Articles tagged with Brain Structure
Researchers found that brain networks are spatially and functionally fluid, with rapid changes in network activity over time. This challenges the long-held assumption that brain regions contribute to each network in a fixed way.
A new study reveals a reliable sequence of neural interactions in the human brain that corresponds to visual processing, language state, and articulation state when naming objects. The findings support the view that dynamic interactions within neural networks govern language production.
A new therapy has shown promise in promoting vascular repair following a stroke, leading to improved motor functions and regeneration of damaged blood vessels. Researchers used anti-Nogo-A antibodies in mice and found better recovery and reduced motor function impairment compared to control groups.
Increased visceral fat is associated with reduced brain structure and storage capacity, but oestradiol hormone protects women's brains in mid-life. Low oestradiol levels are linked to weaker memory performance during this age range.
Daily injections of patient autoantibodies in mice with injured paws led to increased pain sensitivity and microglial activation in brain regions. Blocking interleukin-1 receptors prevented or reversed these effects, suggesting an autoimmune contribution to CRPS development.
People with strong life purpose are more likely to accept health messages and experience less decisional conflict. A study found that those with a stronger sense of purpose have less activity in brain regions associated with conflict-processing, making it easier for them to make healthier choices.
A study found that metabotropic glutamatergic receptor 5 (mGluR5) availability may serve as a biomarker for suicide risk management in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Higher mGluR5 levels were associated with suicidal ideation and mood disturbances in individuals with PTSD.
The study identifies a distinct control architecture in brain networks, characterized by a distributed and overlapping control system that enables robustness against targeted attacks and high efficiency in switching between network states. This finding has broad implications for cognitive neuroscience and clinical applications.
Researchers mapped brain connectivity in 30 people to understand how different regions coordinate during tasks. The study aims to create novel strategies for AI-powered teaming environments, where robots can dynamically assist soldiers in completing tasks.
A new study assesses how large-scale patterns of brain activity relate to different cognitive systems, revealing variations between individuals. The research uses computational modeling to simulate brain activity and identify repeatable patterns in some cognitive systems.
A study by University of Arizona researcher Vicky Lai found that the brain's sensory-motor region is activated within 200 milliseconds of hearing an action-based metaphor. This suggests that this region plays a crucial role in comprehension, supporting previous findings from fMRI studies.
A USC Dornsife-led study has provided the first global network model of the inner workings of the hypothalamus, a critical part of the brain that controls fundamental behaviors and physiology. The study reveals novel associations with several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral disorders.
Researchers at MIT have developed a neural architecture search algorithm that can directly learn specialized convolutional neural networks for target hardware platforms in only 200 GPU hours. The algorithm uses 'path-level' binarization and pruning to reduce memory consumption and improve efficiency.
Research links seven vascular risk factors to differences in brain structure, particularly areas responsible for complex thinking. The study found stronger associations between smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes with grey matter volume and white matter damage.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral capsule (VC) or anteromedial subthalamic nucleus (amSTN) reduced OCD symptoms to a similar extent, but produced distinct effects on specific symptoms. VC stimulation improved mood, while amSTN stimulation improved cognitive flexibility.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found lower brain connectivity in 'night owls' compared to morning larks, leading to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased sleepiness. This can be particularly problematic for those forced to fit into a societal 9-5 working day that doesn't align with their natural rhythms.
A new study has shown that adults can learn a fictional writing system called HouseFont, which assigns images of houses to English phonemes. The research found increased brain activity in the visual word form area that predicted participants' reading speed, suggesting that learning a new writing system shapes the reading brain.
Researchers mapped inputs to ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons and found highly similar inputs across different cell populations. The study suggests a more random connectivity logic where inputs connect semi-randomly in regions to which the neurons project.
A new study from Linköping University found that the brain reduces sensory perception when touched by oneself, and this difference arises as early as in the spinal cord. This phenomenon suggests that the brain attempts to predict sensory consequences of one's actions, assigning less importance to self-generated sensations.
Researchers employed machine learning to analyze fMRI data and infer cellular properties of different brain regions without surgery. The approach could lead to personalized treatment plans for neurological disorders.
Researchers used machine learning to translate brain activity into fear of pain questionnaire scores, revealing distinct neural patterns for different constructs. The study may reconcile self-reported emotions and their neural underpinnings, providing new insights into pain-related fear.
A study published in BRAIN journal used a brain wiring diagram to reconcile inconsistent neuroimaging findings for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that all 26 studies reported abnormalities within the same connected brain network, improving reproducibility and understanding of the disease.
Researchers found lower overall brain volumes and altered connectivity associated with callous traits in children. The study provides a neural profile of callousness in children, highlighting its potential as an early risk factor for negative behaviors and health outcomes later in life.
A study in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with childhood maltreatment have altered brain networks, but those who are resilient may have additional changes that compensate for the effects of maltreatment. These changes can help predict susceptibility or resilience to psychiatric symptoms.
Researchers have identified a brain region that controls both social memory and aggression, revealing a complex link between the two behaviors. The discovery sheds light on psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, where altered CA2 function may contribute to abnormal social behaviors.
The Blue Brain Cell Atlas provides detailed information on major cell types, numbers, and positions in all 737 brain regions, accelerating progress in brain science. The atlas is freely available online, allowing users to visualize brain regions and download data for new analyses and modeling.
Physicians at Massachusetts Eye and Ear successfully induced a sense of smell in human subjects by stimulating nerves in the olfactory bulb. The breakthrough opens doors for developing implant technology to restore smell in those who have lost it, with potential applications in treating anosmia.
Researchers create compact system for fluorescence imaging at the tip of a fibre, enabling high-resolution images of brain cells and neuronal processes in deep brain areas. This breakthrough technology offers a minimally invasive approach to study sensory perception, memory formation, and severe neuronal diseases like Alzheimer's.
A recent study by Baycrest researchers found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and primary progressive aphasia exhibited sluggish brainwaves and subtle signs of damage in memory and planning regions. These slowing brainwaves predicted the severity of their condition, such as degree of memory loss.
Researchers at University of Utah Health discovered sustained connections between brain regions in individuals with autism. The study found that these prolonged connections may contribute to the symptoms of autism, including social dysfunction and difficulty shifting between activities.
A new study reveals that klotho acts as a shield between the brain and immune system, protecting against age-related cognitive decline. The research found that low levels of klotho in the choroid plexus lead to increased brain inflammation, which can impair brain functions.
Researchers created data-driven models of individual brains to understand how brain structure affects cognitive tasks, such as language demand. The study identifies potential strategies for enhancing performance through targeted brain stimulation.
Scientists have identified three sub-types of depression using brain imaging, including one that is unresponsive to commonly prescribed serotonin boosting drugs. The study found that childhood trauma and functional connectivity patterns in the brain play a crucial role in determining treatment effectiveness.
A new study using computational models shows promise in understanding how brain structure impacts performance on language-related tasks. The research found relationships between brain characteristics and task speed, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases and enhancing human performance.
A study of brain lesions reveals consistent connections between regions linked to volition and agency, which are components of free will. The identified networks suggest possible underpinnings of free will and could aid studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that hospitalization, critical illness, and major infection are associated with reduced brain volume in regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. Critical illness was also linked to inflammation in the brain and systemic inflammation.
A major study from University of Sussex confirms that acts of kindness activate the brain's reward network, regardless of personal benefit. The research found distinct neural responses to altruistic and strategic kindness, with some areas more active during pure altruism.
A study of teenage twins reveals that both genetic and environmental factors shape brain activity during sleep. The findings suggest that frontal regions are under stronger environmental control, while regions towards the back of the brain are more influenced by genetics.
A study by McGill University found that confidence in speech can overcome accent bias, making accented speakers equally believable to native speakers. The researchers discovered different brain regions are activated when evaluating speech from within and outside groups.
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.
A new study reveals that OLM cells in the hippocampus play a key role in controlling anxiety and risk-taking behavior. The manipulation of these cells can modulate anxiety and may lead to breakthroughs in treating pathological anxiety.
A recent study published in Personality Neuroscience found that certain brain regions and personality traits can help protect against depression and anxiety. Researchers identified common factors in brain structure and personality that contribute to resilience against emotional distress.
A novel brain network has been discovered that links chronic pain in Parkinson's disease to a specific region of the brain, including the subthalamic nucleus. This research provides new insights into pain processing and suggests a potential target for pain relief in PD and other neurological diseases.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth investigated concurrent cannabis and nicotine use on brain networks. The study found that combined use had greater connectivity compared to isolated use of either substance. These findings suggest unique contributions of cannabis and nicotine on brain network connectivity.
Recent MRI studies have revealed various neural manifestations of depression, including abnormal brain activities and white matter damage. These findings suggest that MRI biomarkers may be useful for early diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation.
A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that women's brains are five times more extensive in damaged tissue after repeated soccer heading compared to male players. The study suggests sex-specific guidelines may be necessary for preventing soccer-related head injuries.
A study found that children who have a stronger brain response to food rewards are more likely to overeat, even when not hungry. The research suggests a way to identify brain responses that can predict obesity development and may help prevent overeating at an earlier age.
A new study published in the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior found that individuals can improve their food choices by adopting a 'health-focused' mindset during meal planning. This approach triggers activity in the prefrontal cortex, linked to self-control and future meal planning.
Researchers used natural conversations to study neuronal activity, finding that brain regions relevant to articulation reliably display activity during perception of spontaneous spoken language. This suggests a shared premotor-cortical substrate for speech production and perception.
Neuroscientists discover that dislike and dehumanization are not the same thing, processed by different brain regions. Researchers used fMRI to observe participants' brain activity while rating feelings towards groups, finding that dislike and dehumanization were distinct but often overlap.
Researchers used magnetic brain stimulation to study the interaction between brain regions and networks in language production. They found that the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) plays a critical role in integrating and segregating communication between brain networks, particularly in open-ended language tasks.
A human neuroimaging study found that the brain creates perceptual illusions when speech is degraded due to prior expectations. The study suggests that predictive coding plays a crucial role in speech perception, with reduced activity in the left superior temporal sulcus associated with misperception.
A study discovered rapid recruitment of auditory-to-motor cortical pathways when participants played or passively listened to learned melodies. Brain connectivity between motor and auditory areas was also associated with training success, suggesting potential implications for rehabilitation strategies based on audio-motor learning.
Researchers created personalized brain models using The Virtual Brain platform, accurately predicting the effects of tumors on brain connectivity. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for integrating neuroimaging data with virtual brain modeling to enhance surgical planning.
Middle-aged adults with lower socioeconomic status exhibit less organized functional brain networks and reduced cortical gray matter thickness compared to those with higher SES. The study suggests that SES influences brain anatomy and network organization across adulthood, playing a role in age-related brain decline.
Researchers found that brain regions responsible for understanding what we see have trouble communicating with other brain networks, increasing risk of mental illness. This breakdown may help target interventions and therapies.
A study found that changes in brain networks can predict psychosis in high-risk patients. Cortical folding was analyzed to identify potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.
Scientists have identified distinct subclasses of pyramidal cells in the subiculum, a region crucial for memory and navigation. These subclasses are associated with processing local and global cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying spatial recognition.
Researchers at McLean Hospital have identified a method to predict depressed patients' treatment prognosis by analyzing brain activity in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. The study showed that patients with higher activity before treatment are more likely to respond positively, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment approaches.
A new study led by University of Arizona cognitive scientist Aneta Kielar found that people with primary progressive aphasia, a rare dementia, can recruit intact areas of the brain to decipher sentences. This brain compensation offers hope for developing targeted treatments for PPA.