Articles tagged with Brain
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.
A new minimally invasive surgery for craniosynostosis has been found to be just as effective in correcting the problem, with a quicker recovery time compared to the traditional procedure. The study followed 78 patients and showed promising results, including good facial features and successful neurological development.
Researchers have discovered a novel mode of neurogenesis in Drosophila that shares similarities with mammalian brains. This breakthrough suggests key aspects of neural development may be conserved across insects and mammals.
A recent study by MIT researcher Tomaso Poggio found that a computer model was able to reproduce human behavior in recognizing complex scenes, leading to a significant shift in understanding the visual cortex. The findings have implications for understanding how the brain works and may lead to advancements in artificial intelligence.
Researchers found that a vague background context helps fill in blanks and enhance perception, while a bright context suppresses it. The study used 18 observers who saw a target rectangle on a black screen, with varying surroundings.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect activated platelets in the brain of mice with cerebral malaria, allowing for earlier diagnosis. The use of a specific single-chain antibody and iron oxide microparticles enables detection by MRI, potentially leading to improved therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
Researchers have explored the brains of flies to understand their ability to integrate sight and smell, finding that panoramic visual cues are essential for accurate odor tracking. The study suggests that odor signals strengthen visual reflexes, allowing flies to navigate complex environments with remarkable accuracy.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that fruit flies integrate visual and olfactory information to track odors, using visual markers to navigate through complex environments. This crossmodal integration enables flies to efficiently find food despite their limited sensory capabilities.
Scientists develop micro-scale tool to study how nerve cells in the brain work together, providing insights into growth and signaling molecules. The 'lab on a chip' system helps researchers understand complex interactions between neurons and their environment.
A new study reveals that Avastin's side effects may be caused by the blockage of VEGF, which normally protects brain cells from fluid leakage. In mice, this blockage led to brain swelling and cell death.
A USC biomedical engineer examines the intricate circuitry between hand manipulation skills and specialized neural circuits in the brain. The study found that the human nervous system employs a time-critical strategy for tapping and pushing, which is necessary for executing fine finger movements.
Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who experienced sexual and/or physical abuse may have a heightened brain response to pain, making them more sensitive to abdominal discomfort. Researchers found that patients with IBS background of abuse were less effective in turning off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain.
The McGovern Institute researchers will investigate the origins of autism and dyslexia using advanced neuroimaging methods. They aim to develop methods for early diagnosis, identify key markers for diagnosing and tracking progression, and explore therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at Frankfurt's Research Center for Neurotechnology have developed new artificial vision systems using neural organization principles. These systems aim to combine individual functions to form a functioning whole, leading to potential applications in intelligent security and autonomous vehicles.