Articles tagged with Brain
A pilot study found valproic acid slows cognitive decline in HIV-related dementia, with potential applications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The treatment targets neuro-inflammation, a key factor in neurodegeneration.
The five-year grant will enable large-scale imaging studies on brain disease and illness, improving collaboration among researchers. Function BIRN aims to speed discoveries and treatments for schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and dementia by sharing data and expertise.
Researchers found that low serotonergic function was associated with thicker carotid arteries, suggesting a link between the serotonin system and atherosclerosis. The study's findings could lead to new avenues for preventing heart disease and stroke through the regulation of brain chemistry.
Researchers have created a neural implant that can remotely control shark movements and decode their emotions. The technology has potential applications in understanding animal behavior, boosting research into paralysis, and even using sharks as stealth spies.
Dr Jacquelyn Bond is studying the ASPM protein to understand its role in brain development and its connection to microcephaly. The research aims to uncover the pathways involved in brain development and determine how aberrations in these pathways lead to microcephaly.
Researchers develop a new mathematical framework to understand sound processing and find that the brain's signal coding is highly optimized for natural sounds. This breakthrough could lead to improved signal processing for compressed digital audio files and more efficient cochlear implants.
The NIH Cognitive and Emotional Health Project aims to coordinate research on interventions for neurological health. The report highlights the interconnectedness between cognitive and emotional health, emphasizing the need to examine them simultaneously.
According to Dr. Stephen Cunnane, early humans' diet of shore-based food provided essential nutrients for brain growth, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and iodine. This diet helped launch Homo sapiens brains past their primate peers, sparking the growth of the human brain.
A recent study published by the University of South Florida has found that drug use is linked to an increased risk of brain hemorrhage in young adults. The study analyzed data from 307 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and found that cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines were common substances of abuse among those under 50.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that a combination of a new medication and ultrasound treatment can reopen blocked brain arteries in nearly 70% of patients. This is an improvement over previous studies, which achieved partial or complete reopening in around 55% of patients.
A subset of brain cells with pacemaking abilities has been identified as essential for gasping in infants, resolving a 15-year-old controversy. The discovery highlights the importance of autoresuscitation and gasping in maintaining oxygen supplies and heart rate during critical low-oxygen conditions.
The $60 million ADNI study aims to identify biological markers for memory decline and Alzheimer's disease, utilizing serial MRI scans, PET scans, and biomarker measurements. Researchers will compare data from 800 adults aged 55-90 to develop standards for tracking memory decline progression.
Researchers at U of MN develop novel method to assess dynamic brain network interactions using magnetoencephalography (MEG). This breakthrough allows for better evaluation of brain function in diseases like Alzheimer's and monitoring treatment effects.
Researchers have found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can alleviate disease symptoms in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome. Increasing BDNF levels slowed down disease progression and improved mouse survival, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for the disorder.
Researchers at Yale discovered that brain changes associated with bipolar disorder are diminished in patients taking mood-stabilizing medications, holding promise for halting the progression of the disorder. The study's findings highlight the importance of research on bipolar disorder in youths, who are at high risk for suicide.
A year-long study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technology has localized a small area in the occipital lobes of the brain responsible for generating visual awareness. This breakthrough discovery clarifies how our brains process visual information and recognize stimuli as visible.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University has discovered that neurons in the brain's visual center respond to different components of a shape and fit them together like a puzzle to create an image. The brain constructs an internal representation of an object from disparate pieces, allowing for quick recognition of objects.
The study reveals that specific cells in fly brains detect distinct tastes, with separate neurons responding to sweet and bitter substances. This discovery suggests a model of taste encoding in the brain where dedicated neural circuits dictate behavioral outputs.
A new mechanism for regulating brain function has been discovered using microRNAs, fine-tuning synaptic connections to enhance information storage and computational capacity. The research suggests a link between microRNA miR-134 and disorders such as mental retardation and autism.
Researchers identified a preclinical phase of Parkinson's disease characterized by mild motor symptoms, which can be detected through assessment of subjective complaints. Over 6,000 elderly people were studied for an average of 5.8 years, revealing that those who reported stiffness, tremors or imbalance were more likely to develop PD.
Researchers discovered that zebra finches store auditory memories of caregivers' songs in a specific part of the brain involved in hearing, which may underlie vocal learning in songbirds and provide clues to human speech acquisition. This finding supports independent evidence from Patricia Kuhl's work on infant language development.
Researchers found that cholestasis is associated with a broad activation of immune cells producing TNF-alpha, leading to behavioral changes and alterations in neurotransmitter systems. The study provides a novel mechanism linking liver disease to CNS sickness behavior, potentially informing the development of therapeutic agents.
Research shows female rats less sensitive to sedating effects of alcohol, cycling hormonal levels mediate effects; adult women may become less sensitive to sedation as they mature. The study emphasizes the need to explore how factors associated with the estrous cycle affect sex differences in alcohol's effects.
Researchers have discovered that cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB2, play a crucial role in regulating bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The study found that mice with a specific gene defect exhibit lower bone density, while patients carrying a variant of the CB2 gene have a three-fold higher risk of osteoporosis.
Researchers developed a new method to study mental time travel by analyzing brain scanning data. They showed participants images and then asked them to recall what they had seen, using computerized pattern-recognition program to track brain activity patterns. The results suggest that memory retrieval is a form of mental time travel.
Researchers used high-tech brain imaging and measurement of beta-amyloid protein fragments in cerebrospinal fluid to detect Alzheimer's disease. The study found that greater amounts of beta-amyloid containing plaques were associated with lower levels of amyloid-beta 1-42, a major component of amyloid plaques.
Scientists have developed a new method to catalogue and examine the differences between individual cases of prion diseases. Applying this assay to 50 postmortem samples from patients with sCJD reveals substantial differences in molecular pathology, which could help understand this mysterious disease.
A new study found that Fezl is necessary for proper development of neural connections to the spinal cord. In developing mice lacking the Fezl gene, normal connections failed to form, and brain cells made inappropriate connections instead.
A UW-Madison study finds that defective cells can be reinvigorated by replacing a missing enzyme, allowing the healthy maintenance of myelin. The research provides proof of principle for a new therapeutic strategy to treat Krabbe's disease and other inherited demyelinating diseases.
Researchers have found that a specific immunization strategy targeting Abeta42 or Abeta40 can prevent amyloid deposition in mice, suggesting an effective approach for preventing Alzheimer's disease. However, this method may not be effective once existing deposits are established.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to image brain deformation after impact, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study shows that the brain tries to pull away from attachments, leading to significant deformation of the front of the brain.
The discovery of p63, a death-promoting protein for nerve cells, may lead to new treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The research also highlights the need for further funding in neuroscience research.
Research reveals that highly stimulated brain cells reactivate dormant survival genes, making them healthier and more resilient. This discovery holds implications for developing therapies to halt neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as mitigating the effects of maternal substance abuse on unborn babies.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that children who received cochlear implants before 30 months old fully integrated speech perception in their brains. In contrast, those who received implants later relied solely on lip movements to understand conflicting auditory and visual information.
A UCLA imaging study found that children with autism have a dysfunctional mirror neuron system, which may underlie their social deficits. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity in high-functioning children with autism while they imitated and observed emotions.
Researchers will investigate how brains perceive novelty and importance using a computational theory of surprise. The project combines experiments, modeling, and neurophysiological studies to develop a new understanding of how the brain codes for these concepts.
A new study published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that a nicotine vaccine was safe and well-tolerated in helping smokers quit. The vaccine, which works by producing antibodies that bind to nicotine, showed impressive results with 38% of participants quitting for at least 30 days.
Researchers find that people with high visual working memory capacity excel at dismissing irrelevant information, while those with low capacity hold all items in mind. This discovery challenges the popular concept of memory capacity being solely dependent on storage space.
Researchers found limited changes in brain gene activity in tame silver foxes compared to non-domesticated farm foxes. Tame foxes exhibited dramatic behavioral and physiological changes, but these were associated with only minor genetic alterations.
David Eidelberg receives the prestigious Fred Springer Award for his work on mapping brain pathways and developing new diagnostic techniques. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in viewing the brain at work, early diagnosis, and predicting treatment responses.
Researchers at UCSD develop mice models expressing high amounts of alpha-synuclein to study its effects on the nervous system. The models aid in understanding the causes of multiple system atrophy and developing treatments to slow disease progression, potentially benefiting patients with Parkinson's disease as well.
A combination of brain scanning with a new imaging agent and cerebrospinal fluid analysis has shown promise in predicting Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found low CSF levels of amyloid beta 42 in patients with cognitive impairments, but also detected positive results in cognitively normal subjects.
Researchers investigated whether music training enhances multisensory processing, particularly sound localization in conductors. The study found that conductors outperformed musically untrained subjects in combining auditory and visual cues.
Researchers have engineered mice to produce amyloid plaques in their brains, finding that treatment with drugs lowering Abeta production can prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment cannot reverse the disease. Early treatment with these drugs may be crucial in slowing or stopping its spread.
A Johns Hopkins team found that aged rats with preserved cognitive abilities have a different mechanism for storing memories, relying on a different neurochemical device. This discovery could lead to the development of new preventive treatments and therapies based on what healthy older brains are doing.
Studies reveal neural circuits coordinating a complex interplay between neurons controlling reproduction and areas processing odorant molecules and pheromones. GnRH neurons are found to send signals to both olfactory and vomeronasal systems, influencing the processing of sensory information depending on reproductive circumstances.
Researchers found that morning cells set pace for entire system, resetting evening clock daily without changing its intrinsic speed. Flies' circadian clocks are conserved with mammals, but studying them provides valuable insights into human brain anatomy.
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.