Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers found that women treated with tamoxifen or estrogen had lower levels of myo-inositol in the brain compared to untreated women. The study suggests that both hormones may be neuroprotective and have favorable effects on aging, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Synaesthetes have an extra layer of information that helps with rote memory and creativity. The University of Melbourne team used Magnetic Resonance Imaging to analyze brain images of synaesthetes, revealing the secrets of how their brains function.
A new UCSF study found that older men with higher testosterone levels performed better on tests of cognition, including concentration, memory, and attention. However, the researchers emphasize that the study only examined natural testosterone levels and did not prove the benefits of testosterone supplements for cognitive health.
Researchers discovered new genes that play a crucial role in the formation of oligodendrocytes, a type of cell responsible for transmitting nerve signals. The findings may lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, as well as insights into diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Joanna Fowler has made significant contributions to positron emission tomography (PET), including the development of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and radiotracers for monoamine oxidase (MAO). Her work has improved our understanding of biochemical processes in addiction, aging, and drug action.
Research on fruit flies reveals Rac genes control axon growth, guidance and branching in the human brain. The study suggests that large amounts of Rac GTPase protein are needed for proper branching, while less is required for growth.
Researchers found that boosting PKM levels in fruit flies improves memory retention, contradicting previous understanding of memory fade. The discovery sheds light on the process of synaptic tagging during memory formation and has significant implications for our understanding of neural mechanisms.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic locus associated with fundamental human brain oscillations, contributing to the understanding of brain neuroelectric activity and providing new insights into alcoholism risk. The study found an association between beta EEG frequencies and a cluster of genes located on chromosome 4.
Researchers have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus infection by combining weakened dengue and West Nile viruses. The vaccine stimulates strong immune responses and has shown to be effective in mice, paving the way for human trials.
Researchers have identified a receptor for the fifth taste, amino acid, which may aid understanding of how animals regulate nutritional intake. The discovery also has potential applications in the food industry, such as formulating new products with specific tastes.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model that allows for selective elimination of genes in specific tissues, enabling studies on the role of PAX-3 in heart development and its connection to other systems such as the brain and spinal cord. This breakthrough technology facilitates research collaboration and opens up new avenues for un...
A team of Danish researchers compared data from the Copenhagen Stroke Study to investigate possible differences in causes of TIAs and strokes. They found that TIA patients were half as likely to have diabetes and claudication, suggesting alternative causes beyond blood clots.
Researchers believe that bionic technologies can be adapted for restoring some degree of lost function, with progress continuing at its present pace. The development of wireless implants and miniaturized components will bring processing closer to the body, enabling more complex actions like walking.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a protein called CNGA4 helps the brain adapt to smells by plugging a channel in odor receptor cells. The study found that mice without this protein can't adapt to odors, and the electrical signal from these neurons stays constant over time.
Researchers found that cystamine treatment alleviated tremors and prolonged lifespan in mice with neurological disorder mimicking Huntington's. The study suggests a similar treatment strategy may be effective in humans, highlighting the potential for neuroprotective proteins to counteract the disease.
A University of Illinois study suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating severe depression, with better tolerability and fewer side effects. rTMS showed significant improvement in depression scores, with a 55% reduction in the treatment g...
Researchers found that people unconsciously transfer traits from speakers to other humans and even inanimate objects. Using psychology students as volunteers, the study confirmed that spontaneous trait transference is an automatic brain process.
Research suggests that neural connections in the brain can be changed in response to environmental cues, supporting the idea that intelligence is not fixed. This model provides a new understanding of human intelligence and has implications for education and learning outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant progress in understanding the function of two proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The study found that RIM1a is essential for long-term plasticity, a process critical for learning and memory. This breakthrough has broad implications for the development of dr...
Scientists discovered that adding a vitamin C component can facilitate the transport of drugs across the blood-brain barrier, which selectively regulates chemical movement. The study suggests potential applications for treating central nervous system diseases, viral infections, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered a possible cause-and-effect relationship between DHEA and the workings of the body's central nervous system. The study found that DHEA influences gene function through interaction with androgen receptors, potentially contributing to improved neuron survival and cognitive function.
A study published in Neuroscience found that the primary role of the startle reflex is to defend the body against strong impact stimuli, such as head blows. The research suggests that humans have the same timing as rats and that the startle response protects against these types of impacts.
Researchers have identified amyloid precursor protein (APP) as a key player in the molecular transportation system of the brain. The protein's cellular trafficking function is linked to the formation of harmful plaque deposits called amyloid beta, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered that an octopus's brain operates like a general in command of troops, issuing orders to independent peripheral nervous systems. This decentralized control enables the octopus to perform complex tasks with high maneuverability and flexibility.
Researchers at Stanford and UCSF have identified osteopontin as a key gene in the progression of multiple sclerosis, with findings suggesting its expression levels are related to disease severity. The study also revealed that osteopontin-deficient mice experienced significantly less severe symptoms and higher remission rates.
Researchers found that topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, can block nicotine-triggered changes in brain chemistry. The study suggests that topiramate has potential for treating nicotine addiction by reducing the neurochemical activity associated with pleasure and reward.
A recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that men expend effort to view attractive female faces, even when they're not part of a social stimulus. The research also shows that areas of the brain previously linked to rewards like food and money respond to facial beauty, but not to attractive male faces.
Researchers have confirmed that ancient prokaryotic potassium channels may be the precursor to modern mammalian potassium channels. The study, published in Nature, challenges the long-held assumption that these channels are similar across eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
A study by Hong Wu and colleagues found that knocking out the gene Pten in mice hyper-activated a signaling pathway regulating cell proliferation and death in the brain. This led to an increase in brain size and cell number, suggesting PTEN regulates neural stem cell growth.
Preclinical studies demonstrated PT-141's ability to increase precopulatory sexual behaviors in female rodents. The peptide analog stimulated melanocortin receptors, which play a role in appetite and sexual arousal. Palatin expects PT-141 to offer a unique treatment for women with desire disorders.
The study found that estrogen receptors are more widely expressed in the brain during fetal and neonatal periods, influencing brain development. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment decreased brain estrogen receptor levels, leading to changes in ventilation and body growth in male and female rats.
Researchers found that signals from fat cells can directly influence neurons outside of the brain, affecting the storage and burning of fat. The study suggests that nerve cells outside of the brain secrete a messenger called neuropeptide Y to prevent fat deposits from being burned for energy.
A team of UNC researchers has made a significant discovery about the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in remyelination, the process by which nerve cells regain their natural fatty sheath. The study found that this cytokine plays a critical role in white matter repair and induces the production of nerve precursor cells.
The Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) will share digital magnetic resonance images and advanced 3-D microscope images using high-bandwidth networking technologies. Researchers can study linkages between animal models of human diseases and data from patients suffering with these diseases.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a 'Self-Aiming Camera' that uses a simulated neural network to analyze sensory input, process it, and make decisions in real-time. The camera can learn and improve its abilities over time, enabling discrimination between targets such as humans and vehicles.
Physicists at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin are working on more accurate PET scanners, improving detection of tumors and other abnormalities in human organs. The new design enhances image quality and sharpness by detecting gamma rays' radial positions.
Researchers found that divalproex sodium reduced the need for oxazepam and slowed worsening symptoms in a seven-day study. The anticonvulsant's anti-kindling properties may prevent nervous system hyperexcitability during alcohol withdrawal, making it a viable treatment option.
Neurons use Eph receptors and ephrin ligands to guide nerve fiber growth and form connections in the developing brain, a process called axon pathfinding. This research may ultimately lead to understanding how to coax nerves to regrow and regenerate.
Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in people pondering moral dilemmas, finding that emotions play a significant role in shaping moral judgments. The study's results suggest that different areas of the brain are engaged depending on the level of personal involvement and emotional response.
A new study found that estrogen patches can improve attention and memory skills in women with Alzheimer's disease. The research used estradiol, a type of estrogen shown to have an effect on the brain, and found significant improvements in attention and memory tests.
Researchers have designed and synthesized highly potent inhibitor compounds that could lead to an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The new inhibitors are substantially smaller, comparable in size to HIV protease inhibitor drugs, and still potent.
Infants begin learning from birth and can distinguish consonant and vowel sounds in any language by 12 months. The study suggests that early identification of children with language difficulties allows for intervention, enabling them to develop their maximum potential.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that attending to a conversation significantly distracts the brain from processing complex visual information. Brain activity decreased by 29% when participants were simultaneously listening to a sentence and doing a complex visual task.
Jefferson researchers successfully introduced 90 billion copies of a healthy gene into the brains of three children with Canavan disease. The goal is to increase enzyme production and reduce toxic compound buildup, potentially improving brain development and function.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a receptor responsible for inhibiting the growth of injured nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This finding holds promise for reversing functional deficits caused by trauma, stroke, or degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Researchers analyze kinetics of amyloid b1-40 peptide clearance in mice brains, finding vascular transport is primary mechanism. They also suggest ApoE plays role in amyloid clearance pathway.
A study published in Neurology found that long-term scuba diving has no effect on brain function or structure. The researchers tested 24 professional divers and 24 non-divers and found no significant differences in cognitive function or brain imaging.
Researchers compared whole genome activity in trisomy mice brains to normal mice detecting 25,000 genes active, with altered protein manufacturing found in trisomy mice. This study provides a preliminary look at how the whole genome operates in the brain and suggests protein manufacturing could be altered in Down syndrome patients.
A new study reveals that brain function differences in people with schizophrenia make it hard for them to understand and empathize with others. This can lead to problems in relating to people, making friends and getting jobs, which may contribute to rare incidents of violence.
Researchers found that paying attention to a sudden sound improves ability to see visual stimuli, suggesting a stronger linkage between sight and hearing. The study provides insights into normal brain activities and may lead to better understanding of attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia.
A recent study by Dr. Ehud Ahissar finds that tactile information is encoded by both spatial and temporal data, suggesting the brain requires more than spatial patterning. The temporal pathway processes low-frequency stimuli for object location, while the spatial pathway focuses on high-frequency stimuli for object features.
Establishing stroke centers in hospitals can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients by dedicating resources to diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical 3-hour time period. The Brain Attack Coalition recommends primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide emergency care and extensive care, respectively.
Researchers study energy consumption in insect brains to better understand human brain function and develop more effective treatments for stroke patients. The team's findings could also improve our understanding of state-of-the-art scanning techniques like MRI and PET.
Researchers found that brief daily awakenings reduce ventilation duration, cut ICU stays by one-third, and lower healthcare costs. Patients who had daily sedative breaks recovered much more quickly, with reduced need for diagnostic tests related to mental status.
A study by Cornell researchers found a close correlation between cowbird brain size and its singing ability, which attracts females. The research suggests that visual and sexual selection factors go hand-in-hand in determining mating success among male cowbirds.
A study by Emory University neurologists found that pallidotomy surgery significantly improves motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease, with persistent benefits extending to both sides of the body. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment has been confirmed through a 36-month follow-up.
Researchers found a link between smoking, coffee consumption, and lower Parkinson's disease incidence. Higher dopamine levels in the brain may explain why people with these habits are less likely to develop Parkinson's.
Scientists have identified a tobacco compound that may explain why smokers are less vulnerable to Parkinson's disease. The naphthoquinone derivative works by interfering with an enzyme in the brain that breaks down neurotransmitters.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression have lower levels of a certain brain protein, leading to less 'plastic' brains. Researchers hope to improve current therapeutics by targeting the cascade of events responsible for phosphorylating this protein.
A study by Wake Forest University researchers found that the longer heart surgery takes, the more tiny particles of fat enter the bloodstream and circulate to the brain, blocking tiny blood vessels. This can cause brain deficits that may be permanent in ten to thirty percent of affected patients.