Most Popular in 2021: Top 10 Countdown

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How do flashing lights trigger epileptic seizures? What’s the science behind ASMR? Why do our brains love stories?

Throughout 2021, BrainFacts.org delved into these questions and many more. Click on the links below to discover our most popular content in 2021.

Top 10 Stories:

1. How Do Flashing Lights Trigger Epileptic Seizures?
Three experts discuss photosensitive epilepsy and how flashing lights can trigger seizures.

2. Brain Fact or Fiction Quiz: The Learning Edition
Some things we think we know about learning and focus just aren’t true. Find out if you can separate fact from fiction.

3. The Past and Future of the IQ Test
A century old test to identify children struggling in school evolved into assessments to determine intelligence. But should it have?

4. Can You Name That Cell?
Test your knowledge of neurons and other cells found in the nervous system.

5. How Smartphones Hijack the Brain
Largely by design, the features that make smartphones convenient and fun also make them addictive.

6. Testing the Tingles: The Science Behind ASMR
Scientists are beginning to unravel the science of so-called “brain tingles.”

7. How Do Tight Muscles Trigger Headaches?
When a muscle is persistently tight, waste products accumulate but cannot be flushed out. This accumulation of waste products in the muscle irritates nerve fibers, which then causes pain.

8. Marijuana Myths
Addiction psychiatrist Tauheed Zaman helps us sort out some of the commonly held beliefs about marijuana and separate fact from fiction.

9. What’s the Difference Between Sleep and Anesthesia?
It feels like falling asleep, but anesthesia and snoozing are completely different. Neuroscientist and anesthesiologist Emery Brown explains what makes them different.

10. Why the Brain Loves Stories
Stories help people connect with each other and make sense of the world.

Explore the most recent content from BrainFacts.org.

About the Author

Cyrenna Cooper

Cyrenna Cooper is the Web Communications Specialist for BrainFacts.org. She graduated from George Mason University in 2017 with a degree in Communications.