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Reference Terms
from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brain

Brain refers to the complex organ inside the skull that serves as the command center for the entire nervous system. It’s the most sophisticated biological structure known to science, responsible for everything from basic survival functions—like breathing and heartbeat regulation—to higher-order abilities such as thinking, learning, emotions, creativity, and memory. Packed with about 86 billion neurons, the human brain processes vast amounts of information every second, constantly receiving signals from the body and environment and deciding how to respond.

Structurally, the brain is divided into specialized regions. The cerebrum, the largest part, handles conscious thought, language, and voluntary movement. The cerebellum fine-tunes coordination and balance, while the brainstem controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate. Other parts, like the hippocampus and amygdala, are key players in memory and emotion. These areas work together through networks of neurons and chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, forming the basis of everything we think and feel.

In science, the brain is a frontier of endless fascination. Neuroscientists study how it develops, how it adapts (a feature called plasticity), and what goes wrong in diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Cutting-edge fields like neuroimaging and brain-computer interfaces aim to decode brain activity and even connect minds to machines. While we still have much to learn, one thing is clear: the brain isn’t just where we store knowledge—it’s what makes knowledge, experience, and consciousness possible. It’s the ultimate engine behind being human.

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Mind & Brain News

August 23, 2025

Researchers discovered that women with Alzheimer’s show a sharp loss of omega fatty acids, unlike men, pointing to sex-specific differences in the disease. The study suggests omega-rich diets could be key, but clinical trials are ...
A large-scale review finds that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children. The strongest studies showed the clearest links, pointing to biological ...
Scientists have finally uncovered the missing link in how our bodies absorb queuosine, a rare micronutrient crucial for brain health, memory, stress response, and cancer defense. For decades, ...
Scientists at UCSF have uncovered a surprising culprit behind brain aging: a protein called FTL1. In mice, too much FTL1 caused memory loss, weaker brain connections, and sluggish cells. But when researchers blocked it, the animals regained youthful ...
In a health system where speed often replaces empathy, researchers highlight the life-changing power of listening. Beyond simple questions, values-driven listening—marked by presence, curiosity, and compassion—can transform both patients and ...
Researchers discovered two brain regions that work as a “neural compass,” keeping people oriented in virtual city navigation. These areas tracked direction consistently, hinting at new ways to detect and monitor neurological disorders that cause ...
MSU researchers discovered that microbes begin shaping the brain while still in the womb, influencing neurons in a region critical for stress and social behavior. Their findings suggest modern birth practices that alter the microbiome may have ...
Researchers analyzing 33 studies found strong evidence that highly sensitive people are more prone to depression and anxiety but also more likely to benefit from therapy. Since about 31% of the population is highly sensitive, experts argue that ...
A sweeping review of 67 trials has cast doubt on the use of ketamine and similar NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain relief. While ketamine is frequently prescribed off-label for conditions like fibromyalgia and nerve pain, researchers found ...
THC levels in cannabis have soared in recent years, raising the risk of psychosis—especially in young, frequent users. Studies reveal a strong connection between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia, making early cessation and treatment ...
A study finds that people are more open to plant-based eggs when they’re part of familiar foods, like pancakes, rather than served plain. While taste and appearance still favor regular eggs, vegan eggs score higher on environmental and ethical ...
A six-month randomized trial challenges the idea that eating more sweet foods increases a person’s preference for sweetness. Participants on diets with high, low, or mixed sweetness levels showed no changes in their sweet taste preferences, energy ...

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