Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
Researchers showcase cutting-edge neurotechnology systems, including BrainFlight, which uses online neurofeedback to modify an individual's arousal state. The system aims to improve performance in demanding tasks and has potential applications in treating mental conditions like PTSD.
A common cause for both Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) may be an inability to wake up due to a faulty CO2 blood level regulation. A potential explanation is a malfunctioning serotonin receptor in the midbrain, which could drive future treatments.
Researchers have developed a neuron-optimized CRISPR activation system that efficiently regulates genes involved in learning and memory, plasticity, and neuronal development. This breakthrough paves the way for studying genetic influences on brain health and disease using model organisms more closely resembling humans.
A new optical microscope system called SIFOM stimulates multiple cells simultaneously using holographic method and monitors cell activity using 3D measurements. The system has potential applications in reconstructing lost nerve pathways, constructing artificial neural networks, and developing food resources.
Researchers developed a method to translate brain activity into visual representations, enabling patients to increase or decrease beta waves associated with symptoms. Although no improvement in symptoms was observed, the study demonstrates a new approach toward managing disease-related brain activity that could inform new treatments.
A study of male and female rats found that moderate spinal cord damage alters daily body temperature and activity patterns. Restoring normal routines through circadian therapies may promote recovery after spinal cord injury.
New analysis improves knowledge of physical, biological systems by studying time that components take to influence each other. Researchers developed formulas to understand how this affects synchronization in oscillator systems, which are common in nature and technology.
Aryn Gittis, a Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientist, has been recognized for her creativity and originality in research. She discovered a class of neurons that restored movement in a mouse model for Parkinson's disease when targeted with optogenetics.
New research presents significant breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, enabling improved prosthetics and therapies for people with conditions such as paralysis, stroke, and blindness. Advanced technologies are being developed to restore task-related sensations to amputees and improve vision for the blind.
The Society for Neuroscience has presented a record-breaking 261 Trainee Professional Development Awards to young researchers from around the world. This represents a 28% increase from last year's awards, reflecting the program's growing impact on supporting the next generation of neuroscientists.
Researchers used calcium imaging techniques to visualize spontaneous activity patterns in the mature visual cortex, finding precise organizational networks in the cerebral cortex much earlier than previously thought. These networks predict future brain function and are critical for processing complex sensory input.
Researchers found that neural activity in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain is involved in encoding individual arm movements. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals with limb function after a brain injury, by harnessing the unaffected hemisphere.
A user-friendly software tool models neural circuits in outer brain layers, enabling EEG-guided treatment for patients based on new knowledge of underlying neural circuits. The Human Neocortical Neurosolver is a free, open-source tool that can help bridge the gap between genetic and molecular changes to neural circuit level signals.
A team of engineers and physicians at USC and UC San Francisco developed a novel decoding technology that can predict mood variations from neural signals in the human brain. The study may lead to new closed-loop, tailored therapies for depression and anxiety disorders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.