Dear Voornaam,

Our research team is always busy pushing the frontiers of applied brain plasticity. Last week, we saw a couple of important advances in our research into depression, anxiety, and other mood conditions. 

The US Patent Office issued us a comprehensive patent for brain training inventions in addressing such conditions, and a study was published on an experimental app we have built to monitor mental health remotely. You can read about the patent here, about the study here, and we’ve prepared an FAQ on these developments here.

These are important steps forward toward a future in which anyone may be able to monitor brain health—and improve it—with the phones they carry in their pockets. Thanks for joining us on that journey.

Jeff Zimman, Co-founder
Posit Science

Food Smells Better When You're Tired
Recent research has found that when people are tired, their olfactory systems go into overdrive—at least for food scents. The researchers believe this may be one reason why sleep deprivation and overeating often go hand in hand. Learn more.

Brain Makes Two Copies of Each Memory
An interesting new finding has memory scientists puzzled, as it upends many previously held theories on how memories are formed. Recent research has found that when the brain forms a memory, it makes two copies—one in the hippocampus and one in the cortex. Find out why.

Vision Scientists Solve the Mystery of "The Dress"
Do you remember the picture of the dress that traveled around the Internet awhile ago, which some people saw as white and gold, while others swore was blue and back? A group of vision scientists has finally figured out why people saw the colors so differently. Find out more.

Climbing Stairs May Boost Energy Better Than Caffeine
A small study in 18 chronically sleep-deprived women found that climbing stairs for 10 minutes boosted energy and alertness better than a low dose of caffeine. Learn more.

Teaching "Happiness Skills" Improves Health Outcomes
A study in individuals recently diagnosed with HIV has found that coaching the patients on positive emotions and other "happiness skills" may improve their health outcomes. Similar findings were observed in breast cancer patients and dementia caregivers. Learn more. 

How Foreign Travel Impacts Creativity
An in-depth article in this month's issue of The Atlantic delves into research on travel's impact on creativity. The key to getting a creative boost from your next trip? Engaging with, immersing in, and adapting to the local culture—not just sitting on the sidelines. Read the article. 

Book of the Month
I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life by Ed Yong (2016) 
Ed Yong's fascinating and well-researched book should be on everyone's must-read list. Yong delves into the latest science on microbes and the many surprising roles they have been found to play in our bodies—and our brains.Buy now.