New research pairing virtual navigation with brain scans finds that stress makes people less able to make efficient and effective plans. Remembering past events is key to keeping us safe in the present. For example, recalling the pain of touching a hot stove often prevents us from doing it again. But when under pressure, we may be less able to access the memories that we need to make effective decisions, a new study published in Current Biology shows. Researchers at Stanford University conducted a number of experiments wherein 42 adult men navigated through 12 different virtual towns over three days while having their brains imaged. On the first two days, the men meandered through each town along a pre-determined route, but could also explore short-cuts through side streets to get to a desired destination. On day three, some participants were told that they might receive a mild electric shock while …