Brain Chemistry

Artificial Intelligence

“Neurorights” and Why We Need Them

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on June 25, 2020

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and neurotechnologies may represent a threat to our human rights. Scientists are making sure our neurorights will be protected.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and neurotechnologies may represent a threat to our human rights. Scientists are making sure our neurorights will be protected.

Depression

Bringing Joy Back to Childbirth

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on August 25, 2019

The FDA approved a new drug to treat postpartum depression. Though its availability is questionable, it may help destigmatize this common condition.

The FDA approved a new drug to treat postpartum depression. Though its availability is questionable, it may help destigmatize this common condition.

Adolescence

The Myths about the Teenage Brain

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on March 19, 2019

Teenagers are considered impulsive, and bad at making decisions. Research is trying to decipher what is going on in the teenage brain and whether those assumptions are true.

Teenagers are considered impulsive, and bad at making decisions. Research is trying to decipher what is going on in the teenage brain and whether those assumptions are true.

Loneliness

The Effects of Solitary Confinement on the Brain

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on February 27, 2019

Solitary confinement is an extreme form of loneliness. Neurobiology is trying to teach lawmakers its profound effects, and to make it more humane.

Solitary confinement is an extreme form of loneliness. Neurobiology is trying to teach lawmakers its profound effects, and to make it more humane.

Cognition

Chemobrain: The Impact of Chemotherapy on Cognition

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on January 23, 2019

What does chemotherapy do to the brain? Half of cancer patients under chemotherapy report cognitive problems. Can we stop it?

What does chemotherapy do to the brain? Half of cancer patients under chemotherapy report cognitive problems. Can we stop it?

Misophonia

Stop That Noise!

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on December 19, 2018

What is misophonia? Why do we know so little about it? Is it a real condition? Though research is in its infancy, the mystery of misophonia begins to unravel.

What is misophonia? Why do we know so little about it? Is it a real condition? Though research is in its infancy, the mystery of misophonia begins to unravel.

Neuroscience

Unsung Astrocytes and the Plastic Brain

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on November 21, 2018

Can we boost plasticity at older ages to help the brain self-repair? New research is revealing the role that lesser-known brain cells, astrocytes, could play.

Can we boost plasticity at older ages to help the brain self-repair? New research is revealing the role that lesser-known brain cells, astrocytes, could play.

Conformity

Follow the Flock

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on October 18, 2018

Teenagers are more vulnerable to peer pressure, though no one is free from it. However, research on peer pressure is mainly focused on adolescents due to its potential consequences

Teenagers are more vulnerable to peer pressure, though no one is free from it. However, research on peer pressure is mainly focused on adolescents due to its potential consequences

Neuroscience

The Power of Neuroscience Compels You

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on August 15, 2018

Many neurological diseases have been wrongly taken as demonic possessions, and exorcisms can often result in emotional, psychological, and even physical abuse of the patient.

Many neurological diseases have been wrongly taken as demonic possessions, and exorcisms can often result in emotional, psychological, and even physical abuse of the patient.

Neuroscience

Scratch That Itch

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on July 17, 2018

Though scratching an itch can be very satisfying, it can also drive one crazy. What is behind that vicious cycle?

Though scratching an itch can be very satisfying, it can also drive one crazy. What is behind that vicious cycle?

Stress

Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work? - The Pet-Human Bond

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on June 23, 2018

Humans have a special bond with their pets, and medicine has taken advantage of this special relationship in animal-assisted therapy.

Humans have a special bond with their pets, and medicine has taken advantage of this special relationship in animal-assisted therapy.

Neuroscience

Hiding Inside - Toxoplasma gondii

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on May 23, 2018

Your cat's poop may contain the potential to alter your behavior.

Your cat's poop may contain the potential to alter your behavior.

Neuroscience

Brains and Computers, a Poor Comparison

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on April 18, 2018

The most popular simile is to compare computers to brains. But how accurate is this metaphor? Can we study a computer like we study brains?

The most popular simile is to compare computers to brains. But how accurate is this metaphor? Can we study a computer like we study brains?

Media

The Art of Brainwashing

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on March 21, 2018

Online ads, Russian bots, super-secret governmental projects, ... Manipulation and brainwashing are a matter of interest, and we are all potential subjects.

Online ads, Russian bots, super-secret governmental projects, ... Manipulation and brainwashing are a matter of interest, and we are all potential subjects.

Aging

The Aging Brain: When Friends Turn into Foes

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on February 20, 2018

New study shows that supportive cells of the brain, called astrocytes, turn into enemies, promoting age-related function decline in healthy brains.

New study shows that supportive cells of the brain, called astrocytes, turn into enemies, promoting age-related function decline in healthy brains.

Happiness

Happiness Comes From Within

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on January 18, 2018

Serotonin, the brain chemical that is involved in "happiness," also influences our decision-making and our behavior toward others.

Serotonin, the brain chemical that is involved in "happiness," also influences our decision-making and our behavior toward others.

Loneliness

The Neuroscience of Loneliness

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on December 19, 2017

Can loneliness kill? Science shows us how feeling lonely has a life-saving purpose.

Can loneliness kill? Science shows us how feeling lonely has a life-saving purpose.

Traumatic Brain Injury

It Ain't About How Hard You Hit

Elena Blanco-Suarez Ph.D. on November 30, 2017

What is going on in the brain when a fighter gets punched or kicked in the head? Ex-UFC fighter Shannon Gugerty talks about his own experience.

What is going on in the brain when a fighter gets punched or kicked in the head? Ex-UFC fighter Shannon Gugerty talks about his own experience.