Recommended reading from around the Web

The Power of Suggestion

The Power of Suggestion
by Guy McKhann, M.D.

January 2012

With growing evidence regarding a placebo response, it is important to minimize the effects as much as possible.

Stricter Thinking on Alcohol During Pregnancy

by Melinda Beck

The Wall Street Journal | January 24, 2012

Not all babies are affected by minor amounts of drinking during pregnancy, but the risk alone should prevent all pregnant women from drinking anything.

A Specialists’ Debate on Autism Has Many Worried Observers

by Amy Harmon

The New York Times | January 20, 2012

Potential changes to the official definition of autism could affect those currently diagnosed with the condition.

Stress Causes Brain Shrinkage

by Jacqueline Sahlberg

Yale Daily News | January 17, 2012

According to a study, stress can decrease the amount of gray matter in the brain, which can set off a vicious cycle, as less gray matter makes it more difficult to manage future stress.

A Gut Check for Many Ailments

by Shirley S. Wang

The Wall Street Journal | January 17, 2012

Researchers are investigating new links between the gut and brain, theorizing there may be associations between intestinal problems and mental conditions like depression and anxiety.

Depression Defies the Rush to Find an Evolutionary Upside

by Richard A. Friedman, M.D.

The New York Times | January 16, 2012

Is there any “benefit” to depression?

A Guide to Memory

by John Naish

Independent Online (South Africa) | January 15, 2012

This feature on memory comes on the heels of a report that we tend to start forgetting everyday things around age 45, not 65.

How Progestin, a Synthetic Female Hormone, Could Affect the Brain

by Muye Zhu and Roberta Diaz Brinton

The Atlantic | January 14, 2012

Commonly used in contraception and in hormone replacement therapy, progestins are designed to target the uterus but have effects on the brain as well.

Study Tracks Booze’s Buzz in the Brain

by Laura Sanders

Science News | January 11, 2012

A study homed in on what area of the brain the effects of alcohol target, with the hope that the research can translate from the PET scanner to the pub.

Back From War, Fear and Danger Fill Driver’s Seat

by James Dao

The New York Times | January 10, 2012

For veterans with PTSD, driving can be a real challenge—and potentially harmful.

The Neuroscience of Looking on the Bright Side

by Christoph W. Korn

Scientific American | January 10, 2012

Why do some people, even when told about the statistical probability of a particular event occurring, maintain their unscientific beliefs?