Category: neuroscience

Autism May Have Come From Ancestors, Scientists Say

Scientists from the University of Utah recently concluded that one’s ancestors—particularly where and when one’s grandparents and their children were born—may contribute to an increased risk of autism. Recently published in the International Journal of Health Geographics, the study reveals that ancestors’ genetics carry a significant risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—with the strongest signal…


Dialing Down Pain From the Brain

Four Chinese characters in calligraphy—寧靜致遠 (ning jing zhi yuan) hang framed on Yuanyuan “Kevin” Liu’s office wall. The words from ancient Chinese literature have become the motto that Liu lives by—translated into English, they say that great achievements are not accomplished by chasing fame and fortune, but by dedicating oneself to one’s calling. Liu discovered his calling…


This 126 IQ Math Genius Was Discovered to Have ‘No Brain’

A top mathematics degree-holding “genius student” was found to actually have “no brain” according to doctors who examined him. Despite his lack of gray matter, he is able to live well and has an IQ of 126. This begs the question: how does the brain work? In 1980, Science magazine published an article that described…


The 5-Minute Habit (Based on Neuroscience) That Will Change Your Life

By Leah Borski “I’ve got a dream that’s worth more than my sleep.”—Eric Thomas It’s true that in order to live our purpose in this world, we’ve got to have a vision and a plan for achieving our dreams. We must be tenacious in working toward our goals, and we might occasionally have to sacrifice a…


UCSD Researchers Granted Nearly $30 Million To Expand Developing Brain Study

SAN DIEGO—The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded $30 million over five years to researchers at the University of California–San Diego (UCSD) to expand and deepen longitudinal studies of the developing brain in children, it was announced on Oct. 14. Specifically, the funding will accelerate a larger effort to better understand how young brains and…