Even when reward is guaranteed, animals may resist becoming creatures of habit. University of Iowa researchers found that pigeons balanced repetition with exploration — behaving, in the researchers’ words, “at the edge of chaos.”

DeAndre Steger, a student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, was recognized at the Finkbine Dinner for his academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to research and student engagement.

Michelle Voss, a researcher in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to new research showing how brief physical activity can enhance memory. Her work demonstrates how exercise creates measurable changes in brain activity that support learning and memory retention, offering new insights into brain health.

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Professor Jan Wessel has always been fascinated by the brain and how humans think. Now, he conducts his research in a collaborative approach unlike any other.

Isabel Muzzio, faculty member in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences grew up during a violent time in Argentina, but found that years later, some from her community viewed those events much differently. Today, she studies how memories are altered and joins the show to talk about how our politics impact our memories.

Voss, a faculty member in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, studies how lifestyle choices shape brain health through collaborative research across the University of Iowa.

As the holiday season ramps up, stress can feel unavoidable. University of Iowa Psychological and Brain Sciences professor Jason Radley, a global and national expert on the neurobiology of stress, suggests some ways to help.

Isabel Muzzio, professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, wants to answer how memories are stored, whether they can modified, and what sustains them over time.

Emily Thomas, clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has been piloting an online behavioral health tool for two years, geared towards rural Veterans with cardiovascular disease.

Lucy Hernandez, a psychology major stepped far outside her comfort zone to complete an internship in Japan, gaining professional experience while immersing in a new culture.