This week sees the start of Brain Awareness Week. BAW is a series of events held around the world to increase public awareness about the brain.

With this in mind, we thought we would keep ourselves (and you) up to date with all the latest neuroscience research. Here is a list of brain questions to get you started, with links to the research for answers.

1. What mechanism in the brain tells us to drink something after eating a salty snack? Answers

2. What forbidden activity in public places has been found to combat the effects of schizophrenia? Answers

3. What recently discovered hormone decreases our desire to eat and could lead to targeted treatment to help people control their weight? Answers

4. What areas of the brain are flooded with dopamine (the pleasure chemical) when we anticipate financial gains? And what other physical activities are associated with the same chemical? Answers

5. What can have as big an effect on driving performance as drinking? Answers

For more fascinating research on the brain look out for an event near you by checking Brain Awareness Week and reading more on The Dana Foundation.