Could there be a connection between autism and the gastrointestinal system? A team of researchers led by Elaine Y. Hsiao of the California Institute of Technology recently noted that a subset of people diagnosed with autism also display a spectrum of gastrointestinal abnormalities. So to test this, her researchers injected mice with an immunostimulant known […]
Neuroplasticity: Powerful Possibilities . . . With a Dark Side
We often see neuroplasticity as one of the brain’s greatest assets. The neuroplastic potential to restore function after trauma, resist the deterioration that comes with aging, and bolster core capabilities borders on miraculous. But there’s another side to neuroplasticity . . . In fact, many of the things that bother us about ourselves – our […]
Old Before Their Time: The Effect of PTSD on Children’s Telomeres
How does trauma affect the brain? Well, one way we can look at that is to look at how trauma affects telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that keep them from deteriorating. As we age, telomeres naturally get shorter and eventually, die. So they make a great marker of cell aging […]
Do Electronic Devices Affect Sleep?
Does reading from an electronic tablet before bedtime affect sleep? We’ve known for some time that artificial lighting can alter the body’s natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. But now, our lives seem saturated with electronic devices that emit short-wavelength-enriched blue light as opposed to broad-spectrum white lights. And often, we’re reading from those gadgets at night […]
Rewiring the Brain for Willpower
The burger or the salad? The treadmill or the sofa? Spend or save? Throughout the course of a single day, choices like these test our willpower repeatedly . . . and sometimes the choices we make can leave us feeling like a failure. If you’ve ever made a vow to practice better self-control, you know […]
Strengthening Resilience in the Brain
What interventions could rewire the brain in mature adults, particularly those who grew up in less than ideal circumstances? Are there ways to help restore or strengthen resilience? One of my favorite neuroscientists is Dr. Bruce McEwen. He serves as Head of Neuroendocrinology Research at Rockefeller University in New York. To me, he’s a rock […]
The Overthinking Brain: A New Way to Look at Learning
Ever wondered what exactly is going on in the brain when you’re learning to do something? We’ve known for some time that learning something new can strengthen the brain in adults. And, the brains of young children seem to absorb new learning like a sponge. Why is that? Well, researchers have recently revealed an interesting […]
Why Optimism Is Good for Your Brain
Focusing on positive experiences is a reflex for some, but it’s a skill that all of us would be wise to adopt. Because not only can it be just plain enjoyable to mentally relive good experiences, it can actually rewire the brain. New findings keep showing us that everything we do affects our brain. But […]
Fireworks in the Brain
We’ve been talking lately about research, exercises, and techniques anyone can use to boost overall brain health. But did you know, there’s one activity that has been demonstrated to enhance function in multiple areas of the brain. And when I tell you what it is, you’ll probably regret not practicing the piano (or clarinet) the […]
Those Tricky Telomeres
Changes of season can definitely impact my exercise routine. In the spring and summer, when it’s no longer dark when I wake up or getting dark when I get out of work, conditions are definitely more conducive for running. During the winter, I make use of the stair-stepper downstairs, but sometimes I get busy and […]