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Printed e-tattoo ink-credible at reading brainwaves

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA have created an e-tattoo that can measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The new method uses a camera to map the individual head's shape digitally, allowing for more precise sensor placement. This innovation could transform brain-computer interfaces, making th...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Biomaterials·DateDec 3, 2024

New era in amphibian biology

Researchers at ISTA and Columbia University developed a technique using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to track a frog's nervous system throughout its metamorphosis, shedding light on the neural circuit and behavior changes during this transition. The breakthrough can help usher amphibian neurobiology into a new era.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Long Covid could cost the economy billions every year

A new study found that individuals with Long Covid experience persistent functional impairment and poor quality of life, leading to significant economic burdens on patients and the economy. The study estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid could reach £20billion annually due to productivity losses and working days off.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

People are more agile than they think

Researchers found that people systematically underestimate their wrist mobility in three out of four hand movements, with an average underestimation of ten degrees. This distortion is believed to protect against injury by preventing overshooting and allowing for small corrections during movement.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateNov 4, 2024

New study shows combination therapy slows cognitive decline in at-risk populations

A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

Nigerians are experiencing neuro-long COVID

A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of NeuroVirology·DateOct 24, 2024

Researchers develop 3D atlas of the developing mammalian brain

A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine has developed a high-resolution 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, providing a comprehensive view of brain development and structure. The atlas, published in Nature Communications, will help researchers understand neurodevelopmental disorders and analyze large-scale data sets.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

The hidden role of air pollution in cognitive decline

A recent study found a potential link between air pollution and cognitive impairment, with fine particulate matter exposure correlating with declined cognitive processing time. Systemic inflammation, driven by an increase in monocytes, may act as a key intermediary linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

At-home brain stimulation for depression is safe and effective, according to research from UTHealth Houston, King’s College London, and University of East London

A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective treatment for depression when administered at home. Researchers reported significant improvements in depression severity and remission rates compared to a placebo control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

A new target for anxiety disorders

Scientists have identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying brain cell communication, regulating excitatory synapse maturation and contributing to anxiety disorders. The study reveals the TrkC-PTPσ complex governs synaptic protein phosphorylation, leading to abnormal synapse organization and behavioral defects in mice.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 11, 2024

CNIO researchers propose a new treatment for brain metastasis based on immunotherapy

Researchers at CNIO propose a new treatment for brain metastasis by targeting pro-tumour astrocytes with immunotherapy. They identified TIMP1 as a biomarker to predict when immunotherapy is effective, and a clinical trial is underway to test the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin inhibition.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

How do human and dog interactions affect the brain?

New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 11, 2024

Designing a normative neuroimaging library to support diagnosis of traumatic brain injury

A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2024

Social network of synapses controls their actions

A recent study suggests that synaptic plasticity is a collective action, where the behavior of one synapse influences others. The researchers found that strong competition among neighboring spines affects their dynamics and influences the direction and extent of plasticity. Understanding how neurons manage synaptic resources may contri...

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2024

Brain research: Study shows what your favourite film genres reveal about your brain

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that fans of action films and comedies react strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while those who prefer documentaries or crime films show a weaker reaction. The research suggests that people choose film genres that optimally stimulate their brains.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024