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Why the brain has 'gray matter'
January 12, 2006By borrowing mathematical tools from theoretical physics, scientists have recently developed a theory that explains why the brain tissue of humans and other vertebrates is segregated into the familiar "gray matter" and "white matter."
The theory is based on the idea that maximum brain function requires a high level of interconnectivity among brain neurons but a low level of delays in the time it takes for signals to move through the brain ("conduction delays").
Based on no fewer than 62 mathematical equations and expressions, the theory ("Segregation of the Brain into Gray and White Matter: A Design Minimizing Conduction Delays") provides a possible explanation for the structure of various neurological regions including the cerebral cortex and spinal cord.
The research was carried out at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island by theoretical neuroscientist Dmitri Chklovskii and graduate student Quan Wen.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
The research was carried out at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island by theoretical neuroscientist Dmitri Chklovskii and graduate student Quan Wen.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Gray Matter Current Events and Gray Matter News RSSResearchers find brain cell transplants help repair neural damage
A Swiss research team has found that using an animal's own brain cells (autologous transplant) to replace degenerated neurons in select brain areas of donor primates with simulated but asymptomatic Parkinson's disease and previously in a motor cortex lesion model, provides a degree of brain protection and may be useful in repairing brain lesions and restoring function.
MDC researchers discover molecule responsible for axonal branching
The human brain consists of about 100 billion (1011) neurons, which altogether form about 100 trillion (1014) synaptic connections with each other.
Healthy older brains not significantly smaller than younger brains, new imaging study shows
The belief that healthy older brains are substantially smaller than younger brains may stem from studies that did not screen out people whose undetected, slowly developing brain disease was killing off cells in key areas, according to new research. As a result, previous findings may have overestimated atrophy and underestimated normal size for the older brain.
Is Tetris good for the brain?
Brain imaging shows playing Tetris leads to a thicker cortex and may also increase brain efficiency.
Surprising results in teen study: adolescent risky behavior may signal mature brain
A new study using brain imaging to study teen behavior indicates that adolescents who engage in dangerous activities have frontal white matter tracts that are more adult in form than their more conservative peers.
Diabetes drug shows promise against multiple sclerosis
A drug currently FDA-approved for use in diabetes shows some protective effects in the brains of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Age-related difficulty recognizing words predicted by brain differences
Older adults may have difficulty understanding speech because of age-related changes in brain tissue, according to new research in the May 13 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
How to build a bigger brain
Push-ups, crunches, gyms, personal trainers - people have many strategies for building bigger muscles and stronger bones. But what can one do to build a bigger brain?
Some Short-term Memories Die Suddenly, No Fading
The human brain stores some kinds of memories for a lifetime. But when our eyes are open and looking at things, our gray matter also creates temporary memories that help us process complex tasks during the few seconds these visual memories exist.
Imaging reveals abnormalities in pathways connecting brain areas in those with writer's cramp
Abnormalities in the fibers connecting different brain areas may contribute to muscle disorders such as writer's cramp, according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
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Gray Matters Starring: Heather Graham, Tom Cavanagh, Bridget Moynahan, Molly Shannon, Rachel Shelley Directed By: Sue Kramer Also With: Sue Kramer (Writer), Alexander Payne (Producer), Bob Yari (Producer), Dave Gare (Producer), Diane Nabatoff (Producer), Jill Footlick (Producer), Joey Horvitz (Producer) In this hilarious romantic comedy, Gray (Heather Graham) helps her brother (Tom Cavanaugh) find the love of his life. But the night before her brother's wedding, Gray's world is turned upside-down when she discovers that she has feelings for his fiancé (Bridget Moynahan)! With the help of a sarcastic co-worker (Molly Shannon), a sympathetic cab driver (Alan Cumming), and her therapist (Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek), Gray is forced to figure out who she really is. |
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Gray Matter Directed By: Joe Berlinger Also With: Bob Richman (Cinematographer), Robert Winkler (Cinematographer), Joe Berlinger (Producer), Joe Berlinger (Writer), M. Watanabe Milmore (Editor), Christine Le Goff (Producer), Frank Scherma (Producer), Jon Kamen (Producer), Michael Bonfiglio (Producer), Michael Bonfiglio (Writer), Rachel Dawson (Producer), Sidney Beaumont (Producer) From highly acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger (Brother's Keeper, Paradise Lost 1 & 2, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster)--one of the leading voices in American independent non-fiction cinema-comes Gray Matter, a riveting true-life mystery and perhaps the most baffling conspiracy story ever told about World War II. In the spring of 2002, Berlinger traveled to Vienna to witness the burial of the preserved brains from over 700 children who were experimented upon in a Nazi "euthanasia" clinic. Gray Matter chronicles the director's personal journey as he searches for forensic psychiatrist Dr. Heinrich Gross (notoriously nicknamed "the Austrian Dr. Mengele"), who allegedly participated in these mad-scientist trials for decades after the Holocaust and the end of the war. Along his path towards... |
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Gray Matter by Gary Braver (Author) Rachel Whitman and her husband have everything: a big new house in a fancy Boston suburb, all the brand-name "toys" that go along with wealth, and best of all, a gorgeous, sweet little six-year-old son named Dylan. But Dylan has learning disabilities. Although intelligence isn't everything, Rachel fears her son will grow up never fully appreciating the wonders of life. Tortured by the idea that something she did in the past caused Dylan's problems, Rachel becomes obsessed with a secret-- and expensive-- medical procedure that claims to turn "slow" children into geniuses. Should she and her husband sacrifice their new fortune on the risky, experimental procedure for the sake of their son's happiness? Unaware of the real consequences of the brain enhancement procedure, Rachel... |
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Food for Thought/Take It Back by Gray Matter |
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Food For Thought / Take It Back Gray Matter (Primary Contributor) |
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Gray Matter Eddie is a passionate writer who creates stories on a vintage 1914 typewriter. Little to his knowledge it is more than just a typewriter. The typewriter takes control of his mind. It helps him discover a lost secret of Camille's, a beautiful young interest he becomes obsessed with. He shows her the real truth about her past, they fall in love and maybe live happily ever after. |
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Overclocked by Lighthouse Interactive Set against the backdrop of a catastrophic thunderstorm raging over New York City, step into the world of Overclocked as army psychiatrist, David McNamara. You are called to the Staten Island Forensic Hospital in New York City to consult on a case that requires your expertise in forensic psychiatry. Tasked with exploring the minds of five young men and women who were found scared, screaming, and without memory, you make alarming discoveries as you begin to cautiously probe the psyches of your young patients. Throughout the game, you will play as five other characters in this chilling interactive psycho thriller. Features: Experience Overclocked from various perspectives as you play as six different characters throughout the game. Explore 45 diverse locations with densely animated... |
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Gray Matter: PQ Publishers Ltd. Why It's Good to Be Old! by Bob Elsdale (Author) Looking to put a twinkle in your wrinkle? A little rage in your age? We've got just the book for you! Photographer Bob Elsdale has found an extremely unlikely source of inspiration for this irresistible book on the joys of aging¿some enormous but very agile elephants. Even if getting older is no day at the beach, that's just where Elsdale's elephants engage in some surprising behavior. The playful pachyderms frolic in the surf, knock around beach balls, lounge in the sun, play tic-tac-toe, and even enjoy catching waves on surfboards. So what does all this have to do with empowering the elders among us? Lots, as it turns out. The simple but inspired text is full of wry reminders that there are lots of advantages to getting older and endless opportunities to enjoy them. After all, when... |
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Thog by Gray Matter |
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A Matter of Honor Starring: Rebecca Gray; David Mitchie; Jackson Bostwick Directed By: Fred Watkins |
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