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.
University of Florida researchers have developed a neural implant that can learn and adapt with the brain, enabling devices to improve their performance over time. The system uses goal-setting and rewards to teach rats to control a robotic arm with their thoughts, demonstrating its potential for paralyzed patients and amputees.
Octopus brains utilize activity-dependent long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) to store and recall memories, with findings suggesting a segregation of short and long-term memory systems. This process is comparable to that discovered in vertebrate brains, yet operates differently due to the octopus's unique brain anatomy.
Research shows that people with temporal arteritis, an inflammatory artery disease, are three times more likely to experience blindness due to swollen arteries restricting blood flow. The disease is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches and jaw soreness, and if left untreated can lead to severe vision loss or stroke.
Researchers used PET imaging to assess the effects of methylphenidate on brain function in healthy adults. The study found that MP improved performance in those who needed it, but deteriorated it in others.
Research reveals that olfactory bulb volume changes in response to individual sense of smell changes. Patients with reduced or lost sense of smell show varying increases and decreases in olfactory bulb size. The correlation between olfactory bulb volume and function may aid in predicting disease prognosis.
Scientists are using a powerful supercomputer to create a model of normal human language that can read, comprehend, and repeat basic words. The 'Chatter Box' project aims to understand how the brain supports language function and how it breaks down after brain damage.
A study found Mexican Americans and women are more likely to experience subarachnoid hemorrhage due to differences in tobacco use and hypertension treatment. Researchers identified 107 cases over seven years among 29,907 people in southeast Texas.
Researchers identified a genetic variation associated with an earlier age of onset in Alzheimer's disease, which affects the brain's tau protein levels. The study suggests that these variations lead to higher tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and earlier cognitive problems once amyloid plaques form.
A unique case study found a 115-year-old woman had an essentially normal brain with little evidence of Alzheimer's disease. The findings question the inevitability of cognitive decline in elderly individuals and suggest potential for preserving brain function.
The study creates a computational model predicting brain activation patterns for thousands of concrete nouns, with accuracies significantly greater than chance. The model uses text corpus data to identify basic building blocks the brain uses to represent meaning.
A review of scientific evidence found that only a minority of children with hyperactivity are affected by their diet, suggesting a combination of factors is more likely to be involved.
Researchers mapped and digitized smells, discovering a multidimensional map of odors that reveals the distance between molecules. The study found that the brain recognizes this map, similar to musical scales, supporting the theory that there are universal laws governing smell perception.
Researchers identified a gene that controls the proper development of synapses in fruit flies, which may help explain how they go wrong in humans. The findings suggest that a protein complex helps regulate synaptic growth by decommissioning receptors that respond to pro-growth signals.
Researchers discover that burning frankincense activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain, alleviating anxiety and depression. Incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, activates TRPV3 channels, providing a potential new class of depression and anxiety treatments.
Neuroscience researchers found that sleep-deprived brains can process simple visuals but struggle with higher-level visual tasks, such as recognizing letters. The study suggests that sleep deprivation can lead to periods of normal functioning followed by severe drops in visual processing and attention.
Researchers discovered over 50 types of visual illusions that help us perceive the present moment. Assistant Professor Mark Changizi organized these illusions into a 'periodic table' that can predict a broad pattern of future seeing powers.
Studies with non-human primates have significantly contributed to understanding the human brain, particularly in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The unique similarities between human and monkey brains enable researchers to study complex behaviors and develop new treatments.
A clinical trial found gene therapy to be safe and effective at slowing disease progression in Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder. Neurological function was assessed using a rating scale throughout an 18-month follow-up period.
The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) has awarded neuroscientist Paul M. Carvey for his groundbreaking research on Parkinson's Disease, while recognizing patient advocate Joan Samuelson for her tireless advocacy efforts.
Yale scientists found that both male and female flies have similar brains and that specific signals can trigger 'male' behavior in females. The study suggests a largely unisex brain, with subtle anatomical differences making the difference between male and female behavior.
A novel cell therapy using retinal pigment epithelial cells attached to gelatin bead microcarriers has shown promising results in patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease. The therapy, Spheramine, has been well-tolerated and has improved symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and balance issues for several years.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D ultrasound technology that can see in real-time the arteries within the brain, improving stroke diagnosis and care. The technology uses advanced imaging techniques to compensate for the thickness and unevenness of the skull, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at UCSF have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neurons coordinate to generate movement. Individual neurons do not fire independently across the entire duration of a motor function as previously thought but instead coordinate their activity with other neurons. The study revealed that each neuron encodes different aspec...
Scientists at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland conclude that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function. While the exact effects on behavior remain unclear, evidence suggests a beneficial role for vitamin D in protecting against autoimmune diseases and some forms of cancer.
A study in flies found that despite sex-based behaviors, their brains have a largely unisex structure, suggesting key switches control the difference between male and female behavior. Researchers discovered that artificial activation of male-specific singing neurons triggered female flies to exhibit male-like behavior.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that big-brained primates, such as humans and chimpanzees, live longer and have more complex social skills due to their larger brain size. This extended life span allows them to reproduce for a longer period, increasing their chances of survival and passing on their genes.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which seizures increase production of a drug transport protein in the blood-brain barrier, leading to reduced medication effectiveness in epilepsy patients. This discovery offers promising new therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes.
The SAPPHIRE trial found that carotid stenting was comparably effective to surgery in preventing stroke, heart attack, and death in high-risk patients. Patients undergoing stenting had similar rates of revascularization procedures as those who underwent surgery.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that carotid stenting with embolic protection is as safe and effective as surgery for patients at high risk for endarterectomy. The SAPPHIRE study showed equivalent stroke and repeat procedure outcomes between the two groups.
Researchers discovered a novel gut-brain-liver circuit that lowers blood sugar when activated, providing a potential new approach to treat diabetes. The discovery suggests stimulating the gut's sensing mechanism may slow down sugar production and lower blood sugar levels.
A new study using rats found that THC combined with mildly intoxicating doses of alcohol induced widespread nerve cell death in the brain. The study also showed that THC enhanced the neurotoxic effect of other substances, including phenobarbital and MK-801.
Researchers found that anticipating a positive humorous laughter experience reduces potentially detrimental stress hormones, while increasing beneficial chemicals like beta-endorphins and human growth hormone. The study suggests that seeking out positive experiences can help reduce stress and boost overall well-being.
A recent study suggests that estrogen reduces oxidative stress caused by mitochondria, increasing energy generation and protecting neurons from damage. This finding sheds light on how to develop effective Alzheimer therapeutics.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide will study links between brain chemistry and fatal outcomes from brain tumors and strokes. They aim to find out why these conditions become deadly, with a focus on swelling caused by tumors and cancer cells entering the central nervous system.
Researchers find working memory retains only a few high-resolution images for a short period, similar to a high-resolution camera. This limited capacity is linked to intelligence and fluid thinking abilities.
Men and women mistakenly identify friendly images as sexually interested, with men misjudging 12% and women 8.7%, according to a study by Indiana University researchers. The findings support the theory that young men struggle to interpret non-verbal cues, leading to incorrect assumptions about others' intentions.
Researchers found a three-to-four-fold higher overall prevalence of cerebral microbleeds compared to other studies. The presence of cerebral microbleeds is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular problems and may reflect underlying cerebrovascular pathology.
Researchers have identified neurons that form different spiral-shaped axons on the left and right sides of the brain, suggesting a possible explanation for brain asymmetry. The findings provide new insights into how the brain processes information and could lead to a better understanding of cognitive performance and social behavior.
A study of 6,583 people found that those with larger stomachs in their 40s were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia by age 70. Abdominal obesity was associated with a higher risk of dementia regardless of weight status or existing health conditions.
A study by University College London found that beta-blockers slow heart failure progression through direct brain action, challenging existing views on their mechanism. The research suggests targeting the central nervous system may lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers can translate complex concepts into clear 3D images, enabling new insights and recognition of patterns. The VisWall system combines advanced features to produce ultra-high resolution images with the ability to touch and manipulate data.
Researchers warn that brain imaging technology, such as fMRI, may promote abuse of detainees due to its limitations and open interpretation. The technology's reliance on detecting tiny changes in blood oxygen levels raises concerns about accuracy and potential misuse.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a second depth-perception method in the brain, combining visual cues with motion and perspective to create a representation of three-dimensional space. This new mechanism may help restore binocular vision in children with misaligned eyes and improve virtual reality experiences.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a process in the brain that may link Alzheimer's disease to stroke. A peptide called p25 is believed to cause an increase in amyloid beta production, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted the first empirical study on how populations of nerve cells in visual cortex adapt to changing images. The study's findings could lead to improved visual function following trauma or stroke.
Researchers investigated how inheriting different combinations of gene variants impact depression risk in normal subjects. They found that the SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene interacts with the BDNF gene to regulate emotion regulation system development, revealing individual genes are not isolated risks.
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) have impaired grammar processing, but compensate by using neural circuitry associated with vocabulary and world knowledge. This finding offers new hope for sufferers of SLI and suggests a need for focussed and specialised help.
A study published in Neurology found that black patients are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe vision loss and nearly five times more likely to become legally blind compared to non-black patients. This increased risk may be attributed to other factors such as higher body mass index, low blood iron, and higher brain pressures.
Patients receiving antiplatelet medications like aspirin after stroke show improved outcomes with clot-busting therapy. However, the study found a higher risk of brain hemorrhage in these patients, challenging existing guidelines.
Dr. Lin Mei received the 2008 Mathilde Solowey Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on neural circuitry formation and synaptic plasticity. His studies have revealed potential causes of schizophrenia and seizures, as well as new treatment targets for psychiatric diseases.
According to a study, intuition is a subconscious process that draws on past experiences and external cues to make rapid decisions. The researchers found that intuition plays a crucial role in high-pressure situations, such as avoiding accidents or making swift business decisions.
A three-year study at seven major universities reveals that children motivated in the arts develop attention skills and strategies for memory retrieval that also apply to other subject areas. The research identifies eight key points relevant to interests of parents, students, educators, neuroscientists, and policy makers.
Girls show greater activation in language areas of the brain than boys during language tasks, indicating a more abstract approach to language processing. Boys, on the other hand, rely on different parts of the brain for visual and auditory inputs.
Patients with HER2-positive tumours who receive trastuzumab treatment after diagnosing brain metastases have improved survival rates. The study found a correlation between triple receptor status and the incidence of brain metastases, as well as survival time.
Rats use their whiskers to perceive shapes and textures, with high-speed video revealing detailed patterns of movements. The researchers found complex patterns on smooth surfaces and irregular movements on rough surfaces, shedding light on the rat's tactile environment.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, disrupts the connection between dopamine and glutamate in the brain, driving cocaine cravings. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cocaine addiction and potential strategies for developing effective treatments.
Researchers have identified a brain molecule, neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), that plays a central role in stress-related drinking and may be a potential therapeutic target for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking NK1R reduced alcohol craving and improved overall wellbeing among individuals with anxiety.
A new study found that male European starlings exposed to environmental pollutants develop more complex songs, which are preferred by females, and show reduced immune function. The researchers also discovered an enlargement of the brain area controlling song complexity due to estrogen exposure.
A University of Cincinnati study found that new coiling devices are no more effective than traditional bare platinum coils in preventing brain aneurysm recurrence. The study analyzed 100 patients and found a higher rate of repeated treatments with the newer, more expensive coils.
A new study found that cognitive impairment is decreasing among people aged 70 and older, with better education and financial status being significant contributors. The decline in cognitive impairment may be attributed to improved cardiovascular health, as risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking were more prevalent in the 1990s.