PennNeuroKnow – Breaking down the brain for everyone to understand

PENN neuroknow

Breaking down the brain for everyone to understand

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
Can we trust our memory?

We may think our memory is set in stone, but it’s more like wet clay. From false childhood memories to wrongful convictions, explore the science behind how our memories can deceive us — and how they could still be trusted if handled with care.

July 15, 2025
Emotional support animals: A life- (and brain-) changing bond

Connections with a pet support mental health. How do emotional support animals help manage symptoms of mental illnesses and how does the brain react to this connection?

July 8, 2025
The unique human ability to cry

Humans are the only species that display tearful, emotional crying. Why have we evolved this behavior? Does it benefit us? And if so, why don’t we cry more?

July 1, 2025
Video Supplement: How is biomedical research funded in the United States?

The US has been a global leader in funding biomedical research. Learn about how that process works and why it’s so important that we maintain our commitment to funding science.

June 24, 2025
Animal Matriarchies

You may have heard about patriarchy, but how about matriarchy? Bees, elephants, and bonobos show us how females are often the ones running the show in the wild.

June 17, 2025
Changing Climate, Changing Brains

How does climate change impact the brain? Spoiler alert: it’s not good

June 10, 2025
How bats are helping us rethink how the brain hears

Studying bats helps us understand how the brain processes and sorts sounds into categories.

June 3, 2025