Recommended reading from around the Web

Column

A Farewell to Bill

A Farewell to Bill
by Guy McKhann, M.D.

October 2009

The Dana Foundation's late chairman, William Safire, felt deeply about the Dana Foundation’s role in brain research and brain-related activities.

People Can Control Their Halle Berry Neurons

by Laura Sanders

Science News | October 20, 2009

Presented at the recent Society for Neuroscience meeting: Scientists have learned more about which brain cells are activated when thinking about particular people. The researchers believe it is the "first demonstration of humans’ ability to control the activity of single neurons."

Neuroscientists: Why Is the Brain Deceived as if by Magic?

by Mary Brophy Marcus

USA Today | October 19, 2009

A magician-led presentation of magic's influence on the brain as it relates to perception, attention and deception proved popular during the Society for Neuroscience meeting.

First-Time Internet Use Alters Activity in Older Brains

by LiveScience Staff

Live Science | October 19, 2009

A UCLA study shows changes in brain activity among people not too familiar with the Internet, suggesting such activity could have positive neural effects.

Rare Procedure Pinpoints the Location, Speed and Sequence of the Brain's Language Processes

by Katherine Harmon

Scientific American | October 16, 2009

By using electrodes on the brain temporarily implanted to prepare people for epilepsy surgery, researchers probe Broca's area, learning more about how it interprets language.

Missed Kicks Make Brain See Smaller Goal Post

by Hadley Leggett

Wired | October 16, 2009

Studies suggest that the results of field goal kicks on the football field can influence one's perception of the size of the goal posts.

How Your Brain Tells Time

by Jonathan Fahey

Forbes | October 15, 2009

A University of Michigan math professor is building a mathematical model of the brain region involved in the body's circadian rhythm.

Using Music to Ease Patient Stress During Surgery

by Coeli Carr

Time | October 13, 2009

Just as it is played in the dentist office, music may become a part of brain surgery, with patients wearing earphones and listening to tunes to reduce their anxiety.

Tinnitus: The Noise That Annoys

by Enjoli Liston

The Independent (U.K.) | October 13, 2009

Millions of people suffer from buzzing and ringing in the ears. However, new research into potential treatments is promising.

Gene Mutation May Speed Learning

by Amanda Gardner

HealthDay News | October 12, 2009

A gene that makes people "smarter," in one sense of the word, appears to influence dopamine.

The Young and the Neuro

by David Brooks

The New York Times | October 11, 2009

The field of social cognitive neuroscience is changing, at least if you look at those studying it.

Learning to Juggle Grows Brain Networks for Good

by Jessica Hamzelou

New Scientist | October 11, 2009

That street performer flipping a knife, apple, and flaming torch might be smarter than you think.

U. Researchers Discover Another Genetic Link to Autism

by Lisa Rosetta

The Salt Lake Tribune | October 8, 2009

Researchers have found yet another gene associated with autism, showing once again that autism puzzle is highly complex.

Virus Is Found in Many With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

by Denise Grady

The New York Times | October 8, 2009

A particular virus has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, though it's too early to know if the virus causes the disease.

Column

Brain on the Web

by Andrew Kahn

Brain in the News | October 2009

This month's links include a resource for those interested in more information on mental illnesses, a rat in motion despite severed spinal cord and a magazine’s repository of its brain-related articles. These links were active as of Oct. 1, 2009.

How Ice Can Save Your Life

by Ron Winslow

The Wall Street Journal | October 6, 2009

A seemingly simple technique is being used to revive patients whose hearts stopped beating for as long as 20 minutes.

Coffee Does Little to Protect the Aging Brain

Reuters | October 6, 2009

Previous studies have suggested that coffee drinkers are better protected against certain mental illnesses, but a new study disputes that.

Depression Is a Dilemma for Women in Pregnancy

by Roni Caryn Rabin

The New York Times | October 5, 2009

Up to one-quarter of pregnant women have depression, and many agonize over taking drugs to treat it: “I was worried that I would hurt the baby if I took the pills, and I was worried I would hurt the baby if I didn’t.”

I Didn't Sin—It Was My Brain

by Kathleen McGowan

Discover | October 5, 2009

Scientists are using fMRI to learn about the biology behind bad behavior.

Autism Is More Widespread, U.S. Studies Show, but Why?

by Rita Rubin

USA Today | October 5, 2009

Two new major studies suggest the number of people diagnosed with autism is rising, but it still is not clear whether the rise is a real change or just the result of better diagnosis.

How Nonsense Sharpens the Intellect

by Benedict Carey

The New York Times | October 5, 2009

The sensation caused by unfamiliar occurrences leads the brain to temporarily sharpen its focus, research suggests.