The Institute has published On The Brain from 1992 to 2000 before transitioning to a public lecture format beginning in spring 2021. On The Brain’s goal remains to educate the public on the latest scientific discoveries in neuroscience and translate how these discoveries are relevant in our daily lives. This new format connects Harvard trainees, who are doing cutting-edge neuroscience research, with the curious public.
Browse archived issues »
Subscribe to receive updates about the On The Brain Lecture Series »
Recent Features
MUSIC and the Brain
June 2020
By Debra Bradley Ruder
As COVID-19 spread insidiously around the globe this spring, people sought solace in music. They sang from their balconies, performed virtual fundraising concerts, and created both silly and serious tunes about hand washing, physical distancing, and other aspects of pandemic life. Read Music and the Brain »
CANNABIS and the Brain
March 2020
By Debra Bradley Ruder
Cannabis products are everywhere these days. As a growing number of states relax their medical and recreational cannabis laws, millions of Americans are using the cannabis sativa plant, known as marijuana or hemp, to relax or treat pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. Yet more data is needed on its pros and cons. Read Cannabis and the Brain »
ABANDONMENT and the Brain
December 2019
By Debra Bradley Ruder
Studying the impact of adverse early experiences—extreme deprivation, neglect, and toxic stress, for example—on brain development and how these experiences can hamper a young person’s learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. Read Abandonment and the Brain »
DELIRIUM, DEMENTIA and the Brain
September 2019
By Debra Bradley Ruder
Delirium affects up to half of all hospitalized seniors—including at least 70 percent of those treated in the intensive care unit—and 20 to 60 percent of nursing home patients. Read Delirium, Dementia and the Brain »
SCREEN TIME and the Brain
June 2019
By Debra Bradley Ruder
How can children and parents manage their online behavior in this ever-changing digital landscape? Read Screen Time and the Brain »
ANESTHESIA and the Brain
March 2019
By Debra Bradley Ruder
How do anesthetics work in the brain? Read Anesthesia and the Brain »
The Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute hosts a public lecture series to continue its efforts to educate the public on the latest scientific discoveries in neuroscience and translate how these discoveries are relevant in our daily lives.
Since its founding in 1990, the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute has helped advance neuroscience at Harvard Medical School by promoting public awareness of the importance of brain research and by helping to fund research at the School's Department of Neurobiology.