Scientists Jump-Started Consciousness in Monkeys by Pinpointing This Brain Region In 1991, a devastating car crash left 32-year-old Munira Abdulla with severe brain injuries and in a deep coma. Doctors thought she had no chance of recovery. Yet her story … Continue reading The seat of consciousness
Sugar causes ‘major changes’ to brain’s reward systems, study says What does it mean to say someone has a food addiction? The topic has long been controversial among scientists, with some saying that consuming large amounts of sugar (and/or fat … Continue reading Sugar addiction
An Existential Crisis in Neuroscience On a chilly evening last fall, I stared into nothingness out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in my office on the outskirts of Harvard’s campus. As a purplish-red sun set, I sat brooding over my dataset … Continue reading Understanding the brain
Ooh là là! Music evokes 13 key emotions. Scientists have mapped them The “Star-Spangled Banner” stirs pride. Ed Sheeran’s “The Shape of You” sparks joy. And “ooh là là!” best sums up the seductive power of George Michael’s “Careless Whispers. … Continue reading Music and emotions
To Help Fidgety Kids, Researchers Made a Brain Scanner That Fits in a Bike Helmet A simple bike helmet may be the answer for researchers looking to study the brains of fidgety kids. With a few extra holes drilled in … Continue reading Fmri for kids
‘Outlandish’ competition seeks the brain’s source of consciousness Brain scientists can watch neurons fire and communicate. They can map how brain regions light up during sensation, decision-making, and speech. What they can’t explain is how all this activity gives rise … Continue reading Does consciousness exist?
Left-Handed People Are Being Unnecessarily Excluded From Neuroimaging Research, Study Finds In a world made for right-handed people, life can sometimes be frustrating if you are among the 10% or so who are “adextral” — that is, left-handed or ambidextrous. … Continue reading Atypical lateralisation
