Richard Sima

Baltimore

Brain Matters Columnist

Education: Johns Hopkins University, PhD in Neuroscience; Harvard University, BA in Neurobiology

Richard Sima is a neuroscientist turned science journalist who writes the Brain Matters column for The Washington Post's Well+Being desk. After more than a decade of research, Sima transitioned from academia to journalism. His work covering the life, health and environmental sciences has appeared in outlets such as the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, New Scientist and Eos. Prior to joining The Post in 2022, Richard worked as a fact-checker for Vox podcasts, including for the award-winning science podcast “Unexplainable.” He was also a researcher
Latest from Richard Sima

Why are we forgetting the pandemic already?

While the coronavirus emergency declaration officially ends this week, neuroscientist-turned-science-journalist Richard Sima has been pondering this question: Why are so many of us starting to forget much of the pandemic?

May 8, 2023

Sorry, weed probably does not make you more creative

In experiments, the work of light cannabis users was not rated as more creative than of nonusers.

April 20, 2023

What SuperAgers show us about longevity, cognitive health as we age

These “Betty Whites of the world” are showing us that with a healthy lifestyle, social connections and resilience, we can lower risks of cognitive decline.

April 13, 2023

What does ASMR do to your brain? Watch these videos and find out.

ASMR videos make some feel tingly (and others cringe). The science shows they activate several parts of the brain and may be good for your well-being.

March 31, 2023

5-minute breathing exercises can improve your mood and reduce anxiety

Cyclic sighing appeared to be particularly effective among different breathing exercises and better than mindfulness meditation, a study says.

March 16, 2023

Science of forgetting: Why we’re already losing our pandemic memories

Because of information overload and the monotony of pandemic life, your brain may already be forgetting parts of the covid years

March 13, 2023

An illustrated guide to feeling happier, every day

By savoring even small bits of bliss, you can transform an otherwise mundane moment into something joyful.

February 24, 2023

How inflammation in the body may explain depression in the brain

Inflammation is a pathway to depression — and a potential avenue for treatment, research suggests.

February 23, 2023

Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia: What are the symptoms of FTD?

FTD is a category of dementias that specifically affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes and most commonly strikes those younger than 60

February 16, 2023

Racism takes a toll on the brain, research shows

The chronic stress of structural racism and discrimination damages brain circuits and mental health.

February 16, 2023