Abby Tabor
The brain: We all have one; some people even use theirs! But understanding how it works and why things sometimes go wrong remains a huge challenge. It’s something governments are investing in heavily today, via large collaborations like BRAIN in the United States and the Human Brain Project in Europe. This week, we told you about an impressive new tool to come out of the latter, but the brain inspires all sorts of amazing research. Take, for example, this eclectic selection of brain subjects…
“BigBrain”, a 3D model of the human brain, in ultra-high resolution, was just recently released online, freely available for use by scientists or the simply curious. In this video, take a tour of the brain, slice by 20-micrometer slice.
BigBrain: The Ultra-High Resolution 3D Human Brain Model
Brain imaging has taken a lot of heat regarding the conclusions that can really be drawn from these scans—and whether they should ever be used for commercial ends. This article suggests that the principles behind neuromarketing could prove useful for better public health policies.
Neuromarketing Tools for (Neuro) Public Health
Our experiences and activities clearly have an effect on our brain. Meditation, for instance, can decrease stress and improve mental health, but did you know it might be increasing the amount of folding in your brain?
Meditation and Folding of the Brain: A new link?
What about your expertise on a particular subject? If you’re a professional perfumer, your skill might be reflected in the size of your brain regions related to smell.
Odor expertise increases gray matter in perfumers’ brains
But what if you’re no olfactory virtuoso, or can’t find the time to meditate? Will technology someday give you that extra “brain boost”? This article discusses the fascinating possible futures associated with the technological singularity: superhuman intelligence, AI, brain implants, and…who knows?
Nebulous Understanding of the Technological Singularity
If you're interested in research revealing the inner workings of the brain and how that can change, check back next week. Until then, get your vacation-addled brain back in shape with some science news!
Enjoy your weekend,
The MyScienceWork Team
