Neuroscience & Health

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms down brain activity. It helps reduce anxiety and soothe the mind.

The emotional brain refers to the collection of brain regions involved in feeling and processing emotions. Centered around the limbic system, structures like the amygdala and hippocampus work together to create our emotional experiences.

Mirror neurons are brain cells that activate when you observe someone else's action, just as if you were doing it yourself.

The ongoing process of growing in your work life by understanding your strengths, building skills, and shaping a path that fits you.

Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a crucial role in learning and memory.

A brain imaging technique that shows brain activity in real time. It can reveal which parts of the brain become active when you experience certain thoughts or emotions.

fMRI is a technology that measures changes in blood flow in the brain to show which brain regions are becoming active.

Memory consolidation is the process by which newly learned information or experiences become stably stored in the brain. It happens most actively during sleep, strengthening memories so they last long-term.

An antagonist is a substance that binds to a receptor but blocks its activation rather than triggering a response. It prevents other molecules from activating the receptor, thereby inhibiting specific physiological or psychological reactions.

The ability to sense what is happening inside your body — heartbeat, breath, hunger, tension — forming the bodily foundation of emotion and self-awareness.

The idea that the left and right sides of the brain tend to specialize in different functions.

The part of the brain that keeps basic life functions going.

The corpus callosum is a thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right sides of the brain so they can work together.

A hidden brain region tucked deep within the cerebral cortex that plays a crucial role in feeling emotions and sensing the body's internal states. It is considered the source of self-awareness.

Neuroimaging refers to technologies that visually capture the structure and activity of the brain. Through techniques like MRI, fMRI, and PET, we can observe the appearance and functioning of a living brain.

A test method that measures the brain's electrical activity by attaching electrodes to the scalp. It's a tool that allows real-time observation of the brain's current state.

Patterns of electrical activity in the brain that change with different mental states.

EEG is a method of measuring the brain's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the scalp.

A pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that secretes a wide range of hormones and oversees the body's entire hormonal system. It is often called the 'master gland' of the body.

The basic cell that makes up the brain and nervous system, transmitting information through electrical signals.

A theory that explains how the vagus nerve in our body plays a role in feelings of safety, danger responses, and social connection.

The outer layer of the brain that supports thinking, language, conscious awareness, and processing what we see, hear, and feel.

A brain neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure.

Located in the upper part of the brain, the parietal lobe processes touch, spatial awareness, and bodily sensations. It helps you know where your body is and how the surrounding space is arranged.

Digital wellbeing means using technology in a healthy, balanced way to maintain psychological health. It's about enjoying the benefits of technology while minimizing its negative effects.

Leadership style refers to the way a leader guides their team, and it has a major impact on members' motivation and performance.

Long-term stress can change how the brain works, especially in areas related to memory, emotion, and focus.

Mentoring is a relationship where an experienced person (mentor) helps a less experienced person (mentee) grow and develop.

Melatonin is a sleep hormone released when it gets dark, signaling your body that it's time to rest.

The concept that gut bacteria influence our mood and mental health. Through the 'gut-brain axis,' microorganisms in the intestines play a role in our emotional responses and stress reactions.

Myelin is an insulating layer that wraps around a neuron's axon, helping nerve signals travel faster.

The vagus nerve is a long nerve running from the brain to the internal organs that regulates rest and relaxation responses.

White matter is brain tissue made up of bundles of nerve fibers that connect different regions of the brain, appearing white because they are wrapped in a fatty substance called myelin.

Wernicke's Area is a region in the brain's temporal lobe that plays a key role in understanding language and grasping meaning from both spoken and written words.

The limbic system is a collection of brain structures responsible for emotions, memory, and motivation.

The process of helping people and organizations adjust to change in a clear, structured, and supportive way.

The reward pathway is a neural circuit in the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation, with dopamine playing a central role in this system.

A key brain region that produces dopamine, serving as the starting point for reward, motivation, and pleasure.

The parasympathetic nervous system is the 'rest and digest' mode of your body — it helps you relax and restore energy after stress.

Small triangular endocrine organs located atop each kidney that produce hormones essential for the stress response, including cortisol and adrenaline.

Insomnia is a condition where a person has difficulty falling asleep, wakes up frequently during the night, or wakes too early and cannot get enough sleep.

The brain region that helps us produce spoken language.

The study of how digital technology and online environments shape people's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

The Social Brain Hypothesis proposes that the human brain grew so large primarily to manage the complex social relationships we form with others.

The deepest stage of sleep, during which the body repairs itself and strengthens immune function.

A neurotransmitter involved in mood stabilization, sleep, and appetite regulation. Low serotonin activity is associated with depression and anxiety.

Selfie culture refers to the widespread practice of taking self-portraits and sharing them on social media. While it can be a tool for self-expression, it may also lead to appearance obsession and self-objectification.

A part of the brain that helps with balance, movement coordination, and learning physical skills.

Sleep architecture refers to the pattern and composition of recurring sleep stages that cycle throughout the night. It describes how different stages of sleep are organized and distributed during a single night's rest.

Sleep stages are recurring phases of distinct brain activity during sleep, divided into non-REM (stages 1–3) and REM sleep.