The Top Ten Brain Science And Psychology Studies Of 2013

Posted on January 2, 2014

Putting it mildly, 2013 was an eventful year for brain science. This Top 10 list isn’t meant to be exhaustive (given how many studies are published each year, it never could be), but it’s a sturdy sampling of incredible work being conducted around the world, moving us closer to solving some extremely vexing puzzles about brains and behavior.

How the Brain Takes Out Its Trash While We Sleep

While it's been known for some time that the brain doesn't directly use the body's lymphatic system (our body-wide filtering and waste removal system) to dump its toxic waste, the mechanism that it does use wasn’t identified until 2012.

In 2013, Maiken Nedergaard's research team followed up on this discovery by identifying "hidden caves" that open in the brain while we sleep, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flush out neurotoxins through the spinal column.

The implications of this research can't be overstated: failing to get enough sleep isn't just a bad idea for all of the reasons we already know, but over time it could also lead to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.

To Your Brain, Me is We

A 2013 study from University of Virginia researchers supports a finding that's been gaining science-fueled momentum in recent years: the human brain is wired to connect with others so strongly that it experiences what they experience as if it's happening to us.

Yes, Stress Really Does Feed Cancer

For years we’ve heard that there's a mind-body connection between stress and cancer. The claim is anecdotal, but has a certain horse sense that appeals to reason – stress is hard on the body, causing hormonal reactions that can potentially influence the development of cancerous cells.

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Category(s):Sleep Disorders

Source material from Forbes