Articles tagged with Brain
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that a specific gene variant can predict the severity of disability after a stroke. The Tp53 gene variant influences cell death and is linked to more severe disability in patients who exclusively express the R variant.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study identified two genes associated with binge drinking, GABA receptors and TLR4, which may lead to new therapies for excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that manipulating these receptors caused a reduction in binge drinking behavior.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals a potential link between immunity, infectious disease, and conditions such as schizophrenia and autism. Researchers found that an immune molecule called Major Histocompatibility Complex type 1 (MHC type I) regulates brain connections during early postnatal development.
Researchers use fMRI to probe for higher-level cognitive functioning in severely brain-injured patients, finding a wide variation in response capabilities. The study suggests that no bedside exam can accurately assess cognitive function in these patients, highlighting the need for further exploration and understanding.
A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has successfully created an illusion of having three arms by using a realistic prosthetic arm. Healthy volunteers were tested and found to experience a third arm as part of their body image, even when it was threatened with harm.
A study from Emory University and the University of Vermont has found a link between high blood levels of hormone PACAP and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, but not men. The hormone modulates central nervous system activity, metabolism, and immune function.
Swedish scientist Laura Fratiglioni's research shows that active mental, physical, and social activities can preserve cognitive functions and lower the risk of developing dementia. Factors such as blood pressure, weight, and genetics also play a role in determining an individual's risk.
Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.
A new study reveals that children born small with large placentas exhibit more activity on the right side of their brains, linked to mood disorders like depression. This finding suggests that adverse environments during pregnancy can cause long-term changes in brain function.
Research suggests that bilingual speakers outperform monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and prioritizing tasks. This 'mental juggling' skill allows bilinguals to better navigate between languages and enhances their cognitive flexibility.
Three Canadian researchers present innovative findings on the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, the early stages of language acquisition, and the neurological basis of stuttering. Their work has significant implications for our understanding of human brain function and development.
Swiss researchers employ virtual reality and brain imaging techniques to investigate the science behind self-consciousness. By immersing subjects in avatar environments, they explore how the brain integrates touch and vision to create a coherent perception of the body.
The Society for Neuroscience has launched BrainFacts.org, a nonprofit online source providing authoritative public information about brain research, thanks to $1.53 million in funding. The site will offer interactive content, multimedia resources, and accurate information on brain diseases, disorders, and health promotion.
A study by researchers from the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC found that White Americans respond faster to pictures of themselves than to pictures of their boss, while Chinese people in China respond fastest to pictures of their direct supervisor. This suggests cultural differences in responses to authority figures.
A Canadian psychological scientist team found improvements in brain activity after group cognitive behavior therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder. The study used EEGs and found that changes in brain electrical interactions paralleled clinicians' and patients' reports of easing symptoms.
Researchers found that mirror movements, a type of abnormal motor control, were more prevalent in children with ADHD and associated with the disorder's severity. The studies suggest a potential new marker for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Children with acute anemia are at risk of undetected brain damage due to silent strokes, which can cause poor academic performance and severe cognitive impairments. Regular monitoring and timely transfusion may help prevent permanent brain damage in these children.
Warren K. Bickel's research focuses on the brain processes that support dysfunctional decision-making, including addiction. His work has demonstrated a novel therapeutic approach to changing the preference for immediate rewards over future health benefits.
Research finds late-stage age-related macular degeneration associated with a 56% increased risk of any type of stroke. Specifically, late AMD was strongly linked to over six times the risk of brain hemorrhage but not with brain infarction, according to a study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.
A molecular analysis of Acoelomorphs, flatworm-like organisms, provides insights into brain development and human diseases. The study sheds light on the independent evolution of complex brains in humans versus invertebrates.
A study by University of Illinois professor Alejandro Lleras found that brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one's ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. The study tested participants' ability to focus on a repetitive computerized task under various conditions, and showed that taking brief mental breaks h...
Researchers Pietro Cottone and Michael Silverstein have been awarded the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) grant. They will explore mechanisms underlying addictive disorders, stress, and maternal depression using innovative approaches.
Research in Nature Neuroscience found that a diet low in omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids alters the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, leading to changes in brain function and behavior. The study provides new insights into the link between omega-3 deficiency and depression.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique to trace neural connections in the brain, shedding light on how scent signals are processed. The study found that most nerve pathways heading to higher processing centers originated from one region of the olfactory bulb, explaining how mice direct their innate fear respo...
Researchers found that prior information enables faster recognition and reduces the delay between visual impression and conscious perception. The study suggests that the brain processes stimuli flexibly, accelerating conscious awareness when expectations align.
A simple one-minute test can detect concussions in athletes, capturing impairments of eye movement, attention, and brain function. The King-Devick test has the potential to become a standard sideline test for athletes.
A study published in Psychological Science found that states with higher physical activity rates tend to have higher voter turnout. Researchers created an 'action-tendency index' using data on exercise, diabetes rates, and other factors, which roughly matched voter turnout in the 2004 election.
New research suggests histamine plays a critical role in preventing or lessening the effects of multiple sclerosis. Histamine reduces MS-causing T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production, and its ability to adhere to brain vessels.
Advances in recording technology and data analysis are set to revolutionize brain research, enabling better understanding of the brain's functional principles. Researchers at RIC have found that the number of simultaneously recorded single neurons has grown exponentially since the 1950s, doubling approximately every seven years.
Researchers have identified a complex brain navigation system in migrating monarch butterflies that integrates internal compass, sun compass, and skylight cues to guide their long-distance migrations. The study reveals the integration of seemingly contradictory signals into a consistent neural representation of the environment.
A new Scripps Research study has mapped the dynamic changes in brain connectivity during development, revealing that connections are constantly forming and dissolving. The research highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms to better comprehend conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
USF researchers identified CD45 as a critical component in dampening harmful inflammation in the brain's immune response. The study found that a loss of CD45 led to increased microglial inflammation and neurotoxin accumulation in Alzheimer's mouse models.
The study found that an area of the brain responsible for holding abstract working memory can also hold auditory information. This discovery may help scientists better understand and treat conditions such as learning disabilities, autism, and schizophrenia.
Researchers at University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are developing a treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the protein kinase p38alphaMAPK. Their goal is to suppress overactive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which disrupt brain function in people with Alzheimer's.
Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.
Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.
A recent study suggests that damaged alpha-synuclein proteins can spread between cells in a 'prion-like' manner, contributing to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. This cell-to-cell transfer mechanism may play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found a significant rise in stroke diagnoses among HIV-infected patients between 1997 and 2006, with ischemic strokes being the primary cause. The study suggests that HAART therapy may be linked to an increased risk of stroke due to metabolic complications, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers develop molecular imaging procedure to detect beta-amyloid in brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, increasing clinical diagnosis accuracy. The study shows a correlation between florbetapir-PET images and presence and quantity of beta-amyloid pathology at autopsy.
A new study reveals that stress and anxiety enhance the brain's detection of external stimuli, but disrupt complex thinking and executive functions. The findings suggest that chronic stress can create a paradox in experimental psychology, favoring quick reflexive actions over strategic decision-making.
A new connection can significantly enhance the size of a network, according to researchers from Max Planck Institute. By tracing link by link, scientists found that after a certain number of new links, a sudden growth spurt occurs, leading to a dramatic increase in network size.
Researchers at Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics will investigate blast-induced brain trauma using experimental and computational models. The project aims to develop safety mechanisms for soldiers and transport vehicles to reduce injuries.
Researchers have discovered a new factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) that can serve as a potential target for therapeutics. The study found that inhibiting the molecular switch EMMPRIN reduces MS-like symptoms in mice.
Dr. Sena-Esteves is investigating gene therapy techniques to replace the faulty gene causing Tay-Sachs Disease, a devastating neurological disorder. He's part of the Tay-Sachs Gene Therapy Consortium aiming to translate current results into a human clinical trial within three years.
Alzheimer's disease researchers found that deadly plaques interact with cellular proteins to reduce blood flow and signal molecules in the brain. The study suggests that blocking specific interactions could slow neuronal degeneration and protect nitric oxide production.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a drug called AFQ056, developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, showed promising results in treating Fragile X syndrome. The treatment improved symptoms in some patients with a specific DNA marker, and was well-tolerated without safety problems.
Brain cells need to create links early on in their existence to ensure successful connections across the brain. This is demonstrated through computer analysis of nerve cell connectivity patterns in roundworms, showing that most neurons develop long-distance connections by being physically close together.
NARSAD has awarded $12.6 million in new research grants to support innovative brain and behavior research projects. The Young Investigator grants will fund the work of 214 researchers from around the world, including those studying schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.
A consortium of scientists has been awarded $7.5 million to develop novel compounds that could become treatments for nicotine addiction and possibly other drug addictions.
UCI researchers identified a novel mechanism in the brain that boosts memory by strengthening and prolonging memories of negative events to simple objects. Neuropeptide S activation prepares the brain for learning, leading to remarkable memory improvement with long-lasting effects.
A randomized controlled trial found that a lung protective strategy increased the number of lungs eligible for donation by nearly doubling it compared to conventional ventilation. This method included lower tidal volumes and higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels.
A Purdue University study reveals a link between diet and the onset of mental illness, with mice developing abnormal behaviors on a high-sugar diet. The research suggests that increasing serotonin activity in the brain may not be enough to cure or reduce hair-pulling disorders like trichotillomania.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease is associated with disrupted brain clearance of a sticky plaque component called amyloid-beta. The study's findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, as scientists seek to understand how this process can be improved.
Fox Chase researchers have discovered several tumor characteristics that increase the risk of brain metastases in breast cancer patients. These include high-grade tumors, negative progesterone receptor status, and inflammatory breast cancer. The study aims to identify women at risk for brain metastases, potentially leading to preventiv...
Researchers have shed light on dopamine's role in the brain's reward system, finding that individual differences in response to environmental cues can fundamentally influence chemical reward patterns. The study provides new insights into compulsive behavior and may lead to preventive tools or treatments for addiction.
Researchers identified SynCAM 1, a molecule that promotes synaptic connections and controls plasticity in the brain. The study found that too much of this molecule can be damaging, while mice with normal amounts of it have impaired learning ability.
A new technique aims to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing targeted delivery of drugs to the brain. The goal is to reduce side effects and increase effectiveness of current treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other brain illnesses.
A new study finds that birth light cycles significantly impact the development of biological clocks in mice, which may explain why people born in winter months are at a higher risk of certain neurological disorders. The experiment reveals that even after weaning, biological clocks remain affected by the initial light cycle.
Researchers found that individual volunteers' perceptions of optical illusions varied greatly due to differences in brain size. The primary visual cortex area affects the extent to which we see visual illusions.
Scientists created a 3D map of the fruit fly brain's neural networks, revealing 41 local processing units, 6 hubs, and 58 tracts. The breakthrough enables researchers to analyze how the brain processes information and control behaviors.