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 found widespread claims that SSRIs restore serotonin balance, despite lack of scientific support. Consumer ads for SSRIs often claim to correct a chemical imbalance, but this is not supported by scientific evidence.
Researchers found that statin drugs can reverse learning deficits in mice with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition affecting five percent of the world population. The treatment enables normal brain cell communication, creating physical changes in the brain and improving memory.
The study found that dopamine-releasing neurons respond more strongly to neutral odor stimuli after training, indicating a newly formed sensory association. The findings suggest that the mechanisms for learning and environmental stimulus evaluation are similar in mammals and fruit flies.
The SAGE Center will foster interdisciplinary research on the human mind, integrating social sciences, arts, humanities, and natural sciences. Michael Gazzaniga aims to build a powerful new center focused on understanding the unique nature of the human mind.
A German-Swedish team has identified a single gene, DCDC2, as an important factor in the emergence of dyslexia. The gene appears to affect the migration of nerve cells in the developing brain, with frequent changes found among dyslexics.
Researchers discovered that using mirrors to create a mirror reflection of a normal limb can help correct a faulty image of the body in people with complex regional pain syndrome. This imbalance can cause pain when moving a particular hand, foot or limb. By practicing these exercises beforehand, even greater improvements can be achieved.
A study examining air quality over 37,000 days found a one percent higher risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke on high-pollution days. The researchers believe that particulate matter in the air promotes inflammation and can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Researchers precisely imaged and counted color-receptive cones in a living human eye for the first time, revealing that color perception goes beyond hardware limitations. The brain's normalization mechanism balances colors despite variations in the visual system.
Researchers found 12 out of 15 participants with chronic schizophrenia made more accurate judgments than the best performer among a control group of non-schizophrenic volunteers. The study suggests that contextual processing may be less effective in schizophrenic brains, possibly due to insufficient inhibition.
Research using fMRI technology found reduced activity in the caudate nucleus, a critical part of prefrontal brain circuits, in boys with autism. This impairment affects attention, problem-solving, and learning abilities. The study's findings may help develop better therapies for children with autism.
A recent study contradicts earlier research suggesting that the neural development protein Oct-6 could be a marker for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Contrary to previous results, researchers found no difference in Oct-6 protein or mRNA expression between patients with these disorders and healthy individuals.
Researchers found that cocaine alters the normal biochemical processes in the brain, allowing genes to be turned on and off. Chronic cocaine use causes long-lasting changes in the brain's circuitry, whereas short-term use affects genes differently.
Scientists found that P-glycoprotein accelerates clearance of amyloid beta from the brain, potentially reducing Alzheimer's risk. The study suggests that pharmaceuticals affecting Pgp activity levels may also influence Alzheimer's risk.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that P-glycoprotein plays a critical role in transporting amyloid-beta (Abeta) from the brain to the blood via the blood-brain barrier. The research suggests that altering P-glycoprotein function due to chronic drug treatment could increase Abeta deposition and risk of de...
A ferret study found that restoration of binocular vision began in as little as 30 minutes and improved significantly within four hours. The researchers discovered that blocking protein synthesis did not affect recovery, suggesting preserved basic visual wiring during deprivation.
Treating four or more brain tumors with radiosurgery is safe and effective, translating to a survival benefit of up to 18 months for some patients. The study's findings suggest that tumor volume rather than the number of brain metastases should be used as a criterion for radiosurgery.
By combining functional MRI and PET scanning, researchers can gain a more comprehensive view of the brain's functions and explore different aspects of its activity. This new technique allows physicians to better diagnose and treat patients with brain disorders such as stroke, seizure disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that older animals exhibited an exaggerated inflammatory response in the brain compared to younger adults when exposed to a peripheral infection. This led to prolonged sickness symptoms and cognitive disorders. The study suggests that normal aging may also prime microglial cells, making them overreact to infections.
Researchers found that brain aromatase levels influence aggression and sex hormone conversion in social fish. The study suggests that social cues initiate the sex change process in the brain, leading to behavioral and gonadal transformation.
A comprehensive study of mental disease in Europe found that 27% of the EU population experiences at least one mental disorder. The report highlights critical gaps in knowledge and under-treatment of mental disorders, emphasizing the need for coordinated research and better funding.
Two patients with a rare illness lost ability to perceive their own body, yet could correctly guess weight of boxes lifted by others. They relied on internal simulation to interpret body movements, suggesting our brains simulate others' actions to understand their intentions.
Researchers demonstrated how monkeys update depth motion with the help of their middle ears. The study strongly implicated the vestibular system in this process, showing that intact motion cues are critical for reconstructing three-dimensional visual space during motion in depth.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that pathological liars have a surplus of white matter and a deficit of gray matter in their brains. This suggests they have more tools to lie but fewer moral restraints than normal people.
Scientists have found that CART peptides are essential for the maximal effects of cocaine and amphetamine, leading to a novel target for treating stimulant drug addiction. The study showed reduced responses to these drugs in mice lacking CART peptides.
A new study found that brain noise limits both motor control and perception in common movements. Researchers analyzed neural activity and smooth pursuit eye movements to understand how the brain processes sensory inputs and executes decisions.
The University of Cincinnati will lead a randomized trial comparing new interventional treatments for acute ischemic stroke against the standard approach. The study aims to improve outcomes by quickly opening clogged brain arteries and reducing long-lasting brain damage.
Researchers silenced a normally functioning gene using RNA interference, reducing amyloid plaque formation and cognitive decline in mice. Within a month of treatment, impaired mice recovered memory functions.
Dr. Anthony Marmarou's international team developed consensus guidelines for diagnosing and treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephaly (NPH). The new guidelines recommend a combination of diagnostic tests to predict patient responsiveness to shunt surgery, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new model of visual perception that explains how the brain adjusts to viewing position, allowing images to appear undistorted even when viewed from different locations. This discovery has implications for designing better devices and creating more realistic computer graphics.
A team of researchers, including Brandeis University, is studying the role of glial cells in individual synapses and neural networks. The project aims to deepen understanding of glial cell function and its potential impact on diseases originating from malfunctioning glial cells.
Georgetown University researcher aims to create mathematical model of how the brain recognizes objects in different scenes. His work has applications in artificial intelligence and understanding neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
A study has found a significant connection between the CAPON gene and schizophrenia, with brain samples from patients showing higher levels of the short form of the protein. This increase was predominantly seen in individuals with variants of the CAPON gene previously linked to schizophrenia.
Destabilization of microtubules interferes with NMDA receptor action, affecting cognition and emotion. Dysfunction of this regulation may provide a potential mechanism underlying many mental disorders.
A new study found that people aged 65-93 were more likely to ask personal questions in public, despite agreeing that such behavior is socially inappropriate. This may be due to weakening inhibitory control related to normal aging, according to Associate Professor Bill von Hippel.
Two genes, microcephalin and ASPM, linked to brain size have continued to evolve rapidly in humans over the past 37,000 and 5,800 years, respectively. These genetic variants are favored by natural selection and occur more frequently in certain populations.
The study found that mice with normal and intermediate levels of CB1 receptors drank significantly less alcohol compared to their pre-treatment levels after being treated with a drug known to block CB1 receptors. The results also showed that mice with no CB1 receptors showed no change in drinking in response to the treatment.
Scientists have identified four sugar-coated faces made by stem cells as they develop into brain cells, which may help navigate the adult brain and repair brain injury or disease. These glycoconjugate markers could aid in functional recovery and controlling stem cell proliferation.
A new study finds that adequate daily folic acid intake before pregnancy can reduce neural tube defects (NTDs) by up to 70%. The March of Dimes advocates for increased folic acid fortification in grain foods, particularly among Hispanic populations.
Researchers found that high-dose vitamin E supplementation improved rat lifespan, cognitive function, and neuromuscular performance. The results show a significant correlation between vitamin E levels and mitochondrial function, supporting the free radical theory of aging.
The NewMood project aims to identify genetic traits that contribute to depression by analyzing brain responses to fearful faces and rewards. Volunteers will participate in a online test and provide a mouth swab for genetic analysis.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in the right half of the brain in people with congenital amusia, a condition affecting pitch perception. Training pitch discrimination abilities may be effective in children but not adults.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that the brain regulates bone density by controlling the activity of interleukin 1 protein. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for osteoporosis.
Researchers found that visual cues, such as pictures of objects, can elicit significant brain activity, but this response differs from the electrical signal triggered by verbal cues like words. The study suggests that image processing and word processing may involve separate neural networks.
Research found that 'positive' learners show larger ERNs in conflicts, suggesting they learn more from mistakes, while 'negative' learners experience greater conflict in negative feedback conditions. ERN also predicts the degree to which participants learn from errors.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.
Dopamine's prolonged effects may be key to understanding psychiatric conditions, which are characterized by persistently high brain messenger levels. Researchers found a second mechanism by which chronic dopamine affects the brain, possibly indefinitely.
Researchers used tendon vibration to induce bodily illusions, altering subjects' sense of touch and highlighting the brain's dynamic and flexible nature. The study sheds light on the constant updating of the internal map that interprets new perceptions.
Researchers found that roughly 15% of genes are expressed differently among male salmon of the same species, depending on their life history. The findings suggest that the 'default' life cycle may result from active inhibition of development into a sneaker male.
Researchers propose OT and VP as targets for novel psychiatric treatments, including anxiety and schizophrenia therapies. The study suggests that drugs targeting these hormones could offer new approaches to treating debilitating psychiatric disorders.
Researchers presented findings on hormonal signaling systems in the brain, revealing a radical shift in understanding information processing. Oxytocin and vasopressin were found to play key roles in social cognition, anxiety, and schizophrenia, with potential applications for novel psychiatric treatments.
Research reveals peptide signals play a key role in information processing, influencing complex behaviors such as sexual and social behaviors. Alpha-MSH effects male sexual behavior by stimulating oxytocin release from dendrites, changing brain circuitry.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cholecystokinin (CCK) peptides trigger different responses in taste bud cells, helping the brain distinguish between bitter and sweet tastes. The study's findings provide new insights into how our brains process taste information.
A panel of experts published recommendations to minimize the risk of altering non-human primates' cognitive capacity, focusing on grafting human stem cells into their brains. The panel concluded that healthy adult members of species distantly related to humans are least likely to experience morally significant changes.
Researchers found that sensory deprivation prevented substantial synapse loss in growing mice, contradicting the widely-held notion that brain neurons naturally lose connections as they form new ones. The study's findings suggest a potential link between childhood experiences and long-lasting impacts on brain function.
A study published by Yale researchers found that 17 members of a family carried a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 gene, which is associated with intense burning pain in the hands and feet triggered by heat and exercise. The discovery suggests the possibility of rational therapies targeting this affected channel.
Researchers found that G-protein-coupled receptors involved in detecting odors do not amplify signals like those in the eye, contradicting previous claims. Instead, cells can bind to multiple receptors or express the same receptor to enhance sensitivity.
A study found that Lorenzo's oil therapy can prevent MRI abnormalities and neurological symptoms in patients with asymptomatic ALD. The treatment reduced saturated very long-chain fatty acid levels, which may protect against inflammatory cerebral disease.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that consonants play a crucial role in distinguishing between words, while vowels carry grammatical information. The researchers found that listeners are sensitive to this difference and can compute statistical relations among vowel sounds but not consonant sounds.
G-CSF has potent cell protective effects on mature neurons, driving neuronal differentiation of adult neural stem cells. It doubles hippocampal neurogenesis even in normal animals, making it a potential treatment for stroke and neurodegeneration.