FeaturedNeuroscience·September 9, 2023·6 min readThe Dream Dance: Decoding REM’s Mystical Nightly Show in Our BrainsREM sleep, marked by rapid eye movement, is one of the most mysterious stages of our nightly rest, known for vivid dreams. This phase, repeating every 90 to 120 minutes, possibly prevents sleeping too deeply, making us less vulnerable.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 8, 2023·4 min readUniversal Music: All Recognize Dance & Lullabies, But Not Love SongsWhile many musical themes are universally recognized, love songs are an exception. The study involved playing music snippets to over 5,000 participants from 49 countries, asking them to classify each as dance, lullaby, healing, or love music.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·5 min readBrainless Robots Navigate MazesResearchers designed a "brainless" soft robot that can autonomously navigate through complex environments using physical intelligence. Unlike their previous model, which could only turn upon encountering obstacles, this robot can turn on its own.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 8, 2023·7 min readAge and Sexuality: Surprising Shifts in Partners as We Grow OlderA collaborative study reveals how sexual behavior changes with age. Surveying over 5,000 participants during the 2022 mpox outbreak, the study showed that gay and bisexual men over 70 continue to have multiple partners, while heterosexual women’s activity tends to decrease after age 50.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·6 min readBig Tobacco’s Legacy: Pushing Hyperpalatable Foods in AmericaFood brands owned by tobacco companies have actively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, loaded with salts, fats, and sugars, to American consumers. Researchers say these foods provide an enhanced eating experience that's hard to resist.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 8, 2023·6 min readDisney Princesses Boost Kids’ Confidence and Play DiversityA recent study suggests that a favorite Disney princess can positively influence young children's body confidence and diversify their play. The research classified princesses by body type, noting that kids who favored "average-bodied" princesses, like Moana, had heightened body esteem a year later and were more exploratory in their play.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·9 min readDancing Neurons: Unlocking the Secrets of MovementZebrafish, with their transparent bodies, are offering neuroscientists a unique insight into the intricacies of brain-controlled movement. Researchers zoomed in on the zebrafish's brain to understand the neural choreography of motion.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·4 min readExercise Induced Hormone May Be Key Player in Alzheimer’s FightThe muscle hormone irisin, elevated during exercise, may aid in battling Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using advanced 3D cell models of AD, the research demonstrates that irisin treatment drastically reduces amyloid beta pathology.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·5 min readMath Reveals Secrets of Synchronization in Complex SystemsResearchers delved deep into the mysteries of synchronization in complex systems, uncovering how certain elements effortlessly fall into or out of sync. This dance of coordination can be observed from humans clapping in rhythm to the synchronicity of heart cells.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceVisual Neuroscience·September 8, 2023·6 min readUnlocking Aphantasia – The Mysterious Spectrum of Mind’s VisualizationVisualization abilities range from hyperphantasia, where individuals can create vivid mental images, to aphantasia, where people experience a complete absence of visual imagery. A study assessed the link between perception and mental imagery in individuals across this spectrum.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 8, 2023·6 min readSweet Annie Plant May Help Fight Brain Cancer and COVIDResearchers delve into the Artemisia annua plant, known as Sweet Annie, to uncover the medicinal potential of its compounds. By studying Arteannuin B, a compound within the plant, they are seeking to understand its bioactive properties in treating cancer cells and COVID-19.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 7, 2023·8 min readCould Neurogenesis and Navigating Change Be Key to Cognitive Flexibility?Researchers are closing in on the relationship between cognitive adaptability and adult neurogenesis. They developed a novel animal model to test cognitive flexibility by adding layers of complexity to a maze challenge.Read More