August 2021

There is no greater scientific mystery than the brain. It’s made mostly of water; much of the rest is largely fat. Yet this roughly three-pound blob of material produces our thoughts, memories, and emotions. It governs how we interact with the world, and it runs our body.

Increasingly, scientists are beginning to unravel the complexities of how it works and understand how the 86 billion neurons in the human brain form the connections that produce ideas and feelings, as well as the ability to communicate and react. Here’s our whistle-stop tour of some of the most cutting-edge research—and why it’s important. Read the full story.

We can still have nice things

A place for comfort, fun and distraction in these weird times. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)

+ The cast of the US version of The Office were avid readers of an early fansite (but if you haven’t seen the British original, you really should.)
+ Timelapses of cakes rising is my latest obsession. 🍰
+ Bring back the women’s restroom lounge!
+ A pasta recipe for every week of the year is true public service journalism.
+ Clear your mind and your schedule—it’s time to take the perfect weekend nap.