Research on how the brain is built and how it governs body and behavior. Covers neural circuits, sleep, sensory systems, brain structure, and the brain-body connection.
Researchers created a comprehensive map of the mouse brain using artificial intelligence and analyzed over 2.3 million individual brain cells. The findings help understand how genes are switched on and off to form different cell types, shedding light on human diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new deep-learning method, DFINE, can accurately decode brain signals in real time while handling randomly missing signals, enhancing neurotechnologies. This breakthrough advances brain-computer interfaces for treating various neurological and mental health conditions.
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have developed a portable, non-invasive system that can decode silent thoughts and turn them into text. The technology has been shown to achieve state-of-the-art performance in EEG translation, with an accuracy score of around 40% on BLEU-1.
Researchers used NIRS to track oxygenated hemoglobin levels in infant brains responding to gentle touch. They found similar response times across age groups, but varying signal amplitudes that may be linked to changes in blood flow and erythropoietin production.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed virtual reality goggles for mice, allowing them to study responses to overhead threats for the first time. The new system enabled more accurate and precise neural circuitry analysis by simulating natural environments, reducing training times compared to traditional VR systems.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified a new source of stem cells in the brains of patients with brain injuries, which could lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders. The discovery involves specific astrocyte cells that exhibit properties of neural stem cells and can be regulated by a protein called Galectin 3.
Scientists at ETH Zurich successfully navigate gas-filled microbubbles through the brain's blood vessels using ultrasound, offering a potential breakthrough in delivering medications to specific areas. This technology could revolutionize treatments for cancer, stroke, and neurological conditions.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
The study used various tests to analyze the memory performance of jackdaws, finding that their performance decreased when working memory demands increased. The researchers found that corvids, like humans, show reduced accuracy and biased representations when working memory demands are high.
Scientists developed an AI method to track neurons in moving and deforming animals using convolutional neural networks with targeted augmentation. This breakthrough reduces manual annotation efforts by three times, enabling faster analysis of brain activity in model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans.
Researchers have developed a treatment that partially restores lost brain function in mouse models of stroke using metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 inhibitors. The treatment improves somatosensory functions, which are lost in around 60% of stroke patients, and can be initiated several days after the stroke.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that accurately predicted improvements in brain health using neural biomarkers. The study achieved 90% accuracy and confirmed a functional relationship between the BrainHealth Index and neural markers.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, influences mood disorders. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus may help prevent depression and anxiety by regulating immune response to stress.
Researchers found that brittle stars, brainless marine creatures, can associate darkness with food and react accordingly, demonstrating classical conditioning. They retained this association even after a break from training, suggesting potential learning capabilities in these animals.
A new study reveals that female fruit flies exhibit states of persistent aggression, similar to human anger, and identify cell types contributing to this behavior. The researchers found that a specific cell type, aIPg, can cause flies to remain angry for up to 10 minutes, but other factors may also be involved.
Research reveals that brain inflammation is the primary cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, including irritability, agitation, and anxiety. The study found a strong association between microglial activation and neuropsychiatric symptom severity, suggesting new pathways for therapy development.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that subtle ear sounds can be decoded to pinpoint where someone's eyes are looking. By analyzing these sounds, the team was able to estimate the movement of the eyes and predict what the waveform of the ear sound would look like.
Researchers found that acoustic stimulation improved postconcussive symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury, although the benefits were largely sustained. The study's results suggest that listening to acoustic stimulation based on brain electrical activity may not improve symptoms more than randomly generated sound sti...
A recent study of 7,000 older US residents found that food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as poorer memory function and accelerated memory decline. The researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity may have benefits for brain health.
A team of researchers, including York University, used a mouse model to test how the brain learns new sensory input patterns. They found that the brain's response to image patterns that violate expectations evolves differently over time, suggesting a distinct role in sensory learning.
Researchers found interactions between aged red blood cells and brain capillaries can lead to cerebral microbleeds. The study may offer new therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of conditions like hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and ischemic stroke.
A team of international experts is pushing for evidence-based policy making by investigating the neural mechanisms underlying social media usage. Current studies have shown that excessive use can affect brain systems related to motivation, emotion, and cognition.
A Northwestern University study identified a brain pathway that responds to rapid thermal change in fruit flies, priming behavior for escape. The researchers found that flies react more quickly to rapid heat changes than slow ones, and that this reaction is mediated by a specific circuit in the fly brain.
New research reveals a cocktail of approved drugs can quickly reduce brain swelling and improve outcomes in animal models of brain injury. The study suggests reopening lymph nodes as an emergency pressure release valve for the brain, addressing cerebral edema as the leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
Tau protein forms nano-biomolecular condensates that dynamically cluster recycling synaptic vesicles, influencing synaptic function. This study highlights the importance of protein mapping in understanding neural transmission and synaptic plasticity.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation over the first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This allows for division into different groups with distinct disease trajectories and prognoses, enabling personalized trea...
Researchers have discovered the temporal structure of hippocampal ripples, a type of brain wave associated with memory consolidation. The study uses topological data analysis to classify these ripples and predict their generation by different regions of the hippocampus, offering new insights into episodic memory formation.
The UTSA MATRIX AI Consortium has received a $2 million grant to create new AI models that rapidly learn, adapt, and operate in uncertain conditions. The team aims to bridge the gap between human brain processing efficiency and current AI limitations, enabling more efficient and adaptive AI systems.
Researchers developed prodrugs that temporarily incorporate thyroxine or a thyroxine-like molecule to enhance brain drug delivery. These prodrugs were efficiently delivered into glial cells via the OATP1C1 transporter, targeting chronic inflammation in the brain.
A study found that women using oral contraceptives had a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex than men, which is thought to sustain emotion regulation. The effects of COCs on brain development and emotional regulation are still not well understood, highlighting the need for further research.
New experiments by Bar-Ilan University researchers suggest dendritic trees, not neuronal somas, are responsible for many brain features. This reevaluation could impact research on degenerative diseases and the origin of sleep and awake states.
Two preliminary studies presented at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 found a potential association between regular marijuana use and an increased risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Daily marijuana use was associated with incident heart failure in a study involving over 150,000 adults in the US.
A team of neuroscientists and physicists at Princeton University studied the brain of Caenorhabditis elegans to understand how information flows through a network of interacting neurons. They used optogenetics to activate individual neurons and observe how other neurons responded, shedding light on the complex neural connections.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people living in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods are less likely to receive clot-busting medications or undergo clot-removing procedures after a stroke. This disparity was attributed to socioeconomic factors, with those from higher-status areas receiving more tr...
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that prior adversity exposure alters adult brain reactivity and increases susceptibility to mental health problems. This study may help identify how adversity impairs coping mechanisms and produces enduring mental health issues.
Researchers at MIT and MGH have developed a closed-loop system that monitors brain state to tailor propofol dose and achieve exactly the desired level of unconsciousness. This technology enables more than 18 hours of fine-grained consciousness control, reducing postoperative cognitive side effects in vulnerable groups.
New research from Aalto University reveals that sleepiness during virtual meetings is caused by mental underload and boredom. Highly engaged individuals stay active even in virtual settings, while those with low work engagement find them tiring.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that receiving clot-busting drug treatment in a mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting strokes and complete recovery compared to standard hospital emergency care. Patients treated by an MSU had faster treatment times, with nearly one-third recovering within 24 hours.
A nationwide study by Radboud University Medical Center found that approximately 32 patients in the Netherlands are in a minimally conscious state after severe brain injury. These patients were on average 45 years old and showed signs of consciousness, such as following simple commands or showing emotions.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.
Researchers found changes in microglial cells, a specialized subset of immune cells, that may worsen schizophrenia risk in adolescents. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that THC exposure during adolescence can lead to long-lasting negative effects on brain development and function.
Brazilian researchers found that Zika-infected mice with microcephaly have lower Ndel1 enzyme activity, which plays a key role in neuron differentiation and migration. The study suggests that Ndel1 may be a biomarker for early diagnosis of microcephaly and offers hope for treatment options.
A study by Duke neuroscientists found that curiosity increases people's patience for an answer while making them more eager to hear it. Curiosity also motivated viewers to withhold from hitting the 'spoiler' button and kept watching animated line-drawing videos unfold.
A new study has identified specific genes associated with diet and brain structure in kingfishers, which are capable of diving at high speeds. The findings suggest that these birds have evolved unique traits to protect their brains from concussive forces.
The WVU School of Medicine and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will support clinical trials and engineering technology development. The project aims to improve care and rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders through novel physician-engineer programs and human research.
Researchers used behavioral and live brain imaging studies to understand why food-sated fruit flies avoid cooler temperatures. They found that insulin signaling modulators play a key role in regulating thermosensation under different feeding states.
A smart brain-wave cap can diagnose stroke in ambulances, allowing for prompt treatment and potential lifesaving. The cap uses EEG tests to recognize large ischemic strokes, directing patients to specialized hospitals for mechanical removal of blood clots.
Researchers found that players with visible signs of concussion experienced greater head rotational velocities. Shoulder-to-head impacts were nearly four times more common than board-to-head impacts, highlighting the need for improved rink design and protective equipment to reduce any contact to the head.
Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.
Researchers found that ordinary sleepers can pick up verbal information and respond to it by contracting facial muscles, even during most stages of sleep. The study suggests that standardized communication protocols may be possible with sleeping individuals to better understand mental activity changes during sleep.
Fruit flies use a unique toggle-switch in their brains to switch between solo and mating songs, exchanging information through dialogue. Researchers decoded the tiny brains' behavior using neural imaging and AI, providing insights into complex brain decision-making.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.
Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...
Researchers present a groundbreaking approach to create detailed neuronal models that can represent individual cells or predefined types, offering insights into biophysical properties and generalizability. The workflow uses evolutionary algorithms and open-source tools to optimize model parameters and achieve high similarity scores.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A significant breakthrough sheds light on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, revealing that mitochondrial DNA damage triggers the spread of debilitating symptoms. The researchers' findings offer promising potential for innovative treatments and diagnostics.
Researchers found that fly brain uses a three-step computation to distinguish motion patterns, dividing the workload across multiple levels. This approach helps flies detect even slight changes in motion and stay on course.
A recent study analyzes snake brain morphology to shed light on their early evolution and adaptability. The research reveals that early snakes were fully adapted for underground living but displayed versatile behaviors, reflecting differences in diet and environment.
Researchers have created the first-ever map of a single animal's early visual system, reconstructing it from the eyes to neurons in a tiny parasitic wasp. The study reveals complex behaviors such as flight in an insect with just 8,600 cells compared to the human brain's 171 billion.
A new review suggests that dietary lipids, particularly phospholipids, hold great promise in preventing brain aging and cognitive decline. Plasmalogen, a nutrient found in the postsynaptic membrane of neurons, shows promising results in alleviating cognitive impairment associated with aging.