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
Cognition3105 articles archived since 1845
"Mona Lisa Effect" Not True for Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa effect is the illusion that the subject of a painting follows you with her gaze, despite where you stand. But da Vinci's famous painting doesn't have that quality. Christopher Intagliata reports...
Our Language Affects What We See
A new look at “the Russian blues” demonstrates the power of words to shape perception
A Touch to Remember
The sense of touch generates surprisingly powerful and long-lasting memories
Measuring the Strength of a Person's Gaze
A new study suggests that, unconsciously, we actually do believe that looking exerts a slight force on the things being looked at. Karen Hopkin reports.
"Relaxation Music" Works—but So Does Chopin
So-called "relaxation music" is only about as effective as a soothing Chopin piece at lulling listeners into a relaxed state. Christopher Intagliata reports.
There Is No Such Thing as Conscious Thought
Philosopher Peter Carruthers insists that conscious thought, judgment and volition are illusions. They arise from processes of which we are forever unaware
The Brain's Autopilot Mechanism Steers Consciousness
Freud’s notion of a dark, libidinous unconscious is obsolete. A new theory holds that the brain produces a continuous stream of unconscious predictions
Meet the Real Ravenmaster
Christopher Skaife talks about his new book The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London, in front of a live audience at Caveat, “the speakeasy bar for intelligent nightlife" in Lower Manhattan...
Prehistoric Viruses and the Function of the Brain
The exceedingly strange story of learning, memory and the “Arc” gene
Who's a Smart Dog?!
An estimate of dog intelligence requires looking at non-dogs as well to understand what's special to canines and what is just typical of the taxonomic groups they're in.
A New Connection between the Gut and Brain
A surprising way that diet leads risks of stroke and cognitive impairment
Does Your Language Influence How You Think?
Would it be harder for people who speak a highly gendered language to create a more gender-neutral society?
Your Dog May Not Be a Genius, after All
New study finds that canines are not exceptional in the animal world
How Brain Injuries Deprive People of a Sense of Free Will
Studies of patients with unusual neurological conditions reveal brain networks that contribute to feelings of agency
Do Wine over Those Brussels Sprouts
Taking a swig of red wine before eating Brussels sprouts appears to moderate Brussels sprouts' polarizing flavor. Christopher Intagliata reports
With Brain Implants, Scientists Aim to Translate Thoughts into Speech
Experts increasingly think a system that could help paralyzed patients is within reach
Why Don't We Forget How to Ride a Bike?
The way memories are anchored in the brain plays a role, neuropsychologist Boris Suchan explains
Babies and Chimps Share a Laugh
Adult humans laugh primarily on the exhale, but human babies laugh on the inhale and the exhale—as do chimps. Christopher Intagliata reports.
You Really Can Learn in Your Sleep
Experimental techniques demonstrate how to strengthen memories when our brains are off-line
