2021: A Paradigm Shift in Our Understanding of the Human Brain

Health · Published 1 November 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From photosynthesis-powered brains to breakthroughs in neurodegeneration, 2021 marked a pivotal year for biological science. This summary explores the major discoveries that are fundamentally reshaping how we perceive neural function and life itself.

The year saw a significant paradigm shift regarding human brain functions, alongside major milestones in sleep science and neurodegeneration research. Notable highlights included the exploration of photosynthesis-powered brains and intense scrutiny over new Alzheimer’s drug developments.

Beyond neuroscience, 2021 provided key biological insights, such as the long-awaited genetic sequencing of Rafflesia arnoldii—often cited as the world's strangest flower.

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