When you hear the word “echolocation” you probably think of bats. After all, we use the phrase “blind as a bat” and we know that bats use echolocation–bouncing sounds off of hard surfaces–to navigate their space effectively, despite poor eyesight. But did you know that humans are capable of this too? Daniel Kish, who became…
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An early study of BrainHQ brain training exercises found that training can improve internal locus of control. Unless you are a Psychology professor, you are probably thinking, “what the heck does that mean, and why should I care?” This excerpt from Exploring Psychology in Modules with Updates on DSM-5, 9th Edition, by David G Myers, beautifully explains what…
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I have just returned from a couple weeks in New Zealand, where I am collaborating with Dr. Melanie Cheung and others on a pretty incredible Huntington’s disease project. I am so inspired by what we’re doing there that I wanted to share a bit about it. More than 7,000 of the 4.5 million citizens of…
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Did you miss the “Neuroplasticity and Healing” Summit with the Dalai Lama, Dr. Michael Merzenich, Dr. Edward Taub, and Norman Doidge? Or did you find the video feed a bit lengthy and hard to understand? The wonderful Brain Science Podcast–long on the top of our “great neuroscience podcasts” lists–has created an excellent episode featuring highlights…
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By now, you probably know that it’s not too difficult to trick the brain, but do you know why your brain falls for illusions? In this great ASAP Science video, we learn about fast and slow thinking, and how these 2 different brain systems affect our perception and let our brains be fooled. (If you want to…
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The second in an exciting pair of new studies on fall risk and mobility published this month. The latest study showed that training (for 20 hours with visual exercises found in BrainHQ) resulted in what the university-based researchers found to be significant and “large” gains in standard measures of balance and mobility. The performance of…
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Of all the neuroscientists in the world, who had the honor of sharing the stage with the Dalai Lama last week? Our co-founder and chief scientist, Dr. Michael Merzenich, was chosen for a very special on-stage discussion with His Holiness that took place this past weekend week at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. The symposium, titled “Neuroplasticity and Healing,” centered on the topic…
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Feeling stressed? We have a few ideas for you to help lessen it right now, with explanations and links to scientific research backing up these surefire stress busters. Which ones work for you? Take a Hike: A study recently found that taking short walks in nature can help lower stress and improve well-being and cognitive health. Eat…
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Here is another fun video from the creative minds at ASAP Science – about your brain on coffee. Watch it to find out why caffeine wakes you up, why you feel bad when you try to quit drinking it, and what changes occur in your brain when you drink coffee. Do you love coffee? The good…
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We often get asked if yoga is good for the aging brain. While it is still a relatively new field of study, early research appears to suggest that it can have positive effects on the brain. Here are 4 ways that yoga benefits the brain: Yoga may improve mood. A small pilot study found that people who regularly…
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