Sharon Begley

Sharon Begley (1956-2021) was an American science journalist and author known for her ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to general audiences. Her work spanned neuroscience, genetics, psychology, and climate science across four decades of reporting. As a science writer for Newsweek and later Reuters and STAT News, Begley wrote influential coverage of major scientific developments and controversies. Her books included "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" (2007), which explored neuroplasticity, and "The Emotional Life of Your Brain" (2012), co-authored with neuroscientist Richard Davidson. Beyond her books, Begley earned recognition for investigative pieces that challenged established scientific assumptions and scrutinized research methodology. Her reporting on the replication crisis in psychology and problems with cancer research garnered particular attention in the scientific community. Begley's career included positions as science columnist for The Wall Street Journal and science editor at Newsweek. She received numerous awards for her work, including an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina and the Public Understanding of Science Award from the Exploratorium.

Readers consistently highlight Begley's talent for translating complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging prose without oversimplifying. Many reviews note her methodical research and fact-checking. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of neuroplasticity and brain science - Balance of scientific detail with real-world applications - Thorough citations and references - Inclusion of opposing viewpoints and research limitations What readers disliked: - Some repetition across chapters - Technical sections can be dense for casual readers - Later books rehash material from earlier works - Occasional bias toward certain scientific interpretations Ratings across platforms: - "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (5,800+ ratings), 4.5/5 on Amazon (380+ reviews) - "The Emotional Life of Your Brain": 3.9/5 on Goodreads (2,100+ ratings), 4.3/5 on Amazon (290+ reviews) One reader noted: "She manages to make neuroscience fascinating without dumbing it down." Another commented: "Her skepticism of trendy science makes her analysis more credible."

Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain (2007) Explores neuroplasticity research and the brain's ability to rewire itself, featuring studies of Buddhist monks and scientific evidence of how mental training affects brain structure.

The Emotional Life of Your Brain (2012) Co-authored with Richard Davidson, examines different emotional styles and the neuroscience behind individual variations in emotional responses.

Can't. Just. Stop.: An Investigation of Compulsions (2017) Examines various forms of compulsive behavior, from traditional OCD to everyday compulsions, through scientific research and case studies.

The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force (2002) Co-authored with Jeffrey Schwartz, details how the mind can alter the physical structure of the brain through conscious effort.

The Plastic Mind (2009) Discusses scientific discoveries about brain malleability and how understanding neuroplasticity impacts treatment of various conditions.

The Science of Anxiety (2019) Explores the biological basis of anxiety disorders and examines current research on treatment approaches and understanding of anxiety mechanisms.

Malcolm Gladwell writes about psychology, social science, and human behavior through research-based narratives. His focus on how the mind works and his use of scientific studies to explain human nature aligns with Begley's approach to science writing.

Daniel Goleman specializes in brain science, behavior, and emotional intelligence. His work combines neuroscience research with practical applications, similar to Begley's emphasis on the brain's capacity for change.

Annie Murphy Paul examines how people learn and think, using cognitive science and psychology research. Her writing style bridges scientific concepts with everyday experience, comparable to Begley's method of making complex topics accessible.

David Epstein explores human performance and development through the lens of science and research. His work integrates findings from genetics, psychology, and neuroscience to examine human potential, reflecting Begley's interest in the intersection of science and human capability.

Jonah Lehrer writes about neuroscience and its connection to human decision-making and creativity. His work combines scientific research with storytelling to explain brain function and behavior, echoing Begley's approach to explaining complex scientific concepts.