Latest from David Kattenburg
Why the 'Great Acceleration' is giving the Anthropocene an identity crisis
We’ve heard of the Anthropocene: how human activity has altered the planet. But the Great Acceleration? It’s that period from 1950 onwards, when the same human activities revved up even more, and are still accelerating. IDEAS contributor David Kattenburg examines the crucial, and sometimes contested, meanings of this age of Great Acceleration.
Neuroscientists explore differences in male, female brains
Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, a bestselling book claims. Science does confirm, though, that male and female brains are wired differently — but what that means is the focus of a great deal of research.
Researchers hope brain's plasticity can be used to treat disorders
Exactly what triggers dystonia — an involuntary muscle contraction of the hand, fingers, neck or mouth, which is sometimes very painful — is unclear. But some researchers think the underlying problem that causes it may also be the key to treating it, and other brain-linked disorders like Parkinson's.
Bowel bacteria may impact mood for Crohn's sufferers
The trillions of bacteria inhabiting your gut eat what you eat, and turn meals into molecules that affect your brain. That can be a healthy relationship, or a serious health problem in the case of Crohn's and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, which affect one out of 150 Canadians.
Music can help dementia, stroke patients remember
New research is showing that patients with dementia are not only able to remember music, but that it might also help them hold on to their memories.
Researchers pinpoint circuits that drive PTSD flashbacks
Researchers at a large veterans' hospital in Minnesota say they've pinpointed the neural circuits that drive PTSD flashbacks and panic attacks. And solving the PTSD riddle may help treat those suffering from neuroticism, psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder as well.
Insomnia's effects on brain explored
Most of us feel a good night's sleep helps us function better during the day. But researchers are only now beginning to connect the dots between brain plasticity and the healing powers of sleep — and what happens to insomniacs when that sleep is disrupted.