The Amazing Human Brain

The human brain is the body's computer. Find out everything there is to know about your brain and stay updated on the latest news with the comprehensive articles and images of the brain at LiveScience.com. Learn more about this vital organ as scientists continue to make amazing discoveries about your brain.

Latest about Mind

Outstretched hand reaching towards electrical spark

You're born with most of your neurons — but the brain makes some mysterious new ones in adulthood

By Aswathy Ammothumkandy, Charles Liu, Michael A. Bonaguidi published

Understanding how new neurons affect brain function throughout adulthood can offer new approaches to treating epilepsy and dementia.

Neuroscience
Abstract illustration of a brain in multi-color against a black background.

Gut microbiome may have fueled the growth of humans' big brains, study suggests

By Emily Cooke published

A new laboratory study in mice suggests that primates like humans evolved large brains with a helping hand from microbes that live in the gut.

Mind
A mom is shown smiling at her newborn baby who she is holding against her chest. The baby is looking up at her face. The background is blurred.

Babies' brain activity changes dramatically before and after birth, groundbreaking study finds

By Emily Cooke published

New brain scans have shown that neurons in several regions of the brain become significantly more active across birth.

Neuroscience
A man who is wearing a black sweatshirt is sat facing away from the camera. The e-tattoos can be seen across his scalp, with ink running down his head and joining up to wires at the base of his neck which are connected to a white device.

'Electronic' scalp tattoos could be next big thing in brain monitoring

By Emily Cooke published

Electrodes can now be printed onto the scalp to measure brain activity.

Neuroscience
Two rats in a remote operated vehicle.

Neuroscientists taught rats to drive tiny cars. They took them out on 'joy rides.'

By Kelly Lambert published

Scientists taught rats to drive to a certain destination, but the rodents took a detour, suggesting they enjoy both the journey and the rewarding destination.

Neuroscience
A 3D rendering of a neuron

'Tour de force' study may explain why trauma can lead to PTSD

By Marianne Guenot published

Stress can shape how memories are formed, a study in mice suggests. The findings could point the way to future treatments for PTSD and anxiety.

Memory
A young woman face-palms in frustration

Forgetting may provide a surprising evolutionary benefit, experts say

By Sven Vanneste, Elva Arulchelvan published

If you didn't forget things, you'd be in for a world of trouble.

Memory
Woman is shown eating a burger. She is looking into the distance. The background is blurry.

These 3 neurons may underlie the drive to eat food

By Emily Cooke published

A brain circuit made up of three types of neurons may regulate appetite, a mouse study finds.

Neuroscience
A still from the movie "Awakenings"

What really caused encephalitis lethargica, the mysterious disease described in the movie 'Awakenings'?

By Jonathan Rogers published

Revisiting a disease that affected a million people might provide answers we need for the future.

Neuroscience
Illustration of neurons of the dorsal striatum of the brain. The neurons are shown in purple, pink and blue against a black background.

Trigger for deadly neurodegenerative disorder identified

By Emily Cooke published

The discovery of an important enzyme involved in Huntington's disease may pave the way for future treatments to prevent the condition, researchers say.

Neuroscience
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