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.
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.
In a study of 1,056 severe stroke patients, researchers found that intracranial stenting and intra-arterial tPA were effective in restoring blood flow, with success rates of 76% and 72%, respectively. Other treatment techniques showed lower restoration rates.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that vitamin B3 increases 'good' cholesterol, which improves blood vessels and neural growth in the brain after a stroke. The study suggests niacin may be a low-cost treatment option for stroke patients.
Researchers manipulate a schizophrenia susceptibility gene in fetal mice to unravel the link between prenatal brain development and adult cognition. The study finds that transient reduction of the Disrupted-in-Schozophrenia-1 gene leads to aberrant changes in adult animals, including perturbation of specific dopaminergic brain pathways.
Research shows that eye position has no effect on speed and agility in mammals, with some species able to travel as fast as cheetahs without blurring vision. The vestibulo-ocular reflex is adapted through muscle switching, allowing the brain to cope with changing eye positions.
Researchers found that adolescent brains are more sensitive to internal and environmental factors, leading to compulsive behavior. The study suggests that teenage impulsiveness and psychological disorders may stem from this susceptibility.
Research at University College London found that genetic differences are responsible for the majority of variation in face recognition ability among individuals. Identical twins showed a stronger correlation in their face recognition skills compared to non-identical twins, indicating a significant role of shared genes.
A new synthetic magnesium supplement has been found to improve memory in young and aging animals, increasing synapses in the brain. Existing over-the-counter magnesium supplements do not work as they fail to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Research reveals that sleep triggers cellular changes that promote memory formation, involving the NMDAR molecule. The brain undergoes significant reorganization during sleep to strengthen neural connections.
A Stanford law professor is examining the role of brain scans in court trials, revealing that defense attorneys are more likely to use this type of evidence than prosecutors. The use of neuroscience evidence can be a double-edged sword, potentially leading to both empathy and convictions.
Researchers have discovered a molecular process that controls the growth of nerve cells, allowing them to form complex extensions for signal transmission. The study highlights the importance of Nedd4-1 enzyme in regulating cytoskeleton structure and ensuring normal dendrite growth.
Researchers have found distinct changes in white matter and protein markers of brain pathology after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which can induce problems with sodium channels on neurons
Researcher Bruce S. McEwen explores how daily life experiences contribute to overall wear and tear, known as allostatic load, which can lead to lifelong health problems. He emphasizes the importance of improving early childhood development through supportive home environments and parental aid.
Researchers track changes to individual dendritic spines in juvenile male songbirds' brains as they learn from adult tutors. The study finds that hearing a tutor song rapidly stabilizes previously dynamic synapses, providing a foundation for learning new behaviors.
Researchers at Caltech have recorded brain-cell activity in actively flying fruit flies, revealing that the visual system becomes more sensitive during flight. The study suggests that this increased sensitivity is linked to a neurochemical release that sets the animal's brain in a different state.
A study published in PNAS found that genetics plays a role in the brain's back-burner setup for low-priority ideas. The default-mode network is linked to genetic factors, with over 40% of variance in functional connectivity under genetic control.
Research finds that maternal obesity can program cellular responses in offspring, predisposing them to inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes. This effect persists even after the offspring lose weight, highlighting the long-lasting impact of maternal obesity.
Researchers have found that hair cells in the inner ear amplify even the faintest sounds, a phenomenon also observed in the vestibular system. This discovery sheds light on how our brains interpret head movements and balance, revealing a shared amplification mechanism between auditory and vestibular systems.
A new study by the University of York reveals that acupuncture significantly affects specific neural structures in the brain, particularly those associated with pain processing. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how acupuncture works and its potential as a treatment option for various medical conditions.
Researchers found participants who reacted to their opponent executed movements 21 milliseconds faster but with reduced accuracy. This quick-and-dirty system may provide a survival advantage in critical situations.
Research finds that dopamine in the brain stimulates a craving for new experiences, contributing to addictive behaviors like drug abuse and gambling. The study used PET scans to map brain activity, revealing stronger urges among those with more dopamine, suggesting a link between stimulation-seeking behavior and hormonal activity.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that cognitive decline, regardless of dementia diagnosis, may increase the risk of stroke. The researchers found that men who scored lower on a mental test measuring planning and executive function were three times more likely to experience a stroke or brain infarction.
Researchers found that blocking facial expressions can hinder our ability to understand emotions in written language. Tiny applications of Botox reduced reading times for angry and sad sentences.
A new study has uncovered a key cellular mechanism that alters brain cell function in Huntington's disease and identified a possible treatment for the disease. Researchers found that excessive NMDA receptors outside synapses lead to reduced brain cell survival signals and disruption in brain function.
A team of scientists found that brain size evolved differently in various primate lineages, with some species experiencing decreases in brain mass despite larger body sizes. This challenges the long-held assumption that evolution always results in bigger brains.
Researchers reconstruct primate brain evolution to clarify the Hobbit's brain size, suggesting a strong selective advantage for increased brainpower. The study supports the hypothesis that the Hobbit's small brain was adapted to local ecological conditions on Flores.
A study published in PNAS found that a synaptic maturation disorder, particularly with the neuroligin-1 protein, may trigger autism. The research suggests that an insufficient amount of this protein can impair the maturation process at nerve terminals, leading to communication problems and weaknesses in social contacts.
Researchers have identified a biological marker in the brains of those exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. With over 90% accuracy, they were able to differentiate PTSD patients from healthy control subjects.
Researchers at University College London have identified 'grid cells' in the human brain for the first time, which may help explain how we create internal maps of new environments. These specialized neurons are involved in spatial memory and have been previously discovered in rodent brains.
A new study found that older adults can effectively link relevant and irrelevant pieces of information together, granting them a memory advantage over younger counterparts. This hyper-binding ability allows older adults to retain more information from previous experiences.
Scientists identified rapid bursts of neural activity in high-order visual centers when patients correctly recognized target images, suggesting a 'threshold' for conscious perceptual awareness. The study found that brain processing time is crucial for ignition, with mask presentation too soon 'killing' visual input signals.
Researchers found dopamine agonists trigger increased learning from beneficial outcomes and greater prediction error in susceptible individuals, leading to choice bias towards gains. The study provides insight into the brain mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions in Parkinson's disease patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified neurons in the songbird brain that convey auditory feedback needed to learn a song. The study lays the groundwork for improving human speech in individuals with damaged auditory nerves, and explores how the brain compares performance-related feedback to a sensory model.
A Yale team found that inhibitory neurons in the visual cortex control how excitatory cells interact, allowing the brain to process complex scenes efficiently. The 'iceberg phenomenon' shows that only essential information is processed, while non-essential stimuli are suppressed.
Researchers at MIT have found that cells with higher activity levels are more likely to survive and integrate into the adult brain. This discovery is significant for cell replacement therapies used to treat neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have identified a fast-acting compound, benzylquinolone carboxylic acid (BQCA), that improves cognitive function impairments in mice with progressive Alzheimer's disease. BQCA works by boosting weak signals of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and inhibiting production of amyloid beta, a marker of the disease.
Scientists have discovered a protein that can restore motor function in rats with impaired mobility after a stroke, with administered directly to the brain showing 99% regain. The intranasal method also demonstrates significant behavioral improvements and regenerative anatomical process.
Researchers use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to image amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brain, detecting deposits in cognitively normal older subjects and associating them with brain atrophy. The findings suggest a critical early role for amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease development.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that mutations in TSC2 cause improper axon guidance, leading to abnormal brain connectivity. The study suggests that autism may involve sensory overload or lack of filtering of information.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found a delayed brain response to sound in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which may be refined into the first imaging biomarker. The study used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect subtle language delays, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A combination of nutrients, including uridine, choline, and DHA, has shown promise in improving verbal memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 40% of treated patients improved performance in a test of verbal memory, while 24% of control subjects showed improvement.
Researchers at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal have identified a new molecular pathway required for the guidance of retinal axons within the optic chiasm. This guidance relies on the Boc receptor, which could lead to therapies stimulating axonal growth after injury or in neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers are conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CERE-110, a viral-based gene transfer system delivering nerve growth factor to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The study aims to delay AD symptoms and progression in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
Neuroscientists at MIT have developed a powerful new class of tools that can reversibly shut down brain activity using different colors of light. These 'super silencers' exert exquisite control over the timing of shutdown, allowing researchers to study neural circuits and potentially treat disorders such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and ...
Researchers discovered that UV LED light can reduce seizure-like activity in rat epilepsy models by releasing gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural neurotransmitter. The study suggests that this technique could be translated to human focal epilepsy, offering an alternative treatment option.
Scientists in China have developed a new coating made from silica nanoparticles that makes wool superhydrophilic, allowing it to absorb moisture and release perspiration. This innovation could improve the natural qualities of wool, such as its lightness, softness, and warmth, while also enhancing its functionality.
Researchers from Brown University have discovered that inhibiting Sirt1 activity in the brain's hypothalamic region can help control food intake and lead to a smaller weight gain. The study suggests a potential mechanism for new obesity treatments.