SN Prime | January 28, 2013 | Vol. 3, No. 4 People talk a lot about speeding up drug development. But for some problems, they should also focus on speeding up the drugs. For brain disorders like depression, the medicines prescribed by doctors can take weeks or months to kick in. (And even after the long wait, the number of people who experience complete turnarounds is surprisingly low.) The idea that a disorder — even a complicated brain disorder — can be quickly reversed isn’t so outrageous. We have drugs that bring down high blood pressure within minutes, shrink inflamed ai...

Electrodes surgically implanted in the brain could treat severe cases of autism. (p. 12)

Cognitive decline may result from decreased social interaction or diversion of brainpower toward understanding speech. (p. 13)

In three women, damage to basolateral amygdala prompted unusual generosity. (p. 18)

A comprehensive effort to find links between genetic variants and low mood comes up empty.

Nerve cells notice mistakes and learn from others’ desires. (p. 21)