Scientists report in a new study that a male mouse’s desire to mate with either a male or a female is determined by the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates other sexual behaviors.
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Researchers studying the most ancient yet least understood of the five senses—smell—have discovered a previously unknown step in how odors are detected and processed by the brain.
With the increasing cost of health care and the constant threat of litigation, doctors and hospitals are under enormous pressure to keep patients and their families happy.
Whether right or left-handed, people associate “good” with their dominant side. But if that displeases you, it can be changed. Our minds are perhaps more easily influenced than we think.
Empathy is one of our most powerful emotions yet society has all but ignored it. Autism expert Professor Simon Baron-Cohen reveals the science behind “the world’s most valuable resource”.
Researchers are finding strong evidence that parts of the brain are involved in gaining control over smoking and nicotine addiction, and that different areas may be important for each individual.
Neuroscientists at M.I.T.’s Picower Institute of Learning and Memory have uncovered why relatively minor details of an episode are sometimes inexplicably linked to long-term memories.
The three most feared words in the lexicon of a nuclear scientist is “breach of containment,” i.e. an uncontrolled release of radiation into the environment. It appears that we may […]
Commentators and advocates tend to argue that the Europe Union has taken the lead in climate policy in reaction to strong public demand across member states. Yet the reality, argues […]
So, yes, I watch American Idol–not obsessively or religiously, but whenever I can. It’s a conservative show. It promotes a meritocracy based on singing excellence, and that excellence is not […]
A couple of days ago, I wrote about an op-ed William Cronon wrote in The New York Times arguing that by attempting to strip public unions of their bargaining rights, […]
The F.D.A. has recently approved the drug Yervoy, which is the first treatment shown to extend the lives of late-stage melanoma patients. There are indications it may even cure some.
Although women go under the knife in the name of beauty in larger numbers, a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows an increase in operations among men in 2010.
People with Tourettes struggle with uncontrollable physical tics and verbal outbursts, but a new study reveals that they also have highly developed cognitive control over their reactions.
With agriculture research on a down slope, large food companies have begun wading into science and policy realms to ensure the future sustainability of natural resources—and the food business.
A new study conducted by the University of Colorado has found that people living at higher altitudes have a lower chance of dying from heart disease and tend to live longer than others.
Only a fraction of what physicians do is based on solid evidence from randomized, controlled trials; the rest is based instead on weak or no evidence and on subjective judgment.
Research suggests that while men and women may behave differently in relationships, their underlying needs, wants and perspectives may not be so different, especially in committed relationships.
When you consider that the first human genome was completed a decade ago for billions of dollars, D.N.A. sequencing has come a long way, fast. Now robots sequence genes for less.
While only a subset of patients responds to targeted cancer drugs, scientists are starting to figure out how to make those drugs work more effectively in a larger number of patients.
The human body has become a site for debates, as the genetics and biotech industries argue for owning genes, tissue samples, and even the very processes that occur in our cells.
Well, I really messed up that Mystery Volcano Photo, eh? I had, in fact, posted that very image before of Kirishima to show the “before” of the crater [head slap […]
Why any man is willing to pay $3.8 million dollars for a one-time experience, when he doesn’t get a wife out of the deal, is frankly beyond economic reasoning.
Even if the Singularity is bogus, machines very well may be as smart as humans by century’s end. How will we make sure they don’t turn on us? Sometimes you […]
Today’s copy of the New York Times sits beside me, unopened. Most of my normal internet haunts have been ignored this morning. Why? Because I have been totally absorbed by […]
Thank you to all for the comments over on the “state of the blog” post – keep those comments coming. I thought I’d send you off for the weekend with […]
People tend to focus on “The Origin of Species,” but Darwin’s later work “The Descent of Man” has fascinating insights into human behavior and leadership.
I had wonderful plans for a post today, but as they say “best laid plans …” The post in question will see the light of day, but it turned out […]
Brian Cox’s vision of science is dispassionate. “People don’t need to know when the universe began; people need to know how science works. …I want Britain to be more reason-based.”
Women (and men) increasingly hate their bodies. Everyone knows poor body image is a problem. A new movement wants to do something to actually change our culture.