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Why we believe in luck

Memory
Does Loss of Memory Equal Loss of Emotion?

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on April 27, 2024

Memories are deeply intertwined with emotions. Does loss of memory mean loss of emotion as well? Research suggests this may not be the case.

Memories are deeply intertwined with emotions. Does loss of memory mean loss of emotion as well? Research suggests this may not be the case.

Dementia
Air Pollution and Alzheimer's Disease

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on March 29, 2024

Exposure to air pollution has many known health risks. A new study links exposure to traffic-related air pollution to an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Exposure to air pollution has many known health risks. A new study links exposure to traffic-related air pollution to an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Memory
Theta Waves and Human Memory

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on February 27, 2024

Research has linked writing with a pen to enhanced theta wave activity in the brain and to enhanced memory. It may be that taking notes the old-fashioned way is best.

Research has linked writing with a pen to enhanced theta wave activity in the brain and to enhanced memory. It may be that taking notes the old-fashioned way is best.

Anger
What Fruit Flies Can Tell Us About Our Own Aggression

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

Humans, and other animals, are innately aggressive. Learning how the brain controls and manages persistent aggression may help us learn to control our aggressive impulses.

Humans, and other animals, are innately aggressive. Learning how the brain controls and manages persistent aggression may help us learn to control our aggressive impulses.

Addiction
Pharmacokinetics and Addiction

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on November 29, 2023

New research suggests that fast entry into the brain activates a different network in the brain (the salience network) than does slow entry.

New research suggests that fast entry into the brain activates a different network in the brain (the salience network) than does slow entry.

Dementia
Using the Retina as a Biomarker for Brain Function

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on September 26, 2023

There's an old saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. However, it may be more accurate to say that the eyes are the windows to brain function.

There's an old saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. However, it may be more accurate to say that the eyes are the windows to brain function.

Anxiety
Rumination, Worry and the Brain

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on August 28, 2023

Rumination and worry have been linked to susceptibility to depression. New research may point to a potential biomarker for depressive rumination.

Rumination and worry have been linked to susceptibility to depression. New research may point to a potential biomarker for depressive rumination.

Loneliness
How Loneliness Can Affect Brain Function

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Feelings of being isolated and misunderstood are at the root of loneliness, and now research shows that lonely people may use their brains in idiosyncratic ways.

Feelings of being isolated and misunderstood are at the root of loneliness, and now research shows that lonely people may use their brains in idiosyncratic ways.

Placebo
The Power of Expectation

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on May 30, 2023

Placebos can affect more than our response to pain. The power of expectation can also make your workout at the gym work better for you.

Placebos can affect more than our response to pain. The power of expectation can also make your workout at the gym work better for you.

Loneliness
The Benefits of Solitude

Barbara Blatchley Ph.D. on December 29, 2022

Does going home for the holidays involve anxiety and stress? Consider a little solitude along with your celebrations.

Does going home for the holidays involve anxiety and stress? Consider a little solitude along with your celebrations.