Brain
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: THC
The active chemical in marijuana might have some medicinal value. But studies point to THC's potential risks, especially for teens.
- Animals
Parrots may offer clues to how our intelligence evolved
Studies of the brainy birds’ abilities to use tools, solve puzzles, speak words and more may teach us about how our species got our smarts.
- Brain
Just how brainy was a T. rex?
A debate rages over how to count brain cells in dinosaurs. At issue: figuring out how these extinct animals’ likely behaved.
By Freda Kreier - Animals
Tiny treadmills reveal how fruit flies sprint
Forcing fruit flies to move shows how the insects coordinate their steps. This holds clues to other animals’ brains and movement.
- Brain
Herbal medicine could help recovery after concussion
A finalist at Regeneron ISEF found that a plant native to China could supplement a common pain reliever that comes with unwanted side effects.
- Psychology
You’re too distracted. Here’s why that matters and what to do about it
Science reveals the many reasons we are so distracted, from poor sleep and social media to diet and exercise. It also shows us how to take back our focus.
- Brain
Handwriting may boost brain connections that aid memory
Writing with a pen — but not typing — boosted links between regions used for motion and memory. That may help explain why writing fosters learning.
- Brain
Scientists Say: Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and believe information that agrees with what we already think.
- Health & Medicine
The teen brain is especially vulnerable to the harms of cannabis
Today’s concentrated cannabis products — with higher THC levels — may pose greater risks of addiction and psychosis than ever before.
- Science & Society
Music has the power to move us physically and emotionally. Here’s why
The way music impacts the brain can improve mood and overall health.
- Tech
Let’s learn about the benefits of playing video games
Too much screentime poses health risks, but research suggests playing video games can sharpen some skillsets.
- Animals
Like tiny Jedis, rats can move digital objects with their brains
Rats imagined their way through a 3-D virtual world in a new study. The results hint at how brains think about places they aren’t physically in.