Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers identified a specific chemical compound emitted by predators that triggers fearful behavior in mice. The study reveals the importance of the vomeronasal organ in detecting chemical cues and highlights the complexity of brain response to sensory information.
Antipsychotic drugs increase Akt signaling in C. elegans, a common effect across major categories of schizophrenia medication. This finding highlights the importance of Akt signaling in schizophrenia and suggests that medications or dietary approaches targeting this pathway may help alleviate symptoms.
Research suggests that adult patients with few or mild complications of sickle cell disease may develop cognitive problems, such as difficulty organizing thoughts or learning. The study found that more than a third of participants scored below normal levels on cognitive function tests.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with mild sickle cell disease scored lower on brain function tests compared to healthy participants. Cognitive functioning was linked to severity of anemia, and older patients showed greater impairment.
Researchers have identified synaptotagmin1 as the sole trigger for neurotransmitter release in the brain, a breakthrough discovery published in the journal Science. This finding has significant implications for understanding brain malfunctions such as autism and epilepsy.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation causes Interference in the Pruning process of nerve connections. The protein FMRP plays a role in this process, and the study may lead to better understanding of Fragile X Syndrome.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a direct link between neural activity in an insect's brain and changes in behavior. The findings suggest that cockroaches can control their speed with their brains, which could inspire the development of more adaptive robots for search and rescue and space exploration.
Researchers identified a rare mutation in a gene required for histamine production, which could lead to the development of new treatments for tics and Tourette syndrome. The study found that increasing brain histamine reverses repetitive behaviors similar to human tics.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
The Mayo Clinic research team identified genetic variants in serotonin genes that impact IBS, suggesting a complex molecular mechanism involving multiple genes. The study found several previously unknown associations between IBS and serotonin-related SNPs, providing new insights into the condition.
The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) has awarded Dr. Shinn-Zong Lin with the 2010 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair in recognition of his significant research contributions in neuroscience. Dr. Lin's work focuses on neural and stem cell transplantation therapy for stroke and Parkinson's disease.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with a common heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are more likely to develop brain aneurysms. The research found that 9.8% of individuals with BAV had brain aneurysms, compared to 1.1% of those without the condition.
A recent study discovered that a protein produced by T cells reduces inflammatory proteins hindering learning, improving navigation in mice trained to find their way through a water maze. Mice lacking this protein suffered from learning disabilities, which could be reversed with IL-4–producing T cells.
Researchers discovered a DCC gene mutation responsible for mirror movements, where individuals move one side of the body without intention. The condition affects young children and persists into adulthood, with approximately half being able to suppress their symptoms.
A study published in Psychological Science found that when the mind wanders, people blink more, setting up a 'tiny physical barrier' to prevent external information from entering the brain. The researchers suggest that this blinking behavior is an embodiment of mind-wandering, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and mind.
Researchers found that migratory birds have smaller brains than resident birds, contrary to the protective brain theory. The study suggests that migrating reduces energetic and cognitive costs, making brain size an adaptation for survival.
Researchers found that individuals with high competitiveness and sensitivity to rewards perform better without a monetary incentive, relying on 'proactive cognitive control' to guide their actions. Brain scans revealed changes in lateral prefrontal cortex activity linked to extra behavioral benefits.
Researchers found that folic acid promotes nerve cell regeneration in injured rodents through a molecular pathway. Additionally, two separate studies identified distinct roles for proteins PLA2s in male fertility and sperm function, suggesting potential targets for new contraceptive agents and treatments for infertility.
Researchers found that folic acid can promote nerve cell regeneration following injury in rodents. This discovery provides a rationale for testing folate supplementation in patients with spinal cord and brain trauma. The study suggests that folate may play a role in promoting healing and recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers uncover pathway critical for embryological development in zebra fish, revealing parallel mechanism driving vertebrate brain wiring. The fragile-X protein complex interacts with PAK1, a key player in synapse development.
Researchers found that variations in STX1A expression account for 15.6% of cognitive variation in WS patients, a high level of confidence compared to prior genetic studies.
A Georgetown University Medical Center research team is developing new smoking cessation drugs based on an unconventional theory about nicotine addiction. The theory suggests that nicotine addiction results from smokers trying to maintain the increased number of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a desensitized state.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified several small molecules that mimic the key protein BDNF, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The discovery could lead to new therapies for various brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and depression.
A Kansas State University professor found that e-readers enhance students' reading experiences by allowing interactive text features. This interaction boosts reading comprehension and engagement, particularly among reluctant readers.
A study of speed dating events found that when men and women have fewer potential partners to choose from, they prioritize physical characteristics like height and weight. In contrast, larger groups lead to a greater emphasis on attributes that can be quickly evaluated, such as education and occupation.
Researchers grew two populations of neurons in microfluidic platforms, forming synaptic connections and enabling manipulation with drugs or neurotransmitters. The system allows for visualization and control of synapse dynamics, shedding light on memory formation and pharmaceutical development.
A University of Utah researcher helped discover how a protein motor works with two other proteins to move nerve cells and components inside them. Mutant LIS1 has been linked to the classic form of lissencephaly, a devastating brain malformation due to defective migration of nerve cells within the developing brain.
Researchers found that behavioral incentives and medication have similar effects on brain function in children with ADHD, improving attention and reducing impulsivity. The study suggests that combining both approaches may be the most effective way to treat the condition.
Researchers are developing a computer inspired by the feline brain's ability to recognize faces and learn from experience. The project aims to create a machine that can perform tasks simultaneously, like recognizing faces, while conventional computers rely on sequential processing.
A new study using MRI technology found that healthy women's brains activate an area processing identity and self-reflection when viewing images of overweight strangers. Even those with no history of eating disorders exhibit sub-clinical body image issues.
Neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm brain infection, is increasing in Mexico and bordering southwestern US states, affecting up to 10% of the population. The infection can cause severe symptoms like seizures, headaches, and encephalitis, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and management.
The article highlights that even grand achievements like suspension bridges and Olympic high jumping originated through trial-and-error learning. By shifting focus from perceived foresight to actual origins of behavior, researchers can better understand the forces uniting evolutionary and developmental processes.
A study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience lean mass loss, which is associated with decreased brain volume and cognitive performance. This loss of muscle mass may be an early indicator of the progression of dementia, highlighting its potential as a sensitive measure for changes in body composition.
Researchers have discovered that targeting the blood-brain barrier can slow the accumulation of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that activating a certain receptor in the brain can increase the expression of a blood-brain barrier protein that transports beta-amyloid out of the brain.
The newly described Australopithecus sediba hominid species has a long arms like an ape, a very advanced pelvis and short powerful hands. The fossils are estimated to be around 2 million years old, with the adult female weighing about 33 kilograms.
A new study suggests that people with migraines may struggle to filter out visual noise, even when they don't have a headache. Migraineurs performed significantly worse in identifying visual targets than those without migraines when visual distractions were added.
Researchers created a mouse model with a genetic change associated with depression to study the link between stress and disease. The study found that this mutation impairs the removal of signaling protein from brain areas regulating memory and emotional responses.
Cryptococcus fungi have an expanded set of genes encoding sugar transporter molecules, allowing them to efficiently move sugar inside cells and thrive. The fungi's love for sugar may be a potential weakness, as scientists can target them by developing low-carbohydrate strategies to block infections.
Researchers found that behavioral incentives improved attention and reduced impulsivity in children with ADHD, normalizing brain activity similar to that of control groups. Medication had the most significant effect, but combining it with rewards and incentives boosted its benefits.
Researchers at Jena University found that verbal stimuli can activate the pain matrix in the brain, activating areas that process pain. The study used functional magnetic resonance tomography (fMRT) to investigate how healthy subjects process words associated with experiencing pain.
McGill University researcher Prof. Claudio Cuello has genetically manipulated rats to emulate Alzheimer's disease in humans, allowing for the study of a suspected 'latent phase' previously impossible to predict. This breakthrough enables researchers to develop new treatments for the devastating brain condition.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that compulsive eating shares the same molecular mechanisms as cocaine and heroin addiction. In rat models, obesity coincides with a deteriorating chemical balance in reward brain circuitries, leading to compulsive overeating habits.
A novel research project combines art and neuroscience to explore the connections between visual perception and the brain. Researchers are discovering that artists have intuitive knowledge of neuroscience concepts, including optical illusions.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a modified protein that plays a key role in memory processes, altering its function and enabling stronger neural connections. This finding represents an important step in understanding how the brain stores memories.
Researchers have discovered elderly people with super-sharp memory who escaped formation of brain tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These 'super-aged' individuals were found to be protected from the negative effects of tangle formation.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne used eye-tracking technology to predict the next chosen number based on participants' vertical and horizontal eye position. The study found that a leftward and downward change in eye position indicated smaller numbers, while a rightward and upward movement forecast larger numbers.
Researchers are using songbirds to understand how the human brain produces complex vocal behaviors, including speech. By studying the neural mechanisms that govern birdsong, they hope to develop a better understanding of speech disorders and language processing.
Researchers have discovered a molecule, Affibody, that can prevent the formation of toxic protein clumps in the brain and promote their clearance. This breakthrough could lead to new possibilities in Alzheimer's therapy development, offering hope for preventing the disease.
A new cerebral protection device has been shown to effectively reduce particles released during carotid stenting procedures, preventing strokes. The Mo.Ma device provides an alternative to surgery for stroke prevention, with a low major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate of 2.7%.
A team of scientists discovered a molecule that can prevent a toxic protein involved in Alzheimer's disease from building up in the brain. Using fruit flies engineered to develop a fly equivalent of Alzheimer's disease, they showed that the same molecule effectively cures the insects of the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a novel theory about how the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) gene influences the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that too little IDE expression may promote disease development, while increased expression appears to protect against it.
Researchers found that individuals with high impulsive/antisocial traits had a hypersensitive dopamine response system, which may contribute to psychopathic behavior. The study suggests that this heightened response could make individuals less fearful of consequences and more prone to aggressive behaviors.
Researchers found that the primary visual cortex responds smaller when images are predictable, indicating an active prediction process. This challenges the classical view of passive cascades in visual perception.
Patients taking warfarin who develop a stroke are at higher risk of brain hemorrhage following intravenous clot-dissolving medication. The study found that the risk was nearly 10-fold higher among warfarin users compared to non-users.
Nicotine takes much longer to reach peak brain levels in smokers, contradicting traditional puff-by-puff spikes, and may depend on overall rate of accumulation, habit, and sensory cues. Smokers who eventually experience high nicotine levels without becoming addicted still lack clear explanations for their non-addictive status.
A groundbreaking study led by University of Bristol researchers has shown that a pioneering treatment can significantly reduce disability in premature babies born with serious brain hemorrhages. The treatment, known as ventricular lavage, involves draining out toxic fluids from the brain to improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Research from Indiana University and the University of Wyoming found that picking lower-seed winners is a good strategy, while upsets are no better than chance. Experts advise against relying on intuition or favorite colors, as this approach often leads to sabotaging efforts.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with major depressive disorder have altered GABA functions, with the most treatment-resistant forms demonstrating greatest reductions in GABA levels. This finding suggests medications targeting GABA imbalance may advance depression treatment.
Scientists at Queensland Brain Institute have discovered an alternative mechanism for growth cone steering, which could lead to better understanding of nervous system development and cognitive disorders. The discovery has potential implications for research into Parkinson's disease and autism.
Two studies found that anomalies in the DISC1 gene and its interaction with Kal-7 protein disrupt dendritic spine formation, leading to weaker connections between neurons. This abnormal connectivity is thought to contribute to the onset of schizophrenia symptoms in young adulthood.