Thursday, 9 February, 2012

Mice can tell the sex, mating status and identity of another mouse — all from sniffing urine. A new study of how mice read pheromones also gives insight into the human sensory apparatus…

In the brain, dopamine carries signals that make us eat, take drugs and have sex. New research shows that dopamine plays a key role in rewarding mice for aggression.

Most music is built on the 12-tone “chromatic” scale. Does this reflect chance, or the basic structure of the human voice? New study finds tight link between pronunciation and musical scale.

Could non-violent video games be (gasp!) helpful? What do we know about the use of video games in the classroom?

New electronics, new sensors and new electrodes promise new hope for people with grave nerve disabilities. Replacements for both sensory and motor nerves have long ago left the drawing board.

It’s a wonder of the human brain: When we pay attention to something, it becomes brighter, more distinct, more memorable.

Small doses of alcohol can kill brain cells in young lab animals. In people, they cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Anesthetics can also kill brain cells in animals. What do they do to young humans?

Fetal alcohol syndrome causes mental and physical probems in one percent of American babies. Why is alcohol so damaging to young brains, and what can we do about it?

Like doing two things at once? Then why can’t you draw a circle and a square at the same time? New insight into how the brain controls movement — except when it can’t.

Too good to be true: Could a 15-minute essay on your personal values improve school performance among minority students? A new study says yes.