Discover why conspiracy theories grab our attention, and how the brain’s reward systems and social instincts make them so hard to resist.
Why our brains find conspiracy theories appealing
Sweet but not innocent: Artificial sweeteners and brain health
A recent study suggests artificial sweeteners are associated with a faster cognitive decline. How might that be happening?
To pee or not to pee: How the brain controls the bladder
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.
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.
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!
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?
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?
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
Changing Climate, Changing Brains
How does climate change impact the brain? Spoiler alert: it’s not good
How bats are helping us rethink how the brain hears
Studying bats helps us understand how the brain processes and sorts sounds into categories.
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.
Basic science, exceptional outcomes: A look at how non-clinical research is an important investment into human health
Basic research, intended to better our understanding of the world rather than directly investigate diseases, has laid the groundwork for some of the most important developments in modern medicine. Here, we dive into two examples of how basic research findings have revolutionized our treatment approaches for genetic diseases and neurological diagnoses.
Music on the brain
Whether punk rock or Puccini, everyone has music that they love. Why is music so compelling? And what’s going on in your brain when you’re jamming to your favorite song?
A hung jury on hangovers
Hangovers have been around as long as alcohol. But how much do we really know about them?
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!
Blood Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary: The science of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Why is it so dangerous to drink while pregnant?
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.
How cochlear implants create sound for the hard of hearing
The cochlear implant is a tool for restoring hearing to those with hearing loss. Dive into the inner workings of this technology and learn how it uses electrical stimulation to send sound signals to the brain!
Do you hear what I hear? That ringing sound?
How does the brain generate the phantom ringing sound of tinnitus?
Transcranial focused ultrasound: A new way to stimulate the brain
This exciting new technique uses ultrasonic sound waves to activate brain areas in animals and humans and shows great potential as a new therapy!
Falling back into old habits? Stress could be to blame!
New work in mice reveals that stress dials back the ability to make thoughtful decisions and shifts the brain towards an “autopilot” mode that favors habits.
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