Neuroscience

Study Reveals the Prefrontal Cortex is a Key Conductor in Sleep Regulation

Biology, Neuroscience / By Lukas Abraham, Suncoast Community High School, October 19, 2023

Source: Laboratoires Servier, (CC BY-SA 3.0) Sleep is a fundamental and universal aspect of life, intricately woven into the tapestry of our daily routines, health, and well-being. Every night, as we drift into slumber, a symphony of neural activities begins, ensuring restorative rest and cognitive rejuvenation1. At the helm of many of our cognitive functions, …

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Emotion-Related Impulsivity and Disordered Eating Behaviors: A Literature Review

Medicine, Neuroscience / By Mingcong Tang, Southwest University, June 20th, 2022

Figure: An artistic depiction of disordered eating behavior under the stress of COVID-19 (Source: The Chronicle, Shannon Fang, 2020) Introduction When confronted with a strong emotional situation (e.g., pain, aggression, anger, sadness, or loneliness), many people may eat pizza or chips for inner comfort. Or, hearing an exciting piece of news, some might reward themselves with …

An Overview of Modern Brain-Imaging Techniques

Neuroscience / By Collins Kariuki, Pomona College, May 23th, 2002

Figure: An image of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. Huge advancements in the field of medical physics have made non-invasive monitoring of internal organs such as the brain possible. Recent advancement comes in the form of Magnetometers (MEGs) which offer high spatio-temporal resolution. (Source: Pixabay, Kalhh) The brain is the most complex part of …

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It’s Time to Embrace a Better Model of Brain Function: Neural Functioning Owes to Overlapping Areas of Activity, not Isolated Regions

Neuroscience / By Mingcong Tang, Southwest University, March 22, 2022

Figure: Illustration of brain areas that are involved in social processing (Source: Wikimedia Commons, Billeke P & Aboitiz F, 2013) Have you ever had this experience? On a drowsy afternoon at work, you are extremely sleepy. You eat a snack or have a chat with your colleagues and you quickly bounce back. In this scenario, …

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Do Humans Enjoy Cognitive Effort?

Neuroscience / By Nadiyah Dhoraji, University of Manchester, March 17, 2022

Image: A group of cogs arranged in the shape of a brain (Source: Unsplash, Taras Hrytsak). Many evidence-based theories suggest that humans avoid effort. We’re not lazy, we’re just hardwired to take the path of least resistance. There is indeed scientific evidence in favor of this theory. One study, for example, had 52 participants go …

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Failures of Facial Recognition Amid Widespread Masking

Medicine, Neuroscience / By Evan Accatino, Dartmouth College, November 12, 2021

Cover Image: Signs similar to this one have become increasingly prevalent over the past eighteen months, and they are not likely to be removed anytime soon as the pandemic rages on and mask mandates are maintained in many parts of the country. (Source: Wikimedia Commons, James Moore) Undoubtedly, the widespread implementation of masking policies as a …

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Advances in the Search for an Alzheimer’s cure

Medicine, Neuroscience / By Krithika Nathamuni, UC Berkeley, September 29, 2021

Cover Image: This image displays the differences between a normal brain and the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease on a PET scan. (Source: Wikimedia Commons, NIH) Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most prevalent degenerative neurological diseases within the human population. It is one of the most common causes of dementia and involves a …

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