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plus2sd

Taking the Human Mind Two Standard Deviations Above the Norm.

Anger
Dogs, MRIs, and Emotions

Gregory S. Berns on October 26, 2013

A few weeks ago, the New York Times published my opinion piece titled, “Dogs are People, Too,” which was based on my new book, How Dogs Love Us. Here, I expand on the question of using MRIs to read canine emotions.

A few weeks ago, the New York Times published my opinion piece titled, “Dogs are People, Too,” which was based on my new book, How Dogs Love Us. Here, I expand on the question of using MRIs to read canine emotions.

Pornography
In Defense of Brain Porn

Gregory S. Berns on November 25, 2012

The backlash against neuroscience creeping into social science disciplines (aka "brain porn") has an army of anonymous neuro-doubters scared about what we might find.

The backlash against neuroscience creeping into social science disciplines (aka "brain porn") has an army of anonymous neuro-doubters scared about what we might find.

Intelligence
Canine fMRI Reveals What Dogs Think of Humans

Gregory S. Berns on April 28, 2012

After learning the incredible things military dogs can do, I resolved to figure out what was actually going on in the mind of man’s-best-friend by using the tools of my trade: brain scanning technology.

After learning the incredible things military dogs can do, I resolved to figure out what was actually going on in the mind of man’s-best-friend by using the tools of my trade: brain scanning technology.

Law and Crime
My Immature Brain Made Me Do It?

Gregory S. Berns on October 20, 2009

On November 9th, 2009 the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the 8th amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment prohibits courts from sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole for the commission of a non-homicide.  The elephant in the room, and the thing that the Court has taken deliberate steps to leave out of its rulings in the past, is the human brain. Numerous briefs have been submitted by mental health advocacy groups suggesting that the brain is not fully mature until the mid-20's. But come November, the Court should once again ignore the growing drumbeat to blame the immature brain and leave neuroscience out of its decision.

On November 9th, 2009 the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the 8th amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment prohibits courts from sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole for the commission of a non-homicide.  The elephant in the room, and the thing that the Court has taken deliberate steps to leave out of its rulings in the past, is the human brain. Numerous briefs have been submitted by mental health advocacy groups suggesting that the brain is not fully mature until the mid-20's. But come November, the Court should once again ignore the growing drumbeat to blame the immature brain and leave neuroscience out of its decision.

Fear
The Stupidity of Crowds

Gregory S. Berns on September 23, 2008

It started with Hurricane Ike. Rumors of a disruption in the gas supply caused people to top off their tanks.

It started with Hurricane Ike. Rumors of a disruption in the gas supply caused people to top off their tanks.

Happiness
Money and Happiness - The Debate that Won't Go Away

Gregory S. Berns on April 16, 2008

The “can money buy happiness” question seems to stick around as long as the nature versus nurture question. A new study adds fuel to the fire.

The “can money buy happiness” question seems to stick around as long as the nature versus nurture question. A new study adds fuel to the fire.

Dopamine
Bear Stearns and the Biology of Hope: Part I

Gregory S. Berns on March 17, 2008

Hope, not the Fed, is the engine of the economy. Unfortunately, the Fed's move doesn't go nearly far enough in restoring hope that the economy will improve in the near future. It smacks of desperation more than anything else.

Hope, not the Fed, is the engine of the economy. Unfortunately, the Fed's move doesn't go nearly far enough in restoring hope that the economy will improve in the near future. It smacks of desperation more than anything else.