5 neuroscience reality checks, from a top neuroscientist

In his new book, The Deep History of Ourselves, Joseph LeDoux explains where we come from.

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  • In his latest book, neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux challenges current assumptions about emotions and consciousness.
  • LeDoux investigates the origins of life on this planet dating back four billion years.
  • His book is a reminder that humans share the planet with a diverse array of animals and that, while unique, consciousness is not the only trait worth celebrating.
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consciousness emotions brain biology physiology neuroscience

Does ‘night mode’ shift your brain out of sleep mode?

A new study suggests that a device's night mode may damage sleep hygiene even more.

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  • The social consensus claims that blue-light emitting devices interrupt sleep by curbing melatonin production.
  • However, new research suggests that the ruddy hues of "night mode" may have a more detrimental effect on quality sleep.
  • While causal effect remains unknown, the correlation between screen time and poor sleep habits is nonetheless strong.
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brain cognitive science evolution health physiology public health sleep mental health neuroscience technology

What is free will, really? Steven Pinker explains.

The processes behind our ability to make decisions are complex, but they're not miracles.

  • Free will exists, but by no means is it a miracle.
  • We use "free will" to describe the more complex processes by which behavior is selected in the brain. These neurological steps taken to make decisions respect all laws of physics.
  • "Free will wouldn't be worth having or extolling, in moral discussions, if it didn't respond to expectations of reward, punishment, praise, blame," Pinker says.
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brain memory physics neuroscience self human body physiology

Heartbeats align during an Islamic ritual, new study finds

Researchers found that the hearts of Sufi devotees harmonized as one during a mystical practice. And this isn't the first study to show heart synchronization between people.

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  • Anthropologists at the University of Connecticut discovered that the heartbeats of Sufi practitioners synchronized during an important ritual.
  • Sufism is a mystical component of Islam that emphasizes coming to know God through direct experience, like trance.
  • Other studies have also found that individuals who are closely connected emotionally and socially experience physiological alignment.
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physiology islam religion anthropology

Does chiropractic work?

Despite acceptance by many insurance companies, a number of studies don't confirm its effectiveness.

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  • With over 70,000 certified chiropractors in America, the modality has gained wide acceptance.
  • Yet many studies do not show chiropractic to be more effective than placebo or pharmaceuticals.
  • Some chiropractors treat newborns as young as two weeks to help alleviate "birth trauma."
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health care human body medicine physiology emotions health science