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?
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.
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?
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.
Why the myth that we only use 10 per cent of our brain needs to die
The idea has existed for more than a century and is not only nonsense but potentially dangerous.
What is burnout and what does it do to us?
Feeling the strain at work? What you're feeling could be burnout.
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.
The psychology of grief: Why losing a pet dog or cat is like losing a family member
Several studies have found that the bereavement of a pet can be just as traumatic as the bereavement of a human family member.
Mind-controlled tech: Is it possible?
Thought-controlled devices seem exciting and sci-fi, but it does mean having a chip in your head.
The mystery of migraines
According to the NHS, around 10 million people aged 15 to 69 in the UK suffer from migraines. But our understanding of them is still incomplete, and there isn’t even a pill to make them go away.
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.
Don’t sneer, national mourning is a fundamental part of human bonding. Here's the neuroscience
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II saw hundreds of thousands of mourners line the streets of London to pay their respects to Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
Are you better off working from home? Here's what the science says
More than two years ago, many of us started working from home at least some of the time. So now the novelty has worn off, are hybrid workers more productive and happier than those working full-time in the office?
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.
Parasocial relationships | 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.