When most people think about science in general, what comes to mind first is the traditional image of a scientist in a white lab coat, crouched over a table in the lab, looking at a colorful solution through big protective goggles. And for the most part, if we refer to the work that is being […]
May
07
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane: the study of nostalgia
posted by Susan Lubejko
Living through a global pandemic with limited access to friends, family, and fun has undoubtedly left many of us feeling emotional. Perhaps you’ve been listening to music during your many hours at home and a song has come on that forces you to reminisce on a particular trip you took with your best friend in […]
April
29
How Metal can regain its Sound: the Science of Cochlear Implants
posted by megkirch
This article discusses various scenes from the film Sound of Metal. Although what is discussed likely will not come as any great surprise to anyone generally familiar with the film, be aware that mild “spoilers” are ahead! If you haven’t yet seen the film but choose to read on, this article contains some clips from […]
April
22
Neuromorphic engineering: how electronics are learning from the brain
posted by JC Gorman
[En Español] “As engineers, we would be foolish to ignore the lessons of a billion years of evolution” -Carver Mead Scientists have been pursuing artificial intelligence that rivals what the human brain can do for centuries. The brain is remarkable in some computer-like aspects; it processes multiple complex tasks in parallel with high efficiency and […]
April
15
Why UC student researchers need a union
posted by Laura Beebe
Right now, a group of graduate student researchers across the University of California are working to form a union. What does this mean? How is science made? The process of becoming a full-time (“tenure-track”) neuroscientist or biologist at a university or other research institution involves a long training process. Students must obtain an undergraduate degree […]
April
08
Choosing a Research Lab
posted by Catie Profaci
For our readers in or about to begin PhD programs, I have put together the following advice for choosing and assessing research rotations. […] there are not necessarily “right” answers to all the questions below – just make sure the answers work for YOU.
April
01
How do we use magnets to take pictures of the brain?
posted by Seraphina Solders
Magnets are everywhere – they exist in our electronics, cars, refrigerators, and so on. The Earth itself is one giant magnet, which is why we can use compasses to navigate! They also have many incredible biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which allows us to take pictures of biological tissues and organs in a […]
March
25
Singing in the Brain: Bird Neuroscience
posted by Drew Schreiner
Many of us have adopted new hobbies or interests in this strange quarantine world. For me, I’ve started to really appreciate birds. Birds and birdsong are almost omnipresent and for those of us living in more developed areas, they are oftentimes one of our only real reminders of and connections to the natural world. So, […]
March
18
Join Dennis Eckmeier on an expedition from neuroscience to science communication
posted by Ariane Pessentheiner
Today I invite you to join me on an expedition with Dr. Dennis Eckmeier through the academic jungle to the realms of science communication. You will learn about the courtship calls of Chinese fire-bellied toads, a blowfly flight simulator, the vision of zebra finches (yes, finches, not fish!), and how the memory of smell might […]
March
11
The Future of the Neuroscience of Dreaming
posted by Susan Lubejko
What is the purpose of dreaming? What do the contents of your dreams mean? What is your brain doing during dreams to produce the sometimes surreal experiences that leave you confused upon waking? Why do we remember some parts of our dreams, but struggle to recall the events in others? The unsatisfying answer to these […]
