Dopamine is often called the brain's "motivation molecule," but for me, it represents something deeper, a window into how ...

Japanese researchers have uncovered how the astringent “bite” of cocoa flavanols can activate the brain—even though little of the compound enters the bloodstream.

Astringency is a dry, puckering, rough, or sandpapery sensation in the mouth caused by plant-derived polyphenols.

Certain vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats benefit brain health by supporting nerve function, protecting brain cells from damage, and improving focus.

Scientists have shown that brain connectivity patterns can predict mental functions across the entire brain. Each region has ...

Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a direct connection between cancer-related inflammation and the loss of motivation characteristic of advanced cancer. In a mouse study, they describe a brain ...

Until the turn of the 21st century, most neuroscientists thought the human cerebellum was only responsible for motor functions, such as the coordination of muscle movements. In recent years, however, ...

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. But the transition affects far more than reproductive health: it also reshapes the brain. As estrogen and progesterone decline, cognitive ...