Brain & Behavior – Athens Science Observer

It actually isn’t that weird to see grey squirrels in the winter

Justine Smith — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:12:07 +0000

Close your eyes and imagine the first snowfall in a forest from your favorite film. What are the wildlife doing? What are they preparing for? Now fast forward to the first day of spring: when all the snow melts, the grass grows greener, and the pink flowers immediately blossom. What are the wildlife doing now? …

It actually isn’t that weird to see grey squirrels in the winter Read More »

Navigating an ADHD diagnosis in graduate school

Ale Villegas — Thu, 12 May 2022 14:34:35 +0000

About two months ago after approaching a mental health professional for what I thought was persistent depression, I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I had seen various mental health professionals in my life and ADHD never came up in our conversations. All I actually knew about ADHD is that ADHD stigma exists …

Navigating an ADHD diagnosis in graduate school Read More »

COVID-19 Uncertainty: The Effects of Unprecedented Times

Jessica Fabbricatore — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:31:20 +0000

How uncertainty has impacted our lives during the pandemic. It has been almost two years since COVID-19 was thrust into the forefront of everyone's mind. Many of us are still waiting for things to go back to normal, or at least for things to feel a little more right. Despite adjusting somewhat to this â€œnew …

COVID-19 Uncertainty: The Effects of Unprecedented Times Read More »

Behind Brown Eyes: Theory of Mind in our Canine Companions

Megan Tomamichel — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 01:00:42 +0000

Have you ever looked at your favorite pet and wondered exactly what's going on behind those soulful, amber eyes? For a long time, scientists believed that only humans possessed something called Theory of Mind, that is, the understanding that one is a conscious being, and that others also possess a consciousness of their own. Theory …

Behind Brown Eyes: Theory of Mind in our Canine Companions Read More »

The role of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on human behavior: Causation or correlation?

Abigail Calixto — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:30:59 +0000

Before becoming a graduate student, I knew little to nothing about the neglected microscopic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Once I began my studies, I quickly realized that unless you were a healthcare worker, vet, or pregnant, the awareness of Toxoplasma was close to nonexistent. Despite prevalence among one-third of the world's population, infected immunocompetent individuals remain …

The role of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on human behavior: Causation or correlation? Read More »

Science of the Fifth Sense

Taiwo Akinyemi — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Imagine my frustration while trying to bottle-feed breast milk to my 4-week-old baby. The little guy was not happy taking his nature-made meal from a bottle, even if they had different-styled nipples. He would only take the breast milk directly from his mom. As a result, I wasted no time raising this concern with his …

Science of the Fifth Sense Read More »

Lamenting Loss: The Science of Hallucinations During Bereavement

Kendall Clay — Tue, 11 May 2021 17:13:43 +0000

Leaning against the kitchen counter, I wait for the microwave to finish while overwhelmed with a million deadlines. It's almost the end of the semester, but because of the pandemic, I'm back at home, trying to juggle classes and learning how to use Zoom. Then, I feel my dad's hand around my shoulder, squeezing it …

Lamenting Loss: The Science of Hallucinations During Bereavement Read More »

Diving into the Homo-Delphinus connection

Sarada Sripada — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 18:46:42 +0000

Humans have shared a special bond with a certain animal since the time of Aristotle. Artworks as early as 1500 BC depicted interactions with this fascinating creature. Members of this species have assisted the US Navy, and have also been used as therapy animals for patients with Down syndrome and autism. These amiable beings are …

Diving into the Homo-Delphinus connection Read More »

Forget What You Know About Alzheimer’s

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:51:03 +0000

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth-leading cause of death among adults in the US. Its progression is devastating: the brain slowly deteriorates, cognitive ability degrades, and bodily functions gradually shut down. Given our aging population and the huge financial burden of care, the National Institutes of Health is expected to contribute almost $3 billion to …

Forget What You Know About Alzheimer’s Read More »

This looks familiar…

Jen McFaline-Figueroa — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:54:06 +0000

How many times has this happened to you before? You walk into a roomâ€“it could be one you've stepped foot in a dozen times that day, or never at allâ€“ and hesitate by the doorway. There is something about that space that is nagging at the back of your mind. You decide that, somehow, you …

This looks familiar… Read More »

Capturing Creativity

Rebecca Atkins — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 01:44:14 +0000

In the age of increasingly complex problems, many classrooms are starting to incorporate strategies for improving the fluency (quantity), flexibility (diversity) and originality of student ideas. Essentially these teachers are training creativity. While the extent to which creativity is inherited or learned is under debate, there is still growing evidence for the benefits of creativity …

Capturing Creativity Read More »

â€œAre you going to finish that?â€ â€“ What we know about the psychology of self-control

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 01:24:07 +0000

With the holidays upon us, exercising self-control is the last thing on everyone's mind, as we are deluged with stimuli to shop, eat, and drink more. For Dr. Michelle vanDellen, however, the subject of self-control is always relevant, as it is an area her research focuses on. VanDellen, an Associate Professor in the Department …

â€œAre you going to finish that?â€ â€“ What we know about the psychology of self-control Read More »

Rethinking Anorexia: Making the Biopsychosocial Connection

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:01:56 +0000

With only 50% of patients recovering fully in the long-term, anorexia is the deadliest psychiatric disorder. Typically associated with poor body-image and unhealthy eating habits, anorexia has captivated and bewildered the minds of laymen and scientists alike. While not every person suffering from anorexia is underweight, there is still a general misunderstanding of what is …

Rethinking Anorexia: Making the Biopsychosocial Connection Read More »

This is your brain on languages

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:29:25 +0000

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world with no need for a translator and then realized you would have to actually learn a new language? Have you tried to learn, only to give up after the intro course? Has the little green owl on your Duolingo app stopped giving you reminders because â€œthey don't …

This is your brain on languages Read More »

Social jetlag: No plane required

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:26:40 +0000

When my alarm wakes me up at 7:30am on Monday, the first thought that pops into my head is â€œOh dear lord, why?â€ After a beautiful weekend of sleeping in, enough to fill my heart's content, readjusting to my weekday schedule is a constant challenge. I feel tired, irritable, and my thoughts are as murky …

Social jetlag: No plane required Read More »

Awake While Dreaming?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:48:34 +0000

You are in a meadow, walking. You reach the edge of a steep cliff, but you don't stopâ€¦… wait, are you OK? Yes! You seem to be gliding effortlessly through the cool breeze, feeling fantastic. You realize that you are FLYING! But, what do you want to do next? Talk to God or dine with …

Awake While Dreaming? Read More »

Riding the Brain Wave

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:50:17 +0000

Wurzburg, Germany, 1892. Hans Berger was in military training when he was suddenly thrown off his horse and injured. That same evening, Berger received a telegram from his family coincidentally inquiring about his health. This event instigated an ambition in Berger to discover the neural basis of â€˜telepathy', communication of thoughts between people without the …

Riding the Brain Wave Read More »

Does Your Multitasking Spark Joy?

Rebecca Atkins — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:09:39 +0000

As a graduate student, I'm fortunate enough to dictate my own work hours. However, with this freedom comes expectations of productivity; I must juggle writing manuscripts, mentoring students, applying for grants and conducting my research. Amidst these tasks, I inevitably find the time to toggle between the 30-something tabs on my internet browser, scroll through social …

Does Your Multitasking Spark Joy? Read More »

A little food for thought – are those â€œbrain foodsâ€ really doing what we think?

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 21:41:36 +0000

It's that time of year again, where we resolve to make better choices for our bodies. Maybe one of these decisions is to try and boost our brain health as well, so we incorporate good â€œbrain foodsâ€ in our diets like walnuts or salmon. These foods are labeled as such because they're rich in omega-3 …

A little food for thought – are those â€œbrain foodsâ€ really doing what we think? Read More »

How to Build a Better Brain: Failing to Follow Through?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 20:32:23 +0000

It's officially February, the groundhog predicted an early Spring, and I'm still staying up past 2am every night, despite my resolution to get more sleep. We are a month into 2019, and it's around the time when people start dropping their resolutions like a serious game of hot potato. Why is this? Why do we …

How to Build a Better Brain: Failing to Follow Through? Read More »

A Lesson in Un-BEE-lieveable Insect Intelligence

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 02:56:46 +0000

Bumblebees. What comes to your mind when that word is uttered? To some, it's pure fear of its vicious sting. To others, it's the image of their toddler dressed up for Halloween. But to researchers who study bees, it's awe at the ability of such a small creature to have immense intellectual potential. Bee communities …

A Lesson in Un-BEE-lieveable Insect Intelligence Read More »

Raising the Dead: The Science of Frankenstein

Max Barnhart — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 02:30:00 +0000

It's that time of year again. The weather is starting to get a little cooler, the leaves are changing color, and flannel shirts are now socially acceptable to wear. It is finally Fall and Halloween is right around the corner. One of the most iconic stars of Halloween parties and the horror fiction genre is …

Raising the Dead: The Science of Frankenstein Read More »

The Biology of Mental Illness

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 02:00:08 +0000

There is a mental health crisis in the STEM graduate community. In this series, â€œMental Wellness,â€ we will highlight not only the mental state of graduate students all over the world, but also the likely causes for these conditions, how to know when what you're feeling is too much, and how to deal with it …

The Biology of Mental Illness Read More »

Porn is Changing Your Brain

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:21:24 +0000

Porn is changing your brain. Even with occasional use, porn begins to physically and functionally alter your brain, decreasing its volume and normal activity. A Startling Trend: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) In the past decade, there has been a sharp increase in men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) during partnered sex. Researchers have also found sharp …

Porn is Changing Your Brain Read More »

The Science of Emotions

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 03:45:59 +0000

We've all experienced it â€“ the feeling of having your heart broken by someone you love or experiencing pure rage at someone cutting you off in rush hour traffic. But we've also all experienced the opposite – butterflies when your crush smiles at you or the serenity of crisp fall air with falling leaves. But …

The Science of Emotions Read More »

The Physiological Aftermath of a Heartbreak

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 02:46:59 +0000

Decades back, Willa Cather summed up what we all have felt at some point in time – â€œromantic relationships are tragic necessities of human lifeâ€ – ones that lay bare the fragilities of the human heart. The end of a romantic relationship can be torturous and leave you feeling heartbroken; perhaps this is why it's …

The Physiological Aftermath of a Heartbreak Read More »

The Perfect Place to Fall in Love

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:50:49 +0000

Some people spend their free time volunteering, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying hobbies. Others, like me, spend six hours a week watching drunk people making out on a beach. If you don't watch the television equivalent of a tequila shot that is Bachelor in Paradise, the basic concept is that those who failed …

The Perfect Place to Fall in Love Read More »

Mental Wellness: Understanding the STEM Graduate Mental Health Crisis

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:30:07 +0000

In this series, â€œMental Wellnessâ€, we will highlight not only the mental state of graduate students all over the world, but also the likely causes for these conditions, how to know when what you're feeling is too much, and how to deal with it in a healthy manner. So, take this journey with us and …

Mental Wellness: Understanding the STEM Graduate Mental Health Crisis Read More »

Biological Memories

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 21:01:33 +0000

You wake up in the morning and grab breakfast and some coffee. As you head out the door, you slip on your shoes and tie the laces. How did we even learn to do these things that are now second nature to us? We go about our routines, doing actions we've learned without realizing that …

Biological Memories Read More »

The Science of â€œThe Pillâ€

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 02:15:06 +0000

The story of oral contraception begins in the early twentieth century when Austrian physiologist, Ludwig Haberlandt, found that female rabbits and guinea pigs became temporarily sterile after the transplantation of ovaries from pregnant animals. But what caused this temporary sterilization, and how did it lead to the pill? The secret of the pill is the …

The Science of â€œThe Pillâ€ Read More »

Thinking About How We Think

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 02:24:13 +0000

Intelligence — we've all heard this word, but what exactly does it mean? Intelligence can be broadly defined as the ability to learn, reason, and problem solve. While many will point to environmental factors having a major influence (and they do), there is a genetic and hereditary component to intelligence as well. As a considerable …

Thinking About How We Think Read More »

The Mythical â€œMath Personâ€

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:30:58 +0000

Every time I hear the phrase, â€œI'm not a math person,â€ I imagine that deep in the heart of college campuses and libraries across the world, there dwells a mysterious creature who spends their days scribbling complex calculations on napkins (or windows). The math person is closely related to the equally-elusive science person, known for …

The Mythical â€œMath Personâ€ Read More »

The Language of Music

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:27:57 +0000

What is it with humans and music? We sing our babies to sleep and compose endless cascades of love songs. We get melodies involuntarily wedged in our heads. We spontaneously break into song in the shower, hum while cooking, sing in the rain, and whistle in the dark. Yet despite our collective obsession with music, …

The Language of Music Read More »

Fake it til' You Make It

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 03 May 2018 15:41:19 +0000

I'm less than 5 days away from graduating at UGA. The culmination of the last four years of my life is an exciting, bittersweet moment: a time of congratulatory messages followed by the dreaded question, "what are you going to do next?".

Tired â€˜Round the (Circadian) Clock

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 01:13:47 +0000

Everyone knows what it's like to feel tired. If you're a student, you probably know what it means to feel completely exhausted. You likely could also pinpoint exactly why you are exhausted â€“ you stayed up cramming all night for that big test, or just couldn't turn off Netflix even though you had class early …

Tired â€˜Round the (Circadian) Clock Read More »

Six Hours Until Sunrise and a Binder Full of Notes

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:50:42 +0000

Sleep deprivation is something everyone has experienced. We spend a third of our lives snoozing, or we should. Occasionally, we procrastinate or misjudge how long something is going to take, turning what should be a chance for the various functions of your body to reset and undergo maintenance into a productivity marathon.

So You Say You Like Carrots

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:54:33 +0000

The next time you're in the check-out line at the grocery store, take a long, hard look at your cart. Is it full of vibrantly colored veggies? Kale, peppers, and carrots? If so, go ahead and call your mom up and say thank you.

Future Fixes for a Broken Heart

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 01:54:38 +0000

My heart skips a beat everytime I read about new technologies that could have saved my brother's life. My brother passed away last year due to complications from congestive heart failure. A heart transplant could have possibly saved his life, but it's well known that the demand for organ transplants in this country far outweighs …

Future Fixes for a Broken Heart Read More »

New Year, New You…Again

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 21:04:18 +0000

With 2017 just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how we can become better versions of ourselves. You might try to quit smoking. Or maybe it would be nice to get rid of that spare tire, you know, the one collecting dust in your basement (what did you think I was talking …

New Year, New You…Again Read More »

The Branded Body

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:50:01 +0000

Get off the bus near the University of Georgia's Tate Center and you'll see a campus awash with Nike swooshes. Shirts, shoes, shorts, socks, hats and backpacks all proudly bear the company's distinctive logo in the school's iconic red and black colors. In fact, you have to look hard to find any of Nike's competitors' …

The Branded Body Read More »

How Language Affects Thought And Culture

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:16:12 +0000

The way our language forces us to speak has profound implications on our culture and way of thinking. There are many different types of languages around the world derived from various parent languages. For example, English is a type of Germanic Language which is a branch of the Indo-European language family. It is split into …

How Language Affects Thought And Culture Read More »

Dancing and Humans: Our Historical Mating Call

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 02:29:55 +0000

LET’S DANCE! *cue Footloose music* Now it doesn't take a genius to realize that Michael Jackson was an incredible dancer and probably the best there ever was. While his music is timeless and loved by many, people are immensely captivated by his amazing dance moves like the famous moonwalk! Now I personally am no Chris …

Dancing and Humans: Our Historical Mating Call Read More »

H(omm)ing in on Happiness: How Meditation Changes the Brain

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 17:35:21 +0000

Chances are that in the past couple of years, you've noticed more and more references to meditation. That guy who works in the office next to yours? He practices. So does the girl who lives down the street. Heck, even my mom is meditating! Ask someone who meditates and he or she is likely to …

H(omm)ing in on Happiness: How Meditation Changes the Brain Read More »

But First, a Nap

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 20:23:52 +0000

It's Monday morning. About 15 minutes into my 9AM evolution class, I'm starting to nod off. C'mon, wake up, I tell myself. I look down at my notes and they're totally incoherent. I reach for my tea. Ah yes, caffeine. What time is it? Only 9:26? How can that be?! For me, the worst part …

But First, a Nap Read More »

Addiction Research Gets Ant-sy

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 20:06:47 +0000

Drugs. Whether or not we like to admit it, drugs play a big role in our everyday lives. For some of us, that drug could be the caffeine in our morning coffee. For others, that drug is the insulin needed to survive. Doctors routinely prescribe drugs to treat everything from cancer to the common cold. …

Addiction Research Gets Ant-sy Read More »

Cult of personality quizzes

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 15:22:59 +0000

Hi, my name's Katie and I'm addicted to personality quizzes. Nothing would make me happier than to know what kind of pizza I am, or which Hogwarts House I belong in. Bring me your quizzes, I will take them all. And most of the time, I will take that quiz, read the result, go â€œwell …

Cult of personality quizzes Read More »

Colorblindness: It's not all black and white

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:00:19 +0000

Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz sang of trees of green. Or where they red? If you're colorblind, you may not be sure. When we imagine how a color-blind person sees the world, we may picture something like the dusty Kansas landscapes before Dorothy travels over the rainbow to the colorful world that houses the …

Colorblindness: It's not all black and white Read More »

That all you got?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:22:37 +0000

Preparing for the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, George Foreman only considered whether he should be â€œmerciful or notâ€ to the aged Muhammad Ali. Younger and renowned for his unbelievable raw power, Foreman knew Ali would be down early â€“ â€œjust one more knockout victim.â€ But, come the seventh round, Ali was still up …

That all you got? Read More »

A New Therapy for PTSD: Virtual Reality

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 21:05:58 +0000

â€œThe body remembers. Stuffed until an event, a sound, a sight, a touch, a word, or a person awakens themâ€. The body remembers pain, domestic abuse, and the horrors of war. Unfortunately these memories become a burden on a person's mind and body. This debilitating and stressful illness is commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, …

A New Therapy for PTSD: Virtual Reality Read More »

The Science of Blacking Out

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 12:32:18 +0000

In today's society, the words college and drinking have almost become synonymous. College drinking is incredibly prevalent, with four out of five college students admitting to drinking. Obviously there are many risks associated with drinking alcohol, but one of the more common ones among college students is called â€œblacking out.â€ One study at Duke University …

The Science of Blacking Out Read More »

Think Before You Speak: Language & the Brain

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:58:25 +0000

I have recurring nightmares where I can't speak. The dream situation changes – I'm in an argument and can't defend myself or I'm up on a stage and suddenly can't say my lines – but when I open my mouth nothing comes out. The terror of this dream comes from how important language is to …

Think Before You Speak: Language & the Brain Read More »

Drug Bugs Could Replace Sniffer Dogs in the Detection of Illegal Drugs

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:16:09 +0000

While waiting in line at TSA a few weeks ago, I was sniffed by a drug dog and his handler (well, the handler didn't sniff me, but you know what I mean). Resisting the urge to get on the floor and roll around with the absolutely adorable black lab, I stood patiently in line as …

Drug Bugs Could Replace Sniffer Dogs in the Detection of Illegal Drugs Read More »

You used to call me on my cell phone…

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 13:00:48 +0000

My baby brother is 16, a rising high school junior. As much as I love him, he can really be a pain. He's too smart to take advice, too cool to be silly, too busy to bother. â€œYou were just like himâ€, my parents tell me. Obviously the 10 year gap between my adolescence and …

You used to call me on my cell phone… Read More »

Synesthesia: See What I'm Saying?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 13:52:41 +0000

Why was six afraid of seven? Because their colors clash, of course. And seven can be a bit of a jerk. We tend to trust our own perceptions, and assume others share the same reality we experience. But for about 1 in 23 people, such things as friendly or specifically-colored numbers are just another aspect …

Synesthesia: See What I'm Saying? Read More »

Internet Addiction: Fact or Fantasy?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 11 May 2016 15:22:38 +0000

As society continually moves towards an age in which its members become reliant upon the internet for a wide array of tasks, one industry has recently taken the world by storm: persistent online gaming. Persistent browser-based games are those that have no set time period on how long one can play. In turn, gaming companies …

Internet Addiction: Fact or Fantasy? Read More »

Human Attraction: The electrifying experience

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 16:54:21 +0000

The human species- we are mysterious and intelligent social creatures that have survived using cooperation and teamwork for millennia. We know what we like and dislike as well as being able to choose in life who we want to associate ourselves with. Mix that up with the concept of attraction and things can become a …

Human Attraction: The electrifying experience Read More »

Making Resolutions That Stick

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:00:13 +0000

It's that time of year again! Everyone has just made resolutions for the New Year. According to Dr. John C. Norcross at the University of Scranton, each year ~ 40 â€“ 50% of us make New Year's resolutions, yet most of us don't follow through with them. In 1989, Dr. Norcross showed that â€œ77% of …

Making Resolutions That Stick Read More »