That urge to pee? It’s not so simple. Behind it is a complex brain-bladder conversation that decides when to hold and when to go.
To pee or not to pee: How the brain controls the bladder
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?
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.
The neurons next door
Having a friendly or bothersome neighbor can significantly affect how peacefully you go about your everyday life. The cells in your nervous system are no different, and what they can do for you ultimately depends on who lives next door.
Neuroscientists are building Google Maps for the fly brain
What if we had Google Maps for the brain? Scientists recently charted every connection in a fruit fly’s brain. Six months later, the discoveries are just getting started!
Do you hear what I hear? That ringing sound?
How does the brain generate the phantom ringing sound of tinnitus?
The Jura-sick world of dinosaur brains
We may never get to see a living dinosaur brain in action, but some scientists still spend their lives studying them. Dive into the jura-sick world of dinosaur brains and learn just how they do this.
2024 Neuroscience Year in Review
Our writers share what got them excited about neuroscience in 2024.
When sparks fly!
The skinny on three current controversies in neuroscience and why researchers sometimes disagree
The brain’s gatekeeper: A closer look at the blood-brain barrier
Explore how the barricade between your bloodstream and your brain supports brain health, malfunctions during disease, and might be an avenue for drug delivery.
Making a case for case studies in neuroscience
Some of the most important things we’ve learned about the brain have started with case studies of single patients. Read about the case studies that have defined our understanding of the neural basis of language, personality, and fear.
Caught up in your thoughts
An exploration into the ‘nets’ that surround your brain cells, and how they influence your thoughts and behavior
Out-of-this-world impacts of spaceflight on the brain and body
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what it would be like to spend some time up there, you’re not alone. Here, we talk about the less-discussed aspects of space travel: the impact it can have on your brain and body.
Patient H.M.: Neuroscience’s favorite subject
He was neither a researcher nor a doctor, but Henry Molaison – better known as Patient H.M. – is one of the most famous people in the history of neuroscience.
The Silent Majority
A large number of neurons in the brain are “silent” even while we perceive and experience the world. A recent study sheds light on what they might be doing.
Of mice and men (and brains)
What can and can’t we learn about the human brain by studying rodent brains?
Your brain by the numbers
Learn just how remarkable your brain is!
Not for the faint of heart
A group of neuroscientists think they’ve found the neurons that can cause you to pass out.
2023 Neuroscience Year in Review
Our writers share what got them excited about neuroscience in 2023.
Astrocytes: the “stars” of our central nervous system
The cells in our brain are constantly chatting, with neurons being the loudest of them all. But listen closely, for some quieter voices may be saying things you don’t want to miss…
What makes a musician?
An exciting new study untangles how nature and nurture influence musicianship from childhood to adulthood
Catching the brain’s tallest waves
Cortical spreading depolarizations, the tsunami of brain waves, play a role in everything from migraines to traumatic brain injuries.
A dog’s eye view: Exploring the visual system from the kennel to the clinic
Ever wonder what the world looks like to your dog? Turns out, the canine visual system is a lot like yours, and it’s helping researchers explore cures for blindness.
Neuro MythBusters: The truth behind 10 common myths about your brain
Several myths about the brain are so popular that you might not realize they’re false. We’ll break down what these myths claim, where they came from, and whether there’s any truth behind them.
Autism spectrum disorder linked to long-ignored brain area
What overlooked part of the brain could be contributing to autism?
Healing from the hypothalamus
When we get hit with an infection, the reaction of a brain structure called the hypothalamus makes us feel sick – but its unpleasant responses are also important steps on the way to healing.
Changing body, changing brain
Everything your corny sex-ed class didn’t tell you about puberty’s effects on brain development.
A window of opportunity for learning
How our early life experiences during “critical periods” permanently shape our brain
2022 Neuroscience Year in Review
Read about what excited our writers about neuroscience this year.
How are neurons categorized?
There are 100 billion neurons in the human brain. How can we possibly categorize all of them, and why is it important?
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