New neuroimaging technologies are rapidly advancing our ability to examine the brain, revealing information about our memories, thoughts and even intentions. As these technologies improve, some are advocating for their use in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. But could mandatory brain scans used on suspects violate privacy rights? Key Facts: Neuroimaging technologies like MRI, CT, …
The use of neuroscience in criminal court cases has risen steeply in recent decades. However, its actual effects on legal judgments remain unclear. Key Facts: Neuroscience evidence, especially brain scans, is increasingly used in criminal trials to support mental disorder diagnoses. Studies find limited effects of neuroscience evidence in some cases, like reducing death penalty …
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is an exciting new non-invasive brain stimulation technology that allows precise neuromodulation of deep brain structures without surgery. Early research shows LIFU can safely and reversibly modulate targeted areas of the brain using sound waves, opening doors for understanding and treating psychiatric illnesses. Key Facts: LIFU uses acoustic energy to …
Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amphetamine or placebo, spaced 2 days apart. Those getting amphetamine showed enhanced subjective …
Brain tumors can take a major toll on mental health. New research provides important insights into the psychiatric symptoms that often accompany these devastating diseases. Key Facts: Around 27% of brain tumor patients experience psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety. These frequently arise before diagnosis. Depressive symptoms are most common, affecting 24% of brain tumor …
While male and female brains are far more alike than different, research over the past few decades has revealed some subtle but meaningful variations. These differences likely stem from a complex interplay of biological factors, experiences, societal influences, and more. Key Facts: On average, male brains are about 10% larger than female brains. But when …
Pesticides are chemical substances commonly used in agriculture to eliminate pests and enhance crop yields. However, indiscriminate use of pesticides has raised concerns about potential toxicity and adverse health effects in humans. Key Facts: Pesticide exposure is linked to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric conditions including depression and suicide. Exposure can …
Narcissism is characterized by self-importance, entitlement, and interpersonal difficulties. Neuroscience research has begun to uncover the complex mechanisms underlying the paradoxical patterns of narcissistic functioning. Key findings show: Narcissism involves heightened vigilance and stress reactivity to ego threats despite outward grandiosity Alterations in brain regions involved in self-vs-other processing may underlie narcissistic self-focus and empathy …
For over half a century, neuroscientists operated under the assumption that the human brain contains around 100 billion neurons and over 1 trillion glial cells. This oft-cited “fact” made its way into textbooks and became common knowledge despite a lack of strong evidence. Recent advances in cell counting techniques have now debunked this myth, showing …
Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest physicists and intellectuals in human history. His theories of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space, time, gravity and energy. Not surprisingly, there has been great interest in understanding if Einstein’s brain had unique anatomical features that could explain his extraordinary cognitive abilities. Several studies conducted …
