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World’s only bonobo sanctuary helps orphaned apes overcome trauma to develop social skills and empathy

A study by Durham University found that bonobos orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can develop social abilities despite early life trauma. Researchers observed 83 bonobos at different stages of their lives, finding that female bonobos' social skills increased with age, while males' decreased, similar to wild interactions.

SourceDurham University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2024

Sculpting the brain (without chisel or scalpel)

Researchers use real-time neuroimaging and neurofeedback to modify brain activity patterns, enabling faster learning and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study demonstrates the ability to inscribe new patterns into the brain without physical manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Key breakthrough in autism: pivotal role of CPEB4 condensates revealed

A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

The next evolution of AI begins with ours

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a potential solution to the paradox of animal innate abilities using artificial intelligence. The genomic bottleneck algorithm allows for compression levels unseen in AI, enabling faster runtimes and potentially leading to more evolved AI systems.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2024

Vanderbilt authors find evidence that the hunger hormone leptin can direct neural development in a leptin receptor–independent manner

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that the hunger hormone leptin can direct neural development in a leptin receptor-independent manner. This discovery suggests a novel role for leptin in specifying the development of neural circuits involved in autonomic regulation and food intake.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2024

Solving computationally hard problems with 3D integrated photonics

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...

Closed eye imaging can track wakefulness, awareness, and pain in unresponsive conditions such as sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care

A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateSep 8, 2024

Flexible tentacle electrodes precisely record brain activity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed ultra-flexible tentacle electrodes that can precisely record brain activity over extended periods, enabling detailed analysis of neural activity. The technology has the potential to diagnose and treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2024

The nervous system’s matchmaker

A new algorithm, inspired by the nervous system's matchmaker, pairs drivers with riders in a way that maximizes everyone's happiness. The algorithm creates near-optimal pairings while preserving privacy, making it suitable for everyday applications.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2024

UVA research cracks the autism code, making the neurodivergent brain visible

A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...

Parents’ eating behaviour influences how their children respond to food, according to new research at Aston University

A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2024

“Prelude” to neuromuscular disease SMA may offer chances for better treatment

Researchers found anomalies in embryonic development of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which could lead to new treatment options. These abnormalities were recreated in laboratory-grown tissue cultures called organoids, revealing key insights into the disease's progression.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Finding the sweet spot in brain development

A study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers has discovered a crucial receptor protein that regulates the timing of temporary neural connections in the developing brain. Without this protein, mice exhibit atypical behaviors, highlighting its potential role in shaping brain circuits and preventing neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2024

Sequencing of the developing human brain uncovers hundreds of thousands of new gene transcripts

A recent study has cataloged gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain, providing crucial insights into neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The research found thousands of isoform switches that occur during brain development, implicating previously uncharacterized RNA-binding proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Even moderate alcohol usage during pregnancy linked to birth abnormalities, UNM researchers find

UNM researchers found that even low to moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can contribute to subtle changes in prenatal development, including lower birth length and shorter gestation duration. Sex-specific differences were also observed, with male infants affected more by the effects of drinking during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

The language spoken by others conditions our ability to predict their actions from an very early age, according to a study by UPF

A study by UPF found that six-month-old babies can predict the actions of people who speak their native language, but not those who speak an unfamiliar language. This suggests that infants' ability to predict others' behavior is linked to the language they speak and may be influenced by social factors.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Researchers reveal roadmap for AI innovation in brain and language learning

A new study highlights the importance of differentiating between formal and functional competence in language learning models. Researchers argue that leveraging human neuroscience insights can help develop more powerful AIs that mimic the brain's modularity, leading to improved performance and natural user interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2024

Citizen scientists contribute to motor learning research

A new study examined data from citizen scientists using a simple web-based motor test, providing unique insights into how people correct for motor control errors. The results show that adaptation peaks between 35 and 45 years of age, with demographic variables such as gender, age, and visual impairment impacting motor adaptation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024