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White Matter Matters

Tales from the science trenches

Neuroscience
Fashionable Neuroscience

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on January 20, 2014

The only goal of the fashion neuroscience industry is to use science-sounding terms or out-of-context anecdotes to add a sense of validity to whatever narrative it is trying to sell.

The only goal of the fashion neuroscience industry is to use science-sounding terms or out-of-context anecdotes to add a sense of validity to whatever narrative it is trying to sell.

Neuroscience
Axons & Axioms, Episode 3: Matrix Revolutions

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on August 7, 2013

In this episode of Axons & Axioms, Derek and I discuss the possibility that our brains could be fooled into thinking that a simulated world is real. Would something like the Matrix even be possible?

In this episode of Axons & Axioms, Derek and I discuss the possibility that our brains could be fooled into thinking that a simulated world is real. Would something like the Matrix even be possible?

Baron Constantin von Economo.
Sleep
Profiles in Scientific Awesomeness: Von Economo

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on July 3, 2013

A profile of one of the most epic scientists of the modern era. As a scientist, aviator, doctor, and adventurer, Baron Constantin von Economo fought both wars and mysterious diseases, while also making substantial contributions to neuroscience that still hold true today. Who needs fictional role models when you've got The Baron?

A profile of one of the most epic scientists of the modern era. As a scientist, aviator, doctor, and adventurer, Baron Constantin von Economo fought both wars and mysterious diseases, while also making substantial contributions to neuroscience that still hold true today. Who needs fictional role models when you've got The Baron?

Neuroscience
Mo' Data, Mo' Problems

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on April 29, 2013

While more research funding is always nice for neuroscience, perhaps we should better understand the data that we already have before we get a lot more of it.

While more research funding is always nice for neuroscience, perhaps we should better understand the data that we already have before we get a lot more of it.

Neuroscience
Do We Really Need A Brain?

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on March 26, 2013

Headless roosters and normal people with missing brains might make us rethink the value of our own gray matter.

Headless roosters and normal people with missing brains might make us rethink the value of our own gray matter.

Neuroscience
Axons & Axioms, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on March 4, 2013

A blog (in podcast form) about whether it's possible to have a neural theory of consciousness, featuring the philosopher Derek Leben as guest host.

A blog (in podcast form) about whether it's possible to have a neural theory of consciousness, featuring the philosopher Derek Leben as guest host.

Neuroscience
The Rhythm That (Literally) Moves Us

Tim Verstynen Ph.D. on February 11, 2013

New research shows us how, in some brain areas, rhythms may bind things together so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

New research shows us how, in some brain areas, rhythms may bind things together so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.