Silk Brain Implants
Silk brain implants could prevent the onset of epilepsy after brain injuries.
Podcast for 2 August 2013
NATURE & HEALTH - Scientists look to the oceans for new antibiotics. The full moon affects sleep patterns. And, how paleo is the so-called "Paleo" diet? Also: How apes remember events.
Addiction’s Flip Side
Circuits in the brain linked to drug withdrawal's unpleasant side effects may become targets for treatment.
Bombs & Brain Cells
Nuclear testing in the mid 20th century is helping scientists understand how the brain makes new neurons.
IQ & Motion Detection
The ability to track the motion of small objects is surprisingly well-correlated with IQ.
Aging Color Vision
Our eyes’ ability to detect color deteriorates with age, but our brains compensate.
Electric Math
Electrical stimulation to the brain can improve math performance.
Protective Hearing Loss
Temporary hearing loss protects the ear against long-term damage.
Numeral Hotspot
Scientists have discovered the area of the brain dedicated to recognizing numerals.
Zapping Cocaine Addiction
Lasers can eliminate cocaine addiction in rats, pointing to new therapies for humans.
Sound & Memory
Playing soundwaves synchronized with a person's own deep sleep rhythms may improve short-term memory.
Brainy Athletes
Olympic-level athletes have some enhanced cognitive abilities.
Highly Observant Robots
New robots are learning how to handle objects by watching humans.
Down Syndrome Protein
Deficiency in a key protein may strongly contribute to cognitive impairments in Down Syndrome.
Podcast for 29 March 2013
EARLY HEALTH - A molecule that could make it possible to jumpstart the newborn immune system. Why too many brain cells could be a bad thing. And, could humidity affect flu transmission? Also: The effects of sleep deprivation on your genes.
Sleep & Gene Expression
Just one week of sleep deprivation alters the expression of at least 711 different genes.
Mental Housekeeping
Cells that eat up defective brain cells may also target healthy cells during development.
New Genetics Roundup
Scientists discover shared genetic markers for five common psychiatric disorders.
Half-Asleep Seals
Fur seals sleep with one half of their brain at a time.
Podcast for 16 February 2013
2013 AAAS ANNUAL MEETING, BOSTON, MA - Researchers are discussing how to treat psychological problems in chimpanzees, and why childbirth is such an ordeal in humans but not in apes. Also: scientific detectives have solved an art mystery. And researchers have unveiled ultrathin, wireless sensors that can monitor your brain activity.
Ape Psychopathology – 2013 AAAS Annual Meeting Coverage
Chimpanzees in captivity sometimes suffer from simian versions of psychiatric disorders.