The genetic basis for Alzheimer’s disease has been a focus of research in recent years, and the gene most studied so far has been the ApoE gene, which codes for apoprotein E, a blood protein concerned with the transport of lipids in blood. Specifically, ApoE is thought to be associated with the... Read more →

The human brain recognizes “patterns” as a natural way of looking at places and things. The feeling of deja vu is the result of such a pattern match; although we might not actually have been in a similar situation, the brain thinks it has, and produces a feeling of familiarity. New research... Read more →

It is now established beyond any doubt that women in particular can die of a broken heart. The good news is that if you can make it to hospital, your chances of survival are pretty high. First described in 2005 in Japan, the Tako-tsubo syndrome (or the “broken heart syndrome”) is being increasingly... Read more →

In nature’s original design plan, the brain was the leader for coordinating our physical activities: the “motor high-command.” It comes as little surprise then, that exercise strengthens the brain’s interconnections, and rejuvenates the mind. Read more →  Read More →

The ancient Indian practice of yoga literally means to “bridge” the mind and the body, integrating it, aimed towards attaining a state of wholeness. Scientific studies have in the past demonstrated its psychological benefits, and improvements in quality of life studies. A new pilot study... Read more →

We could be a crucial step closer to our understanding of the basics of obesity with discovery of a molecule that makes mice lazier, and reduces all spontaneous physical activity, even looking for food. It’s a molecule called Bsx, which has been isolated from the hypothalamus of mice, and is found... Read more →

Maybe, finally we know, why cramming all night in the weeks before the test, isn’t such a good strategy after all. New research suggests that poor memory as a result of sleep deprivation is not so much as a result of not getting enough sleep that will allow the visual memory to consolidate in the... Read more →

After a review of aging- and exercise-related literature, researchers found that physical exercise not only slows the effects of aging, but helps people as well as animals maintain significant cognitive (thinking) abilities into their old age. In fact, they found a significant relationship between physical... Read more →

The limbic system… Some scientists call this part of the lower brain a “transmitter to God” because it is at the center of the intuition that we experience. In other words, if we were to believe in the existence of human spirit, this is the part that would most likely connect our mind... Read more →

I once thought the brain was only a big cerebral cortex. I never thought that there is the little guy hidden underneath with such a dynamic function and prominent role in human behavior. When we talk about the brain, most people often imagine the big cerebral cortex that is responsible for out cognitive... Read more →

When I first explored the intricacies of brain function, I was amazed how the brain works in such a sophisticated fashion. My main interest at the time was in higher brain functions - the cortex and its relation to our conscious mind. However, I soon shifted my focus to low brain function, the way the... Read more →