Neurolens: Biological Life
The Biological Life NeuroLens underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the biological systems that sustain human life and ecosystems. It fosters a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of living organisms and the cycles that sustain life on Earth, encouraging ethical stewardship and regenerative practices.
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Wonder Starts in the Body: How Awe Moves Us—Literally
You know that feeling when something stops you in your tracks? A rainbow after the rain, a whale breaching, a song that gives you chills. That’s wonder. And while it may feel like magic, scientists are discovering that wonder isn’t just in our minds—it begins in our bodies and nervous system (1). Our eyes widen.…
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Awe: How Mystic Moments Change the Brain and the Behaviour
We’ve all felt it—that tingling, breath-stealing sensation in the presence of something far greater than ourselves. A starlit sky. A cathedral’s hush. The cry of a newborn. These “mystic moments” leave us speechless—but they also change us. Science now shows that awe – a powerful, sometimes transcendent emotion – can quiet self-talk, sharpen attention, and…
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Myths about creativity
Creativity is a very mysterious thing for lots of people. Myths usually rely on a grain of truth that gets twisted and taken out of a wider context. There are a lot of misconceptions about creativity still floating freely all over the world, which suggests that the scientific research we know on this subject has…
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Why “Silly Words” Are Serious Business
Can nonsense words like “snizzlepop” actually build serious reading skills and brain power? You might think silly words are just for laughs—but research shows they’re essential tools for literacy, creativity, emotional connection, and brain development. From the mischievous “snickersnack” of the ‘Jabberwocky’ to phonics drills using words like “zeb”, “doth”, and “mig”, silly or nonsense…
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Bilingualism and Empathy in Childhood: How Language Builds Social Understanding
Could speaking more than one language lead to more empathetic, socially aware individuals? Empathy—the ability to understand and share another person’s thoughts and emotions—is a cornerstone of social and emotional development. Meanwhile, bilingualism is increasingly common in today’s globalised world, with more than half the world’s population estimated to be bilingual or multilingual. While much…
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The Neuroscience of Words: How Language Shapes the Brain
Have you ever wondered how simply hearing a word can trigger a memory, a feeling, or even a physical response? Language is often described as humanity’s most powerful tool, yet neuroscience reveals that it is much more than a means of communication—it is a formative force that sculpts our brains across development, cultures, and even…
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Babies’ speech relies on pitch and rhythm
Have you ever wondered how babies begin learning language before they even utter a word? Across all cultures, humans create both language and music — two universal systems built on rhythm and pitch. These shared features are essential building blocks for how babies begin to acquire language. This natural connection between language and music should…
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The Only Child and Loneliness: What Parents Can Do
Do only children really feel lonelier – or is that just a myth we keep passing down? Only children are often thought to be lonelier than those with siblings. While this stereotype persists globally, especially in cultures like China, recent evidence challenges this belief and offers guidance for parents on fostering emotional wellbeing in only…
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How Children Learn to Connect: The 6 Stages of Play
When is a game of blocks more than just fun? When Play Becomes the Most Powerful Teacher Play is a crucial part of child development and is best when it becomes a massive part of a child’s life. It contributes to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development, sensory integration, language skills and interpersonal relationships, as…
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Building Better Brains: How Play Strengthens Executive Function in Children
Have you ever wondered why some kids seem more focused, organised, or able to stay calm under pressure? Executive functioning has become a popularised brain word. What exactly is executive functioning? It is the brain’s way of processing information while regulating the self. It involves our working memory, planning, self-monitoring, time management, self-control and organisation.…
