Recommended reading from around the Web

Column

Studying the Brains of the ‘Super Old’

Studying the Brains of the ‘Super Old’
by Guy McKhann, M.D.

June 2009

Baby boomers are reaching their 60s—an age at which dementia starts to appear in increasing numbers of people. But the fastest-growing segment of our society is "well" people living into their 90s and beyond. What can they tell us about healthy aging?

Column

Brain on the Web

June 2009

This month’s links include a resource for teachers and students, a video that explores findings from an article in this issue and a free newsletter on the aging brain.

Training a Light on Brain Disease

by Keith J. Winstein

The Wall Street Journal | June 23, 2009

Researchers can cause neurons in a mouse's brain to fire using fiber optics. They hope the process, which is much more precise than drugs, which affect large portions of the brain, may one day be used to help treat disease.

How the Food Makers Captured Our Brains

by Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times | June 22, 2009

Modern food makers have learned that exploiting certain combinations of fats, sugar and salt tap irresistibly into the brain’s reward system, leaving eaters wanting more and more even when they’re full.

A Chance for Clues to Brain Injury in Combat Blasts

by Alan Schwarz

The New York Times | June 22, 2009

Despite showing no outward signs of injuries, victims of blast injuries can suffer severe cognitive impairment. Now, several patients have agreed to donate their brain tissue on death to further research into how to combat and treat these injuries.

Tools Are ‘Temporary Body Parts’

BBC News | June 22, 2009

The brain handles artificial tools (such as grasping claws) as extensions to the body, according to new research.

Agony and Insight: It’s All in His Head

by Andrew Levy

The Washington Post | June 20, 2009

A new memoir chronicles the struggle of living with debilitating migraines while exploring the theories about why we get them.

No Rest for Weary Fruit Flies

by Tina Hesman Saey

Science News | June 20, 2009

Studying fruit flies that have been bred to have trouble sleeping may help researchers analyze the genetic causes of insomnia.

A Wandering Mind Heads Straight toward Insight

by Robert Lee Hotz

The Wall Street Journal | June 19, 2009

Many stories of discovery, from Archimedes to Descartes to Kekulé, involve a wandering mind and sudden inspiration. But brain scientists are struggling to bring their own insights to these flashes of understanding.

Face + Name = Recognition

United Press International | June 18, 2009

Humans see people and faces as individuals, which may explain why learning someone’s name helps us to remember that person in later encounters.

Brain Volume May Predict Alzheimer’s

United Press International | June 17, 2009

Measuring the brain’s volume using neuroimaging may help to predict the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Better Sleep, Better Living

by Shari Roan

The Los Angeles Times | June 15, 2009

Income, employment status, relationship satisfaction and hobbies all affect sleep, which in turn affects one’s waking life, according to new research.

After Brain Injury, Houston Veteran Rebuilds His Life

by Lindsay Wise

Houston Chronicle | June 13, 2009

A 30-year-old Army veteran must rebuild his life after being knocked unconscious during a mortar attack in Afghanistan in 2006. Doctors diagnosed him with traumatic brain injury and generalized anxiety disorder.

Way to Stop Cancer’s Seed in Brain

BBC News | June 10, 2009

Scientists believe they have found a potential way to stop cancer cells in their tracks, thereby preventing terminal cancers.

Experts Reveal Best Way to Save an Aging Brain

by Anne Harding

CNN | June 9, 2009

Fifty-three percent of people have at least a minor mental decline in their 70s or 80s, but exercise, education and social connection can help protect against cognitive trouble later in life.

Mirroring Behavior

by Daniel Lametti

Scientific American | June 9, 2009

Mirror neurons allow us to interact with each other. A new study suggests that they might also play a role in helping us choose appropriate responses to behaviors we observe.