Articles tagged with Computational Neuroscience
A new study reveals that the hippocampus represents emotion concepts in a structured hierarchy of pleasantness and bodily reaction, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks relationships between these nodes. This map-like representation may help in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
Donoghue was recognized for his foundational leadership in advancing brain–computer interfaces, enabling individuals with paralysis to regain independence. His work has shown that neural activity persists even after spinal cord injury or neurological illnesses like ALS have robbed people of their ability to move.
Researchers have engineered a protein that can detect the faintest incoming chemical signals of brain cells, allowing for real-time decoding of neural activity. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand the complex cascade of electrical activity underlying learning, memory, and emotion.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have discovered that the loss of TRPM1 ion channels sets off a cascade of changes leading to persistent oscillations in the retina. This finding illuminates the cellular basis of congenital stationary night blindness and identifies a common mechanism underlying retinal degenerative conditions.
Researchers developed a novel topology-aware multiscale feature fusion network to enhance EEG-based motor imagery decoding. The TA-MFF network achieves excellent classification performance, outperforming state-of-the-art methods by leveraging spectral-topological data analysis-processing and inter-spectral recursive attention.
The superior colliculus, an ancestral brain structure, enables the brain to distinguish objects from the background and detect relevant stimuli in space. It generates centre–surround interactions independently, allowing for the detection of contrasts, edges, and salient features.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that adjusting molecular processes can improve memory in older subjects. They used CRISPR-dCas13 and CRISPR-dCas9 to target age-related changes in K63 polyubiquitination and IGF2, two genes linked to memory formation.
Terrence Sejnowski, a renowned neuroscientist at Salk Institute, has been awarded the 2025 NIH Director's Pioneer Award to develop advanced computational techniques for analyzing working memory. His research aims to better understand and treat memory disorders in mental health conditions.
Researchers used precise neural activity measurements from epilepsy patients to study how brain processes speech. The findings suggest the auditory cortex operates on a fixed, internal timescale independent of speech structures, providing a consistently timed stream of information.
A new study in Nature Communications found that AI models exhibit a geometric property called convexity, which helps humans form and share concepts. Convexity is also linked to the performance of AI models on specific tasks.
Researchers found that brain's dopamine neurons encode a map of possible future rewards across time and magnitude, guiding adaptive behavior in uncertain environments. This biological insight aligns with recent advances in AI, particularly distributional RL algorithms, which learn from reward distributions rather than averages.
A recent study found that caffeine increases brain signal complexity and enhances criticality during sleep, with effects more pronounced in young adults. This can lead to a state where the brain is neither fully awake nor relaxed, potentially interfering with restful recovery.
Researchers have successfully modeled the synaptic vesicle cycle with unprecedented detail, shedding new light on how our brains function. The model predicts parameters of synaptic function that could not be tested experimentally, opening new avenues for neuroscience investigations.
Researchers have developed CaliAli, an advanced analytical framework that aligns calcium imaging data across multiple sessions, allowing for the continuous tracking of individual neurons. This breakthrough enables long-term brain activity studies and advances understanding of memory formation, retention, and neurological diseases.
Scientists at MIT have identified new potential targets for treating Alzheimer's disease, including a pathway involved in DNA damage repair. The study suggests that a combination of treatments targeting different cellular pathways may be more effective in blocking disease progression.
Researchers from the University of Texas at San Antonio discovered a significant link between REM sleep disturbances and increased PTSD severity. The study suggests that targeting REM sleep could be a promising approach for improving PTSD treatment outcomes.
A University of Ottawa-led study reveals that serotonin neurons are connected and interact with each other, controlling serotonin release in specific regions of the brain. This complex system has implications for understanding decision-making and developing targeted therapeutics for mood disorders.
Researchers have identified differences in neural connectivity patterns between patients with recovered and persistent psychosis. These differences enable the development of new intervention strategies for patients with psychosis, according to a study published in Nature Mental Health.
The research aims to bridge the translational gap between animal and human studies, exploring how obesity impacts decision-making around food. The team will measure brain chemical activity while participants consume sugary drinks and complete emotion-related tasks.
A novel brain study uncovers the critical role of the HDAC5 enzyme in regulating gene expression and neuronal activity, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. The study highlights a new molecular target for developing novel treatments to reduce relapse risk.
Researchers developed a freely available analysis tool, DANCE, for automating the quantification of male aggression and courtship behaviors in fruit flies. The tool uses machine learning and has been shown to be as accurate as expert manual scoring with costs less than $0.30 per experiment.
A new review article identifies major themes in AI application to neurosciences, including a 5-fold increase in AI-related publications. The study also notes a surge of over 13-fold in clinical neurology AI-related publications in the past decade.
The Open Brain Institute launches a groundbreaking platform to simulate and study digital brains, empowering researchers to explore brain complexity and diseases. With its virtual neuroscience laboratories, the OBI enables global collaboration and access to cutting-edge virtual labs.
A new model of brain computational analysis, called CHARM, reveals that the human brain can surpass machines in critical decision-making. The CHARM model applies quantum mechanics to analyze long-distance brain connections, enabling precise modeling of the brain's dynamics.
A new model developed by researchers at the University of Barcelona accurately predicts how elite athletes move to catch a moving object just from an initial glance. The model integrates prior knowledge of gravity and physical size into visual information, allowing for precise predictions of trajectory and time until impact.
The study uses PCArs to analyze brain neuronal activity in various situations, revealing that different brain regions exhibit distinct geometric figures during object recognition and memory tasks. The findings suggest that the brain processes visual information in real-time and changes its activity pattern from moment to moment.
Researchers found neurotransmitters in the human brain are released during emotional language processing, providing insights into how words shape our choices and mental health. The study bridges biology and symbolism, linking neural processes to human communication and emotion.
The study reveals that directional connections propagate signals in a downstream flow, leading to more complex activity patterns. Mathematical models also suggest that modularity and connectivity interact to foster dynamical complexity.
Researchers at KAIST developed a new method to learn without weight transport, enabling faster and more accurate learning. By pre-training with random noise, the team showed that neural networks can achieve high learning efficiency and solve the weight transport problem.
Marco Celotto and Simone Russo were awarded the Lagomarsino Prize for their groundbreaking research in neuroscience, which combined excellent scientific results with outstanding methods for data analysis, data management, and Open Science. Their work has led to pioneering discoveries on brain stimulation and its potential applications ...
Researchers discovered that NMDA receptors set the baseline level for neural network activity, helping maintain stable brain function. The study's findings suggest potential innovative treatments for diseases linked to disrupted neural stability.
Researchers identified hundreds of brain proteins associated with inter-individual differences in functional connectivity and structural covariation. The proteins were enriched for those involved in synapses, energy metabolism, and RNA processing, providing insights into the mechanistic basis of human cognition and behavior.
A research group at the University of Tsukuba discovered that the dorsal premotor cortex plays a crucial role in meta-learning for motor skills. The study found that stimulating this region impairs the meta-learning effect on memory forgetting, but not motor learning itself.
A recent study published in Nature Cancer has discovered that cancer cells exhibit opposing pro and antitumor programs, with the former promoting metastasis and the latter combating tumor growth. This finding opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies to target highly aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors.
Studies show that the cerebellum is critical for forming stable memories for sensorimotor skills, largely independent of short-term memory systems. Researchers found that longer time intervals between trials increased reliance on impaired long-term memory.
Researchers have discovered that small networks of neurons in the fruit fly's brain can generate an accurate internal compass, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding expands our knowledge of what small networks can do and challenges traditional views on brain size and function.
A new study reveals that a third of glioma cells, a type of brain tumor, fire electrical impulses. These hybrid cells combine features of neurons and glia, challenging the long-held notion that only neurons generate electric signals in the brain.
Researchers at WVU created a motion-compatible brain scanner that allows patients to move around during imaging. The Ambulatory Motion-enabling PET (AMPET) scanner can help study human behaviors, balance, and emotions, and may be used to monitor brain activity for PTSD treatment and mindfulness meditation.
Researchers developed a motor meta-learning task to assess stroke patients' ability to recognize their learning capabilities and plan practice. The study found a significant correlation between meta-learning ability and improvement index, suggesting that enhanced individual meta-learning ability can improve rehabilitation efficacy.
Researchers have identified a universal blueprint for mammalian brain shape, describing the cerebral cortex as following a fractal pattern across species. The study suggests that cortices across primate species resemble this universal scaling law and self-similarity, revealing a common set of mechanisms governing cortical folding.
Researchers found that small regions of the brain can momentarily 'flicker' awake while the rest of the brain remains asleep, and vice versa from wake to sleep. This challenges traditional understanding of sleep and wake patterns, which have been defined by slow, long-lasting waves.
Researchers discovered that propofol, a commonly used anesthesia drug, induces unconsciousness by causing the brain to become increasingly unstable. This instability leads to chaotic brain activity, resulting in loss of consciousness. The study's findings could help develop better tools for monitoring patients during general anesthesia.
A new model developed by Flatiron Institute researchers proposes that individual neurons exert more control over their surroundings, which could be replicated in artificial neural networks. This updated model treats neurons as tiny 'controllers' and may lead to better AI performance and efficiency.
A new tool, BioemuS, enables real-time emulation and hybridization of biological systems using biomimetic Spiking Neural Networks, addressing limitations of current pharmacological treatments. The system, developed through international collaboration, prioritizes cost efficiency and accessibility for closed-loop applications.
A new study on learning has provided insights into the balance between habitual and goal-directed behaviors, with implications for AI development. The research suggests that a balance between these two types of behavior is necessary for efficient and adaptable decision-making in AI systems.
A team of scientists has uncovered how our brains simulate possible future actions using stored memories. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus work together to enable mental simulations, allowing us to make better decisions. This research provides foundational knowledge on brain circuits enabling decision-making.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel non-invasive technique to target deep brain regions involved in neurological disorders. By applying low-level electrical stimulation on the scalp, they can selectively stimulate key brain regions without invasive procedures.
Salk scientists develop new method to quantify synaptic features, revealing high precision of plasticity and up to 10 times more storage capacity. The technique uses information theory to analyze synapse pairs from a rat hippocampus, offering a scalable approach for studying brain function.
Neurons exhibit 'mixed selectivity,' integrating multiple inputs and computations, ensuring focused cognition. The brain employs mechanisms like oscillations and neuromodulators to recruit neurons and tune them to relevant information.
Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have released Kilosort4, an updated version of the popular spike-sorting software that requires less manual work and is more accurate. The new software improves processing and allows for easier use, making it indispensable for neuroscientists worldwide.
Researchers developed a new open-source system to interface with living neurons, offering enhanced control and precision in measuring neural processes. The system boasts over 500 electrodes, allowing for more data collection and customization, while being 10 times cheaper than commercial systems.
Researchers found large individual differences in roundworm neural activity despite conserved neural circuits. Computer simulations including noise accurately model whole-brain activity, shedding light on neuronal connectivity and essential role of noise in brain function.
A new neuroscientific paradigm, the synergistic model, allows better understanding of brain-body-environment interactions. This framework enables more accurate personalized diagnoses and treatments of brain diseases.
Researchers discovered how insects navigate using limited brain power by simplifying complex problems through their behavior, a strategy that can be applied to robots and computers. A model of insect neuronal activity showed the robot successfully navigated in various environments, leading to potential improvements in energy efficiency.
The Cognitive Neuroscience Society Conference in Toronto will explore the nature of thought and cognition. Registered press members will have access to scientific talks, posters, and receptions.
Researchers have designed a new, affordable system to study neural interactions and compute using living neurons. The open-source MiV system boasts over 500 electrodes, offering improved control and precision in measuring neural processes.
Researchers found that brain waves are slower in deep cortical layers and faster in superficial layers, with gamma waves dominating the topmost layers. These oscillations may play a fundamental role in brain function and contribute to disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The European Commission has awarded €38 million to further develop EBRAINS, a digital ecosystem for neuroscientific research. The project aims to establish a new standard for brain atlases and push forward digital twin approaches.
A team of researchers led by Keith Hengen proposes a theory that explains both the meaning of sleep and the complexity of the brain. By tracking brain activity in sleeping rats, they found that sleep restores criticality, a state that maximizes thinking and processing.
A new study finds that complex and unfamiliar sentences generate stronger responses in the brain's language processing centers. Sentences with higher surprisal and linguistic complexity evoke more activation, while extremely simple or nonsensical sequences elicit little response.