Near-Miss Gambling
For problem gamblers, near misses are almost as exciting as hitting the jackpot.
Brain Master Switch
Scientists have identified a protein that serves as the brain's master switch.
Podcast
Why near misses keep problem gamblers coming back for more, doing good could make you stronger, an artificial pancreas to control diabetes, debunking the "Mozart" effect, and the brain's master switch.
Air Pollution & Pregnancy
Exposing pregnant women to a common air pollutant may impact their children's intelligence.
Chronic Pain
People with chronic pain experience pain differently than other people.
Finch Genes
The zebra finch genome could provide insight into vocal learning in humans.
Podcast
THE BRAIN: Empathy and aggression share the same neural circuitry, chronic pain sufferers process acute pain differently, how a brain implant made of silk could help epilepsy patients, the effects of pre-natal air pollution exposure on children's cognitive performance, and the psychology behind the Ouija board.
Bio Computer Roundup
The cat's lightning-fast hunting instincts of inspire new computer circuit design.
CO2 & Near-Death Experiences
Scientists discover a possible physiological explanation for near-death experiences.
Podcast
ANIMAL UPDATE: Birdsong in the genes, hummingbirds and heliconias, a more environmentally friendly pig, and cat-inspired computer circuits.
F is for Fail
Exposing students to the letter "F" before taking a test makes them more likely to fail it.
Reindeer Clocks
Most mammals have internal clocks that regulate their daily cycles, but not reindeer.
Sleepwalking Brains
A listener asks what's going on in the brain when someone is sleepwalking.
Scanning Memories
Researchers can distinguish between different memories using a brain scan.
Marine Epilepsy
Algal blooms can cause epileptic symptoms in sea lions and other marine mammals.
Podcast
INSIDE THE MIND: Scanning memories in the brain, the neural overlap between music and language, inside the mind of a sleepwalker, the cognitive consequences of teenage binge drinking, and more.
Teen Brains & Drinking
Teen binge drinking causes brain damage and cognitive impairments that may be permanent.
Language & Music
Evidence from patients with brain damage suggests that music and language overlap in the brain.
Podcast
TECHNOLOGY REPORT: Lung-powered batteries, a spider-inspired water-repellent, art-restoring lasers, the health risks of polycarbonate plastics, and more.
Driving & Talking
Driving interferes with speaking and language comprehension.