LEAF and CMA for sustainable Neuroscience — As we face the growing issue of climate change, it’s becoming more important for every industry to do their part in reducing their impact on the environment. But have you ever thought about how neuroscience labs could be contributing to this problem? While neuroscientists are encouraged to avoid flights and…

The gut-healthy foods you should eat Have you ever noticed how your mood can change depending on what you eat? Or how your stomach feels when you’re feeling anxious or stressed? Well, there’s actually a scientific reason behind it. The gut and the brain are connected, and what we eat…

The Role of Lipids and Essential Fatty Acids in Brain Function — Your brain is mostly made up of fat. Despite popular belief, fats are actually essential components of our bodies, especially when it comes to the brain. The fat in our brain comes from a group of molecules called lipids, which include fats, oils, waxes, and related substances. Lipids play a crucial role in protecting and maintaining the health of neurons.

A cephalopod adventure — When you think of squids, you probably imagine them swimming through the ocean and using tentacles to catch their prey. Scientists might not! These slimy sea creatures have helped us to study and understand how our own nervous system works. That’s right, squids are more than just tasty seafood. Squids…

How H.M.’s case revolutionized our understanding of memory — Throughout history, we’ve learned a lot about the brain by studying patients with brain lesions. But none had a bigger impact on the field of memory research than Henry Molaison, known as H.M. In the 1950s, H.M. underwent surgery to treat his severe epilepsy, which involved removing parts of his…

The Homunculus — Did you know that your brain has a cartoonish little version of your body living inside it? It might sound odd, but it’s true! It’s called the homunculus, and it’s responsible for mapping out your body. What’s interesting is that different parts of your body take up different amounts of…

Neuroplasticity and accessible learning — The brain is a malleable organ capable of changing and adapting throughout our lives. This ability is called neuroplasticity and it allows us to learn and acquire new skills, recover from brain injuries, and adapt to our environment. …

Rising temperatures can affect brain health — Global warming is not only disrupting ecosystems, affecting the food we eat and the air we breathe, but it’s also impacting our neurological health. According to the 2022 Global Climate Report from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 2022 was the sixth warmest year since 1880.

Prioritizing sleep can support overall well-being — For centuries we thought of sleep as a passive state where we were unaware and disconnected from the world around us. But as we’ve learned more about sleep, we’ve discovered that it’s actually a vital part of our survival. Sleep expert Allan Rechtschaffen once famously said, “If sleep does not…