Feature

The mechanics of memory

Memory underpins our sense of being a person, a continuous “me” to whom experiences happen and stick. A search to understand its basic machinery led scientists to the center of the brain—and toward new questions about the self

FOREFRONT

FOREFRONT

Insights and ideas from Rockefeller labs

Scientists are asking if octopuses dream, how ants smell danger, and what happens in our lungs when COVID strikes.

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Features

Interview

Li Zhao

Evolution happens very slowly—except when organisms have no time to lose. Li Zhao investigates how individuals and species might shortcut the process.

Evolution happens very slowly—except when organisms have no time to lose. Li Zhao investigates how individuals and species might shortcut the process.

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Beak speak

How did songbirds start singing? Neuroscientists are reshaping our understanding of speech—pinpointing the cells and molecules that built it and what happens in the brain when we learn a new word, chirp, or squeal.

How did songbirds start singing? Neuroscientists are reshaping our understanding of speech—pinpointing the cells and molecules that built it and what happens in the brain when we learn a new word, chirp, or squeal.

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Frames of mind

We think of brains as computers—stimulus in, action out. But they’re far more finicky than any iMac. Easily swayed by underlying internal states such as hunger, aggression, or arousal, our neurons are capable of incredible flexibility. For neuroscientists, it’s yet another wrinkle in understanding our wrinkliest organ.

We think of brains as computers—stimulus in, action out. But they’re far more finicky than any iMac. Easily swayed by underlying internal states such as hunger, aggression, or arousal, our neurons are capable of incredible flexibility. For neuroscientists, it’s yet another wrinkle in understanding our wrinkliest organ.