Dean Burnett
Dean is a neuroscientist, author, blogger, occasional comedian and all-round ‘science guy’. He is the author of the the popular Guardian Science blog Brain Flapping (now Brain Yapping on the Cosmic Shambles Network with accompanying podcast), the bestselling books The Idiot Brain and The Happy Brain, and his first book aimed at teens, Why Your Parents Are Driving You Up the Wall and What To Do About It.
Recent articles by Dean Burnett
What’s the best comeback to an insult?
'I know you are, but what am I?' is surely the best comeback of all time.
Here’s what actually causes social anxiety (and how to overcome it)
Here's how you can conquer those totally natural conversational worries.
The 6 biggest questions about adult ADHD, answered by a neuroscientist
ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years, particularly among adults. But we need to improve how we view and treat it.
Why it’s time to rethink what happiness really means
Explaining exactly what's going on in our brains when we experience joy or pleasure remains frustratingly out of reach
The hidden flaw in cryonics that could ruin your shot at living forever
The chances of cryogenically freezing a human brain and then resurrecting its owner remain sub-zero
The secret to a perfect morning routine probably isn't what you think
Starting the day at 2am or taking fistfuls of supplements each morning is unlikely to help you get ahead in life.
I’m a neuroscientist. Here's how gambling can change your brain
We now know that gambling can be as addictive as drugs, but there are factors that can make it even harder to quit.
The hidden psychology of ‘know-it-alls’: Why they think they know everything
You don't want to do it like that, you want to do it like this...
Can you smell fear?
Fear may its own special scent.
The best (and easiest) way to strengthen your relationship, according to science
Stop trying to fix your partner's problems – here's why listening matters more.
Does having children actually make you happy? A neuroscientist explains
Some parents say having kids is the best thing they've ever done... others would quite like some time to themselves. So, overall, does having kids make you happier?
No, it’s not just a trend: The real reasons adult ADHD and autism diagnoses are on the rise
COMMENT | Getting the correct diagnosis can be a relief for many, regardless of the age it comes at.
‘Your brain isn’t fully formed until you’re 25’: A neuroscientist demolishes the greatest mind myth
Sometimes age really is just a number.
Be more productive: A neuroscientist explains how to actually get more done in less time
There are all sorts of productivity myths out there – but are there any that actually work?
The psychology of why we trust what people say, even when they contradict the facts
When it comes to presenting information, a friendly face can make all of the difference.
Your brain is hard-wired to avoid exercise. Here's why
We all know that working out makes us feel better. So why is it so hard?
The rise of ‘virtue bullies’: How self-righteous shaming conquered the Internet
Several unconscious behaviours going on in the brain can convince us we are being good, even when we’re not.
This bold psychedelic and VR fusion therapy could spark a mental health revolution
Psychologists are exploring ways of treating mental health disorders by combining psychedelics and virtual reality.
Sad clown paradox: Why do so many talented comedians suffer from mental health issues?
What can we learn about the internal struggles of performers after the passing of Matthew Perry?
Saying no to drugs can be hard. Especially when our brains have evolved to say 'why not?'
The ‘Stoptober’ push to quit smoking is useful, but we need to look at why people start… especially when it’s harder drugs.
Here’s what happens in your brain when you hear a joke, and why you find it funny – or not
It all stems from our brains’ ability to recognise incongruity in the world around us and then resolve it.
Online self-diagnosis culture is subtly failing your mental health. Here’s how to break free
With mental health being in short supply, an alternative option has popped up in the form of well-meaning online communities offering support. But are these a safe option?
Why you’re hardwired to trust confident voices. Even when they’re wrong
Human evolution has led to us naturally believe statements delivered in a more assured manner.
'At my dad’s funeral, I couldn't cry’: Why men find tearing up so difficult (and how this harms us all)
The intriguing science of why we cry – and how tearing up can bolster your mental health.