- Imprint: Penguin
- ISBN: 9781804997161
- Length: 400 pages
- Price: £10.99
The 21st Century Brain
Cutting edge neuroscience to help us navigate the future
Professor Hannah Fry, author of Hello WorldFull of fascinating new research. Profoundly empowering.
Joseph Jebelli, author of The Brain at RestThe 21st Century Brain is a vital book for understanding how our brains can adapt and thrive in an age of innovation. Boundlessly thoughtful and practical, it will help you make better decisions, become more curious and creative, and foster deeper intelligence and wisdom. Essential reading for anyone thinking seriously about the future.
Dr Darragh Ennis, neuroscientist and professional quizzerThe 21st Century Brain combines long-established scientific knowledge and the latest research to build an intriguing picture of our brain and the mind housed within it. With personal anecdotes, clearly explained science and useful exercises to help our brains cope with the challenges of our technological world, Dr. Critchlow has given us a fascinating neuroscience book that is also a guide to modern life. It's a brilliant book that I will read more than once.
Daily MailThe 21st Century Brain is an engaging, accessible and optimistic look at how neuroscience can help us navigate the challenges of this century.
Graham Lawton, New ScientistSerious and impressive … Critchlow deserves praise for her rigour and optimism …She argues persuasively that we already possess all of the mental attributes we need to survive and thrive … Critchlow covers some fascinating recent science about diet, the gut-brain axis and my favourite organelles, mitochondria … Her tips for honing mental capacity at the end of each of the six chapters are both useful and actionable .. [an} expert, measured manifesto.
The BooksellerEngaging and profoundly positive.
Dr Paul Goldsmith, author of The Evolving BrainAn engaging and wide-ranging tour through modern neuroscience, brought to life with Hannah Critchlow’s trademark clarity and eye for everyday relevance.
About Hannah Critchlow
Hannah Critchlow, PhD, HonsDSc is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, author and Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. She has appeared on the BBC, Australian ABC and Korean TV and radio and gives regular talks to diverse audiences across the world. Her expertise lies in consciousness, learning and memory, decision-making, intelligence, collaboration between minds and our relationship with AI. In 2019 she was named by Nature as a ‘Rising Star in Life Sciences’ and was recognised as a ‘Top 100 UK scientist’ by the UK Science Council. Her book Consciousness: A Ladybird Expert Guide, was published with Penguin in 2018. The Science of Fate, published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2019, made The Sunday Times Bestseller list. Hannah’s latest book, Joined-up Thinking, was published in English and Mandarin in 2022 to critical acclaim and she has spoken globally to international policy officials on its findings. She has two doctorates: her research PhD investigating synaptic plasticity from Cambridge University, completed in 2007, and an Honorary Doctorate from Brunel University received in 2022 for her global contribution to neuroscience and communication. In March 2026 she received the Rosalind Franklin Lecture Medal from Humanists UK.
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- Hardback 2026
- Paperback 2026
- Ebook 2026
- Audio Download 2026