The Human Brain

Need a neural workout? Satnav devices may be convenient, but they could diminish our abilities for spatial reasoning.

By Jesslyn Shields

New research shows that for people with misophonia, or an aversion to specific sounds, the brain is overactive in key areas.

By Shelley Danzy

Actually it doesn't. You may think you're skilled at "multitasking" but chances are you aren't working on two things at exactly the same time. What's really going on and why is multitasking not a good idea?

By Alia Hoyt

Is handwriting analysis bogus hocus-pocus or a peek into people’s personalities? A new study sheds some light on the practice.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Depends on whether it needs to be quick or good.

By Michelle Adelman

Robert Lamb explores the mental healing power of ambient music and provides you with ambient music recommendations to help you through this, or any, troubled time.

By Robert Lamb

There are a lot of ways mental real estate can be allocated. Neanderthals evolved their big brains in a different way than we did — and you see where that got them.

By Jesslyn Shields

Time with animals can improve our mental and physical health, but a study find that even simply looking at pictures of cute animals can help you concentrate.

By Christopher Hassiotis

Wouldn't keeping quiet help us get away from whatever's scaring us? What's the science behind the weird face and raw shout?

By Laurie L. Dove

What's the science behind fainting at the sight of blood? This BrainStuff video takes a look at the brain's internal toggle switch making some people hit the floor.

By Laurie L. Dove

It happens to politicians, beauty queens and regular folks. Brain farts, that is. But, why?

By John Donovan

Yuo cna raed thsi rgiht? Probably, but that doesn't mean a popular internet meme on the topic is totally accurate.

By Laurie L. Dove

You're deep in dreamland when you hear an explosion so loud you wake up. But there's nothing outside or inside your house making the noise. What just happened?

By Sean Russell

While 90 percent of murderers are men, female murderers differ from men in motive, method, circumstance and victim, according to a new Swedish study.

By Jesslyn Shields

But lots of people think it will. Where did our beliefs about amnesia come from?

By Kathryn Whitbourne

A number of theories explain the phenomenon known as infantile amnesia. But there's more to it than that...

By Laurie L. Dove

Poetry can actually help you heal from traumatic situations. A poetry therapist explains how.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

So at least they have that.

By Laurie L. Dove

Imagine getting knocked in the head, but the CT scan and screenings turn up nothing, and the doc sends you home still hurting. A blood test could change that scenario.

By John Donovan

Folklore says heavy or spicy food before bedtime can cause nightmares. Surprisingly, there's been no real study of this — until now.

By Alia Hoyt

Your brain is more than a recorder of memories. It's also an editor of them — cutting out some bad parts, expanding some good ones, maybe even changing the story line over time. In what ways does your memory betray you?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Politicians and celebrities often lie or exaggerate claims that can be easily verified, but why?

By Alia Hoyt

Ever tried to get your child, spouse or friend to do something by telling them to do the opposite? That's reverse psychology. But how often does it work?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Why does everyone remember Monday and Friday but not the days in between?

By Dave Roos

The nausea and dizziness that result from a concussion are bad enough. On top of those symptoms, do you have to worry about dying if you fall asleep?

By Laurie L. Dove