Ian H. Robertson Ph.D.

Big city stimulation can rejuvenate your brain neurologically by the chemical effects of excitation, expectation and empowerment. Novelty is one of the most potent of brain-changing substances, acting via the chemical messenger noradrenaline to stimulate new brain connections and even new brain cells. How do we capture New York's recipe for other cities in the world?

The fiscal cliff conflict may annoy us but democratic checks and balances act as antidotes to the inevitable effects of power on leaders' brains. Unfettered power's neurological effects include reduced self-awareness as well as a loss of judgment, narcissism and a belief in one's indispensability. Egypt's President Morsi is at risk of this illness.

Why do some otherwise decent people treat their partners badly? One answer is that they become corrupted by the power of holding the emotional cards in the relationship. Power makes us see others as objects, and that can result in contempt. Contempt triggers ill-treatment and then cognitive dissonance rationalizes it by blackening the partner's character.

Power is a potent drug with aphrodisiac properties for both leaders and the admirers who cluster around them. We will lose many fine leaders if we condemn them for slips in self-control caused by power.

The Racial Presidential Race

Racial attitudes may determine who becomes president in a highly polarised contest. Though Obama's achievements may have shaped the brains of millions of Americans, reducing the unconscious prejudices of some, ultimately democracy should be decided on rational decisions about policies and not unconscious gut responses.

Racial attitudes may determine who becomes president in a highly polarised contest. Though Obama's achievements may have shaped the brains of millions of Americans, reducing the unconscious prejudices of some, ultimately democracy should be decided on rational decisions about policies and not unconscious gut responses.

Obama, Romney, Should Clench Left Hands Tonight

Obama appeared detached and non-fluent in the first debate, Romney rather too racked-up and equally non-fluent in the second. Top sports people also sometimes inexplicably perform badly in moves or shots that they have practiced thousands of times. But they can control this by – would you believe it – clenching a fist?

Obama appeared detached and non-fluent in the first debate, Romney rather too racked-up and equally non-fluent in the second. Top sports people also sometimes inexplicably perform badly in moves or shots that they have practiced thousands of times. But they can control this by – would you believe it – clenching a fist?

Why Romney Lost the Debate: Choking and Anxiety

Mitt Romney so desperately wants to be president that his over-working dopamine reward network activity made him "choke," and an increase in the stress hormone cortisol interfered with his mental agility in last night's debate.

Mitt Romney so desperately wants to be president that his over-working dopamine reward network activity made him "choke," and an increase in the stress hormone cortisol interfered with his mental agility in last night's debate.

Lance Armstrong's doping was unacceptable but that should not detract from the incredible achievement of conquering advanced cancer in this way. Very few people who achieve great things do so without creating casualties along the way and we must condemn the sin but no necessarily the sinner.

Obama's Bowed Head, Averted Eyes and Blue Tie

Obama's bowed head, averted eyes and blue tie lost him the debate. In contrast, Mitt Romney stood erect, challenged with his gaze and dominated in a primitive way with his red tie. All three increase testosterone, aggression, motivation and mental sharpness. They signal one thing—dominance.

Obama's bowed head, averted eyes and blue tie lost him the debate. In contrast, Mitt Romney stood erect, challenged with his gaze and dominated in a primitive way with his red tie. All three increase testosterone, aggression, motivation and mental sharpness. They signal one thing—dominance.

Three Reasons Why Obama Should Win The Debate

Barack Obama's successes in the polls recently, and Mitt Romney's mis-steps, will affect their performance in tonight's debate because success tunes the functioning of the key brain areas needed for such mental nimbleness.

Barack Obama's successes in the polls recently, and Mitt Romney's mis-steps, will affect their performance in tonight's debate because success tunes the functioning of the key brain areas needed for such mental nimbleness.