Self-studying Neuroscience
Neuroscience is such an ever-evolving, ever-important field. But not everyone had the chance to study it in college. Some may have an interest in the field, but may not know…
Posts by Brain World
Your Brain on Pumpkin Pie
You take a slow bite of the pumpkin pie, a hint of cinnamon behind the rich pumpkin flavor. With a crumbly crust and thick whipped cream, you’re settling into autumn…
TO TINDER OR NOT TO TINDER
Photo Courtesy of Tetra Pak, 1960s On a cold Friday night in November, being at home by yourself might seem like the most unfair curse. You might wish you could…
Aromatherapy and the Brain: Part 2
Image taken by Kemal Atli Last week, we discussed the brain mechanisms and physiological changes that are associated with aromatherapy and odor perception as a whole. Today, we will delve…
Aromatherapy and the Brain: Part 1
Image from Honolulu Media The use of aromatherapy as a treatment for various ailments may seem like a “new age” invention, but in reality, “Essential oils have been used for…
UVA Researchers Make Startling Discovery: The Immune System and the Brain
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In March, we remember those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. In April, we wear blue in hopes of discovering the cause – and finding a…
Predicting the Future: The Science of Psi, Part Two
Illustrated by Jody Hewgill for Smithsonian Magazine Last week we began our discussion on the scientific (i.e., parapsychological) study of purportedly psychic phenomena. Today, we conclude our investigation with a…
An Exploration of Optical Illusions: Part 2
Last week, we explored the science of the infamous dress that rocked the Internet – blue and black, white and gold? Today we will continue this theme as we investigate…
Can Birth Control Thin Your Brain?
The advent of birth control has revolutionized the role of females in society: women now have control over when (and if) they want to have a family, allowing them to…
Electrical Brain Stimulation at Home
“Access to the human mind opens new possibilities to feel your best and do more. Thync products use neurosignaling to induce shifts in energy and calm states within minutes. Neurosignaling…
The Science of #DressGate: An Exploration of Optical Illusions, Part 1
It will be inscribed in the history books as the infamous #DressGate of 2015: The Outfit That Broke the Internet and Divided the World. All melodrama aside, over the past…
Keeping the Mind Youthful
I have a fear of losing my mind. Not in the crazy sort of way. It’s the fear of not being able to learn. Not being able to retain the…
Top Scientists Convene at the New York Academy of Sciences to discuss brain development in the early stages of life
The Fifth Annual Aspen Brain Forum convened last week in New York City, at the New York Academy of Sciences’ new headquarters in World Trade Center’s seventh tower, from November…
Skeptical Grain Brains
What does a healthy day of eating look like to you? Maybe whole grain toast with peanut butter for breakfast…. A quinoa salad for lunch…. Perhaps grilled fish and brown…
The Over-Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosing mental illness is a tricky and convoluted business, particularly in children. A psychiatrist cannot draw blood or perform EKG’s to determine what mental malady plagues his or her patient.…