In chapter 1, “The Bad Language Brain: Neuroscience and Swearing,” author Emma Byrne sets the scene for her book by telling the story of the hapless and potty-mouthed Phineas Gage.

Meet some of the people featured in the January 2018 issue of The Scientist.

Screaming obscenities when you stub your toe makes perfect biological sense.

Author Emma Byrne runs down the benefits of cursing, among them an enhanced ability to withstand pain.

May 2016's selection of notable quotes