Christienne Damatac

Mapping brain connections with water motion

Mapping brain connections with water motion

Our bodies are filled with water molecules coursing through the cells and tissues of every organ—including the brain and each of its neurons. Diffusion-weighted imaging can capture that movement at the microscopic level. These days, it’s widely used by scientists and clinicians alike to map the white matter tracts in the brain.

Gratitude is good for you?

Gratitude is good for you?

Gratitude is a social emotion critical for maintaining social standing. It indicates to others when we’ve received a benefit, reinforces beneficial behavior towards the recipient, and motivates prosocial behavior in the future.

Am I racist?

Am I racist?

Since May, the protests centered around the Black Lives Matter movement have forced us to gaze into a mirror and ask ourselves this very question. Resultant discussions among friends, in the news, and on social media have shown us that we must no longer ignore racism or remain silently complicit in its propagation. This uncomfortably challenging examination of ourselves and society requires an open mind and honest self-reflection.

This is why we stick to false beliefs even in a pandemic

This is why we stick to false beliefs even in a pandemic

Besides an alarming death toll, a shrinking world economy, and a renewed appreciation for thorough handwashing, the current COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed humans everywhere to another contagion: belief in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Why is it that some people tend to stick to false beliefs?

This is why swearing is #@$&!% great

This is why swearing is #@$&!% great

Offensive language is used in times of anger, frustration, surprise, or delight, but is negatively perceived and censored in public spaces. Despite society’s general reproach of sh*tty words, what does research have to say about swearing?

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