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 naturally occurring chemical found in soy could prove to be an effective new treatment for a fatal genetic disease that affects children. In mouse studies, genistein showed a significant delay in mental decline and corrected abnormal behavior.
A study shows that a pregnant mother's diet impacts her infant's sense of smell, altering brain development and influencing future food preferences. The research found that exposure to odors in the womb can shape the brain's olfactory system, leading to preferred flavors in early life.
Researchers found enzyme replacement therapy beginning at birth can eliminate almost all symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis type I, a rare genetic disorder. Early treatment also showed significant improvements in brain pathology and reduced disease severity in animal models.
Research finds that a missing molecule essential for nerve cell development impacts GnRH transport, leading to infertility in males. In mice lacking SEMA3A, GnRH becomes stuck in the nose or forehead, preventing proper hormone regulation.
Scientists discovered that increasing EphB2 levels can fix memory problems caused by amyloid proteins in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2 and enhancing its functions may be beneficial for AD treatment.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard discovered that the brain assigns gender to faces based on location, challenging a long-held neuroscience principle. The study found that when people view computer-generated faces without other distinguishing features, patterns of biases emerge based on where the face appears on the screen.
Researchers found that listeners can effectively tune out sounds that don't conform to their brains' expectations, showcasing the efficient processing of predictable sounds. The study demonstrates how the mind quickly acquires and uses knowledge about the world's structure and redundancy to improve perception.
A University of Montreal study found that there are significant gender differences in mental ability, with women outperforming men in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia. The research suggests that sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen may play a role in these findings.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that coaching styles can activate the brain's Positive Emotional Attractor, leading to increased cognitive functioning, openness, and better functioning. In contrast, critical or judgmental coaching methods can lead to the Negative Emotional Attractor, causing people to defend themse...
A new study offers valuable insights into the complex brain circuitry involved in communication, shedding light on language difficulties such as stuttering. The research suggests that the brain's processing and production of sounds, as well as its handling of native and foreign accents, are critical factors in communication problems.
New brain machine technologies show promise in restoring vision, controlling prosthetics with thoughts, and regaining limb function after injury. An artificial retina may restore vision more effectively than existing prosthetics.
Studies show that mild sensory stimulation can protect against brain damage and restore function after stroke, while aerobic exercise may help treat or prevent drug addiction. Additionally, physical fitness prior to injury can alleviate traumatic brain injury effects in mice.
Research reveals high-fat diets cause lasting brain changes impairing healthy eating. Food and drugs of abuse engage the same brain systems, highlighting potential treatments for obesity and addiction.
A new report from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of stroke in white adults, but not in black adults. Despite higher rates of vitamin D deficiency in African Americans, they have a lower likelihood of severe strokes due to other factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
A study suggests that patients who received therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest took longer to wake up and showed improved brain activity compared to those who did not receive the treatment. The results challenge current guidelines for withdrawing care from comatose patients.
Researchers found that an early part of the brain's visual system rewires itself through pattern training, independent of higher-order conscious processing. This discovery could improve training programs for detecting subtle patterns, such as in medical imaging or air traffic control.
The 2010 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognized journalists who reported on environmental issues, memory, and science. Charles Duhigg won the large-newspaper award for his toxic waters series, while Hillary Rosner took home the small-newspaper award for her piece on the endangered razorback sucker.
A study in mice reveals that loss of the protein MeCP2 in inhibitory nerve cells reproduces nearly all features of Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder. The lack of MeCP2 impairs communication between neurons, leading to cognitive deficits, breathing difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.
Researchers have successfully delivered a protective protein called erythropoietin into the brain using a Trojan Horse approach, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's ability to block it. This breakthrough has potential for treating stroke patients, traumatic head injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic brain disorders.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that fruit flies process optical information in a similar way to vertebrates, separating channels and transmitting parallel image sequences. This efficient system allows the brain to save energy, a theory supported by the consistent wiring across various animal species.
Researchers studied zebra finch brain activity while singing to understand the neural basis of syntax and timing in songbird communication. The study found that specific neurons fire at precise moments to produce a musical-like sequence, similar to human speech.
Research suggests that patients with stroke experiencing improvement within one hour of receiving clot-dissolving medication are more likely to have favorable outcomes three months later. This improvement is associated with reduced risk of death and better recovery rates.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are exploring the mechanisms of stroke recurrence in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The MoSIS trial aims to identify causes of strokes in these patients, which is estimated to occur in 25% within two years of initial stroke.
Researchers found that early humans developed relatively advanced tools only after their brains evolved a greater capacity for complex thought, according to a new study. The team used computer modeling and sensors embedded in gloves to assess the complex hand skills required for tool-making during the Lower Palaeolithic period.
A new study suggests that MRI can accurately predict the duration of a stroke within 90% accuracy, allowing more patients to be treated with clot-busting drug tPA. This could change the way stroke is managed in emergency settings, enabling all patients to receive urgent treatment regardless of symptom onset time.
Researchers found that environmental inputs can modify bees' genetic hardware through DNA methylation, leading to distinct behaviors. The study, published in PLOS Biology, sheds light on the nature-nurture debate and highlights the importance of diet in shaping behavior.
Scientists imaged individual neurons in zebrafish optic tectum, finding that strong activation leads to chasing motion, while weak activation results in no action. Inhibitory neurons play a key role in filtering out irrelevant signals.
A study of 70 babies' brain scans found that their brains already have adult-equivalent networks at birth, including the default mode network involved in introspection. The research suggests that conscious introspection may be more complex than previously thought, with other factors also playing a role.
The new journal will focus on structural and functional connections in the brain, exploring how neurological disorders alter these connections. Researchers can access human connectome data through an interactive website, enabling the publication to contribute to novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Research from Vanderbilt University found that expert typists' hands can detect errors even when their conscious brain is unaware of them. In experiments, skilled typists were fooled by computer programs inserting or correcting errors, but their fingers slowed down only after making real mistakes.
Rutgers University has received a $1,820,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to acquire an advanced functional MRI scanner. This cutting-edge technology will enable researchers at Rutgers-Newark to study brain activity and develop new insights into neuroscience discovery.
A new meta-analysis study by Syracuse University Professor Stephanie Ortigue found that falling in love affects intellectual areas of the brain and releases euphoria-inducing chemicals. The study revealed that love can be sparked by different parts of the brain, including those involved in mental representation, metaphors, and body image.
A recent study aims to identify neural reasons for early childhood stuttering, with a focus on sex differences that influence recovery rates. The research seeks to better understand the causes of this speech disorder, which affects about 5% of children during early stages of speech acquisition.
Researchers found that brains of congenitally blind individuals showed greater reorganization of the visual cortex, which processes motion, compared to sighted individuals who became blind at a later age. This suggests that early life plays a crucial role in shaping brain function and that retraining may be possible.
Scientists have found a link between strep throat infections in children and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which could lead to new treatment options. The study used an animal model to show how exposure to strep bacteria can cause brain dysfunction and OCD-like symptoms.
Scientists at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital have discovered that the brain can determine the shape of an object by processing specially-coded sounds, even without visual or tactile input. This new research provides important possibilities for aiding those who are blind or with impaired vision.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that infusing leptin into the brain of mice with type 1 diabetes reversed lethal consequences and improved metabolism. The study suggests a novel role for the brain in mediating beneficial actions of leptin, potentially leading to new therapies for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Rodrigue's five-year grant will examine the role of risk factors in shaping brain and cognitive aging, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and vascular health. The project aims to develop preventive approaches for successful aging.
A study published in Neurology found that walking at least 72 blocks per week can increase gray matter volume and reduce cognitive impairment. Regular exercise in midlife may improve brain health and thinking abilities in later life.
A team of biomedical engineers has received a $6.25 million grant to study the effects of blast waves on brain neural circuitry. The goal is to define safety corridors for blast loading and develop helmets and armor to mitigate the blast threat.
A new study using brain imaging revealed how people learn from their competitors' successes and failures. The research found that players experienced neural activity in response to their competitor's unexpected failures, suggesting they learned to inhibit the actions leading to those failures.
Research consensus establishes DBS as a treatment option for patients with severe Parkinson's symptoms, including tremors and motor fluctuations. The study provides guidelines for patient selection and surgical approach, emphasizing the importance of experienced teams and neurosurgeons.
A new melanoma treatment has shown a robust activity in shrinking brain metastases in patients with advanced disease. The drug, GSK2118436, targets the BRAF protein mutation common in human melanomas and has been found to control and reduce brain tumor size in nearly all patients.
Researchers found that certain neurons represent accumulation of evidence to a threshold and others represent evidence itself, driving decision-making. The study offers potential insights into psychological disorders, such as ADHD, where impairments in decision-making occur.
Researchers at the Salk Institute mapped the neuronal circuitry connecting photoreceptors with retinal ganglion cells, revealing computations in individual neurons and shedding light on the neural code used by the retina. The study aimed to improve retinal implants and understand visual processing.
Researchers found that blind individuals use specialized modules in the visual cortex to process spatial location, analysis of space, patterns, and motion. This neural plasticity enables them to refine their sense of sound and touch, exceeding sighted people's abilities.
Penn researchers found retinal ganglion cells responding to darkness are more numerous and clustered than those seeing light, reflecting the natural world's darker spots. This suggests brain separation of retinal circuitry into off and on mosaics, allowing for structural adaptation to natural scenes.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a way to prevent intermittent episodes of breath holding associated with Rett syndrome by increasing levels of aminobutyric acid and stimulating serotonin receptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for alleviating symptoms in patients with this debilitating disease.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology finds that an immunosuppressive regimen can improve long-term neurological outcomes in children with small vessel childhood primary angiitis of the CNS. The treatment protocol was effective in controlling severe neurological manifestations and reversing deficits in most patients.
Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. By performing surgery through the eye socket, surgeons can gain equivalent access to the front of the brain while eliminating large ear-to-ear scars associated with major brain surgery.
A computational model developed by RUB scientists simulates brain activity through neighbor interactions, facilitating faster processing of moving objects. The model, published in PLoS Computational Biology, uses a neural field approach to describe the complex dynamics of cortical neurons.
Successful carotid artery surgery halves the risk of stroke over the next 5 years and provides long-term benefit for up to 10 years. The procedure is recommended for asymptomatic patients under 75 years old who have narrowed neck arteries, as it significantly reduces the risk of disabling or fatal strokes.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute created a bioreactor to study shunt systems used in hydrocephalus treatment. The device helps prevent cells from blocking shunt catheters, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nerve inflammation may cause postsurgical neuropathy in some patients, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. Immunotherapy can quickly improve symptoms in these cases.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified neutral sphingomyelinase as a key player in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this protein, they were able to prevent activated brain cells and beta-amyloid from killing neurons.
Research shows that choking occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed, leading to information logjams. Practical strategies like stopping analysis and using meditation can help prevent choking in critical moments. Beilock's work also highlights the importance of working memory and addressing stereotype threats in academics and business.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that stopping thoughts burns energy, similar to how thinking itself consumes energy. The researchers used a computer model and Metabolica software package to analyze brain metabolism.
The discovery of the interaction between two cellular signaling pathways may lead to therapies that aid brain growth and repair in children and adults. Researchers have found a critical step toward understanding the molecular networks regulating neural stem cells.
A five-year, $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant supports a bilingual thinking and learning study at Penn State's Center for Language Science. The project aims to greatly expand the existing body of knowledge on the neural and cognitive processes involved in second language learning and bilingualism.
A new study found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil enhances perceptual learning in healthy adults, particularly in tasks involving motion direction discrimination. The researchers tested 12 healthy adults and showed a significant improvement in performance after training under the influence of donepezil compared to a placebo.