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Basic neuroscience

Nah, a beer will make you sleep, but not well. A post on alcohol and sleep quality

Nah, a beer will make you sleep, but not well. A post on alcohol and sleep quality

Alcohol is widely consumed and for many reasons, including its potential to aid sleep. Sort of aid sleep that is. Alcohol is known for its sedative effects, often helping people fall asleep faster. But, while alcohol may initially assist in sleep onset, it can cause sleep disruptions throughout the night.

Obesity starts in the brain: Here's why

Obesity starts in the brain: Here's why

Two main brain systems control feeding behavior. The homeostatic system ensures the body gets the right amount of energy to maintain balance, while the hedonic system drives eating based on pleasure. These systems are closely connected and sometimes conflict, as pleasurable foods can override feelings of fullness, leading to overeating.

Men at + 50, testosterone and mental health

Men at + 50, testosterone and mental health

Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in male health. And yes there is - as suspected - a direct pathway between the testes and the brain. Testosterone is produced mainly in the testes and acts as the primary male sex hormone. Beyond these well-known sexual functions,

We’ve moved on, but science hasn’t - new findings on COVID-19 and the brain

We’ve moved on, but science hasn’t - new findings on COVID-19 and the brain

It's not widely known that even common infections like the flu or a cold can enter the fluid surrounding the brain—the cerebrospinal fluid. This is one of the reasons why people feel sick and exhausted, and develop headaches during viral infections. Many viruses have the potential to

Not all fears are created equal: The brain's response to spiders (and other fear triggers)

Not all fears are created equal: The brain's response to spiders (and other fear triggers)

Fear is a natural defense. A response to danger, that unsettling sense of potential threat, or anything that feels new, hidden, or just plain mysterious. Fear keeps us cautious and alert, helping us decide on the best reaction to survive—whether that’s fighting back, making a hasty exit, or

The menstrual cycle and brain function: Myth-bashing

The menstrual cycle and brain function: Myth-bashing

The menstrual cycle involves complex hormonal fluctuations that greatly influence the woman's physiological processes. Historically, menstruation has been stigmatized, leading to misconceptions about its impact on cognitive abilities. While it has been widely debated how (not whether) these changes affect women’s thinking and performance - neuroscience has

The brain loves color - but different ones

The brain loves color - but different ones

I always wondered if we humans see color the same way. I mean, when we call something blue, is it the same color we call blue? Or do we just have the same name for something that we see differently? Is that why we have different favorite colors? And if