Eating nuts may boost fetal brain development

A new study finds such kids excel in all cognitive areas.

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  • A Spanish study finds that nuts consumed early in pregnancy boost babies' cognitive strength.
  • Eating walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pine nuts and/or hazelnuts early in pregnancy can make a big difference.
  • For those without allergies, nuts are good food.
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Surprising Science

Study finds sense of touch develops before birth

A study found how the "map" for the sense of touch develops in the brain.

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  • Scientists looked at brains of mice to track embryonic development of the sense of touch.
  • They found that a "map" for the sense of touch is in place before birth.
  • Human cerebral cortexes are similarly organized, indicating that the same process likely takes place.
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Mind & Brain

What evidence is there that animals are conscious beings?

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  • Consciousness has long been difficult to define, whether you're a biologist, neuroscientist, or philosopher.
  • So Frans de Waal looks at what actions humans take that require conscious thought.
  • Comparing them to actions in certain animals suggests consciousness is not a human trait alone.


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How ‘extinction neurons’ help us block out our worst memories

A recent study could help improve treatments for PTSD, anxiety and phobias.

Image: Stefan Keller via Pixabay
  • A new study examined how the effects of fear-related memories can be silenced in the brain.
  • Forming new and positive "extinction memories" can help to silence fearful memories.
  • The study found that the hippocampus plays a significant role in "extinction training."
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Surprising Science

New evidence for a human magnetic sense that lets your brain detect the Earth’s magnetic field

Do you have a magnetic compass in your head?

Photo by Alina Grubnyak on Unsplash

Do human beings have a magnetic sense? Biologists know other animals do. They think it helps creatures including bees, turtles and birds navigate through the world.

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Mind & Brain