There are quite a few videos out there of little kids doing things at an extremely advanced level, given their age. Like this one, where a girl who’s not yet two years shows she knows the world map better than most adults, from Zimbabwe to Ecuador. (It’s pretty amazing.)

I just happened across this video from National Geographic showing how methamphetamines affect the brain, both in the short term and the long term. It gives an informative, concise look into what’s happening in the brain to make the drug so very addictive–and how that addiction can ruin the sense of joy that everyday life [...]

Lately I have been really interested in brain tricks, brain teasers, and optical illusions. I had the chance to work on the expanded brain teasers section of our newly re-launched Posit Science website, which introduced me to a whole host of terrific illusions and tricks. My work on that led me to this funny and [...]

This is a really fun video about “brain magic.” Keith Barry is an illusionist and magician whose act depends on tricking the brain to fool the body. I’m not sure how it all works but it sure is a kick to watch! P.S. I was surprised to see that the last volunteer used is Steve [...]

I happened across this video of Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic man whose ability to remember incredible detail and draw it with near perfection is extraordinary. If he flies in a helicopter over a city just once, he can recreate the city perfectly in a drawing. The buildings have the right number of columns and windows. [...]

I’d like to let you know that  this fall and winter, Norman Doidge is doing a speaking tour that includes visits to Toronto, Denver, Beijing, and several stops throughout Australia. You can see schedule and registration information here, on his website. This is one of my favorite presentations on brain plasticity by Dr. Doidge, author [...]

Researcher Dan Buettner talks about some of the world’s identified “blue zones”–areas of the world in which people live to be over 100 and remain mentally and physically healthier than the rest of us even into very old age.

This week I’m posting a favorite brain-related TED video each day. In this talk from TED 2008, Christopher DeCharms discusses an innovative way to use MRI technology to look at brain activity in real time, which can help people learn to control chronic pain without drugs or surgery. Enjoy!