| | | | Surprising health perks of having a pet A pet’s unconditional love can bring you so much joy. But particularly for older adults, companion animals can have a big impact on their physical health and cognition. Learn more. |
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Why travel is good for your brain Going on an adventure is a great way to stay active and see the world. But it can also keep your brain sharp. Learn more |
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The new atlas of the brain As part of the ongoing BRAIN Initiative to build an “atlas” of the brain, scientists have recently published a series of detailed maps on more than 3000 types of cells in the human brain. As Dr. Ed Lein, one of the researchers involved in the project, says, “We really need this kind of information if we’re going to understand what makes us unique as humans, or what makes us different as individuals, or how the brain develops.” As you might imagine, a full atlas of the structure and function of brain cells will also be useful in pinpointing what goes wrong in the brain for a range of conditions, from Alzheimer’s to anxiety. Learn more. |
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Belt it out for brain health! Do you sing in a choir? If so, it may be good for your brain! Researchers in Finland have recently completed a 2-year study on the benefits of choir singing. Among other things, they found differences in the brains of choir singers that correlated with better verbal fluency—and some of that positive effect was maintained over two years. Learn more. |
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The brain and the menstrual cycle According to Julia Sacher, a professor at Germany’s prestigious Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, women’s brains continue to be “massively understudied.” She is interested in how the brain changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In a recent study, she and her team found that during each monthly menstrual cycle, the structure of the brain actually changes—with certain areas expanding and contracting, with implications for mental health and cognitive function. Learn more. |
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The Genius of Birds (2017) By Jennifer Ackerman
We use the term “bird-brained” to mean stupid and shallow—but The Genius of Birds, shows us just how inaccurate that term is. Author Jennifer Ackerman challenges our preconceived notions about avian intelligence, delving into the remarkable cognitive abilities of various bird species and revealing their problem-solving skills, communication, and adaptability. Through compelling examples, Ackerman not only offers valuable insights into the scientific study of avian intelligence but also instills a deeper appreciation for the diverse and often underestimated cognitive capacities of our feathered friends. |
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