UNI NOVA – Research Magazine of the University of Basel

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: How much of our brain do we actually use?

  Text: Georg Keller / Do we really use only 10 percent of our brain? Neuroscience shows that we use all of it. Its capacity to learn and adapt—known as neuroplasticity—is where its true potential lies, and physical activity can help.

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity?

  Text: Martin Röösli / Some people report being particularly sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Epidemiologist Martin Röösli debates whether cellphone masts and Wi-Fi hotspots are really to blame for their symptoms.

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Do carbohydrates make you fat?

  Text: Eleonora Seelig / Don’t eat carbohydrates after 6 p.m., or cut them out altogether: A low-carb diet is considered a promising weight-loss solution. But do you really have to deny yourself pasta and bread if you want to reach your dream weight?

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Girls are better at languages, boys are better at math — true or false?

  Text: Jana Lindner / The cliché holds that girls have an affinity for languages, boys for technology. Parents and teachers can help to prevent this becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Is there such a thing as a good or bad metabolism?

  Text: Matthias Betz / Some people seem to be able to eat whatever they like and still stay slim. Others just have to look at a hearty meal and they gain weight. What’s behind this? And can specific preparations actually “speed up” our metabolism?

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Is there such a thing as “migraine weather”?

  Text: Athina Papadopoulou and Marcus D'Souza / Those plagued by headaches know it well. Yet, the medical literature does not have a consensus on the connection between weather and migraines. An overview.

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  Fact Check

  Fact check: Does blue light really keep you awake?

  Text: Christian Cajochen / Smartphone and tablet screens emit blue light. Some people speculate that this light keeps us awake. In response, many glasses now come with a blue light filter. But is there any point? Chronobiologist Christian Cajochen sets the record straight.