A NEW SCIENTIST BOOK OF THE YEAROur lives are ruled by one particular group of chemicals. These are the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate and drive our brains. Overloaded looks at the roles these chemicals play in all aspects of our life experiences, from how we make decisions, who we love and what we remember to basic survival drives such as hunger, fear and sleep. Author Ginny Smith explores what these tiny molecules do, meeting scientists at the cutting-edge of brain chemistry research who are uncovering unexpected connections between these crucial chemicals. What roles do cortisol and adrenaline play in memory formation? What does dopamine do? And how do hormones affect the trajectory of our romantic relationships? In this eye-opening exploration of the remarkable world of neurotransmitters, Overloaded unveils the chemicals inside each of us that touch every facet of our lives.