R. Douglas Fields Ph.D.

About

R. Douglas Fields, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and author. His experimental research focuses on the cellular mechanisms that regulate nervous system development and learning according to functional activity. This includes both the involvement of neurons and non-neuronal cells (glia) in brain function and plasticity. He is Adjunct Professor at the Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park. In addition to 150 publications in the scientific literature, Dr. Fields is author of two neuroscience books for the general audience Why We Snap: Understanding the Rage Circuit in Your Brain, published by Dutton, NY, in January 2016, and The Other Brain: From Dementia to Schizophrenia, How New Discoveries about the Brain Are Revolutionizing Medicine and Science. His forthcoming book is Electric Brain: How the New Science of Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn, and Lets Us Change for the Better.

Books by R. Douglas Fields Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Cellphone Data Reveals Health Benefits of Gratitude

Last year, family and friends could not gather safely for Thanksgiving. This year we can. New research shows that gratitude promotes mental and physical health.

Last year, family and friends could not gather safely for Thanksgiving. This year we can. New research shows that gratitude promotes mental and physical health.

Treating Depression by Brain-Implanted Electrodes

Researchers recently implanted electrodes in a depressed patient's brain to identify the faulty neural circuits causing her depression and then restored normal activity by stimulating electrodes. What should we take away from this study?

Researchers recently implanted electrodes in a depressed patient's brain to identify the faulty neural circuits causing her depression and then restored normal activity by stimulating electrodes. What should we take away from this study?

How Does "Muscle Memory" Work?

Researchers report that mental “instant replay” after each performance is critical to perfecting a new skill.

Researchers report that mental “instant replay” after each performance is critical to perfecting a new skill.

Can Animals Feel Empathy?

Empathy is vital for human relations. Now, new research suggests that this ability is shared with other animals—and the same brain circuits are responsible.

Empathy is vital for human relations. Now, new research suggests that this ability is shared with other animals—and the same brain circuits are responsible.

Risky Brains: Brain Structure Promotes Smoking, Drinking, Sex

Our survival requires balancing risk against reward, but some people take risks with abandon whereas others cower. Why? Here are new answers from brain imaging and DNA analysis.

Our survival requires balancing risk against reward, but some people take risks with abandon whereas others cower. Why? Here are new answers from brain imaging and DNA analysis.

How Stress Can Reawaken Dormant Cancer

Studies to date have provided mixed evidence that stress can cause cancer to return. Now, a new study offers proof and may even pinpoint how it works.

Studies to date have provided mixed evidence that stress can cause cancer to return. Now, a new study offers proof and may even pinpoint how it works.

Contrast Between Trump’s COVID Care and Everyone Else

From personal experience, I know that the president's treatment for COVID as seen on TV is not representative of the psychological and medical experience others with COVID face.

From personal experience, I know that the president's treatment for COVID as seen on TV is not representative of the psychological and medical experience others with COVID face.

Gaining Weight During the Pandemic?

If your belly is suddenly growing soft and fatty and you are gaining weight, chronic stress may be responsible, but it depends on your sex.

If your belly is suddenly growing soft and fatty and you are gaining weight, chronic stress may be responsible, but it depends on your sex.

Gender in the Central Park 911 Call

Beyond racism, the incident provides deeper insight into aggression and gender.

Beyond racism, the incident provides deeper insight into aggression and gender.

Nabbing Criminals by Using Brainwave Analysis

Upon seeing the blood-stained gloves, O.J. Simpson may have had electrical activity in his brain that showed recognition, and guilt.

Upon seeing the blood-stained gloves, O.J. Simpson may have had electrical activity in his brain that showed recognition, and guilt.