Dean Burnett
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

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?
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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The neuroscience behind why this optical illusion messes with your brain

The exact process of why the illusion seems to move has only recently been discovered.
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What is burnout and what does it do to us?

Feeling the strain at work? What you're feeling could be burnout.
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What makes even your strangest dreams feel familiar, explained by a neuroscientist

Our sleeping brains weave a patchwork out of our memories in complex, baffling ways.
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Psychedelics: A neuroscientist's guide to how they change your brain

In recent years, psychedelic drugs have received increasing attention for their potential therapeutic applications. But what exactly are they? What do they do? Are they actually beneficial? All your questions, answered.
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Money can't buy happiness, a neuroscientist explains why

We all need enough funds to cover our basic needs, but beyond that the connection between wealth and wellness is less clear.
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When your favourite celebrities feel like friends

Have you ever referred to Taylor Swift as just 'Taylor'? Left a 'looking good hun xxx' comment on Ariana Grande's Instagram? You might be in a parasocial relationship.
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