PennNeuroKnow

PennNeuroKnow is a weekly neuroscience blog written by PhD students at the University of Pennsylvania, where we break down the brain for everyone to understand.

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If witchcraft wasn’t at play in the Salem witch trials, what caused the symptoms that sparked the accusations?

Read this week’s post from @PennNGG student Emma Fischer to explore possible medical explanations.
https://t.co/L1BWyrQkFg

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Popular culture loves the idea that men and women think differently, but the science is far less dramatic.

Here's what the research shows about cognitive ability and brain differences between the sexes: https://t.co/0rGKAv26nf

[PennNeuroKnow @PennNeuroKnow]

Popular culture loves the idea that men and women think differently, but the science is far less dramatic.

Here's what the research shows about cognitive ability and brain differences between the sexes: https://t.co/0rGKAv26nf

[PennNeuroKnow @PennNeuroKnow]

From new discoveries to enduring questions, 2025 was a fascinating year for neuroscience.

Read the neuroscience stories that excited each of our writers most in 2025: https://t.co/bkThNbN5Lh

Thanks for reading along and see you in 2026!

[PennNeuroKnow @PennNeuroKnow]

PMS or BS? For centuries, menstrual cycles have been blamed for emotional and mental changes in women—but is this biology or baloney?

Read this week’s post from @PennNGG student Eve Gautreaux to unpack the history and science behind PMS.

https://t.co/z69NY6sHzB

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Normally T cells fight off germs- but what happens when they start to fight you?

Read @PennNGG student Hayley Lenhard's post to explore the role of T cells in the immune system, the brain, and autoimmune disease.

https://t.co/SJIj13rw1q

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What do Greek mythology and delivering drugs to the brain have in common?

Read @PennNGG student @anna_kasper1's post to learn how scientists use Trojan-horse techniques to sneak medicine past the blood brain barrier.

https://t.co/nbJBrLo7x8

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How does your brain decide what you like and dislike?

Read this week’s post from @PennNGG student Lucas Tittle @lucastja13 to explore the neural machinery behind valence and its surprising flexibility.

https://t.co/LonKF0bNVA

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There’s a lot of talk about vaccines and autism, but what does the science say?

This week @PennNGG student Nita Rome unpacks the history behind these concerns and how modern studies have debunked this misconception.

https://t.co/G7wx0hPvVV

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Why is it so hard to turn good climate intentions into real habits?

Read @PennNGG student Margaret Gardner’s post to learn how neuroscience could help bridge the gap between our values and our actions. https://t.co/XULCXm5KJo

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The billions of neurons in your brain work together like musicians in an orchestra. New tools now let scientists listen to the whole performance- recording multiple brain regions at once.

Read @PennNGG student @abbygreenliebs's post to learn how: https://t.co/iqdsxmwurH

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Your brain is more than a thinking machine. Even when you rest, your brain is busy monitoring, adjusting, and fine-tuning your existence.

Read @PennNGG student Serena Chen’s post to learn how your brain keeps you balanced https://t.co/YYqdeaef7z

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Known as the “powerhouses of the cell,” mitochondria fuel your brain’s energy-hungry neurons. But that's not all they do!

Read this week’s post by @PennNGG student Julia Riley to explore how mitochondria safeguard neurons and earn their famous moniker.
https://t.co/CfSJys68LM

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Ever wonder why conspiracy theories seem to spread faster than facts?

In our latest article, @PennNGG student Emma Noel explains how our brain’s reward systems and social nature fuel belief in conspiracy theories. https://t.co/T3geNOhvfe

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Artificial sweeteners are supposed to be a guilt-free way to get your sweet fix– but are they?
This week Stephen Wisser explores findings from a recent study suggesting artificial sweeteners are associated with faster cognitive decline:
https://t.co/2pwwCkDi5y

[PennNeuroKnow @PennNeuroKnow]

That urge to pee? It’s not so simple. Behind it is a complex brain-bladder conversation that decides when to hold and when to go, which you can learn more about in this week's piece by @PennNGG student Andrew Nguyen! https://t.co/RH3l0aqaUo

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Viruses are experts in getting DNA into cells. Every day, neuroscientists take advantage of this ability to use viruses to help us understand the brain. Learn more in this revolutionary technique in week's piece by @PennNGG student Omer Zeliger! https://t.co/4eaDTDpzLt #scicomm

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Though it's a myth that people are either “left” or “right-brained,” some functions are mostly found on one side of the brain. How & why does the brain pick a side? Learn more in the final piece by PNK writer & former @PennNGG student Dr. Sophie Liebergall https://t.co/UmQg3qSiGf

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Have you ever wondered why some people need total silence & darkness to fall asleep, while others prefer white noise or having the TV on? Is there a “best” way to fall asleep? Learn more in this piece by new PNK writer & @PennNGG student Carly Seligman https://t.co/bCxKiQz63D

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Electrical stimulation is proving to be a powerful treatment for neurological diseases– especially when it comes to the vagus nerve. Read about this exciting research angle in this week's article by @PennNGG student Joseph Stucynski https://t.co/hfWL3UtKdm #scicomm #Neuroscience