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Brain of flying reptile’s ancestor rebuilt to find out how they took flight

Brain of flying reptile’s ancestor rebuilt to find out how they took flight

By Stephen Beech The brain of a 233-million-year-old ancestor of the first flying reptiles has been reconstructed in a bid to work out how they took flight. Scientists say Venetoraptor was around 13 inches (33 centimeters) tall and had a beak and scythe-like claws on long

How much sleep do you really need?

How much sleep do you really need?

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Why do I need to sleep for a long time at night? – Sly M., 6, Cambridge, Massachusetts Just like eating, drinking or

Does closing your eyes help you hear better?

Does closing your eyes help you hear better?

By Stephen Beech Closing your eyes might not help you hear better after all, according to new research. People with their eyes shut struggled to hear faint sounds in noisy environments audible to open-eyed participants in a study. Most people close their eyes when trying to concentrate on a

Gene yaks have could inspire new multiple sclerosis treatments

Gene yaks have could inspire new multiple sclerosis treatments

By Stephen Beech A special gene that helps animals survive at high altitude could enable new treatments for multiple sclerosis, suggests new research. Scientists say that the genetic mutation that enables yaks to thrive high up mountains may hold the key to repairing nerve damage in conditions such as multiple

Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles; a neurologist explains how to boost your brain health

Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles; a neurologist explains how to boost your brain health

Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles; a neurologist explains how to boost your brain health If you have ever lifted a weight, you know the routine: challenge the muscle, give it rest, feed it and repeat. Over time, it grows stronger. Of course, muscles only grow when

Could Ozempic and other GLP⁠-1s help ADHD symptoms?

Could Ozempic and other GLP⁠-1s help ADHD symptoms?

Could Ozempic and other GLP⁠-1s help ADHD symptoms? GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound have transformed medical treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Some people with ADHD who take the drugs for other conditions say they feel calmer and more focused while taking these medications. GLP-1

This is your brain on cocaine

This is your brain on cocaine

By Stephen Beech Cocaine rewires the brain of former addicts to trigger a relapse, according to new research. The breakthrough might lead to better treatments for drug addiction, say scientists. The study suggests that when a cocaine addict relapses, it isn’t a matter of personal failure but rather it’