What happens when your mind goes ‘blank’?

We’ve all experienced moments when our mind goes ‘blank’, so what can a meta-review of 80 studies of the phenomena tell us about what might be happening in our brain when they occur.

Thanks for the memories

How does your brain create new memories? Neuroscientists are discovering new ‘rules’ to explain how neurons encode new information.

The gambler’s fallacy

We always want to find patterns in sequences of events – but often they aren’t really there. Understanding randomness can free us from unnecessary worry or false hope, allowing us to focus on decisions grounded in reality.

Mental gymnastics

The brain is a marvel of efficiency, honed by thousands of years of evolution so it can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Yet, despite decades of research, the mystery of how the brain achieves this has remained elusive.

Predicting the present

How do the brains of cricketers, racing drivers and tennis players react so quickly to events in the heat of competition? Scientists may now have more clues.

Brain waves

The brain is the most complicated object in the universe. This is the story of scientists’ quest to decode it, and even start to read people’s minds.

Focus on multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is part of modern living and we all split our attention countless times a day when juggling both mundane and important tasks, but doing two things at the same time isn’t always as productive or safe as focusing on one thing at a time.

The human super computer

Scientists have confirmed that human brains are naturally wired to perform advanced calculations, much like a high-powered computer, to make sense of the world through a process known as Bayesian inference.

Neuroscience training to help children flourish

Professionals working with children and young people will be offered training in brain science in an Australia-first initiative between The University of Queensland and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth through the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership.

Our brain’s odyssey

The human brain is the most complex thing in the natural world, and the mysteries of its decision making and social drives have long fascinated philosophers, scientists and religious thinkers.

Brain train

Just as we can improve our physical performance through training and better technique, we can strengthen our memories and ability to learn by following some well tested principles.

The human brain project

Europe’s Human Brain Project aims to unravel the brain’s mysteries and, after a difficult start, has made substantial progress in mapping how thoughts and decision making are generated.