Racism produces subtle brain changes that lead to increased disease risk in Black populations

Racial threats and slights take a toll on health, but the continual invalidation and questioning of whether those so-called microaggressions exist has an even more insidious effect, research shows.

Nathaniel Harnett, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School • conversation
Dec. 15, 2023 • ~8 min

Brains have a remarkable ability to rewire themselves following injury − a concussion specialist explains the science behind rehabilitation and recovery

Concussions can teach researchers a great deal about how the brain recovers after injury and offer insights into how people can promote brain health throughout their lives.

Hilary A. Diefenbach, Speech Language Pathologist and Cognitive Rehabilitation Specialist, Marcus Institute for Brain Health; Instructor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 • ~11 min

Why we remember — and forget. And what we can do about it

Authors Andrew Budson and Elizabeth Kensinger offers insights on how to keep both a healthy brain and a strong memory.

Liz Mineo • harvard
Feb. 2, 2023 • ~12 min

Ultra-processed foods – like cookies, chips, frozen meals and fast food – may contribute to cognitive decline

Researchers are trying to understand whether ultra-processed foods erode brain health in the aging process.

Sara N. Burke, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Cognitive Aging, University of Florida • conversation
Jan. 31, 2023 • ~10 min

Neurotoxins in the environment are damaging human brain health – and more frequent fires and floods may make the problem worse

Pollution from more frequent floods and wildfires – exacerbated by the warming climate – is threatening human health and poses particular risks to the brain.

Arnold R. Eiser, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Drexel University • conversation
Nov. 12, 2021 • ~10 min

Breathing wildfire smoke can affect the brain and sperm, as well as the lungs

Here are some of the ways wildfire smoke particles or the inflammatory signals they cause could reach the brain and what researchers found in the sperm of animals exposed to wildfire smoke.

Adam Schuller, Researcher in Biomolecular Sciences, Boise State University • conversation
Aug. 30, 2021 • ~8 min

Swimming gives your brain a boost – but scientists don't know yet why it's better than other aerobic activities

Mounting research shows that going for a swim can preserve memories, reduce mood disorders and increase mental acuity in all age groups.

Seena Mathew, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor • conversation
July 27, 2021 • ~10 min

Air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia risk – here's what we're learning from brain scans

The tiny air pollutants known as PM2.5, emitted by vehicles, factories and power plants, aren’t just a hazard for lungs. A study finds more brain shrinkage in older women exposed to pollution.

Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California • conversation
Jan. 5, 2021 • ~7 min

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