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Your favorite music can send your brain into a pleasure overload

Researchers used EEG to study how music affects the brain's reward system, finding increased activity in regions involved in emotional processing, movement control, and auditory processing. Chills induced by favorite songs release dopamine, triggering a physiological response that indicates greater cortical connectivity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2020

First 'plug and play' brain prosthesis demoed in paralyzed person

A team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, has made a significant breakthrough in developing a 'plug and play' brain prosthesis that enables individuals with paralysis to control devices using their brain activity. The device uses machine learning algorithms to match brain signals to desired movements, allo...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2020

Excess weight among pregnant women may interfere with child's developing brain

Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 11, 2020

Phantom-limb pain reduced through brain power

A study published in Neurology found that training with a brain-computer-interface can significantly reduce phantom-limb pain in amputees. After just three days of training, patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain intensity, and the effect lasted up to five days after training was complete.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeurology·DateJul 16, 2020

Brain activity prior to an action contributes to our sense of control over what we do

Scientists identified specific brain regions linked to humans' sense of agency, finding that brain activity involved in planning and motor monitoring is crucial. By altering this network with transcranial magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce participants' sense of control over their actions.

Are our brains hard-wired for longing?

A recent brain imaging study suggests that the absence of a partner can strengthen the motivation to reunite, potentially driving the instinct to form lasting bonds. The research found unique clusters of cells in the brain associated with reunion and social distancing, shedding light on why social distancing is tough.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Efficiency of non-invasive brain stimulation for memory improvement: Embracing the challenge

Researchers at Skoltech discovered that non-invasive magnetic stimulation of the brain can enhance human working memory. The effects of magnetic stimulation weaken as the brain works on a cognitive task under stimulation. Cognitive activity can even reduce the efficiency of TMS, suggesting new protocols may be needed for optimal results.

Study finds empathy can be detected in people whose brains are at rest

Researchers found that brain activity while resting can reveal a person's empathic disposition, potentially helping health care professionals better assess those with autism or schizophrenia. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain scans and machine learning algorithms to predict participants' empathy levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2020