“Cognitive Prosthesis” Enhances Productivity
A tool that helps to match immediate reward with long-term value motivated people to make better decisions and overcome procrastination
Stories by Diana Kwon
Fight or Flight May Be in Our Bones
A protein released from bone is involved in triggering the body’s reaction to stress
“Metronome” Neurons Act like Timekeepers in Mouse Brains
Brain cells that tick at regular intervals may coordinate neural activity like the conductor of an orchestra
Babies Know the Difference between the Laughter of Friends and Strangers
Five-month-olds may use chuckles to identify information about social interactions
Mucus: The Body’s Unsung Hero
The slimy stuff has a surprisingly wide array of beneficial biological functions
How to Debate a Science Denier
A new finding shows that marshaling facts and identifying an opponent’s rhetorical techniques are effective at dampening a skeptic’s message
Does Thirst Start in the Mouth or the Gut?
A new study in mice reveals why consuming a beverage is usually pleasurable but is not always enough to quench thirst
Infections and Drugs to Treat Them Tied to Eating Disorders in Teens
A new study adds to growing evidence that immune system dysfunction and altered gut microbes may contribute to the development of eating disorders
The Cerebellum Is Your "Little Brain"—and It Does Some Pretty Big Things
A newly identified circuit connecting the cerebellum to the brain’s reward centers in mice could help scientists understand autism and addiction
4 Days of Intensive Therapy Can Reverse OCD for Years
Two Norwegian psychologists developed a method of treating the condition that is gaining international attention for its efficiency and effectiveness
What Makes Human Brain Cells Unique?
New findings reveal distinctive electrical properties of human neurons that may give us a boost in computing power
Lab-Grown Human Retinas Illuminate How Eyes Develop Color Vision
The mini organs may help scientists develop therapies for eye disorders such as color blindness and macular degeneration
A Nerve Pathway Links the Gut to the Brain’s Pleasure Centers
A newly discovered neural circuit in mice may one day help modify food preferences and eating behavior
“Ghost” Cytometry May Improve Cancer Detection, Enable New Experiments
This new cell-sorting method could offer more options in the lab and clinic
A Revolution in Fighting Clots
A technique called thrombectomy widens the time window in which stroke victims can be treated
Targeting Inflammation May Protect and Restore the Brain after Stroke
New therapeutic approaches directed at the post-stroke immune response show promise in mice
Does Parkinson’s Begin in the Gut?
A growing body of evidence links the neurodegenerative disease to the gastrointestinal tract, opening new possibilities for treatment
Intelligent Machines That Learn Like Children
Machines that learn like children provide deep insights into how the mind and body act together to bootstrap knowledge and skills
Cetaceans’ Big Brains Are Linked to Their Rich Social Life
Studying whale and dolphin anatomy and behavior could offer insights into human evolution
Concussion Recovery Is Slower in Girls, Mounting Evidence Suggests
A new study adds to findings that female children and adolescents are more susceptible to head injuries
