Your Brain on Food

Diet

The Evidence Against 10,000 Steps for Weight Loss

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on June 6, 2026

The evidence is irrefutable that weight loss is achieved only from caloric restriction.

The evidence is irrefutable that weight loss is achieved only from caloric restriction.

Sleep

How to Unlock Better Sleep Using Sunlight and Diet

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on May 27, 2026

Our daily behaviors with regard to light exposure and eating both influence how well we sleep at night.

Our daily behaviors with regard to light exposure and eating both influence how well we sleep at night.

Cannabis

The Mystery of the Munchies

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on May 1, 2026

Does cannabis prevent weight gain or induce weight loss?

Does cannabis prevent weight gain or induce weight loss?

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Exercise Is Not Enough to Prevent Cognitive Decline

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 27, 2026

A recent study shows that popular myths exaggerate the benefits of exercise on the brain.

A recent study shows that popular myths exaggerate the benefits of exercise on the brain.

Alcoholism

Is Alcohol Good or Bad for You? It's Complicated

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 21, 2026

The benefits and risks of alcohol consumption depend upon the dose, your genes, your sex, and your state of health.

The benefits and risks of alcohol consumption depend upon the dose, your genes, your sex, and your state of health.

Antioxidant

Why Longevity Doctors Fail Us

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on February 12, 2026

The search for a magic elixir that grants immortality has produced a long list of failures.

The search for a magic elixir that grants immortality has produced a long list of failures.

ADHD

Cannabis and ADHD

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on February 10, 2026

Cannabis use may improve some ADHD symptoms while making others worse.

Cannabis use may improve some ADHD symptoms while making others worse.

Depression

Exercise Alone Is Not an Effective Treatment for Depression

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 30, 2026

The benefits of exercise are limited, disappear if discontinued, and should be an adjunct to talk or drug therapy.

The benefits of exercise are limited, disappear if discontinued, and should be an adjunct to talk or drug therapy.

Religion

Do Aliens from Other Planets Also Believe in Gods?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 15, 2026

Given that humans have invented numerous religions, space aliens have likely done the same.

Given that humans have invented numerous religions, space aliens have likely done the same.

Gender

The World Is Progressing and Making Men's Lives Challenging

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 13, 2026

Once, white men had a sense of power and authority over their lives; things have changed.

Once, white men had a sense of power and authority over their lives; things have changed.

Cannabis

Can Tylenol Enhance Marijuana in the Brain?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 2, 2026

Animal studies suggest that acetaminophen, Tylenol, can enhance the cognitive effects of cannabis.

Animal studies suggest that acetaminophen, Tylenol, can enhance the cognitive effects of cannabis.

Diet

The New Diet Drugs vs. Exercise: Which Works Better?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on December 14, 2025

The implications from the design of the clinical GLP-1 agonist trials and studies of caloric restriction are that exercise is basically irrelevant.

The implications from the design of the clinical GLP-1 agonist trials and studies of caloric restriction are that exercise is basically irrelevant.

Diet

Why Does Caffeinated Coffee Taste Better Than Decaf?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on December 4, 2025

Coffee flavor is greatly associated with its volatile compounds, and the lack of these compounds can decrease the quality of coffee.

Coffee flavor is greatly associated with its volatile compounds, and the lack of these compounds can decrease the quality of coffee.

Diet

How Do Your Age and Diet Influence Your Thinking?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on November 11, 2025

Mind wandering, confusion, and a reduced ability to focus thoughts are classic early symptoms of obesity related cognitive decline.

Mind wandering, confusion, and a reduced ability to focus thoughts are classic early symptoms of obesity related cognitive decline.

Neuroscience

Why We Seek Out Others When We Are Sick and Lonely

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on October 27, 2025

Recent studies have found a link between a specific biomarker of inflammation, depression and our strong need for close friends.

Recent studies have found a link between a specific biomarker of inflammation, depression and our strong need for close friends.

Religion

When and How Did the Brain First Invent the Idea of Gods?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on October 7, 2025

Spirituality may have evolved during the Paleolithic from a brain circuit that was originally involved in the control of fear, pain, and altruism.

Spirituality may have evolved during the Paleolithic from a brain circuit that was originally involved in the control of fear, pain, and altruism.

Psychopharmacology

What Does Acetaminophen Do in the Brain?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on September 23, 2025

Acetaminophen works via the brain’s endocannabinoid system to both reduce pain and induce changes that are beneficial for people with autism.

Acetaminophen works via the brain’s endocannabinoid system to both reduce pain and induce changes that are beneficial for people with autism.

Testosterone

Why Men Are Always So Warm

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on September 21, 2025

Surprisingly, it may be related to men's shorter lifespans.

Surprisingly, it may be related to men's shorter lifespans.

CBD

What Can CBD Do for You?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on August 28, 2025

This novel cannabinoid offers promise for some health disorders, such as anxiety and psychosis, but is less helpful for pain and sleeping.

This novel cannabinoid offers promise for some health disorders, such as anxiety and psychosis, but is less helpful for pain and sleeping.

Diet

Why Do I Have to Die?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on August 23, 2025

The longer you are alive, the more food you eat, the more oxygen you breathe, the more likely you are to die. How can we fight back?

The longer you are alive, the more food you eat, the more oxygen you breathe, the more likely you are to die. How can we fight back?