A new common format, Neurodata Without Borders (NWB): Neurophysiology, enables free and open exchange of complex brain information. The format allows researchers to capture and share data generated by optical and electrical neurophysiology methods.
Researchers demonstrated that specific regions in the brain represent sweet and bitter tastes, allowing for control over sensory perception and behavioral actions. Silencing or activating these regions can evoke different taste perceptions, including sweet or bitter, without actual tasting.
The new Brain Safety Lab will develop potential brain safety solutions, test prototypes and deploy them in real-world clinical settings. The lab will focus on addressing medications with anticholinergic effects and preventing repeated episodes of hypoglycemia in older adults with diabetes.
A new study reveals that fitness level impacts brain connectivity in older adults, with more fit individuals showing stronger brain connections. The research suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive effect on brain health as people age.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth have identified a potential brain-based biomarker for depressive symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury. They found that those with TBI and depression exhibit increased brain connectivity between multiple regions, including the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional processin...
Researchers have identified a protein inside blood vessels at the invasive edge of brain tumours, enabling more accurate mapping and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The new imaging technique could lead to better surgery and radiotherapy for patients with brain tumours.
Researchers have identified growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) as a molecule that promotes brain cell formation of new connections after a stroke. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment to enhance brain repair and functional recovery in people who have suffered a stroke.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed software to create detailed 3-D models of animal brains, allowing for a more complete understanding of brain connectivity. This new tool can aid in studying mental and neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and autism.
Dr. Joe Z. Tsien's Theory of Connectivity proposes that the brain uses the power of two to create a prewired framework for connecting neurons, enabling knowledge and flexibility. This equation provides a way to wire brain cells in such a way to turn infinite possibilities into organized knowledge.
A national network of neurotechnology centers is proposed to accelerate the BRAIN Initiative, a decade-long scientific project with over $300 Million budget. The centers would tackle critical areas like Connectomics, Nanotechnology, and Optical Imaging, providing an alternative STEM career path for postdocs and graduate students.
A recent meta-analysis published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews found a weak association between brain size and IQ, with brain structure and integrity appearing more important as a biological foundation of intelligence. The study also highlights the importance of compensatory mechanisms of cognitive functions.
Studies examine effects of TBI, stroke, and repetitive stimulation on functional brain networks, revealing hyper-connectivity and reduced coherence in TBI patients. Researchers also describe remodeling of neuronal axons and myelin after stroke, as well as improvements in motor symptoms with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.
Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.
A study from the Gladstone Institutes reveals that a single drop of blood in the brain can trigger an autoimmune response akin to multiple sclerosis. Fibrinogen, a blood-clotting factor, activates microglia and recruits peripheral immune cells, causing myelin damage and inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have confirmed that glutamate is an essential energy source for the brain, which cannot store glucose. In its absence, the brain sends signals to the liver to increase glucose production, leading to muscle loss and growth deficits.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $38 million in grants to support the BRAIN Initiative, a large-scale effort to understand neural circuit function and capture dynamic views of the brain. The initiative aims to treat devastating brain disorders that affect over one billion people worldwide.
A new study reveals that brain metastases carry distinct genetic profiles compared to primary tumors, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways and potential sensitivity to targeted therapy drugs. The research identifies clinically significant mutations in over half of patients' brain metastases.
Researchers found that brain metastases share some genetic similarities with the primary tumor but also have key differences, including potential drug targets in over half of patients. Genetic analysis of brain metastases could reveal new treatment options, especially when compared to primary tumors.
A highly detailed model of mouse brain connections may provide new insights into mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. The study used diffusion MRI scans to create a 3D digital map of the brain's circuitry, exceeding previous resolution by 1,000 times.
A new study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with increased brain volume in key brain regions and enhanced executive function performance. The research suggests that exercising can improve brain health and cognitive abilities as we age.
Researchers have developed a nearly complete human brain model, engineered from adult human skin cells, with an identifiable structure and containing 99% of the genes present in the human fetal brain. The lab-grown brain has the potential to accelerate studies of genetic and environmental causes of central nervous system disorders.
EPFL scientists have developed a new method called cryofixation to preserve the brain's true structure, overcoming distortion caused by traditional fixation methods. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented detail in brain imaging and has significant implications for understanding brain anatomy and function.
Research reveals a strong link between kidney impairment and decreased blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia. Poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, with the strongest association seen in participants with decreased blood flow.
Research by University of Oxford scientists found that trauma can change the brain even in those without PTSD, with potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment. The study identified specific brain network imbalances and suggests a spectrum of traumatic effect on the brain.
Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science develop a 6-layered structure incorporating neural cells, mimicking brain tissue. The breakthrough enables important insights into brain function and provides an experimental test bed for new drugs and electroceuticals.
A new UC Berkeley study finds that brain rhythms synchronize within the frontal lobe to connect with other brain regions during cognitively challenging tasks. This synchronization enables quick communication between neurons, which is critical in various disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that body fat can send signals to the brain, affecting how it deals with stress and metabolism. The discovery reveals a novel fat-to-brain feedback network that was previously thought to be mainly driven by the brain.
Research finds high blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) correlate with smaller prefrontal cortex and brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. This may lead to development of easier diagnostic tests and better disease understanding.
A new study published in Radiology found that substance abuse has long-term effects on brain volume in women, with significant reductions in gray matter volume in several brain areas. In contrast, men showed no such brain changes after abstinence from stimulant use.
A new study combines neuroscience, image processing, and network theory to create a brain atlas that follows a common functional and structural pattern. The atlas shows the modular skeleton shared by structure and function, revealing the heavy dependence between structural connectivity and functional connectivity networks.
A 15-million-year-old Old World monkey's tiny but complex brain supports the idea that brain complexity can evolve before brain size. The olfactory bulb was three times larger in Victoriapithecus than in present-day monkeys, suggesting a better sense of smell.
Researchers have visualized the oldest known Old World monkey skull, revealing a tiny but remarkably wrinkled brain. The ancient creature's brain supports the idea that brain complexity can evolve before brain size in primates, contradicting conventional wisdom.
A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.
A digital map of the ageing brain could aid diagnosis by comparing patients' scans with a detailed map of the healthy ageing brain. The atlas was able to pinpoint changes in brain structure that can be an underlying sign of early Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in NMR in Biomedicine found that brain cell density remains constant with age, contrary to previous assumptions that brain cell loss is associated with aging. The researchers used ultra-high-field MRI scans to make detailed images of the brain, revealing preserved cell density throughout the brain.
A study by the Center for BrainHealth found that strategy-based cognitive training improved cognitive areas critical to everyday life success, as well as reduced depressive and stress-related symptoms. The training also increased brain blood flow to key regions of the brain.
A two-stage brain circuit is essential for tactile sensation, involving communication between the skin and brain. Mice were rendered unable to sense floor textures when their inner circuit was disabled, highlighting the critical role of this neural pathway in touch perception.
Researchers discovered that an antiviral compound called interferon-lambda can tighten the blood-brain barrier, making it harder for viruses like West Nile to invade the brain. This finding holds promise for treating deadly neurological conditions caused by viral infections.
A team of scientists at San Diego State University has identified a molecular process that allows bacteria to bypass the brain's defenses and cause meningitis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease by controlling the expression of a key protein involved in breaking down the blood-brain barrier.
A study published in Brain Connectivity reveals that epilepsy disrupts the organization of brain networks and functional efficiency. The researchers found distinct patterns of reorganizational changes in the brains of individuals with epilepsy, including increased or decreased functional connections between brain networks.
The Cal-BRAIN program awards $1.92 million in seed grants to 16 interdisciplinary teams at 10 UC campuses and other institutions to advance neurotechnology research. The projects focus on measuring brain activity through various strategies, aiming to improve treatments for brain disorders.
Neurons, not astrocytes, consume glucose and produce lactate in the brain, according to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications. This discovery has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and stroke.
Research found that long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution, particularly at low levels, can cause subtle structural changes in the brain and increase the risk of covert brain infarcts. This association was strongest among older adults and those with relatively healthy brains.
Research by University of Michigan Medical School found that brain 'hubs' consistently attract information flow, shedding light on how the brain processes and transfers critical information. This discovery may help better understand principles of information processing in the brain.
Researchers using brain-controlled prosthetics can gain real-time feedback on neural activity, allowing for the study of how the brain encodes information and changes with learning. This technology holds promise for developing new treatments for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
NTU scientists have discovered a new treatment for dementia using deep brain stimulation, which can form new brain cells and improve memory retention. The research found that stimulating the front part of the brain led to increased brain cell growth, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting improved learning.
Researchers from the University of Montreal developed nanorobotic agents that can open the blood-brain barrier, allowing therapeutic molecules to be delivered directly to the brain. The technique involves using magnetic nanoparticles and radio-frequency fields to create a temporary opening in the barrier.
New approach aims to enhance neuroplastic processes, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis and axonal sprouting to improve neurological recovery. Early clinical trials are underway for innovative drugs such as Glibenclamide, Minocycline and Statins.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have traced the brain processes that occur during learning of technical concepts. They found that new knowledge is built up in the brain through multiple stages, involving different parts of the brain, and that appropriate instruction can bring out fundamental understanding at a deep level.
Four scientists, Winfried Denk and Arthur Konnerth (Germany), and Karel Svoboda and David Tank (USA), have been awarded the €1m Brain Prize for their invention of two-photon microscopy. This technology enables researchers to study individual nerve cells with high precision, revealing key mechanisms in brain function.
A new brain imaging study has identified a specific brain area, the dorsal posterior insula, directly related to pain intensity. This discovery could help detect pain in people with limited communication abilities.
Scientists at Monash University have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the brain adapts to vision loss by discovering a second pathway for visual information. This new pathway, through the pulvinar area of the brain, plays a crucial role in rerouting visual information following injury or trauma.
Research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in removing toxic waste from the brain by increasing fluid flow and clearance of neurotoxic waste products. The glymphatic system, responsible for this process, is most active during sleep, suggesting the necessity of sleep for maintaining a healthy brain environment.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that the cerebellum plays a critical role in controlling robotic grasping tools. By monitoring brain activity with fMRI, they found that participants' brains adapted quickly to associate new movements with grasping actions.
A new study found that HIV penetrates the blood-brain barrier by relying on proteins expressed by mature monocytes. These proteins could serve as a target for preventing HIV from reaching brain cells. The research aims to shed light on novel mechanisms for improving drug delivery to the brain.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found a significant elevation of brain inflammation in people with clinical depression. Brain scans revealed increased activation of immune cells, which play a key role in the brain's inflammatory response.
Researchers identified five genetic variants influencing brain structure size, particularly in regions associated with memory and movement. The study, the largest analysis of brain structure and genetics, aims to understand the causes of variation in human brain development and disease predisposition.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC led a global consortium to identify eight common genetic mutations that appear to age the brain an average of three years. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies and interventions for Alzheimer's disease, autism, and other neurological conditions.
A new study suggests that traumatic brain injury triggers long-term inflammation in the brain, causing chronic degenerative problems. The research proposes that this inflammation is a major treatable cause of brain damage after trauma.