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Alcohol and Learning: Does Drinking Harm Memory?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 10, 2018

Back in October, I published one of the blog’s most popular articles: a summary of a…

adult neurogenesis

STOP THE PRESSES: New Evidence Against Adult Neurogenesis

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 8, 2018

For years, neuroscientists believed that neural growth ended in childhood. In the 1960s, however, researchers found that adults could grow new neurons: an event called “adult neurogenesis.” As of this morning, this new orthodoxy might be switching back to the old one. Continue reading →

omega 3 fatty oil

Omega 3 Fish Oil Doesn’t Help, but Research Does

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 6, 2018

Contrary to their previous research, this team in Britain finds that Omega 3 fish oil doesn’t help students’ behavior or academic performance. These results are disappointing, but their willingness to double check their work this way is admirable. Continue reading →

benefits of direct instruction

Despite the Skeptics, a Champion of Direct Instruction

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: March 3, 2018

In the debates between “progressive” and “traditional” educational theories, few arguments rage hotter than the…

understanding brain waves

Surfing Brain Waves to Better Concentration

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 27, 2018

What’s the difference between a gamma and a delta wave? Why do we care? This…

pollution harms working memory

Does Pollution Really Harm Children’s Working Memory?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 24, 2018

Pollution harms students’ working memory, both on their commute to school and in the classroom. Until we can solve this larger social problem, a less polluted route to school should be explored. Continue reading →

investigating mindfulness

Investigating Mindfulness: How Do We Know Its Benefits?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 22, 2018

We would, of course, like to see studies with larger sample sizes, active control conditions, longer-term evaluation of results and so forth. This study find some positive trends, but overall isn’t impressed with the research progress over the last 13 years. Continue reading →

sleeplessness harms women

Sleeplessness Harms Women’s Thinking More Than Men’s?

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 19, 2018

You can understand why this study lit up my twitter feed recently. It makes a…

neuroplasticity and myelin

Neuroplasticity and Myelin: Fascinating Brain Mysteries

Andrew Watson
by: Andrew Watson
Posted on: February 17, 2018

Neuroplasticity and myelin are critical for the brain’s lifelong development, and essential for some of its most remarkable accomplishments. Continue reading →

yes brain

The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience...

Rebecca Gotlieb
by: Rebecca Gotlieb
Posted on: February 16, 2018

In their new book The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in…