neuroscience Archives - Science Connected Magazine

How Habits Are Formed

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018 Science Connectedbiology, habits, it's okay to be smart, neuroscience, videos

Got a bad habit you just can’t seem to break? That’s because a habit is literally wired into your brain. Every single thought, action, and feeling changes your brain. When repeated enough times, a habit is formed. Some are good, some are bad, but you’re not likely to forget any of them without serious effort. Millions of people, every day, wake up and brush their teeth. Why do we do this? Because we formed a habit. But how do habits form? Well, it all comes down to neuroscience and the…

Biology Health

How Your Brain Learns to Use Tools

October 1, 2014November 14, 2018 Science Connectedbiology, brains, health, neuroscience

Scientists in Munich are examining the network in our brains that enables us to use tools. Researchers from Technische Universität München (TUM) and the Klinikum rechts der Isar hospital have analyzed the brain networks that control the use of tools and utensils, such as car keys and chopsticks. Using MRI scans, they watched the areas of the brain that activate when a person first thinks about using a tool and then actually picks it up and uses it. After giving people some everyday items to use, including a hammer, a…