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

Unverified reports of vaccine side effects in VAERS aren't the smoking guns portrayed by right-wing media outlets – they can offer insight into vaccine hesitancy

Anti-vaccine activists are using the side effect reporting system to spread fear and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines. But the database could also be used as a gauge for public concerns.

Dominik Stecuła, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 25, 2021 • ~9 min

IQ tests can't measure it, but 'cognitive flexibility' is key to learning and creativity

Are you good at changing perspectives? If so, it may benefit you in more ways than you imagine.

Victoria Leong, Affiliated Lecturer of Psychology, University of Cambridge • conversation
June 23, 2021 • ~9 min

Astrocyte cells in the fruit fly brain are an on-off switch that controls when neurons can change and grow

Adaptable neurons are tied to learning and memory but also to neurological disorders. By studying fruit flies, researchers found a mechanism that controls neuroplasticity.

Sarah DeGenova Ackerman, Postdoctoral Fellow, UO Institute of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon • conversation
April 12, 2021 • ~6 min

The science of 'mind-reading': our new test reveals how well we understand others

Scientists have not properly distinguished mind-reading from empathy - until now.

Punit Shah, Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Bath • conversation
Feb. 17, 2021 • ~7 min

How the pandemic may damage children's social intelligence

Children aren't just losing out on education as a result of the pandemic.

Jianfeng Feng, Professor of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence , Fudan University • conversation
Feb. 12, 2021 • ~7 min

Ingredients in flu vaccine won't hurt you – two pharmacists explain why

Many people object to the added ingredients in vaccines. But pharmacists explain why those fears are unwarranted.

Anne P. Kim, Clinical assistant professor, Washington State University • conversation
Nov. 13, 2020 • ~9 min

Tips for managing social isolation during coronavirus, from women on the autism spectrum

Many people with autism spectrum disorder have dealt with social isolation their entire lives. Their coping strategies could help the rest of the world right now, as a professor with ASD explains.

Sarah Ransdell, Professor, Nova Southeastern University • conversation
May 7, 2020 • ~6 min

Research on facial expressions challenges the way we think about autism

Autistic and non-autistic facial expressions may 'speak a different language' when conveying emotion.

Jennifer Cook, Senior Research Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham • conversation
April 27, 2020 • ~6 min

How coronavirus could affect the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities

Sudden changes to routine and care might worsen mental health conditions, like anxiety, in autistic people or those with other intellectual disabilities.

Danielle Adams, Independent Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist and PhD Candidate, University of Warwick • conversation
March 17, 2020 • ~6 min

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