Feed your brain with the latest findings in neuroscience research.

Dyslexia Studies Catch Neuroplasticity at Work
November/December 2008

Dyslexia Studies Catch Neuroplasticity at Work

by Tom Valeo

Studies that help scientists identify the parts of the brain that grow stronger as dyslexic children learn to read open a window into how the brain rewires itself.

Brain Responds Quickly to Faces
November/December 2008

Brain Responds Quickly to Faces

by Kayt Sukel

Humans need only a few milliseconds to judge a facial expression and decide whether to trust another person or not. Recent studies shed light on how we make that judgment, as well how context can influence our response.

'Exercise in a Pill' Has Cognitive Implications
November/December 2008

'Exercise in a Pill' Has Cognitive Implications

by Sandra A. Swanson

The ideas behind a new 'exercise pill' might benefit not only those hoping to shed pounds, but also those suffering from Alzheimer's and other cognitive problems.

Intuition, Memory Help Us Keep Track of Numbers
November/December 2008

Intuition, Memory Help Us Keep Track of Numbers

by Scott P. Edwards

While some people seem to be endowed with a special ability to remember numbers, researchers suggest that we all have an innate “numbers sense”—and that memorization skills may boil down to repetition.

News from the Frontier

Nerve stimulation therapy may treat chronic headache

Being internet savvy may have cognitive benefits

Pathway to obesity found

Learning to overcome fear acts as antidepressant in mice 

New Treatments for Alcoholism Show Promise
September/October 2008

New Treatments for Alcoholism Show Promise

by Elizabeth Norton Lasley

Targeting the brain’s “reward pathway” and using growth factors to stem alcohol consumption are among new therapeutic approaches for alcoholism that are showing promise.

'Feeding" Hormones Affect More Than Hunger
September/October 2008

'Feeding" Hormones Affect More Than Hunger

by Kayt Sukel

Ghrelin and leptin, hormones that are known for their effects on appetite and food intake, also influence depression, learning and memory.

Perchance to Daydream … and Degenerate
September/October 2008

Perchance to Daydream … and Degenerate

by Tom Valeo

When we daydream, our brains may "run hot": Hubs in what is called the default network may wear out, leading to degeneration.

Serotonin Keeps Aggression in Check
September/October 2008

Serotonin Keeps Aggression in Check

by Scott P. Edwards

Recent studies show that serotonin, often considered a "feel good" chemical, also plays an important role in ensuring smooth social interaction by moderating aggression.

News from the Frontier

Deep brain stimulation helps lift severe depression 

Reactivating memories may fight addiction 

Tracing a tumor source 

Plasticity: more than meets the eye 

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May/June 2008

Use of Deep Brain Stimulation Widens

by Tom Valeo

Already approved for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, deep brain stimulation is being tested in many other areas, including depression. Meanwhile, a recent incident of déjà vu sparks intrigue.