Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers discovered that defects in a crucial brain protein can lead to memory loss, similar to Alzheimer's disease. Mice genetically engineered to have reduced levels of this protein displayed impaired social memory and recognition, but treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors improved their performance.
The Braintuning project, a €2.5 million EU-funded research initiative, aims to investigate the relationship between music, emotions, and brain functions. Researchers seek to explain individual differences in musical preferences and emotional responses to music, as well as how environmental factors influence these experiences.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified two compounds, LTB4 and LXA4, that stimulate stem cell growth in the brain. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that stress hormones exacerbate the formation of brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests that managing stress and reducing certain medications prescribed for the elderly could slow down the disease progression.
The study found that crucian carp store vast amounts of glycogen in their brain to survive anoxia, with levels reaching 15 times higher in February than July. This adaptation allows them to extend their survival time without oxygen by 150-fold.
A new study by UCLA researchers analyzed clots removed from the brain blood vessels of 25 stroke victims, revealing that they are composed of similar components. The analysis showed that red blood-cell accumulations often accumulated on clots after impaction in the brain artery, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found physical exercise can slow aging's effects and improve cognitive functions in older adults. Fitness training, particularly aerobic exercise, was associated with improved cognition, brain function, and retained brain volume.
Research suggests Transcendental Meditation can modify brain function to reduce trait anxiety and stress reactivity, improving outcomes for those with acute and chronic pain. The study's findings have implications for pain management and treatment of conditions like depression and anxiety.
A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.
Researchers identified PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 proteins in human taste buds responsible for detecting sour tastes. The discovery could lead to developing ways to alter the perception of sour tastes, such as in children's medicines or health foods that currently taste sweet.
Taking slightly longer to smell an odor can lead to more accurate identification, a discovery that sheds light on the brain's olfactory processing. The study, published in Neuron, reveals a clear relationship between sampling time and accuracy, implications for understanding human olfaction.
A new study by UMass Lowell researchers suggests that consuming antioxidant-rich apple juice may increase the production of acetylcholine in the brain, leading to improved memory. The study found that mice fed with an apple juice-supplemented diet performed better on traditional Y maze tests.
A new study by Newcastle University and the International University Bremen found that long nerve fibre connections are essential for brain function, contradicting a prevailing theory. The research used computer analysis of public databases to show that long fibres can send messages quickly over longer distances compared to short fibres.
A study of premature babies found that their brain development follows an abnormal pattern, with the surface area growing faster than the volume. The rate of growth is critical in predicting whether a child will experience delayed development. The more premature and male the baby, the slower the growth rate and higher the risk of delay.
Researchers at Penn's new Center for Spirituality and the Mind are examining the effectiveness of meditation on early cognitive impairment. They will combine meditation with brain imaging to see if it improves cognitive function and is associated with actual change in the brain's activity levels.
Researchers found that a command hormone called ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) orchestrates activities in discrete groups of peptide neurons in the brain, initiating innate behaviors such as escape and defensive maneuvers. This discovery could lead to manipulation of behavior in animals and intelligent robots.
A new mathematical method provides a better way to analyze noise by visualizing areas with no sound. Researchers credit this approach for its ability to tease out specific sounds from complex white noise.
The human retina can transmit data at roughly 10 million bits per second, similar to Ethernet connections. Researchers used a miniature multi-electrode array to record electrical impulses from guinea pig retinas, revealing that sluggish cells convey most of the information.
Researchers found that flavanol-rich cocoa can improve blood flow in menopausal women with elevated cholesterol, as well as increase brain blood flow in elderly and young adults. Cocoa flavanols may also have beneficial effects on platelets and reduce the risk of vascular damage.
Researchers found that environmental enrichment reduced amyloid angiopathy and Aβ plaque burden in TgCRND8 mice, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer's-like brain pathology. Enhanced mental and physical activity may slow disease progression via pathways that prevent Aβ accumulation and enhance its clearance.
Researchers aim to understand how complex visual scenes are encoded by the brain using a new computer model. The computer will mimic nerve cell interactions and track patterns of neural spikes in real-time.
Researchers will conduct experiments on college students with normal vision to determine optimal training patterns for visual analysis and how it can improve performance for people with certain deficits and disorders. The findings could provide insight into vision deficits such as dyslexia.
A recent study suggests that dental disease may contribute to an elevated risk of stroke. The research found a significant association between periodontal disease and the prevalence of carotid atheromas, a type of plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to stroke.
Researchers found people put nearly three times as much money into an honesty box when watched by a pair of eyes compared to a poster featuring flowers. The study suggests people are more likely to cooperate when feeling observed, with potential applications in curbing anti-social behavior or law enforcement.
Researchers have found that mutations in MECP2 lead to overproduction of Uqcrc1 protein in mitochondria, resulting in abnormal energy production and potentially causing Rett syndrome symptoms. The study provides a genetic link between MECP2 and mitochondrial function, offering new insights into the disorder.
Studies found that oxytocin nasal spray reduces stress during marital conflict, while testosterone fuels competition in women athletes. Hockey teams experience increased testosterone and cortisol levels before home games, suggesting a hormone surge for defending territory.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Stanford University found that axon degeneration after injury involves different mechanisms than normal developmental pruning. The Wlds protein has been shown to slow degeneration in cut axons, and its conservation across species suggests general mechanisms for preserving nerve function.
Research shows that dietary caloric restriction, particularly low carbohydrate intake, can reduce beta-amyloid peptides and promote a longevity program in the brain. This study suggests that calorie restriction may be a potential preventive strategy for Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers found that leptin affects brain processes, improving learning and long-term memory in mice. Low levels of leptin may also be related to cognitive deficits in disorders like type two diabetes.
Researchers present findings on the impact of stress, puberty, and prenatal programming on brain development and behavior. The studies explore the role of oxytocin in reducing stress during marital conflict and examine the effects of chronic stress on brain mechanisms.
Researchers used gene therapy to deliver glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) directly to the brain cells of mice with Huntington's disease, protecting neurons from degeneration. The study showed improved behavioral function and reduced symptoms in mice treated with GDNF, suggesting a new approach to forestall disease progression.
A new vaccine called NicVax is being tested to prevent and treat nicotine addiction, with the goal of helping smokers quit. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize nicotine molecules, preventing them from entering the brain.
Researchers have discovered the importance of white matter in the human brain using a new tool called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). This breakthrough has the potential to reveal the role of white matter connections in various neurological conditions. The findings may also raise ethical concerns about how this information is used.
Researchers compared WBRT plus SRS to SRS alone in patients with limited brain metastases. The study found that SRS alone was associated with increased brain tumor recurrence but not worsened neurologic function or increased risk of death. Frequent monitoring of brain tumor status is recommended for this treatment option.
A Phase 3 trial shows Xcytrin significantly prolongs time to neurologic progression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. Xcytrin, a texaphyrin-based drug, enhances cancer cell death when combined with radiation.
Researchers found a link between increased serotonin receptors and body weight in overweight individuals. The discovery suggests that serotonin receptor manipulation could be a potential target for treating obesity.
Tramiprosate (Alzhemed) shows promising results by binding to soluble Aβ peptide, reducing cell death and plasma Aβ levels. The compound also demonstrates low toxicity while crossing the blood-brain-barrier.
A study by Saint Louis University found significant changes in brain activity after vagal nerve stimulation treatment began, continuing to evolve over 21 months. The treatment appears to induce long-lasting brain changes, with benefits lasting up to two years.
Researchers at the Children's Medical Research Institute have identified syndapin as a crucial molecule in the transmission of messages between nerve cells. The partnership between syndapin and dynamin is vital for understanding neurological disorders such as epilepsy, conditions of memory loss and schizophrenia.
The study suggests that motor learning involves different time scales and implies that slow learning is key to maintaining motor skills in stroke patients. The research team hopes to tailor therapy strategies to target slow-learning systems, improving recovery of muscle control after brain injuries.
The bones of the 'Hobbit' were found to be inconsistent with evolutionary theory. Microcephaly, or small brain size, is now considered a plausible explanation for the discovery.
A recent UCLA study found no association between the MCPH1 and ASPM gene variants and differences in brain size. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain size in 120 healthy individuals and identified those with these genetic variations, but their findings suggest caution when interpreting evolutionary advantages of these variants.
Researchers have discovered that astrocytes become activated when their whiskers are stimulated, sending signals to the brain. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that astrocytes don't communicate much and suggests they may be part of everyday brain function.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered how the drug Ro15-4513 binds to specific receptors in the brain to block alcohol's effects on motor coordination. This breakthrough may lead to the development of sober-up pills, alcohol addiction medications, and treatments that harness the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption.
The Mayo Clinic study found that brains of people with mild cognitive impairment showed structural changes similar to Alzheimer's disease, but not as severe. The researchers believe this transitional state may indicate a person is on the road to developing Alzheimer's.
Research by Vanderbilt University's Stephen Camarata and Richard Woodcock found females have a significant advantage over males on timed tests and tasks, especially among pre-teens and teens. The study highlights the need for teachers to understand sex differences in processing speed and teaching strategies.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that retinal ganglion cells organize their actions based on pair interactions rather than group discussions. This finding could shed light on how brain cells work together to make decisions.
Researchers have identified 20 candidate genes that regulate alcohol preference, shedding light on the genetic factors underlying excessive drinking. The study suggests that differences in brain function and homeostasis may contribute to an individual's reaction to alcohol.
A team of researchers, including biological anthropologists and physicians, studied the relationship between the brain and skull in infants with craniosynostosis using CT scans and MRIs. They found a strong correlation between neural structures located near the top of the brain and bony features at the base of the skull.
Researchers have discovered that the brain uses a code more efficient than previously thought, with analog signals influencing synaptic transmission onto other neurons. This finding has significant implications for our basic understanding of brain operation and neuronal dysfunction.
Researchers found that younger children's brains involved more brain areas during language exercises, indicating greater flexibility. As children matured, brain activity concentrated on the left side, offering hope for rehabilitation of brain function after stroke or traumatic brain injuries.
A new study published in Neuron suggests that facial recognition relies on a similar neural mechanism as other object recognition, rather than specialized processing. The researchers used computational modeling and fMRI to find that a small group of neurons in the fusiform face area is highly selective for different faces.
Researchers found that galantamine, a drug already approved for Alzheimer's disease, can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. By blocking the enzyme that destroys acetylcholine, galantamine stimulates nerve cells in the brain to release more of the chemical messenger.
Brain scans of depressed female monkeys reveal lower serotonin receptor binding in all brain areas, supporting previous studies. The findings suggest that these animal models can help researchers understand depression and develop new treatments.
A DNA gene vaccine successfully reduced amyloid-beta 42 protein buildup in the brains of mice with a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine elicited high levels of antibodies and significantly decreased brain plaques, offering a promising therapeutic option for the disease.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy strategy that modifies the brain microenvironment to induce an effective immune response against deadly brain tumors and infections. The treatment uses Flt3 Ligand to recruit antigen-presenting cells, which can destroy tumors and combat brain infections.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded projects to investigate integration of immigrants into their new home country. Researchers are also exploring the brain's processing with magnetic stimulation and creating virtual environments for socio-psychological research.
A study by Barbara McPake and colleagues found that increasing nursing pay in the UK is key to resolving the labor market imbalance caused by health worker emigration. Ensuring numbers graduating from medical and nursing schools meet demand in the USA can also prevent international brain drain.
A research team at Johns Hopkins University has identified a protein complex in the brain that causes cognitive decline and memory loss, providing a potential target for drug development. This discovery may help prevent Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
University of Minnesota researchers have identified a specific protein complex linked to memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to targeted drug development to prevent the disease from harming the brain.