
Sex Divide Seen in Mechanism That Produces Persistent Pain
Male and female mice are found to regulate pain sensitivity differently, a result which could explain why some drug experiments have failed
Male and female mice are found to regulate pain sensitivity differently, a result which could explain why some drug experiments have failed
People who smoke pot and drink are twice as likely to do both at the same time than to do just one, with the combo associated with bad decision-making; and chronic pot smokers who had not indulged in a month were still more likely to have faulty memories than were nonsmokers...
We all perceive smells differently—and two people’s preferences may give clues to their degree of genetic similarity. Christopher Intagliata reports
Regularity helps life make sense, a crucial component in finding meaning
A scientist who studies aging describes how going without food for a time can make your brain cells healthier
Researchers are still working out the nuances of how oxytocin affects the brain, with few studies definitively linking autism to problems in oxytocin signaling
Examining the factors that capture a baby’s attention yields insights into cognitive development
As someone who works at the intersection of art and science, I have always found it easy to make the case that all artists are scientists. From the moment we pick up a crayon and make our first mark, we are experimenting...
Chemicals that plants make to ward off pests stimulate nerve cells in ways that may protect the brain against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Many magicians use humor in their shows, both for the entertaining value and as a misdirection tool. But magic audiences not only laugh at the magician’s jokes, but also at the magical effects themselves...
Conventional wisdom suggests violent media is harming kids. But sometimes a game is just a game
By getting volunteers to live in a sleep lab for more than a month, researchers hope to unravel the effects of chronic sleep debt and circadian rhythm gone awry
The nerves in our body specialize in sensing particular touches but work together to create our rich tactile experiences
An underlying collagen abnormality may heighten both flexibility and fight-or-flight response
Experimental vaccine manipulates the immune system to alleviate the development of anxiety and fear in rodents
Our new column article (with co-author Bevil Conway, of Wellesley College & MIT)—on the topic of The Dress—came out on newsstands in Scientific American: Mind this week...
Congratulations to the winners of the 11th annual Best Illusion of the Year Contest, hosted by the Neural Correlate Society! See them here, NOW!
People will often feel that the return trip covering the same geographical distance requires less time to complete. It doesn't. When all factors are equalized--same distance, traveling at approximately the same speed, no external delays, roughly the same number of rest stops--the duration of the return trip will be almost identical to the original journey...
Worldwide voting is now open to choose the Best Illusion of the Year, for 24 hours only, until 7 P.M. EDT, June 12. Go to the Best Illusion of the Year Contest Web site and choose your favorite illusion from the Top 10 finalists!...
Infants who can quickly recognize unusual visual patterns may be more likely to develop autism symptoms
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