PET is one of the most important techniques for measuring blood flow or energy consumption in the brain. This method of measuring brain function is based on the detection of radioactivity emitted when positrons, positively charged particles, undergo radioactive decay in the brain.

Our best insights into how the normal brain ages come from long-term studies of the nervous system that began decades ago.

The brain uses a variety of chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate between brain cells.

Optical imaging relies on shining weak lasers through the skull to visualize brain activity. These techniques are inexpensive and relatively portable. They are also silent and safe: Because only extremely weak lasers are used, these methods can be used to study everyone, even infants.

Insulation covering wires preserves the strength of the electrical signals that travel through them. The myelin sheath covering axons serves a similar purpose.

One of the preeminent U.S. science competitions emphasizing problem-solving and hands-on activities.

Celebrate the brain year-round with interactive events and community outreach. Brain Awareness Week is March 12-18, 2018.

This website includes a menu of lessons to involve students in neuroscience and spread the word about brain research to the public.

Learn about the science underlying the effects of alcohol on human biology and behavior in this interactive teaching unit from the National Institutes of Health.

This online book introduces neuroscience chapter by chapter. Available online and in several languages, the book covers basic topics such as neurons, chemical neurotransmission, and vision, as well as the immune system, dyslexia, stress, and neuroethics.