What is Angelman Syndrome?
Earlier this year, in a philosophical post, we considered whether children with a genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome are happy. Angelman syndrome is a rare disorder that many of our… Read more
Infographic
Weird Animal Brain: Leaf Sheep Sea Slug
Remember photosynthesis: How plants capture energy from the sun. Chloroplasts (the green parts of leaves) are where the sun’s energy is captured.… Read more
Bite-size science: Cell replacement therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
In Parkinson’s Disease, specific cells in the brain die. Over time, this makes basic movements like walking and reaching for a cup impossible. Researchers are racing to find effective treatments.… Read more
What is the cerebellum?
Learn about the mini brain you have at the base of your skull!… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Woodpecker
Brain damage is a major concern for us humans – car accidents, football, falling backwards. It’s pretty easy to cause a concussion. Woodpeckers, however, pound away daily using much more… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Tuatara Lizard
The tuatara lizard is called a “living fossil” because it is the last surviving member of the Rhynchocephalia order. Learn more about the tuatara in the infographic below!… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Strawberry Squid
Also known as the cock-eyed squid, this beautiful and weird creature is unique not only because of its similarities to a strawberry, but also because of its two very special… Read more
Bite-size science: The brain remembers without staying the same
A new paper published this month in the journal Cell describes an unexpected finding about memory. Researchers used to think that memory required specific activity from the same brain cells… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Fly
Fly lips are called labellum and fly feet are called tarsi. Both the labellum and tarsi contain taste receptors which help the fly find food. Think about that the next… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Brittle Star
Brittle stars are covered in protective outer plates, but they also have another structure of internal plates. A particular species of brittle star seems to be able to use these… Read more
Weird Animal Brain: Moth
These beautiful little creatures are incredibly skilled at sniffing out mates. The pheromone the females release is called bombykol. Scientists are on the hunt for exactly how this pheromone activates… Read more
Bite-size Science: Epigenetics help protect the aging brain
Epigenetics change which genes are active and which are inactive. Research over the past few years has shown that these changes are important for protecting the brain from neurodegeneration and… Read more