Explorations of the Mind

Near-Death Experiences

What Near-Death Experiences May Tell Us About Consciousness

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on December 8, 2024

NDEs are undeniably part of the human experience. They have the power to affect beliefs about life after death and, ultimately, the belief that death may not be the end.

NDEs are undeniably part of the human experience. They have the power to affect beliefs about life after death and, ultimately, the belief that death may not be the end.

Aging

The Art and Science of Aging Well

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on November 5, 2024

There is widespread apprehension that as we age, we shall lose our hearing, sight, balance, and, eventually, our independence. Not an enticing prospect. What's to be done?

There is widespread apprehension that as we age, we shall lose our hearing, sight, balance, and, eventually, our independence. Not an enticing prospect. What's to be done?

Dreaming

Behind the Magic and Mystery of Dreams

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on September 27, 2024

The meaning and purpose of dreams has been debated from time immemorial. And the debate continues. In my experience, dream work can be highly instructive and beneficial.

The meaning and purpose of dreams has been debated from time immemorial. And the debate continues. In my experience, dream work can be highly instructive and beneficial.

Neuroscience

The Joy of Dance

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on September 1, 2024

Dance has played a significant role in ceremonies, rituals, celebrations since the dawn of civilizations. The impulse to dance may have existed already in early primates.

Dance has played a significant role in ceremonies, rituals, celebrations since the dawn of civilizations. The impulse to dance may have existed already in early primates.

Neuroscience

Animal Sentience: The Controversy

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on July 26, 2024

Most scientists affirm that all animals are sentient (in the sense of feeling pain), while some restrict it to only animals with nervous tissue.

Most scientists affirm that all animals are sentient (in the sense of feeling pain), while some restrict it to only animals with nervous tissue.

Happiness

Are You Happy?

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on July 5, 2024

Academic literature informs us that happiness is multifactorial. One of many surprising factors: Couples that drink together are happier. So are people fond of cheese.

Academic literature informs us that happiness is multifactorial. One of many surprising factors: Couples that drink together are happier. So are people fond of cheese.

Microbiome

The Role Gut Bacteria Play in Health and Disease

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on June 9, 2024

Examining the interplay between the gut microbiome, the brain, and the immune system throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies.

Examining the interplay between the gut microbiome, the brain, and the immune system throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies.

Conspiracy Theories

What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things?

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on May 27, 2024

Research offers helpful insights into the conspiratorial mind.

Research offers helpful insights into the conspiratorial mind.

Dementia

Research Offers New Ideas for Treating Alzheimer’s

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on May 17, 2024

It remains a matter of scientific debate whether the beta amyloid buildup is the cause of Alzheimer’s or a feature of it. It’s time to look at “out of the clump” fresh approaches.

It remains a matter of scientific debate whether the beta amyloid buildup is the cause of Alzheimer’s or a feature of it. It’s time to look at “out of the clump” fresh approaches.

Intelligence

What Primitive, Ancient Animals Can Teach Us About Being Human

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on March 9, 2024

As our understanding of animal intelligence deepens, society faces ethical dilemmas regarding the treatment and rights of even the simplest non-human animals.

As our understanding of animal intelligence deepens, society faces ethical dilemmas regarding the treatment and rights of even the simplest non-human animals.

Health

Can Someone Actually Die of a Broken Heart?

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on February 19, 2024

Expressions and metaphors about the heart reflect centuries of folk wisdom and are surprisingly closer to recent discoveries in cardiac function than science previously assumed.

Expressions and metaphors about the heart reflect centuries of folk wisdom and are surprisingly closer to recent discoveries in cardiac function than science previously assumed.

Gender

A Short Journey Into Male and Female Brains

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on January 12, 2024

Men and women think and act differently. Many factors contribute to these differences, in particular these five major neuroanatomical ones.

Men and women think and act differently. Many factors contribute to these differences, in particular these five major neuroanatomical ones.

Empathy

To Raise Empathetic Children, Lead by Example

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on December 11, 2023

Children are naturally helpful, but their behavior is shaped by what they observe around them.

Children are naturally helpful, but their behavior is shaped by what they observe around them.

Family Dynamics

Why Time With Grandparents Is So Valuable for Kids

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on November 29, 2023

Studies show a grandparent’s value can be immeasurable, but sometimes, family issues get in the way of harmonious transgenerational relationships.

Studies show a grandparent’s value can be immeasurable, but sometimes, family issues get in the way of harmonious transgenerational relationships.

Brain Fog

Is Serotonin a Cause of Long COVID Brain Fog?

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on November 5, 2023

Targeting serotonin levels could help manage symptoms.

Targeting serotonin levels could help manage symptoms.

Cognition

The Puzzle of the Savant Mind

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on October 16, 2023

Savants possess unexpected and sometimes prodigious abilities, commonly in music, art, mathematics, and calendar calculating. Savants clearly “know things they never learned.”

Savants possess unexpected and sometimes prodigious abilities, commonly in music, art, mathematics, and calendar calculating. Savants clearly “know things they never learned.”

Creativity

Creativity and Inspiration: Thinking Outside the Box

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on September 28, 2023

Creativity often means taking the road less traveled.

Creativity often means taking the road less traveled.

Health

How Wildfire Smoke Alters the Brain

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on September 3, 2023

Emerging research suggests that wildfire smoke can affect brain health and trigger inflammation in the central nervous system.

Emerging research suggests that wildfire smoke can affect brain health and trigger inflammation in the central nervous system.

Intuition

Intuition: What It Is and How It Works

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on August 18, 2023

There is growing evidence suggesting that all humans are born with a basic ability for intuitive thinking.

There is growing evidence suggesting that all humans are born with a basic ability for intuitive thinking.

Loneliness

The Effects of Chronic Loneliness on the Elderly

Thomas R. Verny M.D. on July 24, 2023

How social isolation affects health and longevity in older individuals.

How social isolation affects health and longevity in older individuals.