PennNeuroKnow – Breaking down the brain for everyone to understand

PENN neuroknow

Breaking down the brain for everyone to understand

Going viral: How scientists use viruses in research every day

Viruses are experts at getting new DNA into cells. Every day, neuroscientists take advantage of this ability to help us understand the brain.

September 16, 2025
Eye movements: A window into cognition, disease, and individuality

Did you know that our eyes spontaneously move about 3 – 5 times per second? These eye movements, while seemingly simple and mostly unconscious, can tell us a lot about how our brains work. In this PNK post, we’ll dig into the fascinating world of eye movements!

September 9, 2025
Two sides of the matter: The human brain may be symmetric in form, but not in function

Even though it is a myth that people are either “left-brained” or “right-brained,” certain complex functions, such as spoken language, are primarily found on one side of the human brain. How and why does the brain pick a side for these functions?

September 2, 2025
Counting sheep: How should we fall asleep?

Have you ever wondered why some people need total silence and darkness to fall asleep, while others prefer to listen to white noise or watch their favorite TV show? Is there a “best” way to fall asleep?

August 26, 2025
Vagus nerve stimulation: A new frontier

Electrical stimulation is proving to be a powerful treatment for neurological diseases – especially when it comes to the vagus nerve

August 19, 2025
Your brain’s behavioral blueprint: The chemicals behind how we eat, sleep, feel, and socialize

What do worms, mice, and leafcutter ants have in common? They’re helping scientists uncover the power of neuropeptides — chemical messengers in the brain that shape behavior and may hold the key to future drug discovery.

August 12, 2025
Turning pages, swiping screens, and hitting play: Is reading always the same to our brain?

Whether it’s on paper, screen or audio, there are more ways than ever to enjoy a good book. But do different formats engage the brain in the same way?

August 5, 2025
Mind-muscle connection: How does your brain tell your muscles to move?

From doing the dishes to playing an instrument, a special connection between your brain and the muscles is key to keep us moving the way we want.

July 29, 2025
Do plants feel pain?

It may sound like a ridiculous question— but it’s worth asking. From Venus flytraps snapping shut to stressed plants releasing ultrasonic “screams,” plants react to touch and damage in surprising similar ways to us.

July 22, 2025