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Neuroscience

Neuroscience research articles are provided.

What is neuroscience? Neuroscience is the scientific study of nervous systems. Neuroscience can involve research from many branches of science including those involving neurology, brain science, neurobiology, psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, prosthetics, neuroimaging, engineering, medicine, physics, mathematics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, biology, robotics and technology.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 16, 2024·3 min read

Dopamine Plays Key Role in the Heart’s Stress Response

Researchers have discovered how stress-induced cardiovascular changes are controlled by the brain. Experiments in rats show that activating the lateral habenula, a stress-sensitive brain region, triggers changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 16, 2024·5 min read

Endocannabinoids Hold Potential to Curb Obesity

A new study reveals that modulating endocannabinoids in the brain can reduce food intake and boost physical activity, offering a promising path to combat obesity. Researchers found that inhibiting the enzyme ABHD6 in the brain’s nucleus accumbens reduced mice’s motivation for food while increasing their interest in exercise.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 16, 2024·4 min read

Study Challenges Myths About Cannabis, Brain Health, and IQ

A study spanning 44 years and involving over 5,000 men challenges long-held beliefs about cannabis and cognition. Researchers found that cannabis users experienced slightly less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to nonusers.

This shows the bone fragments discovered.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 16, 2024·4 min read

Human Remains Reveal Violence and Cannibalism in Bronze Age Britain

Archaeologists studying the Charterhouse Warren site in England found evidence of a massacre, where at least 37 individuals were butchered, likely partly consumed, and dehumanized by their enemies. Analysis of over 3,000 bone fragments revealed blunt force trauma and cut marks, indicating intentional violence rather than ritualistic funerary practices.

This shows people reading in front of a TV and a brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 16, 2024·5 min read

Some Sedentary Activities Are Good For Brain Health

New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming. A study of 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities support memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·December 15, 2024·6 min read

Visual Silence: Exploring Aphantasia

A new study reveals that aphantasics, people unable to visualize, are more resistant to involuntary visual thoughts, such as imagining a pink elephant. While vivid visual imaginations often lead to intrusive imagery, aphantasics seem to redirect their thoughts to other mental processes, like abstract ideas or auditory daydreaming.

This shows people climbing a mountain while another looks on.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 15, 2024·4 min read

Positive Attitude Boosts Passion and Determination

New research links a positive attitude, or "growth mindset," to higher levels of passion and determination. A study of over 1,500 participants aged 13 to 77 found that those with the most positive outlook had significantly greater willpower and enthusiasm than those with a negative mindset.

This shows a brain, shopping carts, and bags.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 15, 2024·7 min read

Why We Buy What We Buy: The Neuroscience of Shopping

New research in neuroeconomics explores the brain processes behind shopping decisions, revealing how factors like brand recognition, pricing, and online versus in-person experiences influence purchases. The ventral striatum, a brain region linked to reward, evaluates products even without active decision-making.

This shows a representation of a cave painting.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 14, 2024·10 min read

Humans and Neanderthals Interbred 47,000 Years Ago

New research refines the timeline of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals, showing it began about 50,500 years ago and lasted roughly 7,000 years. This gene flow left non-African populations with 1-2% Neanderthal ancestry, contributing beneficial traits like immune resilience and skin pigmentation.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 14, 2024·6 min read

Reading Strengthens Key Brain Regions for Language and Empathy

New research reveals that brain structure varies with reading ability, particularly in the left hemisphere. Better readers have distinct traits, including a larger anterior temporal lobe for integrating word meaning and a thicker left Heschl’s gyrus for phonological processing.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 14, 2024·3 min read

Mini-Brains Reveal New Insights Into Mitochondrial Brain Disorders

Researchers have created mini-brains to study how mitochondrial failure impacts brain cells, opening new possibilities for treating severe conditions like epilepsy. These brain organoids mimic real disease processes, allowing scientists to observe mitochondrial dysfunction and test potential treatments.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 14, 2024·5 min read

Moms Carry 71% of the Mental Load

New research shows that mothers take on 71% of household mental load tasks, including planning, scheduling, and organizing, while fathers manage just 45%. This imbalance often leads to stress, burnout, and strain on women’s careers and relationships.