Trump’s Victory and the Neuroscience of Rage
To understand this election you must understand the brain’s threat detection mechanism Pollsters, politicians, much of the press and public are dismayed by Donald Trump’s surprising victory in the presidential election, but not neuroscientists. The bewilderment arises from an attempt to comprehend the election result rationally, but rage, not reason, is what drove people to…
Read MoreClimber’s Death–Self-defense or Murder? Now the Truth Can be Told
I never imagined that someone I knew personally would become the victim of a horrible rage murder, but while I was writing my book, Why We Snap, the unthinkable happened. I tell the tragic story of the savage killing of Geoff Farrar by David DiPaolo at Carderock, a popular rock climbing area near my home,…
Read MoreHurricane Matthew Could Leave A Wake Of Autism
Hurricane Matthew has left a devastating wake of destruction and death in Haiti where nearly 900 people have lost their lives, but research on pregnant women who survived similar hurricanes reveals potential hidden victims — unborn children who face increased risk of autism and other physical and mental illnesses caused by the psychological trauma that…
Read MoreHumans Are Genetically Predisposed to Kill Each Other
A new study of 1,024 mammal species has determined which animals are the most vicious killers of their own kind. Killer whales perhaps? Pit bulls maybe? For the answer, just look in the mirror.
Read MoreThe Three Causes of Fainting
Hillary Clinton fainting at the 9/11 memorial this weekend has raised concern and speculation over possible causes. There are three causes of fainting.
Read More9/11’s Most Innocent Victims
Maternal stress in the wake of the attacks might have led to selective miscarriage of male fetuses
Read MoreGoodbye Roger
Today the world learned that neuroscientist Roger Y. Tsien passed away on August 24, 2016. His life’s work transformed cellular neuroscience.
Read MoreOlympic Gold for Brainwave Performance
Whether or not a competitor stands on the podium wearing an Olympic metal can depend on a thousandth of a second difference in finishing time. Greater physical performance may not be what separate winners from losers when the margin is that close. Instead, it can be something beyond the competitor’s will–brainwaves.
Read MoreZika Infects Adult Brain Too
New research shows that the Zika virus can infect neural stem cells in the adult brain. The Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and causes severe neurodevelopmental defects in infants who become infected by the virus during fetal development, also attacks neural stem cells in the adult brain according to a new study. The…
Read MoreNo Fear
In an interesting article in the magazine Nautilus, J.B. MacKinnon, reports that a brain scan (fMRI) of free solo climber, Alex Honnold’s brain explains why he is so willing to risk his life to climb rocks without a rope. The fear circuitry in his brain is dysfunctional. Alex Honnold climbing without a rope You may…
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