Health
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
Neuroscience2854 articles archived since 1845
Mind & Brain
Marijuana Muddies Memory and Mixes with Alcohol to Make Trouble
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...
Mind & Brain
Noses Agree When Genes See Eye to Eye
We all perceive smells differently—and two people’s preferences may give clues to their degree of genetic similarity. Christopher Intagliata reports
Mind & Brain
Everyday Routines Make Life Feel More Meaningful
Regularity helps life make sense, a crucial component in finding meaning
Mind & Brain
Stress Makes Your Brain Stronger: Try Fasting
A scientist who studies aging describes how going without food for a time can make your brain cells healthier
Mind & Brain
New Oxytocin Neuroscience Counters "Cuddle Hormone" Claims
Researchers are still working out the nuances of how oxytocin affects the brain, with few studies definitively linking autism to problems in oxytocin signaling
Mind & Brain
Infants Focus on the Familiar and the Phenomenal
Examining the factors that capture a baby’s attention yields insights into cognitive development
Neuroscience
Ramón y Cajal and the Case for Drawing in Science
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...
Mind & Brain
Toxic Chemicals in Fruits and Vegetables Are What Give Them Their Health Benefits
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
What Makes Magic Funny?
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...
Mind & Brain
Do Video Games Inspire Violent Behavior?
Conventional wisdom suggests violent media is harming kids. But sometimes a game is just a game
Health
Why Do Graveyard Shifts Wreak Havoc on Human Metabolism?
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
Mind & Brain
Discover How Nerves Translate Different Types of Touch Sensations [Slide Show]
The nerves in our body specialize in sensing particular touches but work together to create our rich tactile experiences
Mind & Brain
People Who Are Double-Jointed Are More Likely to Be Anxious
An underlying collagen abnormality may heighten both flexibility and fight-or-flight response
Mind & Brain
Immunization Could Halt Post-Traumatic Stress
Experimental vaccine manipulates the immune system to alleviate the development of anxiety and fear in rodents
Mind & Brain
The Science Ball Where Everybody Wore the Same Dress
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...
2015 Illusion Champions Announced--The People Have Spoken!!
Congratulations to the winners of the 11th annual Best Illusion of the Year Contest, hosted by the Neural Correlate Society! See them here, NOW!
Context Matters When It Comes to Travel Time
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...
VOTE NOW for the Best Illusion of the Year--Until Friday, 7 P.M. Only!
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!...
Mind & Brain
Enhanced Visual Attention May Be Early Predictor of Autism
Infants who can quickly recognize unusual visual patterns may be more likely to develop autism symptoms
