SA Special Editions

Will brain science deliver answers about consciousness or hit another wall?

The evolutionary history of humans explains why physical activity is important for brain health

Insects have surprisingly rich inner lives—a revelation that has wide-ranging ethical implications

Research into the brain’s protein-disposal systems, electrical activity and three other areas looks promising

The many, many ways researchers hope to solve the toughest mystery in science

Blockbuster weight-loss drugs are revealing how appetite, pleasure and addiction work in the brain

The blood-brain barrier deteriorates with aging, but animal studies indicate repairs can make old brains look young again

Tiny clumps of cells show basic cognitive abilities, and some animals can remember things after losing their head

Paid parental leave and high-quality child care improve children’s brain development and prospects for a better future

Brain scans reveal that some people who can’t speak or move are aware of the world around them

Washing waste from the brain is an essential function of sleep—and it could help ward off dementia

Dancing, rowing and even finger tapping in unison unleash powerful forces in the brain that drive good feelings