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At the Junction

Making sense of cutting edge neuroscience.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
COVID-19 "Brain Fog" Is Real

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on February 24, 2021

If you had COVID-19 and felt like your brain was, or still is, a bit foggy, you're not alone. Researchers are figuring out where that "brain fog" might come from.

If you had COVID-19 and felt like your brain was, or still is, a bit foggy, you're not alone. Researchers are figuring out where that "brain fog" might come from.

Sleep
How Gut Microbes May Affect Your Sleep

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on December 9, 2020

"Microbiome" has become a buzzword, but for good reason. Now, research in mice hints at its importance in sleep regulation.

"Microbiome" has become a buzzword, but for good reason. Now, research in mice hints at its importance in sleep regulation.

Environment
New Evidence That Spaceflight Changes Astronaut Brains

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on September 14, 2020

Humans are surprisingly adaptable—we can adjust to various environments, including the inside of a spacecraft. But what are the neurological consequences of that adjustment?

Humans are surprisingly adaptable—we can adjust to various environments, including the inside of a spacecraft. But what are the neurological consequences of that adjustment?

Relationships
Yet Another Reason to Love Dogs

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on February 11, 2020

New research provides insight into why dog-assisted therapy may be a game-changer for kids with autism or Down syndrome.

New research provides insight into why dog-assisted therapy may be a game-changer for kids with autism or Down syndrome.

Neuroscience
Keep Sexism Out of Math

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on November 24, 2019

For anyone still claiming that women pursue careers in math less frequently than men because of biological differences: think again.

For anyone still claiming that women pursue careers in math less frequently than men because of biological differences: think again.

Neuroscience
What Does Space Do to an Astronaut's Brain?

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on July 21, 2019

Last night was the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch. Among the sea of people celebrating in downtown Washington, DC, I wondered: are those astronauts' brains okay?

Last night was the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch. Among the sea of people celebrating in downtown Washington, DC, I wondered: are those astronauts' brains okay?

Friends
Tripping Nemo: Zebrafish on Ayahuasca

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on March 19, 2019

Is ayahuasca bad for brains? Last year, a group of researchers in Brazil gave the psychedelic brew to fish (yes, fish) to find out.

Is ayahuasca bad for brains? Last year, a group of researchers in Brazil gave the psychedelic brew to fish (yes, fish) to find out.

Flow
Your Brain on Christmas

Samantha Jones, Ph.D. on December 24, 2018

Does the smell of pine, the sound of caroling, and the sight of "stockings hung by the chimney with care" bring a smile to your face? Let's unwrap your brain on Christmas.

Does the smell of pine, the sound of caroling, and the sight of "stockings hung by the chimney with care" bring a smile to your face? Let's unwrap your brain on Christmas.