A NEW SCIENTIST BOOK OF THE YEARFrom 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.

1: The Chemical Brain2: Thanks for the Memories3: Getting Motivated4: Mood Swings and Scary Things5: Sleep, the Brain's Greatest Mystery?6: Food for Thought7: Logic, Emotion or Chemicals?8: You've Got the Love9: A Pain in the BrainConclusionGlossaryDiagram of the brainAcknowledgementsIndex