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A multimodal approach to better predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness

A new multimodal approach has been developed to predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness, combining PET scans, multivariate EEG analysis, functional MRI, and cognitive evoked potentials. The approach shows improved prognostic performance and accuracy compared to standard measurements.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Is it a sound of music…or of speech? Scientists uncover how our brains try to tell the difference

Researchers found that the auditory system uses simple acoustic parameters to distinguish music from speech, with slower rates and more regular amplitude modulation sounding more like music. This understanding can potentially benefit people with aphasia and inform the design of rehabilitation programs using music therapy.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Smarter foragers do not forage smarter

A study in the Panamanian rainforest found that larger-brained primates did not outperform smaller-brained mammals in finding fruit. The research suggests that intelligence may not be directly linked to foraging efficiency, but could be related to other factors such as episodic memory or social complexity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

Black Americans: A link between cognitive health and financial instability

A new study reveals that Black Americans trail white Americans in financial stability, which may impact brain health. The study found that lacking low-cost debt constrains Black Americans' ability to accumulate wealth, leading to lower cognitive function and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Mimicking infection in pregnant mice provokes persistent changes in juvenile brains

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a specific cell type in the mouse embryonic brain that responds to an immune response in the mother, altering gene regulation and persisting in juvenile mice. This study provides new insights into how maternal immune responses might influence brain development in embryos, potentially sh...

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

“Space at your fingertips” - groundbreaking research unlocks the potential of touch for 3D spatial perception

A new study developed a Touch-Motion Algorithm to explore tactile sensation with spatial components, enabling participants to localize 3D motion through fingertips. The results demonstrated accurate integration of audio and tactile information in challenging environments, opening pathways for enhancing human perception and interaction.

SourceReichman University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Study suggests that air pollution promotes inflammation in the brain, accelerating cognitive decline and increasing risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

How does exercise benefit the brain?

New research reveals exercise reverts aged microglia gene expression patterns to those of young microglia, supporting the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Exercise also reduces T cell accumulation in the brain, a common feature of aging.

SourceWiley·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 15, 2024

Recovery potential in patients with traumatic brain injury

A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Synchronization between the central circadian clock and the circadian clocks of tissues preserves their functioning and prevents ageing

Researchers have discovered that synchronization between the central circadian clock and peripheral clocks in muscle and skin is crucial for maintaining tissue function and preventing degenerative processes associated with aging. Time-restricted feeding can partially replace the central clock and enhance the autonomy of the muscle cloc...

A roadmap for digital neuroscience

The position paper identifies eight key areas for digital neuroscience research, including near-term, middle-term, and long-term goals. It also discusses the potential of 'digital twin' approaches, ultra-high-resolution digital atlases, and neuro-derived AI and computing innovations.

SourceEBRAINS·JournalImaging Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2024

Q&A: UW research shows neural connection between learning a second language and learning to code

The study reveals that experienced programmers exhibit brain responses similar to those of fluent readers processing sentences, indicating a strong resemblance between learning computer and natural languages. The research suggests that understanding how people learn to code can be informed by expertise in second-language learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2024

Protecting brain cells with cannabinol

Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

USC study links lack of diversity in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials to differences in amyloid levels

Researchers found that individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to be eligible for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials due to lower amyloid levels at early stages of the disease. Amyloid buildup in the brain varies across different populations, contributing to underrepresentation in clinical trials.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2024

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Want to feel young? Protect your sleep

Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sleep affects how old one feels, with insufficient sleep adding 0.23 years to age perception. A study found that restricting sleep for two nights increased participants' perceived age by an average of 4.4 years, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sleep for a youthful feeling.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

New treatment target identified for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified PDE4B as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease, where reducing its activity shows promise in improving memory and glucose metabolism. The study suggests that this approach may also protect against other forms of dementia, such as Huntington's disease.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Longer genes are linked to aging

Four studies conclude that longer genes are most susceptible to aging due to increased potential sites for DNA damage. Long genes have more sites for damage, making them prone to degradation with age, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024