Writing Samples – Kerry Benson

The vanishing plastic of the deep
Nearly eight million tons of plastic is missing from our oceans. Where did it go?
Aerial drones get schooled
in navigation by moths
Autonomous drones, taught by … moths?
A sound way to save lives
Could sound waves bring us
smarter medical implants?
Scent really does
have power over memory
It’s true: Odor alters how memories are processed in the brain.
Cracking the mystery of cracks
These breakthroughs could lead to better batteries and tougher materials.
The science that set me free
This is the story of the neurosurgery
that changed my life.
As memories fade, can we
supercharge them back to life?
Electrostimulation could restore a
70-year-old’s working memory to
that of a 20-year-old.
Rat brains could hold the secret to
smarter cars and robots
Froot Loops + rat brains =
self-driving cars with a better sense of direction? Maybe so!
Becoming afraid
We aren’t born fearing snakes and spiders.
So why do creepy-crawlies turn
creepy as we age?
Are we “brain washed” during sleep?
This new study reveals the first-ever images of cerebrospinal fluid washing in and out of the brain during sleep.
An autism-friendly visit
This comprehensive program makes clinic and hospital experiences
easier for patients with autism.
Benzodiazepines raise overdose risk — and prolong life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder
Providers may be going too far in steering people with opioid use disorder away from anxiety meds.
Infectious disease physicians need
a new subspecialty: ADDICTION
Experts call for integrated subspecialty training that acknowledges the relationship between addiction and infectious disease.
The impact of reward on visual perceptual learning
Rewards may provide a learning boost — but only if people sleep first.
Can nature reduce the damage
caused by hurricanes?
One of the best defenses against natural forces could be nature itself.
When violence and mandated
reporting laws collide
BU sociologist finds mandated reporting laws deter children and teens from talking about violence they’ve witnessed or experienced.