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The Survival of the Most Energetic
When new neurons are born in the brain, some survive-and some die off. Scientists thought the most efficient, accurate neurons survived-but new research suggests it's the level of activity that counts. This finding could be a key in improving brain cell replacement therapies. It also sheds light on how epilepsy develops. Learn more.
How's Your Memory? Try a Free Brain Game to Find Out!
Check out the latest addition to our Brain Games Collection! Word List Recall tests your short-term memory for verbal span-a type of memory that tends to weaken with age. How well can you do? Try it now.
Nutritional Inroads into Alzheimer's
Scientists at MIT have discovered that a nutritional drink designed to restore synapses (connections between brain cells) can improve cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer's disease. While the drink is no cure, it points once again to the role nutrition may play in brain health. Find out more.
An Aid for People with Disabilities-and the Couch Potato's Dream Come True
Within a few years, we might not have to spend time searching for the remote control. We'll be able to change the television channel just by thinking about it. Hitachi, Toyota, and Honda are all working on "brain-machine interface systems" that allow people to control electronic devices without moving a muscle. Learn more.
New Research in Psychological Functioning
In January, several articles came out that add to knowledge of psychological issues-and may help in developing more effective treatments. Here are a few examples of new research topics:
- why half of all depression sufferers aren't helped by existing medications. Learn more.
- how people with a certain gene variant have a harder time overcoming anxiety. Learn more.
- how portable brain scanners may help in the fight against post-traumatic stress disorder and brain trauma among navy troops. Learn more.
Cell Phone Use Might Be Good for the Brain?
Despite earlier reports that radiation from cell phones may be harmful to the brain, a new study indicates that mice who were engineered to produce the amyloid plaque associated with Alzheimer's disease, had less cognitive decline after daily cell phone exposure than their counterparts. This raises questions: Will radiation play some roll in treatment? Will human effects parallel mice effects? Do mice use cell phones? Find out.
Book of the Month
Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences Grow Into Troublesome Gaps-And What We Can Do About It
Lise Eliot (2009)
Pink Brain, Blue Brain works to answer an age-old question: are boys and girls born with different brains, or do they grow into them? In other words, are gender differences the result of nature or nurture? Lise Eliot's answer: both. According to Eliot, boys and girls are born with minor differences, which are intensified and exaggerated by what they are taught. Importantly, Eliot doesn't stop there. Instead, she unveils the potential of brain plasticity in overcoming gender inequalities and negative social perceptions. Buy now >>>
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