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When the Immune System Attacks the Brain

A mysterious onset of schizophrenia-like symptoms in patients turned out to be cases of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis — an autoimmune disorder where antibodies storm the brain.

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What Causes Goosebumps?

Goosebumps are part of your body’s reaction to danger. But they can also be caused by great music. Those two experiences are more similar than you might think.

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A Brief History of Smelling Salts

Smelling salts, an old remedy for fainting, are now used by some athletes to trigger alertness. Neurologist Erin Manning explains how they work.

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What Causes Brain Freeze?

An icy-cool summer delight like ice cream can quickly turn into pure pain, thanks to brain freeze. But why does this happen?

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The Parenting Brain

From pregnancy to parenthood, child-rearing shapes the brain.

BrainFacts/SfN

Syncing the Body's Clock

Sun-seeking brain cells keep the sleep cycle in balance.

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Realizing the Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

A small battery-sized device implanted into the chest delivering small zaps of electricity to the vagus nerve can make a huge impact in a patient’s wellbeing.

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Are Commercial Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices Safe and Effective?

Neuroscientist Denise Bellinger explains vagus nerve stimulation, its history as a medical treatment, and whether commercial VNS devices are effective and safe.