The Top Ten Brainy Posts in 2023
The most popular posts from leading brains Review
As you all know I write about scientific research that is relevant to your brain, society, and business, and try to make it readable and accessible to all. I tend to write three research hits per week (based on breaking research) plus a weekly review or deep dive into a topic for paid subscribers.
It is always interesting to see what comes out top but beware these are sometimes affected by the popularity bias - because they are the most popular they sit top of my feed and so are probably more clicked on than some other posts which are just as, or more, worthy! In addition free posts go to a wider audience and are therefore likely to get more views (but two paid post made it into the top 10).
So for what’s it’s worth here are my top ten posts of 2023 in reverse order. You may have ready many of them but they may also be worthy of second read!
Nr. 10
You Can't Rewire Your Brain! Oh, Yes You Can...Kind Of!
A bunch of new research shows the limits of the brain in rewiring, but at the same time how it can compensate for lost functions, and some functions may indeed be able to be restored.
First part for free, second part for paid subscribers only.
Nr. 9
Young Blood Rejuvenates the Brain
This has long been known but research out explored precisely how young blood transferred to older individuals (well, rats actually) can rejuvenate the brain (and body). Other research also shows impressive effects for intermittent fasting, and certain proteins.
First part for free, second part for paid subscribers only.
Nr. 8
Founder Personality Dramatically Impacts Start-Up Success
An innovative and large-scale review of personalities of start-up founders showing the different personality types and the way they mix can dramatically increase the chances of success for start-ups.
Nr. 7
New Discovery: Swirling Spirals Move Across Your Brain
I personally found this one fascinating and groundbreaking - this new discovery shows a new and unexpected way that the brain seems to coordinate brain processing and could be a missing link in describing cognitive processes.
Nr. 6
Anxious People Use Their Brain Differently (and Less Suitably) in Decision Making
This was interesting research that showed how anxious people recruit different parts of their brain in social decision making.
Nr. 5
The Brain Activates Differently in Virtual Meetings
With the increase in virtual meetings during and post pandemic this was certain to gain some traction but also fascinating, and what many may already have intuited, but virtual meetings generate different patterns in the brain compared to in-person meetings.
Another one on why virtual meetings make us tired (it may not be why you think) was also popular.
Nr. 4
Your Brain on Psychedelic Drugs
Psychedelics articles often get a lot of interest but this gave some interesting insights into how different psychedelics influence brain activation patterns - specifically spontaneous and unexpected synchronisation across brain regions.
And into the top 3:
Nr. 3
The Surprising Effectiveness of Coaching in Reducing Burnout Symptoms
A pilot program that successfully reduced burnout among female medical residents showed even greater results on a national level in the USA. The way the coaching was conducted was also very interesting.
Nr. 2
How Food Can Change Reward Signalling in the Brain
This fascinating research showed that plant-based fibre lowers reward signalling for high-calorie foods. This then seems to break a negative loop. So eat well to reduce your cravings for unhealthy foods!
And the number one is…
Nr. 1
How Seven Habits Boost Brain Function and Lower Depression Risk
This was a large scale study that also took into account genetic and lifestyle factors - with some fascinating results. Though some of the usual suspects are in the top seven the most important may still be surprising.
So that’s it from me in 2023 - I’m looking forward to what 2024 brings and wish you all healthy and successful brains!