Predicting the present

How do the brains of cricketers, racing drivers and tennis players react so quickly to events in the heat of competition? Scientists may now have more clues.

Brain waves

The brain is the most complicated object in the universe. This is the story of scientists’ quest to decode it, and even start to read people’s minds.

Focus on multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is part of modern living and we all split our attention countless times a day when juggling both mundane and important tasks, but doing two things at the same time isn’t always as productive or safe as focusing on one thing at a time.

The human super computer

Scientists have confirmed that human brains are naturally wired to perform advanced calculations, much like a high-powered computer, to make sense of the world through a process known as Bayesian inference.

Neuroscience training to help children flourish

Professionals working with children and young people will be offered training in brain science in an Australia-first initiative between The University of Queensland and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth through the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership.

Our brain’s odyssey

The human brain is the most complex thing in the natural world, and the mysteries of its decision making and social drives have long fascinated philosophers, scientists and religious thinkers.

Brain train

Just as we can improve our physical performance through training and better technique, we can strengthen our memories and ability to learn by following some well tested principles.

The human brain project

Europe’s Human Brain Project aims to unravel the brain’s mysteries and, after a difficult start, has made substantial progress in mapping how thoughts and decision making are generated.

The brave new world of neuroscience

Mapping cell types in the brain and how they communicate with one another allows neuroscientists to understand how the brain works, and what happens when cells go missing or malfunction.

The mind monster

Halloween is the time for scary stories, but why are some people more easily spooked by stories than others? It could be down to the way their inability to picture stories in their minds.

Insights from the ‘edge of chaos’

Some neuroscience theories suggest the human brain operates best ‘at the edge of chaos’. Now scientists in Australia and Japan have found that keeping a nanowire network at the edge of becoming chaotic is the best state for it to produce useful signals to solve problems.