Owls see as humans do
Researchers studied barn owls' brain and behavior while tracking dark dots on a screen, finding evidence of perceptual grouping. This ability, crucial for vision-based species, was previously only studied in primates.
Developmental Neuroscience
Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
New target for treating alcoholism
Researchers discovered that activating GPR139 reduces alcohol intake and restores pain sensitivity thresholds in alcohol-dependent mice. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating alcohol use disorder.
Personalizing therapeutic brain stimulation
A study on epilepsy patients has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used to predict which brain regions will be affected by the treatment. This research could lead to individualized stimulation protocols, improving treatment outcomes for conditions like depression.
New device measures blink reflex parameters to quickly and objectively identify concussion
Researchers developed a new device measuring blink reflex parameters to help diagnose concussions. The Blink Reflexometer TM assesses blink reflex data, providing an objective measure of primitive reflex changes, allowing for accurate diagnoses and decision-making in sports settings.
Walking fish suggests locomotion control evolved much earlier than thought
Researchers discovered that certain species of fish, like the little skate, can walk using a neural and genetic developmental program identical to higher vertebrates. The study found conserved genes and neuronal subtypes essential for limb control in these fin-based movement systems.
How preterm birth may impact language development
A brain imaging study found that preterm infants with developmental disturbances in the Heschl's gyrus, a part of the brain involved in speech and language, exhibit reduced expressive language ability. The study suggests that preterm birth may impact language development due to altered auditory cortex maturation.
Neurological assessment in the blink of an eye?
The Blink Reflexometer uses high-speed video to analyze the blink response in patients, providing quantitative measurements comparable to electromyography. A small validation study showed promising results, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic indicator of neurological health.
Prenatal exposure to BPA at low levels can affect gene expression in developing rat brain
Research from NC State University reveals that prenatal BPA exposure at levels below the current FDA safety threshold alters hormone receptor expression, synaptic transmission, and neurodevelopment in the developing rat brain. The study found sex-specific differences in sensitivity to BPA exposure, with females appearing more sensitive.
How vision shapes touch
A neuroimaging study reveals that blind individuals perform better on a touch discrimination task when their hands are crossed due to stronger frontal-parietal connectivity. In contrast, sighted individuals show greater activity in parietal and premotor areas with uncrossed hands.
Mobile phone use while pregnant not linked to child neurodevelopment problems
Research published in BMC Public Health found that maternal mobile phone use was associated with lower risk of language and motor skills delays at ages 3 and 5. Children born to mobile phone users had a 27% lower risk of lower sentence complexity, 14% lower risk of incomplete grammar, and 31% lower risk of moderate language delay.
A good read: AI evaluates quality of short stories
Researchers developed neural networks to evaluate short narratives, improving predictions over a baseline system. The AIs classified texts into popular and non-popular categories, highlighting the importance of understanding story structures in narrative evaluation.
Penn Medicine's Matthew Kayser receives Clinical Scientist Development Award
Matthew S. Kayser, MD, PhD, a Penn Medicine assistant professor, has received a Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to explore biomarkers for treatment response in insomnia and depression. The grant will support his research project using a metabolomics platform.
Brown U. to receive up to $19 million to engineer next-generation brain-computer interface
Brown University is developing a fully implantable wireless brain interface system with 'neurograins' that can record and stimulate neural activity with unprecedented detail. The system aims to create a cortical intranet of wireless micro-devices for safe and precise brain-computer interaction.
Supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk does not improve neurodevelopment in VLBW infants
A study published in JAMA found that VLBW infants who received supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk did not exhibit improved neurodevelopment compared to those receiving preterm formula. However, the use of nutrient-fortified donor milk was shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Basic research fuels advanced discovery
UCSB neuroscientist Kenneth Kosik advocates for fundamental cell biology research into neurodegeneration, which may accelerate understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. He argues that basic science provides a foundation for treatments beyond single diseases and early detection.
New study evaluates nicotine's relationship to body weight and food intake
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research demonstrates that nicotine suppresses body weight gain in rats independent of food intake. The study suggests a potential link between nicotine exposure and weight regulation, offering insights into the development of obesity pharmacotherapies.
How does neurodevelopment affect diseases in adulthood?
A new DFG Research Training Group at FAU will investigate the relationship between brain development and adult diseases. The group aims to uncover how development processes affect disease susceptibility and identify new targets for therapy.
China successfully developed 'Darwin,' a neuromorphic chip based on Spiking Neural Networks
Darwin is a neuromorphic hardware co-processor developed by Chinese researchers that enables efficient execution of Spiking Neural Networks in resource-constrained embedded systems. It supports flexible configuration and has potential applications in intelligent hardware systems, robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and more.
Researchers elucidate network of genes that control when puberty begins
Scientists uncover network of genes controlling puberty onset, discovering repressors that delay puberty. The study may help develop new treatments for precocious puberty and understand the impact of environmental factors on early puberty onset.
Story Landis receives Ralph W. Gerard Prize in Neuroscience
Dr. Story Landis has been awarded the Ralph W. Gerard Prize in Neuroscience for her significant contributions to neuroscience research and public service. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on synapse formation and neurotrophins, as well as her leadership in transforming NINDS into a training and mentorship hub.
Static synapses on a moving structure: Mind the gap!
Neurons have developed ways to regulate their electrical activity, preventing overexcitability and non-functional neurons. A new study reveals that unique synapses along the axon initial segment (AIS) modulate neuronal output by acting directly on the AIS.
Cutting big data down to a usable size
New grant funds development of efficient genomic data compression software to handle large volumes of genomic data, addressing challenges in data storage and transfer. The project aims to identify commonalities in compression strategies across different types of genomic data.
Study examines umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment
A study examining umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment found that delayed cord clamping was associated with higher scores in fine-motor and social skills in children at age 4, especially in boys. The results suggest positive effects from delayed cord clamping without any adverse effects on overall IQ or behavior.
Utah team gets $1.4M for bionic hand research
A team of researchers at the University of Utah has received $1.4 million to further develop an implantable neural interface that allows amputees to control a prosthetic hand with their thoughts and feel sensations of touch and movement.
DARPA selects Lawrence Livermore to develop world's first neural device to restore memory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will develop a state-of-the-art implantable neural device to record and stimulate neurons, helping to restore memory in individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other conditions. The device aims to bridge gaps in the injured brain and enable individuals to form new memories.
Animal study unveils predictive marker for epilepsy development following febrile seizure
An animal study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect brain changes in young rats hours after a fever-induced seizure, indicating those at risk for developing epilepsy later in life. The MRI signal was not visible in rats that remained epilepsy-free.
Cajal-Retzius cell loss and amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers found that Cajal-Retzius cell loss occurred with the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease, concomitant with amyloid pathology and behavioral deficits. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, used a mouse model to investigate the relationship between Cajal-Retzius cells and Alzheimer's disease.
Genetic pre-disposition toward exercise and mental development may be linked
A study found that active rats showed higher levels of brain development than lazy rats, suggesting a link between genetic predisposition for exercise motivation and mental maturation. The research suggests that exercising at a young age could help develop neural pathways for motivation.
Resting-state functional connectivity as an auxillary diagnosis of depression
Depression patients showed characteristic path length and node attributes differences compared to healthy controls. An artificial neural network algorithm demonstrated the effectiveness of brain network metrics in machine learning research and clinical diagnosis of depression.
Findings: How viral infection disrupts neural development in offspring, increasing risk of autism
Research at UC Davis Center for Neuroscience found that maternal viral infection alters brain cell communication and increases risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study discovered a novel biological signaling pathway linking maternal immune activation to disease-linked behaviors.
New Sackler Institute and Chair for Translational Neurodevelopment at King's College London
The Sackler Institute aims to advance understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and develop innovative treatments through collaboration across King's and other research networks. The new institute will foster interdisciplinary training and translation of findings into patient care.
Moderate drinking during pregnancy does not seem to harm baby's neurodevelopment
A large study found that moderate drinking during pregnancy does not seem to affect a child's ability to balance. However, social advantage may be a factor, as more affluent and educated mothers tend to drink more. Better static balance was associated with greater levels of affluence and educational attainment.
Brain biology tied to social reorientation during entry to adolescence
A study of 27 children using fMRI found a specific brain region, the ventral medial prefrontal cortex, increasingly devoted to social self-evaluations during puberty. This region showed significant increases in blood-oxygen levels when responding to questions about identity and peer status.
Excess protein linked to development of Parkinson's disease
Researchers found that excess alpha-synuclein protein disrupts vital recycling processes in neurons, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The study provides a structural and mechanistic explanation for the progression of Parkinson's disease, shedding light on its causes and mechanisms.
UC San Diego, Yale awarded collaborative NSF grant for Neuroscience Gateway
The project aims to make neuroscience-specific compute and software tools conveniently available to students and investigators. The NSG portal will offer a streamlined process for uploading models, retrieving and storing data, and specifying parameters for running high-performance computing-based neuronal simulations.
Preclinical development shows promise to treat hearing loss with Usher syndrome III
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine developed a mouse model that mimics the N48K mutation in Usher III, leading to understanding of how deafness occurs. This new model enables exploration of prospective therapeutics to rescue mutant protein localization and hearing.
Sweet minty relief for cough
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center discover that adding sweetness to a solution can suppress coughing, while menthol reduces the cough reflex by numbing sensory nerves. These findings have implications for understanding how popular remedies work and may inform strategies for managing cough symptoms.
Monell scientist receives AchemS Ajinomoto Award for Young Investigators in Gustation
Ichiro Matsumoto, a molecular biologist at Monell Center, has received the 2012 Ajinomoto Award for his significant contributions to understanding taste bud organization and differentiation in various vertebrate species. His research has also examined taste receptors, neural pathways, and clinical taste dysfunction.
Humble people are more likely to lend a helping hand, Baylor University study finds
A Baylor University study reveals that humility is a positive quality with potential benefits, predicting greater helpfulness in aiding someone in need. Researchers found that humble individuals offered more time to help compared to less humble ones, especially when personal or situational factors were controlled.
Nano-tech makes medicine greener
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Effects of prenatal smoking on infant neurodevelopment may be worse than feared: study
A large study found substantial delays in early neurological development among babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Poor families were particularly vulnerable to the effects of prenatal smoking, which may be stronger than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce pre...
Wayne State researcher receives NSF award to develop neural implants
A Wayne State University researcher has received a $475,000 grant to develop graphene-based neural implants that could improve the quality of life for millions. The technology aims to overcome limitations of current implantable devices by using a flexible material and biodegradable backing.
Wayne State University researchers win grant from the NSF to target tinnitus
Researchers at Wayne State University have been awarded a $330,000 NSF grant to develop a 3-D neural probe that can suppress tinnitus by electrically and chemically stimulating neurons. The probe will enable the integration of micro-channels for neurotransmitter-based chemical stimulation and local drug delivery.
Olsen, Drake, Schoenwolf receive highest honors from anatomy society
Bjorn R. Olsen, Richard Drake, and Gary C. Schoenwolf received the highest awards from the American Association of Anatomists for their outstanding contributions to anatomical sciences, with Olsen receiving the Scientific Achievement Award, Drake the Distinguished Educator Award, and Schoenwolf the Exemplary Service Award.
BrainGate neural interface system reaches 1,000-day performance milestone
A woman with tetraplegia has controlled a computer cursor accurately for over 1,000 days using the BrainGate neural interface system. The system, which decodes brain signals to translate them into digital instructions, has shown promising results in enabling people with paralysis to control external devices.
Understanding how folic acid might help heal brain and spinal cord injuries
Researchers found that folic acid can promote nerve cell regeneration following injury in rodents. This discovery provides a rationale for testing folate supplementation in patients with spinal cord and brain trauma. The study suggests that folate may play a role in promoting healing and recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries.
Hormone ghrelin can boost resistance to Parkinson's disease
Researchers found that ghrelin is protective of dopamine neurons and can slow the development of Parkinson's disease. Ghrelin supplementation in mice showed increased dopamine production and reduced loss compared to controls.
LSUHSC research identifies key contributor to Alzheimer's disease process
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified microRNA-146a as a crucial regulator of inflammation and disease-related neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that miRNA-146a targets the messenger RNA of an anti-inflammatory regulator, promoting brain cell inflammation.
Neuroinformatics special issue spotlights the Neuroscience Information Framework
The Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF) is a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data, resources, and tools. The NIF enables discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide through an open source, networked environment.
Infant sensitivity to negative emotional expressions develops at around 6 months
Scientists have discovered that infants develop increased sensitivity to negative emotional expressions at around 6 months old. This change allows them to focus more intensely on fearful faces and take longer to shift their attention away from these stimuli.
Mental illness and drug addiction may co-occur due to disturbance in part of the brain
A study by Andrew Chambers found that rats with damaged amygdalas showed abnormal behavior related to fear and fearlessness, as well as greater cocaine sensitivity. This suggests that brain conditions may alter addiction vulnerability independently of drug history.
BC psychologist wins $2.5 million NIH Pioneer Award for groundbreaking study of emotion in the brain
Lisa Feldman Barrett, a BC psychology professor, has developed a 'conceptual act' model that explains emotions as conceptual acts, challenging traditional views of emotions and their role in mental and physical health. Her research aims to shape a new paradigm for the scientific study of emotion.
Ability to 'tell the difference' declines as infants age
As infants grow, their visual and auditory systems fine-tune to relevant distinctions, but also lose the ability to discriminate irrelevant stimuli. Environmental input helps refine these neural connections, enabling infants to better perceive salient inputs.
First out-of-body experience induced in laboratory setting
Researchers at University College London successfully induced an out-of-body experience (OBE) in healthy participants using a novel method. The study, published in Science, reveals the neural basis of OBEs and has implications for fields like neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology.
Biophysical Society names 2008 society awards recipients
The Biophysical Society has awarded 14 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These awards recognize achievements in areas such as lipids and membrane biology, education, single molecule biology, and computational biology.
Regulating alternative splicing during neural development
Dr. Douglas Black and colleagues reveal that a switch in PTB expression induces changes in alternative splicing patterns during neuronal development, adding a new layer of genetic regulation. This reprogramming enables the creation of unique genetic code in post-mitotic neurons.
New study zeroes in on genetic roots of Alzheimer's
Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation discovered that ApoE4 attaches to a receptor on brain cells, leading to protein fragment formation and cell death. This finding may lead to new pathways for developing Alzheimer's therapeutics.
Beyond the book: Software automates access to brain atlases
Researchers have developed software that turns existing print brain atlases into multimedia resources, improving data organization and comparison. The NeuARt II system is a robust interface that works on all popular computer operating systems, without violating copyright.
Creative public-health approaches needed to improve folic acid intake in women
Despite global recommendations, many women are not following daily folic acid guidelines to reduce neural tube defects. Countries should intensify national campaigns to increase knowledge and use of supplements among women.
First diagnostic indicator for Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) identified
Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers identified three proteins found in lower concentration in ALS patients' cerebral spinal fluid, showing 95% accuracy in diagnosing the disease. Early testing may provide relief from symptoms years earlier than current methods.