Mammals have long bouts of REM sleep. This is when vivid dreams are most likely. So in the animal kingdom, we and our furry relatives are probably the most prolific dreamers.
Mammals have long bouts of REM sleep. This is when vivid dreams are most likely. So in the animal kingdom, we and our furry relatives are probably the most prolific dreamers.
It seems like anything can happen in a dream, and this invites creative interpretations. But if dreams were totally random, analysis wouldn't be very meaningful.
It seems like anything can happen in a dream, and this invites creative interpretations. But if dreams were totally random, analysis wouldn't be very meaningful.
To celebrate International Women's Day, we consider the remarkable but mysterious genetic diversity that exists in the bodies of genetic females, especially in their brains.
To celebrate International Women's Day, we consider the remarkable but mysterious genetic diversity that exists in the bodies of genetic females, especially in their brains.
As we approach the winter solstice, you are probably aware that decreasing daylight can have a substantial impact on mood and mental health. Here's what we know.
As we approach the winter solstice, you are probably aware that decreasing daylight can have a substantial impact on mood and mental health. Here's what we know.
Scientists have known for some time that focusing your mind consumes considerable metabolic resources. Still, we discount the effort of thinking and attention.
Scientists have known for some time that focusing your mind consumes considerable metabolic resources. Still, we discount the effort of thinking and attention.
Psychologists and artists are increasingly breaking down barriers between their disciplines. Yet science still has much to learn from actors and theater.
Psychologists and artists are increasingly breaking down barriers between their disciplines. Yet science still has much to learn from actors and theater.
In Part 3 of a series on brain size and intelligence, we look at research on animals that have been artificially selected to have bigger-than-normal brains.
In Part 3 of a series on brain size and intelligence, we look at research on animals that have been artificially selected to have bigger-than-normal brains.
Though other species employ habit and flexibility, there is for us a heightened interplay between the two. Perhaps the way we balance habit and flexibility is what makes us human.
Though other species employ habit and flexibility, there is for us a heightened interplay between the two. Perhaps the way we balance habit and flexibility is what makes us human.
We assume a big brain means high intelligence, and vice versa. But there is little evidence for this. A smaller brain can be just as powerful—if not more so.
We assume a big brain means high intelligence, and vice versa. But there is little evidence for this. A smaller brain can be just as powerful—if not more so.
The brain has limitations on how many neurons can be active at once. It is now clear that the brain shows what is called sparseness. The 10% myth serves as a good reference point.
The brain has limitations on how many neurons can be active at once. It is now clear that the brain shows what is called sparseness. The 10% myth serves as a good reference point.