brain

Scans Show 'Brain Dictionary' Groups Words By Meaning

8:32pm April 27, 2016

Brain maps constructed by MRI show that language meaning is distributed throughout the brain's outer layer. And it turns out that different people organize language in similar ways.

On Prince And How The Loss Of Musical Legends Affects Our Brains

8:51am April 22, 2016

by Eddie Garcia

What does the passing of a beloved musician awaken in us? Why do these losses really punch us in the gut?

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Part of your brain doesn't sleep as deeply when you're in a new place.

Half Your Brain Stands Guard When Sleeping In A New Place

6:46pm April 21, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

No wonder we don't feel rested after a first night in a new place: Half of our brain has stayed alert while the other half enjoyed deeper sleep, a study finds. We really have been half-asleep.

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Ian Burkhart prepares for a training session in Columbus, Ohio. To move muscles in Burkhart's hand, the system relies on electrodes implanted in his brain, a computer interface attached to his skull, and electrical stimulators wrapped around his forearm.

Technology Helps A Paralyzed Man Transform Thought Into Movement

8:40pm April 13, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

An implant and wires that reroute nerve signals from a man's brain to his hand allow him to grasp and lift objects, after much practice. But easy, wireless signaling from the brain is still the goal.

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Could You Hack Your Brain To Get More Motivated?

6:27pm March 03, 2016

by Angus Chen

Volunteers learned to activate a part of the brain linked to motivation when they got feedback from an MRI. It's much more specific than older forms of biofeedback. But could it help change habits?

Beam Me Up, Scotty? Turns Out Your Brain Is Ready For Teleportation

6:42pm February 25, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

The brain usually relies on our senses to navigate. But researchers found that when people experienced virtual teleportation, their brains still managed to keep them on course.

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Some researchers say we're losing our critical thinking and memory skills by relying on search engines.

OK, Google, Where Did I Put My Thinking Cap?

4:37pm February 05, 2016

by Zhai Yun Tan

It can be too easy for students to Google an assignment before they stop to think about it. Some researchers say we're losing our critical thinking and memory skills by relying on the search bar.

Science writer Jo Marchant investigated the healing power of the mind for her new book, Cure.

How Meditation, Placebos And Virtual Reality Help Power 'Mind Over Body'

4:37pm January 26, 2016

Science writer Jo Marchant says that the mind can play an important role in dealing with a variety of health concerns, including pain, heart disease and depression. Marchant's new book is Cure.

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The routines that students learn at Dance for PD classes in Venice, Calif., can be quite challenging, instructors say.

Dance Returns The 'Joy Of Movement' To People With Parkinson's

8:14am January 23, 2016

by Ina Jaffe

Many struggle with tremors and balance much of the time, but when the music starts, these people dance. It gives them joy — body and soul. Scientists say dance might have lasting brain benefits, too.

Todd Davidson/Getty Images/Illustration Works

Forgot Something Again? It's Probably Just Normal Aging

12:52pm January 04, 2016

by Patti Neighmond

Around age 50, people may begin to forget things. This can be scary. But there are clear differences between the onset of dementia and totally normal, age-related lapses in memory.

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