Medical science offers us a number of different ways to dull or treat pain.

Molecules that are important in brain development may help treat or prevent brain injuries and disorders.

From the first large studies monitoring the mental functioning of the same group of healthy humans over many years, scientists have uncovered unexpected results.

From remembering a friend's face to figuring out where you left your keys, the act of memory has many dimensions.

Hormones are important messages both within the brain and between the brain and the body.

A stressful situation activates three major communication systems in the brain, all of which regulate bodily functions.

Medical professionals have come to rely on even more specialized forms of the MRI machine, each suited to spotting specific warning signs.

Researchers throughout the world are pursuing a variety of new ways to repair or replace neurons and other cells in the brain. For the most part, these experimental approaches are still being worked out in animals and cannot be considered therapies for humans at this time.

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.

The moment light meets the retina, the process of sight begins. About 60 years ago, scientists discovered that each vision cell’s receptive field is activated when light hits a tiny region in the center of the field and inhibited when light hits the area surrounding the center.