purges Bad Memories
A brain circuit has been found that allows us to forget fear and anxiety
Mind & BrainJuly 21, 2015
Important Link between the Brain and Immune System Found
The new line of communication prompts rethinking of neurologic disease
Mind & BrainJuly 1, 2015
Schizophrenia May Be the Price We Pay for a Big Brain
The disease is linked to genetic changes on the evolutionary road from ape to human
Mind & BrainJuly 1, 2015
Money Can Buy Happiness If You Spend It Wisely
Choose experiences over goods, delay gratification and remember that wealthy people are not any happier than the average Joe
NeurologyJune 18, 2015
Think of Multiple Sclerosis as a Leaking Swimming Pool
A new way of looking at the neurodegenerative disorder could lead to more and better treatments
EvolutionMay 1, 2015
Did Affluence Spur the Rise of Modern Religions?
Reliable food and energy may have freed up time to think about the purpose of life
Mind & BrainMarch 24, 2015
Why Don't Animals Get Schizophrenia (and How Come We Do)?
Research suggests an evolutionary link between the disorder and what makes us human
Mind & BrainMarch 1, 2015
Conformity Starts Young
Toddlers will hide their knowledge of a solution around untrained peers
Mind & BrainFebruary 17, 2015
Workday Malaise? Take a Walk
Research shows the power of mid-day stroll
HealthFebruary 9, 2015
A Pill That Mimics the Immune System
Synthetic antibodies with the potential to be orally ingested to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases may replace cumbersome intravenous therapeutics
Mind & BrainDecember 16, 2014
Changing Our DNA through Mind Control?
A study finds meditating cancer patients are able to affect the makeup of their DNA
Mind & BrainDecember 4, 2014
Can Fear Be Erased?
Hormone and gene therapies for anxiety and PTSD could be on the way
Mind & BrainNovember 1, 2014
Sound Waves Can Heal Brain Disorders
Focused ultrasound may help deliver drugs and other treatments
HealthOctober 8, 2014
Could Multiple Sclerosis Begin in the Gut?
MS researchers are focusing on the content of the gut’s microbiome as a possible contributor to the body’s autoimmune attack on its nervous system
Mind & BrainSeptember 9, 2014
Why Everyone Should Read Harry Potter
Tales of the young wizard instill empathy, a study finds
Mind & BrainAugust 5, 2014
What Do Great Musicians Have in Common? DNA
New study shows it’s a myth that a lot of practice will necessarily bring greatness