The brain uses some unconventional means to communicate.

Much faster than a traditional MRI, MEG can be used to provide even more information about brain activity.

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.

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.

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

Neuroscientists believe that the brain can remain relatively healthy and full-functioning as it ages.

Plasticity itself is not unique to humans, but the degree to which our brains are able to adapt is.

A major breakthrough in understanding how the brain accomplishes learning and memory began with the study of a person known by his initials, H.M.

The ability to react quickly in response to threatening events has been with us since the time of our earliest ancestors.

Listening to classical music hasn't been shown to improve intelligence in children or adults.