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Neurons reliably respond to straight lines

Single neurons in the brain’s primary visual cortex can reliably detect straight lines, even though the cellular makeup of the neurons is constantly changing, according to a new study. The study’s findings lay the groundwork for future studies into how…

Avoiding the hippocampus during whole-brain radiotherapy prevents cognitive side effects

Whole-brain radiotherapy can be delivered more safely to patients with brain metastases by avoiding the hippocampus, according to a new study.

Does lavender really help with anxiety?

A study of mice reveals that the scent of linalool, a natural alcohol found in lavender, relieves anxiety through its effect on olfactory nerve cells.

The smell of lavender is relaxing, science confirms

A new review reveals how lavender mellows us out — and why some day psychiatrists and surgeons might be prescribing patients a whiff of the purple stuff.

Brain wave device enhances memory function

The entrainment of theta brain waves with a commercially available device not only enhances theta wave activity, but also boosts memory performance, according to new research.

For some young adults, the 2016 US election was a ‘traumatic experience’

A new study shows that for 25 percent of young adults given a psychological assessment, the 2016 US presidential election race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton caused symptoms often seen in those with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Breathing through the nose aids memory storage

The way we breathe may affect how well our memories are consolidated (i.e. reinforced and stabilized). If we breathe through the nose rather than the mouth after trying to learn a set of smells, we remember them better.

Monitoring electromagnetic signals in the brain with MRI

MIT engineers have devised a new technique to detect either electrical activity or optical signals in the brain, using a minimally invasive technique based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Journalism study evaluates emotions on the job

A study investigating the emotional labor involved in reporting traumatic news events finds key differences between how male and female journalists cope.

Wishful thinking is rewarded

The reward system in the brain affects our judgements.