The brain

The brain

The brain is the organ that makes us human and the most complex organ in an organism. This mind-boggling structure is located at the centre of the nervous system and contains billions of neurons that can simultaneously process information from around the body. The brain is found in all vertebrates and most invertebrates, and is located in the head, usually closest to the sensory organs such as vision.

Here’s the truth about your ‘digital dementia’ risk

New analysis shows that technology might provide cognitive benefits, despite bad press
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Is it good for my brain to avoid the news from time to time?

It's easy to get sick of a 24-hour news cycle of war, climate crises and economic turmoil. Here's how a break will help your mental health – and gut
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This underrated nutrient could be key for healthy brain ageing

Many adults don’t get enough of a nutrient that could be crucial for preventing cognitive decline
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Why do I find it so difficult to switch between tasks?

Why are we so bad at multitasking? A neuroscientist explains.
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The hidden flaw in cryonics that could ruin your shot at living forever

The chances of cryogenically freezing a human brain and then resurrecting its owner remain sub-zero
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We may have to rethink consciousness completely. Here's why

In their quest to pinpoint the start of human consciousness, neuroscientists are diving into some truly bizarre territory
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How to crack the subtle body language of liars

Online influencers claim subtle, non-verbal cues expose when a person is lying. But how much do gestures, eye contact and arm positioning really reveal?
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Here's what your cholesterol levels say about your risk of dementia: new study

Your cholesterol levels might affect your future brain health, not just your risk of heart disease
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How to keep your mind and body sharp in retirement: 5 lessons from the world's best studies

Expert-backed tips for the best post-work life
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Stressed out? You may have cortisol belly. Here's how to lose it

Recent studies have found a strong link between rising stress levels and expanding waistlines… And modern life isn’t helping
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What your neighbourhood now says about your dementia risk

Living in a disadvantaged area could significantly increase your risk of developing dementia and speed up cognitive decline
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Enjoying junk food could help you shed fat, scientists say in weight loss breakthrough

The discovery may lead to new weight loss methods that help people find more enjoyment from food
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We may be getting a key sign of autism all wrong

It's less about social skills than you might think
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We may finally know why teenage girls are more depressed than boys

It’s all to do with tryptophan, a nutrient found in turkey, nuts and seeds
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The 17 worst ideas of the 21st century (so far)

Sorry, Google Glass
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Scientists (and taxi drivers) may have discovered the secret to beating dementia

Finding the best route to beat Alzheimer's
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The mystery of your ‘baby amnesia’ just got even weirder

Scientists are trying to work out why adults don’t remember being babies and it’s all a bit sci-fi.
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Are you a night owl? You’re more at risk of depression. Here’s why

The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself.
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We’ve finally discovered how your brain differs from a chimp’s: new study

Turns out that our brains are quite unique compared to our closest animal relatives – if you look hard enough.
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Here's how a false memory could be planted in your brain

Research suggests that your recollections aren’t just worryingly fallible, they’re also surprisingly malleable. So could someone plant a false memory in your mind?
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We finally know whether people see colours differently, scientists say

Many of us have wondered whether the colours we see look the same as those seen by others.
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This protein could play a key role in treating Parkinson's, new study finds

A recent discovery could help scientists find treatments for the second most common neurodegenerative disease, which currently has no cure.
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Here’s what your waist size says about your future brain health

Your waist size in middle age could be linked to your brain health later in life, a recent study found.
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Here's what night sweats could tell you about your body

When you’re sleeping, your body’s meant to be resting – but something’s not right. Here’s what could be behind your night sweats… and how to make them stop.
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