His and Hers: Sex Differences in the Brain

By Catherine S. Woolley, Ph.D.

New research shows robust sex differences at a much deeper level than structure, and where no one expected them: in molecular interactions that regulate neural activity. Our author—an acclaimed neuroendocrinologist at Northwestern—tells us what we know and why we don’t know more.

The Promise of Big Data Imaging for Mental Health

By Vince Calhoun, Ph.D.

Knowledge gleaned from big data and advances in neuroimaging have provided new insights into the workings of the brain. Our author, founding director of the Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science, traces the evolution of these two evolving fields.

Psychedelics: Weighing the Healing Power

New research suggests drugs like psilocybin may help treat neuropsychiatric conditions ranging from depression to opioid addiction. But what do we really know about how psychedelics influence the brain?

Your Brain on Food

Science is increasingly unpacking the ways that diet influences cognitive function and emotional well-being. Growing evidence suggests that the right diet may in fact mitigate some of the ill effects of stress on the brain, while the wrong diet may worsen the effects.

The New Science of Spaces

How can the new field of environmental neuroscience, which is is aimed at analyzing the use of physical and social spaces, help architects, urban planners, and policy makers improve psychological and physiological states?

Marijuana: Young Minds and Other Concerns

Any ethical evaluation of marijuana policies should consider the latest scientific understanding of marijuana’s effects on cognitive abilities on adolescents and its potential downstream impacts on education, employment, job performance, and income.

The Sound of Healing

Focused ultrasound is a relatively new, non-invasive treatment in which an array of 1,000 sound-emitting elements send signals that converge on a single target within the brain. For one patient, it meant the difference between a scrawl and a signature.

Understanding Mood

How do moods differ from emotions? Can you alter your mood safely? Find out in our new Brain Basics article

Genetics

Nature and Nurture
A Dynamic Interplay

Brain basics fact sheet on genetics

Neuroanatomy: The Basics

The brain and nervous system are a network of many specialized parts.

Ready to Read?

Neuroimaging confirms the key role of white matter in reading ability, but the translation of the research to the classroom lags. Where does the research stand?

Stimulating Consciousness

Determining if a brain-injured person is conscious can be difficult when that person cannot respond to your questions or show some outward sign. Dana Grantee Martin Monti, Ph.D., is using targeted ultrasound to try to re-awaken dormant neurons.

Baked-In: How Racism is Coded into Technology

Sociologist Ruha Benjamin, Ph.D., described problems of racism embedded in our processes of building and using technologies, and offered some potential solutions during the 2020 meeting of the International Neuroethics Society.

Making the Most Out of Online Learning

Online learning can be quite effective. Emotional connections with students are key to success, says Mariale Hardiman, Ed.D.–and parents don’t have to be teachers to help their children understand and apply what they are learning online.

Printable Puzzles

A series of fun and challenging puzzles that teach kids (and grownups) about the brain. Organized by grade and age level.

Resources for Educators

Links to downloadable materials including lesson plans with teacher’s guide, presentations, and handouts for students, as well as to other great brain-science resources

Publications & Handouts

Handouts, fact sheets, a graphic novel, and more. Organized by age and interest

BrainWorks

Neuroscience prof Eric Chudler and a group of curious kids investigate the brain in these half-hour programs.