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MRIs link impaired brain activity to inability to regulate emotions in autism

Researchers used fMRI to show that autistic individuals have significantly different brain activity related to emotion regulation compared to non-autistic individuals. The study suggests that improving prefrontal cortex activity could help autistic people regulate their emotions and reduce severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 27, 2015

That smartphone is giving your thumbs superpowers

Regular smartphone use reshapes brain activity in response to touchscreen interactions, with the thumb being particularly sensitive to changes. The study found that smartphone users' brains show enhanced electrical activity when all three fingertips are touched, and this activity is directly proportional to phone use intensity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 23, 2014

Using light to understand the brain

Researchers at UCL have developed a technique that combines two cutting-edge technologies to read and write electrical activity in the brain. By using flashes of light, they can both observe and control brain activity in mice, opening up new possibilities for understanding neurological conditions such as autism and dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 22, 2014

Visualizing plastic changes to the brain

Researchers have successfully visualized the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on neurons in real-time using voltage-sensitive dyes. The high-resolution imaging data may lead to optimized TMS parameters and learning processes for treating neurological diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2014

Brainwaves can predict audience reaction

A study at City College of New York found that analyzing the brainwaves of a few individuals can accurately predict preferences of large TV audiences. The researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) to capture brain activity while participants watched scenes from 'The Walking Dead' and Super Bowl commercials.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014

Understanding consciousness

Consciousness may be understood through scientific inquiry, despite current debates about its neural basis. Researchers argue that flawed assumptions about consciousness can be addressed through multiple scientific perspectives, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding human rights, disease treatment, and technology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJul 10, 2014

High earners in a stock market game have brain patterns that can predict market bubbles

Researchers discovered a correlation between specific brain activity patterns and sensitivity to market bubbles in high earners. The study found that these individuals ignored nucleus accumbens activity, which is associated with pleasant emotional states, instead focusing on the anterior insular cortex, which is active during bodily di...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

Positive, negative thinkers' brains revealed

The study found that positive thinkers had less brain activity during a task where they were asked to put a positive spin on graphic images, while worriers showed increased activity. This suggests that positive thinking may be harderwired in the brain and could have implications for how negative thinkers approach difficult situations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateApr 2, 2014

Universal syllables

A new study by SISSA researchers found that newborns' brains react differently to words starting with common and uncommon sounds, supporting the idea of universal language preferences. This suggests a possible biological basis for language acquisition, shaping the sound of words from birth.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2014

Brain mapping confirms patients with schizophrenia have impaired ability to imitate

Researchers used brain-mapping techniques to study imitation in schizophrenia patients and found abnormal brain activity in areas associated with imitation. The findings suggest that individuals with schizophrenia may have a less specialized brain network for processing social information, leading to difficulties with social interactions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2014

Training your brain using neurofeedback

A new brain-imaging technique allows people to monitor and control their brain activity in real time, enabling the training of specific targeted brain regions. MEG is being explored as a potential therapeutic tool for various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 20, 2014

Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD

Researchers at Western University found that neurofeedback training can alter key brain networks linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to improved subjective well-being. The study used a combination of EEG and fMRI techniques to measure changes in brain activity and connectivity after a 30-minute neurofeedback session.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateDec 3, 2013

Monkeys use minds to move 2 virtual arms

Researchers at Duke University have enabled monkeys to control two virtual arms using their brain activity. The study advances efforts to develop bilateral movement in brain-controlled prosthetic devices, aiming to restore mobility and sense of touch in severely paralyzed patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 6, 2013

Comprehending comprehension

Northwestern University researchers found that brain activity can predict individual differences in reading comprehension, with nearly 90% accuracy. They used EEG to measure brainwaves and compared the results between ordered and scrambled story texts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2013