Researchers at the Cornell University Weill Medical College have just published some findings on what happens in women’s brains during their periods. While this might seem like the start of a science article from The Onion, it is in fact one of the first studies that has looked at brain behavior during menses.

The scientists studied a group of women who did not suffer from any noticeable PMS, in order to establish a baseline. They found that during menses, the region of the brain showing the most activity changed from the sides to the middle front. This may help women maintain a consistent emotional state as their hormones fluctuate, the researchers speculate. They now plan to continue their work, looking at women who show greater PMS symptoms. Ultimately, this may lead to better ways for treating PMS.

Hmm. I wonder if this recent interest in alleviating PMS has anything to do with people’s fear that a woman may have her finger on the button in 2008?