Credit: Raman Oza from Pixabay Until recently, the cerebellum, often referred to as “the little brain,” was thought to regulate motor movements, balance, and coordination. However, according to an article published in 2009, the cerebellum has 70 billion neurons (compared to the 25 billion in the cerebral cortex) giving it 2.5 times more neurons than … Continue reading The Little Brain with Big Potential
Neuroscience
Don’t forget about the stars in your brain!
Figure 1: Immunohistochemistry stain of astrocytes (Oksanen, 2017, Stem Cell Reports). In the late 19th century, Santiago Ramón y Cajal aided in the formation of the neuron doctrine, a theory which used evidence from neuronal staining techniques to confirm that neurons are each separate entities and not one continuous fusion of cells. These separations allow … Continue reading Don’t forget about the stars in your brain!
Blood, Sweat, and Years
By Daniel Hass, PhD Candidate in Neuroscience In 2009, the Atlantic published a short article entitled “The Meaning of Our Vampire Obsession”, outlining some of the potential psychological explanations for our societal obsession with these mythical bloodsuckers. Eight years later, this obsession shows no signs of abating, with various movies including ‘Hopekillers’, ‘The Vampyre’, ‘Love … Continue reading Blood, Sweat, and Years
Do you like Binge-watching? Your sleep may be suffering.
By Jessica Parascando, Master of Public Health Student Are you still watching *inserts TV show*? This is a popular phrase with which many of us are all too familiar. “Binge-watching” is a term famously associated with Netflix and is defined as watching many or all episodes of a television series in rapid succession1. With 63% of … Continue reading Do you like Binge-watching? Your sleep may be suffering.
The Bacteria that Mold Your Brain
By Daniel Hass, 4th year Neuroscience PhD student “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are” This phrase, coined by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in the Physiologie du goût (The Physiology of Taste) was over a century ahead of its time. The commonly held aphorism is true in more ways than … Continue reading The Bacteria that Mold Your Brain
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program My forgetful friend – the subject of my original article – gave birth to a baby girl on Thanksgiving Day. She’s a beauty, and I know Mom agrees that the morning sickness, crazy sense of smell, and forgetfulness were worth it in the end. … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program A few months ago, my friend asked me, “Why have I become so forgetful since I became pregnant?” I told her I didn’t know, but that I’d look into it and write an article for her. She then followed with, “I was going … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
What is Déjà Vu?
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program What is déjà vu? Many of us know the feeling. You'll be going about your day, minding your own business, folding some laundry...nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly a sensation of familiarity washes over you, and you're completely aware that it's happening. I've been here … Continue reading What is Déjà Vu?
C, D, E, F, G, A, Brain: Music as Therapy
By: Cecilia Bove, 1st year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program You may recall from my “Meet a Scientist” interview that I grew up in a music-rich home. I like to say that I can fluently speak Italian, English and Music – because it is, in all respects, a language. Music can make us feel without saying … Continue reading C, D, E, F, G, A, Brain: Music as Therapy
Can Wearing Orange-Tinted Glasses before Bed Improve Sleep? Only One Way to Find Out…
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program In March, I wrote about the terrible sleep habits of the characters in House of Cards. I disapproved of Frank Underwood’s late-night computer work in the Oval Office, his new midnight iPad gaming habit, and Claire taking her laptop to bed with her. But I … Continue reading Can Wearing Orange-Tinted Glasses before Bed Improve Sleep? Only One Way to Find Out…
Lions Talk Science 