Neuroscience

Neuroscience

Zipping to Mars could badly zap brain nerve cells

Charged particles like the ones astronauts might encounter wallop the brain, mouse study suggests.

Neuroscience

For the blind, hearing the way forward can be a tradeoff

Many blind people have enhanced hearing. A new study shows that the ability to hear your way forward might come at the cost of hearing up and down.

Neuroscience

Brain on display

In her online videos, Nancy Kanwisher goes where few other neuroscientists go.

Neuroscience

Tinnitus causes widespread trouble

People don’t just hear the phantom ringing of tinnitus in the part of the brain that processes sounds.

Neuroscience

Catching Zs may snag memories, too

Flies genetically destined to be forgetful could boost their memory with sleep.

Neuroscience

Sky’s brilliant hues may help bodies keep time

The internal clocks of mice are sensitive to changes in the sky’s colors. Humans’ clocks may work similarly, offering a tool to trump jet lag.

Neuroscience

Being watched can boost productivity

In the company of another, a monkey steps up production on a simple job.

Neuroscience

When brain’s GPS goes awry, barriers can reboot it

Brain’s internal map self-corrects when it hits a (literal) wall.

Neuroscience

Nicotine exposure escalates rats’ desire for alcohol

Rats drink more alcohol after they’ve been hooked on nicotine.

Health & Medicine

Genes may influence placebo effect

Certain gene variants may predispose people to experience the placebo effect, which may have implications for clinical trials and personalized medicine.

Neuroscience

Marijuana component fights epilepsy

A buzz-free extract of marijuana could help epilepsy patients whose seizures resist other treatments.

Neuroscience

Serotonin and the science of sex

Some scientists say that low serotonin makes male mice mate with males and females. Others disagree. In the end, it’s not about sexual preference, but about how science works.