What Makes Human Brain Cells Unique?
New findings reveal distinctive electrical properties of human neurons that may give us a boost in computing power
Stories by Diana Kwon
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
Are Some Psychiatric Disorders a pH Problem?
Increased acidity found in the brains of patients and mouse models of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder raises treatment questions
New Books on Memes, Mental Time Travel, Manufactured Emotions and Tech Addiction
Scientific American Mind weighs in on recent titles from neuroscience and psychology
The Brain Can Distinguish between Real and Fake Laughter
Nongenuine chuckles cause a specific cortical region to “light up” more
Meditation's Calming Effects Pinpointed in the Brain
A new mouse study reveals a set of neurons that may point to physiological roots for the benefits of breathing control
New Books about Amnesia, Empathy, ADHD and the Placebo Effect
Scientific American Mind weighs in on recent titles from neuroscience and psychology
Can Facebook's Machine-Learning Algorithms Accurately Predict Suicide?
The social media giant aims to save lives by quickly flagging and responding to worrying posts
Brain's Support Cells Could Explain Mysterious "Spreading Pain"
Scientists uncover how non-neuronal cells induce synaptic plasticity in pain circuits, potentially across long distances
How Your Heartbeat May Trick Your Senses
The brain reacts oddly to stimuli in sync with the heart
New Books Explore Puzzles of Taste, Gender and Addiction
Scientific American Mind weighs in on recent titles from neuroscience and psychology
New Players in the Obesity Puzzle: The Brain's Glial Cells
Discoveries about the roles they play in appetite and metabolism could unlock new strategies against obesity