Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a novel mechanism regulating stress response in the brain, involving neurosteroids and specific receptors. Blocking these receptors may lead to new approaches for managing stress-related disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and obesity.
Experts discuss how advances in neuroscience affect the judicial system, from challenging legal policies to aiding in diagnoses of psychological conditions. Brain maturity is a critical issue in assessing teenage crimes, while addiction affects sentencing decisions.
Physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute have written a biography of Ukrainian anatomist Vladimir Betz, who discovered giant pyramidal neurons known as Betz cells. These cells' function with cortical organization was a turning point in neuroscience, revolutionizing cell fixation and staining methods.
Studies highlight brain's resiliency to damage from stroke and premature birth, proposing ways to prevent or limit harm with new treatments on the horizon.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
Recent studies shed light on how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome. The research findings offer new tools for understanding these conditions, paving the way for effective education, early intervention, and potential treatments.
A recent study reveals the underlying physical causes of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The findings suggest that early-life depression and anxiety can alter the structure of the developing brain.
Research identifies regions and functions of the brain involved in risk-taking decisions, shedding light on mechanisms driving economic behavior. The findings have potential applications for treating brain disorders characterized by poor decision-making.
Jian Li, a NYU postdoctoral fellow, has won the prestigious Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award in Neuroscience. His cutting-edge work focuses on understanding brain circuits' underlying learning and behavior, with implications for neural systems of reward processing and decision-making.
Researchers are discovering promising treatments for pain, including mirror box therapy and a new opioid-like drug that relieves acute pain without euphoric effects. The studies also identify the neurobiological source of common morphine side effects.
Researchers found that once a word is learned, it is stored in a purely visual dictionary in the brain, allowing for fast and efficient recognition. This concept may help explain why people with dyslexia struggle with reading due to difficulties forming a finely tuned visual representation of words.
Studies show how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. New findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for conditions like fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder.
Research demonstrates that life experiences can be transmitted from one generation to the next through epigenetics, affecting brain plasticity and behavior. This new knowledge has implications for understanding the cognitive benefits of motherhood and how environmental factors influence brain development in offspring.
Studies suggest that physical activity, hormone therapy, and social engagement can boost brain health in older adults, reducing memory loss and decision-making problems.
Studies explore the influence of changes in brain structure, function, or both on human behavior and learning. Research findings may lead to effective interventions and treatments for brain diseases and conditions affecting memory.
NYU Langone experts will present research on brain networks, cognition, and memory at the annual meeting. The institution's Neuroscience Institute connects scientists with clinicians to tackle complex healthcare issues.
Researchers will combine neuroscience and engineering to repair spinal injuries and hearing loss using gene therapy, flexible electronics, optical imaging, and human-machine interfaces. The partnership aims to bring new treatments to the clinic and alleviate human suffering caused by neurological disabilities.
The NIH will provide funding for eight innovative neuroscience education programs aimed at increasing science literacy and interest among K-12 students. These programs, led by investigators across the US, will use creative strategies such as touch tablet technology and interactive learning centers to engage students in neuroscience.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that differences in when movement neurons begin accumulating information from sensory neurons explain adjustments in response times. This discovery forces a major modification to existing cognitive models of impulse control, shedding new light on how the brain controls basic impulses.
The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, led by Vanderbilt professor Owen Jones, aims to make neuroscience accessible in America's courtrooms. The network explores effects of modern neuroscience on criminal law, including assessing mental states, capacity, and evidence.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain and negative effects on learning, memory, and mood. Mice exposed to polluted air showed reduced cell complexity, inflammation, and depressive-like behaviors.
Two new studies show that light exposure enhances the brain's ability to organize nerve endings from each eye, leading to improved sorting of visual signals. Researchers discovered that a specific type of light-sensitive cell plays a crucial role in this process.
A USC study has identified the brain region responsible for rapid scene comprehension, which enables humans to quickly grasp unfamiliar scenes. The lateral occipital cortex is found to play a key role in this process, with no significant contribution from the intraparietal sulcus.
Research emphasizes strengthening simple number concepts through specially-designed teaching schemes supported by adaptive software, aiming to help learners build basic understanding of arithmetic and tackle math difficulties.
Researchers at the Salk Institute will investigate the connection between genetics and social behavior using Williams syndrome as a model. They hope to gain insight into other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Advances in understanding Fragile X syndrome have led to the possibility of treating this inherited intellectual disability. Several drugs tested in humans show promising results, offering a potential breakthrough in correcting underlying causes.
The new journal Brain Connectivity debuts with four compelling articles exploring brain connectivity, functional networks, and neurological disorders. Researchers discuss advances in neuroimaging methods, brain activity reconstruction, and white matter studies, shedding light on the organization and development of brain connections.
Dr. Jamie Tyler will discuss medical uses of ultrasound in treating neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety through selective brain stimulation. The presentation aims to explore the safety and efficacy of emerging technologies like ultrasound for non-invasive therapies.
Researchers at Tufts University discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. The study found that disrupting astrocyte function in fruit flies led to altered daily rhythms, indicating the importance of these glial cells in controlling circadian behavior.
New research from the University of Cincinnati shows that elevated levels of sodium can suppress social anxiety by inhibiting stress hormones in the body. The study found that rats exposed to high sodium levels responded less to stress and displayed reduced cardiovascular responses.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals a potential link between immunity, infectious disease, and conditions such as schizophrenia and autism. Researchers found that an immune molecule called Major Histocompatibility Complex type 1 (MHC type I) regulates brain connections during early postnatal development.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, finding that axons can transmit signals to the cell body and even communicate with each other. This challenges conventional wisdom on how neurons operate, revealing a new layer of complexity in neural communication.
The Society for Neuroscience has launched BrainFacts.org, a nonprofit online source providing authoritative public information about brain research, thanks to $1.53 million in funding. The site will offer interactive content, multimedia resources, and accurate information on brain diseases, disorders, and health promotion.
A new open digital brain atlasing framework, combining Waxholm Space and Digital Atlasing Infrastructure, facilitates the integration of genetic, anatomical, and functional imaging studies. This framework is expected to catalyze both basic and medical neuroscience research by linking genetic studies with large-scale brain structure and...
Research published in Developmental Psychobiology and Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that maternal care impacts stress response in adult offspring's brains. High-quality maternal milk and contact reduce vulnerability to stress, while low levels may lead to lower self-esteem.
Researchers recorded neuron activity in adolescent rat brains during a reward-driven task, showing that teen brains react with erratic excitement above adult levels. This finding could explain why teenagers are more prone to rash behavior, addiction, and mental diseases.
University at Buffalo researchers discover that removing a class of potassium channels from nociceptors during inflammation reduces hyperalgesia, providing a potential therapeutic target for pain relief. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-addictive, less-toxic painkillers.
The Salk Institute created the Renato Dulbecco Chair in Genomics and Roger Guillemin Chair in Neuroscience, honoring their groundbreaking research contributions. The $6 million gift from Irwin Jacobs will pay tribute to Drs. Dulbecco and Guillemin's leadership and innovation.
Researchers found that dim light exposure caused physical changes in the brains of female Siberian hamsters, including a reduced density of dendritic spines in the hippocampus. This is associated with increased depressive-like behaviors and may be linked to melatonin production.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center presented findings on how a gene regulating dopamine affects communication between brain regions during memory tasks. They also explored the neural processing disrupted in neurological disorders like semantic dementia and stroke, as well as the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
Researchers have identified the brain region responsible for the McGurk Effect, an auditory phenomenon where viewing lips moving out of sync with words creates a perception of other words. Synesthetes' brains show distinct structures and processes, indicating that synesthetic experiences are more idiosyncratic than previously thought.
A new study offers valuable insights into the complex brain circuitry involved in communication, shedding light on language difficulties such as stuttering. The research suggests that the brain's processing and production of sounds, as well as its handling of native and foreign accents, are critical factors in communication problems.
Researchers have identified brain changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. These findings may help identify individuals at risk and improve early detection, potentially leading to more treatable stages of the disease.
A study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found structural brain changes in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Those who progressed to the disease showed thinning of cortical areas receiving input from a specific brain region.
Studies show that mild sensory stimulation can protect against brain damage and restore function after stroke, while aerobic exercise may help treat or prevent drug addiction. Additionally, physical fitness prior to injury can alleviate traumatic brain injury effects in mice.
The KINARM Assessment Station is an objective tool for assessing brain function, capturing subtle deficits not measured by traditional tests. Clinical researchers need this tool to develop better therapies for treating brain injury or disease.
New brain machine technologies show promise in restoring vision, controlling prosthetics with thoughts, and regaining limb function after injury. An artificial retina may restore vision more effectively than existing prosthetics.
Animal studies suggest that the stress response, immune system, and regulation of nerve cell signals may play important roles in depression. The findings highlight the need for new treatment targets and approaches to help those not responding to existing therapies.
Paul Kenny, a Scripps Research Institute associate professor, has been awarded the Jacob P. Waletzky Memorial Award for his groundbreaking research on drug addiction and compulsive eating. His work reveals new links between molecular mechanisms that drive both behaviors.
Research reveals that teenagers' brains respond differently to drugs than adults, with greater cognitive shortfalls and altered stress responses. Long-term effects of adolescent drug use on brain chemistry are also being explored.
Researchers track how brains navigate and remember settings using video game-inspired technologies. Studies show that speed of exploration alters memories, while exercise in virtual environments improves stroke patients' arm function.
Research reveals high-fat diets cause lasting brain changes impairing healthy eating. Food and drugs of abuse engage the same brain systems, highlighting potential treatments for obesity and addiction.
New human research suggests oxytocin influences feelings of well-being, sensitivity to advertising, trust, empathy, and reduces anxiety in stressed animals. Oxytocin is linked to happiness, resilient individuals are less likely to be depressed.
Studies show that prenatal drug exposure, maternal smoking, and early-life infections can alter brain development, increasing the risk of learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental disorders. The research highlights the importance of educating mothers on avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy.
Addex Pharmaceuticals highlights the power of its allosteric modulation technology platform, presenting data on nine therapeutic programs across various receptor types and therapeutic areas. The company's technology is allowing it to bring a new kind of chemistry to industrial drug discovery efforts, improving productivity in pharmaceu...
Yerkes researchers are presenting various studies on neuroscience topics including social bonding, addiction, neurodegenerative diseases and memory. Researchers like Larry Young, Leonard Howell and Yoland Smith are sharing their findings on oxytocin, stimulant addiction and cell death in neurodegenerative diseases.
The new journal will focus on structural and functional connections in the brain, exploring how neurological disorders alter these connections. Researchers can access human connectome data through an interactive website, enabling the publication to contribute to novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Rutgers University has received a $1,820,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to acquire an advanced functional MRI scanner. This cutting-edge technology will enable researchers at Rutgers-Newark to study brain activity and develop new insights into neuroscience discovery.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.
The new journal will publish theoretical and research papers on cognitive brain development, covering neurocognitive development, social and affective aspects, and various methodologies. Authors are encouraged to submit contributions using diverse neuroscience approaches.