Big Brains

Plastic brain model

Big brain…tiny list of Facebook friends? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. We, humans, are VERY smart mammals – if we do say so ourselves! Some say it’s because we have such big brains. But at what cost to society? Manuela González-Suárez at the University

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Coffee or Nap?

Two cups of coffee on a potable table placed on a bed

Foggy brain? How do YOU recharge your batteries — nap or coffee? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Chug down a grande frappuccino after lunch and whoa, you are rip-roaring and ready to go! But does coffee ACTUALLY help? Sara Mednick and colleagues at the

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A Snooze Boost

Person sleeping

Exams…ugh! I’m drinking Red Bull and pulling all-nighters but I can’t remember ANYTHING! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. After a good night’s sleep, our memory is tip-top compared to when we’re more bleary-eyed. But how does a snooze help us remember? Jing Zhang and

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Healing Tea

Tea cup

Could a cup of tea a day keep the doctor away? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Tea-time – it’s not just an excuse for cookies! Tea can give you energy, help you sleep, even soothe your stomach! But can it do even more? José

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Time Flies

Clock with minutes passing by fast

Just one more game of Mahjong Solitaire. . . What — it’s been six hours?!? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Does time REALLY fly when you’re having fun? Or does it just SEEM that way? Masamichi Hayashi and Richard Ivry from UC Berkeley have

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Stimulated Learning

Neuronal connexions

The latest development in learning? It’s literally SHOCKING! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. When you’re learning something new, your brain starts firing electrical pulses. These signals help you track and record information. But – does it work in reverse? Could a jolt of electricity

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Monkey Business

Plastic brain model

Watching monkeys at the zoo – so cute! Until they start throwing their poop …! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying… Humans and monkeys are similar – minus the poo-pitching. Mostly. We’ve got two arms, two legs, and developed brains. However, our human brains

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Baby Babble

Woman holding a baby crying

Hey moms, it’s time to lean into your… baby talk? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. All parents know, it’s important to vocally interact with your babies. Your baby loves your voice. So talk! Sing! Babble! But how can we be sure our little cooing

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World Smiles Back

Close up photo of a women's smile and dark hair

  Smile, and the world smiles back? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying… Cheer up! You look so much better when flaunting those pearly whites. But does smiling REALLY lift our spirits? Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos from the University of South Australia and colleagues wondered. Does

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Croc Meets Bach

Photo of a crocodile laying in wet sand

Do crocodiles like the Crocodile Rock …or do they prefer classical? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.  When you get a concussion, doctors use an MRI to take pictures of your brain. Remember that big hollow tube that patients lie down inside of on Grey’s

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