Magnet device aims to treat depression patients

The government has approved the first noninvasive brain stimulator to treat depression - a device that beams magnetic pulses through the skull. If it sounds like science-fiction, well, those woodpecker-like pulses trigger small electrical charges that spark brain cells to fire. Yet it doesn't cause the risks of surgically implanted electrodes or the treatment of last resort, shock therapy.

Scientists find potent new weapon to fight spinal muscular atrophy

A genetic wasting disease which kills one British child each week has been recreated in a laboratory using reprogrammed skin cells from an affected child, in a study which could aid the development of therapies.

Rerouting brain signals to paralyzed limbs causes movement, study shows

The research, which used monkeys, could one day lead to devices that allow people to regain some control of their limbs after suffering spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis. Aided by external wires that rerouted signals from their brains, two monkeys regained control of their paralyzed wrists and played a simple video game, scientists said Wednesday.

Study: Why Food Is Addictive for Some Women

Using milkshakes and brain scans, researchers find that some women are genetically predisposed to get less enjoyment from eating and may overeat to compensate.

Reading This Will Change Your Brain

A leading neuroscientist says processing digital information can rewire your circuits. But is it evolution?

Science magazine names top 10 breakthroughs of 2008

The news writers at Science magazine describe what they believe were the 10 biggest scientific breakthroughs this year. From changing cells to modeling protons, and seeing planets outside our solar system, the discoveries cover a wide swath of natural science and represent some astonishing finds.Read More...