What Makes The Human Brain Unique?
Neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel turns brains into soup so she can meticulously count the neurons and determine why human brains are unique.
Science
How Can We Explain The Mystery Of Consciousness?
Philosopher David Chalmers asks why humans have a sense of self, a constantly running movie full of sensation and internal chatter. He offers two ideas about the nature of consciousness.
How Do We Know What Other People Are Thinking?
Sensing the motives and feelings of others is a natural talent for humans. But how do we do it? Neuroscientist Rebecca Saxe explains how one region in the brain focuses on other people's thoughts.
What Does It Take To Map The Human Brain?
Nancy Kanwisher studies the brain partly by staring at her own. She has spent countless hours in an fMRI scanner, mapping her own brain to gain insight into what makes us human.
How Can A Stroke Change Your Brain?
When neuroanatomist Jill Bolte-Taylor felt her brain shut down during a stroke, she was more fascinated than panicked. Even though she spent eight years recovering, she's grateful for the stroke.
Natural GMO? Sweet Potato Genetically Modified 8,000 Years Ago
People have been farming — and eating — a GMO for thousands of years without knowing it. Scientists have found genes from bacteria in sweet potatoes around the world. So who made the GMO?
Blame Cognitive Biases When Efforts To Conserve Water Aren't Effective
As California's drought draws national headlines, we look at what a psychology-minded engineer has discovered when it comes to conserving water at home.
The Great Success And Enduring Dilemma Of Cervical Cancer Screening
The Pap smear has dramatically decreased rates of cervical cancer, but testing too often has a downside, too. Many women say they aren't yet ready to follow new guidelines and skip the annual tests.
Why Don't Ants Need A Leader?
The world's largest ant colony stretches over 3,700 miles. It succeeds, biologist Deborah Gordon says, because no ant is in charge. They communicate with algorithmic patterns to survive and thrive.
Can Math Help You Fall in Love?
Mathematician Hannah Fry says math can help you find love. Using mathematical models, she explains how to find an ideal mate and the secret to maintaining a healthy relationship.