Articles tagged with Sensory Systems
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A new Reichman University study demonstrates how external representation of physiological signals can improve internal balance. The researchers created an immersive multisensory environment that mirrors the user's breathing pattern, leading to significant improvements in interoceptive sensibility and flow among users.
Chong Xie and his team at Rice University have won a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an implantable neural electrode system for high-resolution, long-term neural recording and stimulation. The project aims to improve the resolution of existing devices by increasing the density of neurons sampled.
A University of Maryland study reveals how the brain adapts to different listening situations, with the orbitofrontal cortex playing a central role. The findings may have implications for human health and well-being, particularly in conditions such as autism, dyslexia, or schizophrenia.
A previously unknown mechanism in the brain causes migraine attacks by carrying proteins to specific nerve cells, explaining one-sided headaches. The discovery may lead to new treatment options and help understand other headache diseases.
A new surgical procedure reconnects muscles in the residual limb, allowing patients to receive proprioceptive feedback about their prosthetic limb's position. Seven patients who underwent this surgery were able to walk faster, avoid obstacles, and climb stairs more naturally than those with traditional amputations.
Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.
This study reveals that thalamocortical connectivity plays a vital role in the formation of functional brain networks. The researchers used advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational models to map changes in thalamocortical connectivity across different age groups, from infancy to adulthood.
Research at the University of Zurich reveals that the first week after birth is a critical period for the development of senses, particularly smell and touch. Olfactory stimuli can induce neural activity across multiple brain regions, including areas responsible for non-olfactory sensory processing.
This study analyzed resting state fMRI data to investigate salience network disruptions in schizophrenia. The analysis revealed weaker dorsal salience network connectivity and increased ventral salience network connectivity in patients.
Researchers propose expanding research on nature's scents and olfactory cues to better understand their impacts on human health. The study aims to investigate the complex links between smell, nature, and human well-being, including the potential for unconscious biochemical processes.
A new study reveals that neural activity related to sound detection and movement are temporally separated but share commonalities, with neurons adapting their activity based on experience. The findings shed light on the brain's complex processing of sensory information and behavioral choices.
Researchers from GIST and MIT CSAIL develop a MultiSenseBadmpton dataset to enhance badminton performance analysis and AI-based coaching. The dataset captures joint movements, muscle signals, and gaze movements of badminton players.
Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have created mice with hybrid brains, allowing them to use rat neurons to sense odors accurately. The study's findings suggest that adding replacement neurons isn't plug-and-play, highlighting the need to remove dysfunctional neurons for functional replacement in neurodegenerativ...
Researchers discovered a class of cerebellar inputs, called climbing fibres, are essential for associative learning to occur. These
Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.
Researchers at Columbia University found evidence for collective sensing in African weakly electric fish, which allows them to extend their perceptual reach up to 3 times. This phenomenon enables the fish to locate objects more effectively, potentially providing survival benefits.
Scientists have identified a crucial role of the newly discovered ion channel Elkin1 in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, enabling normal touch sensation. The findings also suggest Elkin1 may play a part in transmitting painful mechanical stimuli, opening up new potential targets for chronic pain treatment.
A University of Otago-led study found that sensory cues alone can drive ageing effects in animals. Researchers tested male mice exposed to female odours and found reduced fertility and increased mortality later in life. The study highlights the importance of sensory perception of mates in influencing life-history trade-offs.
The study investigates how different genes related to autism spectrum disorders affect the brain's neural circuits, resulting in heightened sensitivity to sounds. The researchers aim to identify a potential biomarker for sensory hypersensitivity and develop treatments using optogenetics and minocycline.
Researchers at Flinders University uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding the gut-brain axis, revealing that serotonin released from gut cells must communicate via diffusion to activate sensory nerve endings. This discovery has profound implications for drug development and treatments of mental health and digestive problems.
Researchers created an android avatar named Yui with human-like appearance to enable operators to inhabit and improve communication. The system provides a highly immersive experience through advanced head deformation, movement capabilities, and sensory organs.
The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.
Researchers developed a device that allows amputees to sense and respond to temperature, improving dexterity and feelings of human connection. The 'MiniTouch' device enables active thermosensation during tasks requiring feedback between sensory and motor neurons.
A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.
Researchers identified the novel odorant 5-vinylguaiacol as the source of a clove-like off-flavor in orange juice, which is formed through the reaction of hesperidin with peracetic acid during pasteurization. This finding may lead to changes in cleaning agent use in the industry.
Researchers discovered surprising secrets about how fruit flies adapt their senses to different environments through gene expression patterns. Thousands of genes had undergone significant changes in expression, shaping unique olfactory landscapes of different fly species.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used specially made nanostructures to enhance the locust's ability to detect odors, boosting neural signals for improved chemical sensing. The team created a biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticle that converts light to heat, amplifying neural activity.
A Monell Center study reveals separate gut-brain pathways for fat and sugar cravings, leading to overeating when combined. The research provides insights into the neural wiring behind motivated eating behavior, suggesting a potential target for anti-obesity strategies.
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.
A study by Fujita Health University researchers unveiled novel insights into the brain's processing of movement and sensation. The findings suggest that signals from motor cortices do not primarily modulate sensory responses in primary sensory cortices, but rather pathways from secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and sensory thalamus (...
Researchers have developed a spinal cord stimulation technology that restores sensation, improves function, and reduces phantom limb pain after trans-tibial amputation. The study showed significant improvements in balance control and gait stability, with an average 70% reduction in phantom limb pain.
A team of researchers, including York University, used a mouse model to test how the brain learns new sensory input patterns. They found that the brain's response to image patterns that violate expectations evolves differently over time, suggesting a distinct role in sensory learning.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas discovered distinct changes in brain network patterns associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, affecting sensory and motor processing. These findings offer new insights into the broader impact of Alzheimer’s on brain function and potential targets for treatment.
Researchers developed a new 3D inkjet printing system that works with a wider range of materials, including slower-curing materials. The system utilizes computer vision to automatically scan the print surface and adjust the amount of resin deposited in real time.
Scientists at Imperial College London have found that cells within hair follicles can detect touch and release neurotransmitters serotonin and histamine. This discovery may help understand histamine's role in inflammatory skin diseases like eczema.
Researchers found that deep neural networks often respond the same way to images with no resemblance to the target, generating unnatural signals. The models develop unique invariances that are different from human perceptual systems, causing them to perceive pairs of stimuli as similar despite their differences.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that unconscious 'crossmodal' associations with our sense of smell can distort perception of colors. Participants adjusted sliders to change the color of a square, but their choices were influenced by the odor they smelled, such as perceiving coffee as a reddish-brown color instead of neutral grey.
Researchers at UCL and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces hearing loss in mice with Norrie disease. The treatment, which restores the missing norrin protein, has shown improved blood vessel structure and protected sensory hairs in the inner ear.
The Venus flytrap uses special heat receptors in its sensory hairs to detect and respond to rising temperatures, protecting its vital snap traps from damage. This allows the plant to continue hunting for food after a fire has ravaged its surroundings.
A team of scientists has successfully elucidated the structure and function of LITE-1, a biomolecule used by Caenorhabditis elegans to detect danger. The researchers used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of LITE-1, which is a channel protein that forms a pore in the cell membrane allowing charged particles to pass through.
A new study published in International Journal of Oral Science reveals that 75% of patients experience nearly complete pain sensation sensory recovery within 12 months after surgery. Younger patients and those with malignant tumors show faster recovery times, highlighting potential for improved quality of life.
Researchers from Spain used high-power ultrasound technology to treat Monastrell grapes, resulting in improved color and sensory profile of the rosé. The study found that sonication enhanced the extraction of volatile compounds, such as terpenes, which improve aroma.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
A study by Pierre Hakizimana at Linköping University found that the DC signal in the cochlea can provide an indication of ear health status, allowing the brain to decode faint sounds. The discovery may contribute to new research on diagnosing noise-induced hearing loss and has implications for preventing permanent damage from loud sounds.
Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.
Researchers at Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology identify two key odorants: sotolon from Maggi seasoning and (2 E ,4 E ,6 Z )-nona-2,4,6-trienal from oatmeal. Maintaining a one-to-one ratio is crucial to reproduce the characteristic walnut aroma.
A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara discovered a unique pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat, with a single pair of neurons called 'Epi' neurons playing a crucial role. The Epi neurons produce a neuropeptide that suppresses thermal nociception, contradicting their role in fly larvae.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully transformed spoken words into patterns of vibration that activated the brain's auditory speech recognition system. The study opens doors to novel sensory substitution devices replacing lost sensory function, aiming for effortless and natural perception.
Researchers aim to understand how neurons receive signals for taste and touch sensations, exploring potential emotional correlations. The study will investigate the organization of brain circuits supporting these intersections, with implications for health and disease.
Researchers at Columbia University discovered how neurons connect into functional brains in fruit flies, revealing crucial axon-axon interactions that enable sensory differentiation. These interactions determine the correct wiring of neurons, which is essential for the fly's ability to discern and respond to different types of stimuli.
Researchers found pronounced delays in brainstem responses to sounds among newborns later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This delay may be linked to limited access to sound frequencies and difficulties integrating sensory streams, ultimately affecting social interactions and communication.
A study explores the link between shark nose shape, size, and sensitivity of smell. The researchers found that more lamellae in rosettes with an elongated shape are associated with increased odor sensitivity.
A new study from Duke University finds that single neurons in the visual cortex rapidly switch between reporting on two separate objects by alternating signals. When objects overlap, brain cells treat them as a single entity, suggesting a more complex encoding process for everyday perception.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Researchers discovered stem cells in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) with the potential to regenerate lost sensory neurons and glia. These cells, known as satellite glia, can become activated and generate new glia and, to a lesser extent, neurons after injury.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
A study found that resiliency and family support play a crucial role in helping Hispanic breast cancer survivors manage lymphedema. Adaptations such as modifying work tasks and seeking support from family members enable survivors to maintain their quality of life.
Researchers found that mothers' higher depressive symptoms did not predict increases in children's behavior problems, including those with autism. The study suggests that maternal depression may have a complex impact on caregiving families.