You’ve seen the listicles. “10 Productivity Hacks to Change Your Life.” “The Morning Routine That Made Me...
Oscar Forrester
Very Big Brain is written by Oscar Forrester, a researcher and writer with a long-standing fascination with how the brain works. Oscar spent several years working in hospital IT, including on infection control systems, and grew up in a household shaped by medicine — his father was a physician and his mother a registered nurse. He is not a clinician himself, and nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice. What he brings instead is a rigorous, source-first approach to research, honed over two decades of writing (he’s authored numerous published books, primarily on software development), and a genuine curiosity about the science of cognition. Mr. Forrester strives to present complex topics in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy for you to understand and apply the knowledge to your daily life.
Yes, learning a new physical skill can rewire your brain by enhancing neuroplasticity, strengthening connections between sensory...
Let’s start with the obvious: attention disorders are real. ADHD is a legitimate, often life-altering condition that...
Yes, certain scents – especially peppermint, rosemary, and citrus – can enhance mental clarity by stimulating the...
Yes, having a pet can support cognitive resilience by lowering chronic stress, reinforcing emotional regulation, increasing physical...
These days, it seems like everyone is burned out. You’re tired. Your coworkers are tired. Even the...
Yes, cold showers can enhance brain function by stimulating alertness, increasing neurotransmitter levels like norepinephrine and dopamine,...
Yes, chewing food slowly may support mental processing by enhancing blood flow to the brain, improving vagal...
Yes, research suggests that fidgeting – small, unconscious physical movements – can help the brain sustain attention...
You’ve heard it before: “Just meditate.” Stressed? Meditate. Anxious? Meditate. Brain fog? Yep – more meditation. Mindfulness...