From adrenaline to dopamine, our lives are shaped by the chemicals that control us. They are the hormones and neurotransmitters that our brains run on, and Overloaded looks at the roles they play in all aspects of our experiences, from how we make decisions, who we love, what we remember to basic survival drives such as hunger, fear and sleep.
Author Ginny Smith explores what these tiny molecules do: what roles do cortisol and adrenaline play in memory formation? How do hormones and neurotransmitters affect the trajectory of our romantic relationships? Ginny meets scientists at the cutting-edge of brain chemistry research who are uncovering unexpected connections between these crucial chemicals. An eye-opening route through the remarkable world of neuro-transmitters, Overloaded unveils the chemicals inside each of us that touch every facet of our lives.
Ginny Smith is a science writer and presenter with a background in neuroscience and psychology. As the founder of Braintastic! Science, she presents shows at schools and festivals. She also teaches at the University of Cambridge's Institute of Continuing Education and shares her storytelling skills as a science communication trainer and consultant. Ginny hosts the British Psychological Society's Psych Crunch podcast, and is a regular presenter on the Cosmic Shambles Network.
"Ginny Smith brings clarity with aplomb, revealing the chemistry behind how we sleep, what we fear, who we love and even what we remember."
– New Scientist
"This mind-bending, eye-opening book looks at the role played by hormones and neurotransmitters in every aspect of our lives, from what we remember, how we make decisions and who we love to basic survival drives such as hunger, fear and sleep."
– Your Healthy Living
"A mind-blowing exploration into how brain chemical affect every area of your life."
– Women's Health
"There's so much more to the way our brains work than we can be aware of on a day-to-day basis, and it's fascinating to discover more about it [...] the writing is engaging, so you don't need a science degree to understand it."
– Top Sante
"A delightfully fascinating and useful guide suitable for anyone who has been wondering what their brain is up to."
– Robin Ince
"Overloaded explains the breathtaking complexity and versatility of the chemicals that make us what we are, in a warm, engaging, and informative way. An impressive feat indeed."
– Dean Burnett, neuroscientist and author of The Happy Brain