Brain injury is all too common, but treatments are being improved constantly. Those who survive a brain injury face a lifetime of disability, with economic costs approaching $60 billion annually.

Once the neurons reach their final location, they must make the proper connections so that a particular function, such as vision or hearing, can emerge.

How exactly are memories stored in brain cells? After years of study, much evidence supports the idea that memory involves a persistent change in synapses, the connections between neurons.

Studies of the body’s own pain-control system demonstrated the existence of naturally occurring opioids — the endorphins.

Processing information from the sensory systems is one of many functions of the brain. Such information is often the first step in other brain activities, including learning and retaining knowledge.

Genes and the environment converge powerfully during early sensitive windows of brain development to form the neural circuits underlying behavior. Although most neuronal cell death occurs in the embryo, the paring down of connections occurs in large part during critical periods in early postnatal life.

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

Often considered the most important sense for humans, hearing allows us to communicate with each other by receiving sounds and interpreting speech.

HIV attacks the immune system’s cells that help protect the body from infection and can also lead to severe neurological disorders.

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