This is the first post in a series exploring the neurobiology of the gut-brain connection published in partnership with neuroscientist Dr Amy Reichelt. Our brain and gut are intrinsically connected. We have ‘gut feelings’ about a person or event, and feel ‘butterflies’ in our stomach when something exciting happens. Neuroscientists have become increasingly aware… Continue Reading
Interest in meditation and mindfulness as ways to reduce stress have exploded in popularity, and they’re great tools to have in your mental health toolkit. But what if these techniques don’t work for you? Here are some practical alternatives to switching off your stress response and finding peace of mind. Not all stress is bad. We… Continue Reading
I’ve written a book! Just one book. It may appear that I’ve written two, but, we’re publishing the same book under two different titles in Australia and the UK. In Australia and New Zealand, the book will be published by Hachette Australia under the title The Women’s Brain Book. The neuroscience of health, hormones… Continue Reading
Is waiting until the last minute an innocuous habit? Or does failure to act on your intentions have more serious health consequences? Here I take a look at procrastination and provide five evidence-based tips to help you stop putting things off until tomorrow. We’ve all been there. The deadline is looming and you know… Continue Reading
Here I take a look at some of the evidence linking education and occupation with better cognitive function in older age. Rich lifetime experiences like higher education or engaging in mentally challenging occupations have a major influence on how you age cognitively. This is because mentally stimulating activities help build cognitive reserve. Cognitive… Continue Reading
Self Reflected in violets. The entire Self Reflected microetching under violet and white light (photo by Greg Dunn and Will Drinker) This is the most advanced artistic visualisation of the brain in the world. Dr Greg Dunn is an artist and neuroscientist and together with Dr Brian Edwards (artist and physicist) he created… Continue Reading
In June 2016 a team from the Buck Institute of Ageing published the results of a small case series that used a technique called Metabolic Enhancement for NeuroDegeneration (MEND) to treat people with various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the authors of the study, the results are ‘unprecedented‘. But is this description… Continue Reading
With thanks to www.uksmobility.co.uk for this graphic. Continue Reading
White water kayakers and musicians experience it. So do video-gamers, rock climbers, and experienced meditators. If you’ve ever lost complete track of time or your sense of self when you’re engrossed in a satisfying task, chances are you’ve experienced it too. The optimal state of consciousness in which you perform and feel your best… Continue Reading
Imagine this: thinking about exercise strengthens your muscles, even if you don’t move an inch. Mental imagery not only activates the same brain regions as the actual movement but also can speed up the learning of a new skill. Mental imagery and sports performance Mental imagery, mental practice, or visualisation is a technique… Continue Reading
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