Articles tagged with Brain
The fasting-mimicking diet reduced Alzheimer's pathology in mice, including amyloid beta and tau protein levels, and showed less brain inflammation. Mice on the diet also performed better on cognitive tests, with some showing improved performance comparable to non-Alzheimer's mice.
Researchers have discovered that two mouse genes, inherited from ancient viral infections, help defend the brain against new bacterial and viral infections. The genes, Rtl5/6, are carried by all mammals and were preserved in the genome for over 120 million years.
A new study proposes reducing toxic proteins in the blood as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By doing so, it aims to improve memory and learning capacity, as well as correct cognitive impairments. The next step is to test this treatment at a clinical level.
Researchers discovered that humans automatically integrate extralinguistic information into grammatical processing, improving communication. The study used EEG data from 37 native Russian speakers, finding both linguistic and extralinguistic features processed simultaneously.
A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.
New research shows that COVID-19 infections can lead to a range of neurological complications in the first year after infection, including strokes, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and found that COVID-19 survivors were at increased risk of developing the...
Researchers suggest special blood vessels called 'retia mirabilia' reduce brain pressure pulses, preventing damage. Computer modeling supports theory, which could be applied to other animals and humans.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine are conducting a five-year study to assess the tradeoffs between soccer's aerobic brain benefits and the adverse effects from heading. The study will enroll 280 young men and women and investigate whether soccer's aerobic benefits counterbalance the damage sustained from heading.
Researchers found a specific CAPRIN1 gene mutation linked to impaired protein production, leading to autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, language impairments, and muscle weakness. The study also identified similar symptoms in patients with early-onset ataxia and myasthenia.
A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.
Researchers discovered a genetic connection between individuals with a predisposition to smoking and poorer outcomes after an ischemic stroke. A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that people genetically predisposed to smoke had a 48% greater risk of poor recovery, supporting the theory that smoking causes worse stroke recovery.
Researchers at Cornell University have created smart microrobots that can walk autonomously using electronic brains. The robots, powered by photovoltaics, feature a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) clock circuit and platinum-based actuators. With this innovation, scientists can track bacteria, sniff out chemicals, destroy...
Neuroscientists at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that individual neurons in the visual cortex of mice are modulated separately by attention and running. The study found that spatial attention and running influence neurons independently, with different dynamics.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a previously unknown barrier that separates the bloodstream from smelling cells in the upper airway of mice, which may hinder the effectiveness of vaccines. The BOB barrier also allows antibody-secreting plasma cells to produce neutralizing antibodies locally.
Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.
A mutation in the SHMOOSE protein is associated with a 20-50% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease across four cohorts. The researchers suggest that targeting SHMOOSE may prove beneficial in neurodegenerative and other diseases of aging.
The grant aims to disrupt systemic barriers hindering underrepresented groups' participation in the life sciences. Northwestern will hire 15 new tenure-track faculty and deploy innovative strategies to ensure their success.
A new approach to making nanocarriers for drug delivery features a soft, fat-like liposome interior surrounded by a hard shell of gold nanoparticles. The hybrid nanocarriers are designed to transport medicine across the body's blood brain barrier, a major hurdle protecting the brain from pathogens.
A pooled data analysis found that deep brain stimulation reduced OCD symptoms by 47% and improved substantial outcomes in two-thirds of participants. This treatment approach showed promising results in addressing severe OCD with substantial improvement in approximately half of the patients.
The study proposes a model to understand the complications caused by zika virus infection during pregnancy. The researchers found that zika virus alters protein expression in neural cells, affecting energy production and RNA metabolism, which can lead to defective myelination and microcephaly.
A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.
A team of researchers from Japan successfully reconstructed common brain input signals from the firing rates of neurons using a method called superposed recurrence plot. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and potential treatments for mental health disorders.
A mutation in the TMEM163 zinc transporter gene has been definitively linked to hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, a rare and often fatal neurological disorder. The study's findings provide new insights into the role of zinc in normal brain development, injury, and disease.
Paleontologists at the University of Malaga have found that humans uniquely combine increased brain size with a juvenile cranial shape. The analysis of four new hominid fossils and modern great ape samples shows changes in cranial development, including a negative growth of the neurocranium and a positive growth of the splanchnocranium.
A new UCLA study reveals a link between REM sleep duration and body temperature in animals, suggesting that REM sleep acts like a 'thermostatically controlled brain heater'. This challenges popular views on the role of REM sleep in learning and emotional regulation.
Scientists at University of Utah Health discovered that a fungus that causes fungal meningitis shrinks in size to better infect the brain. The 'seed' cells, which are smaller and have unique features, can colonize other organs and spread infection. Research suggests that phosphate may trigger this transformation.
A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...
Scientists found that adolescent rats consuming low-calorie sweeteners like saccharin and stevia exhibited long-term impairments in memory. The researchers used real-life conditions and multiple low-calorie sweeteners to determine the effects on brain function and reward-motivated behavior.
The University of Ottawa-led team aims to bridge the gap between heart and brain health by developing new diagnostic tools and treatments. They will focus on improving patient outcomes for disorders linked to both organs.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that children exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to exhibit increased signs of psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. The study, which followed over 10,500 children, revealed no significant changes in psychiatric condition rates as they aged into adolescence.
A new study from Harvard University identifies the genes and genetic sequences that orchestrate the formation of the human pelvis during pregnancy. The research shows that key pelvic features form around 6- to 8-week mark, including a curved and basin-like shape.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that music can reduce the likelihood of critically ill, mechanically ventilated older adults developing delirium. Music exposure was associated with improved post-ICU brain health and reduced risk of death.
Researchers found avian neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neurons due to smaller size and efficient energy usage. This surprising finding sheds light on the evolution of intelligent bird brains.
A new study published in Cell Reports has identified the molecular pathways responsible for reduced seizures during fasting. The researchers found that amino acid sensing plays a critical role in the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures, suggesting targeted dietary strategies may be effective for patients without DEPDC5 mutations.
Researchers found that a common autism screening test consistently excludes more women than men from research studies, creating a 'leaky pipeline' for diagnosis and treatment. This bias is attributed to the test's origins in male-dominated samples, which may not accurately capture female phenotypes.
A review of evidence found that 2-3% of monkeypox patients experienced severe complications such as seizure or encephalitis. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety were also common among infected individuals.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool to calculate harmful effects of medicines, reducing risks of confusion, blurred vision, and falls. The International Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Tool (IACT) provides a more accurate scoring system, supporting personalized medicine approaches.
A new study reveals how the C. elegans worm integrates environmental cues and internal states to guide food-seeking behavior, highlighting a potentially universal mechanism for nervous system integration. The research team found that internal states, such as hunger, can influence the expression of key smell receptors in sensory neurons.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that bursts of gamma frequency rhythms in the prefrontal cortex coordinate neural representation of information held in mind, reducing variability with focused thinking. This challenges a long-held orthodoxy on how neurons maintain working memory information.
A recent ECU study discovered that tRNS can enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new pathways and connections. This technology has shown promise as a tool to assist individuals with learning difficulties or neurological conditions.
The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.
Research linked blood type to early-onset stroke risk in young adults under 60. People with blood type A had a 16% higher risk, while those with blood type O had a 12% lower risk of having an early stroke. The study suggests potential new ways to predict and prevent strokes in young adults.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that brains synchronize in similar ways during cooperative online gaming, leading to better performance and increased empathy. The study used brainwave synchronization measurements to investigate the connection between inter-brain synchronization and game performance.
A new study identifies how the suppression of a specific transcription gene triggers changes that impair oligodendrocyte function in Huntington's disease. The researchers believe replacing or fixing defective glia cells may prove a far easier proposition than replenishing neurons lost in the disease.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that a 20-minute non-invasive treatment regimen can improve both short-term and long-term memory in individuals 65 years and older. The treatment involves electrical brain stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes, and its effects were observed to last at least one month.
Researchers at UCSF found that eye movements during REM sleep are coordinated with the direction of gaze in the virtual dream world. This suggests that dreams may be a way for the brain to integrate information gathered throughout the day and create a 'perfectly harmonious fake world'.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new pathway that could help prevent Alzheimer's dementia. Increasing the clearance of waste products in the brain by ramping up a genetic quirk known as readthrough may be effective for other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.
A new wireless sock monitoring system reduced fall rates among 'fall-risk' patients by zero falls, compared to a historical rate of 4 falls per 1,000 patient-days. The system uses pressure sensors and interrelated devices to detect patient attempts to stand up and alert nurses through a notification system.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that a lack of sleep reduces the desire to help others, with real-world consequences. The study assessed brain activity in healthy volunteers and tracked online behavior over three nights, revealing a significant decrease in charitable giving after a night of no sleep.
Research found that sleep deprivation dampens activity in social cognition brain network and is associated with reduced altruism. A 10% drop in donation amounts was observed after losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time.
A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.
A new study published in Current Biology reveals that fruit flies' brains encode sweet and bitter tastes differently than expected, with some overlap in neural activity. This finding has implications for understanding the importance of taste in survival and potentially shedding light on human pleasure.
Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that certain compounds in coffee can directly affect high-sensitivity nicotine receptors in the brain, potentially reducing morning cravings. The study provides a good foundation for further research into nicotine withdrawal and its effects on the brain.
Researchers have developed a tiny EEG cap for brain organoids, enabling 3D recording from the entire surface. This innovation expands what can be accomplished with organoids and holds promise for reducing animal testing in chemical toxicity studies.
Researchers found that frogs with few predators rely on escape strategies with large brains and conspicuous coloration, while those with many predators use camouflage with smaller brains. This study establishes a link between brain evolution and predator evasion strategies.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method for studying Huntington’s disease by reprogramming skin cells into aged neurons. The results show several defects that explain some of the disease mechanisms in neurons from patients with Huntington’s disease, including problems with protein breakdown and recycling. This innova...
Researchers at Northwestern University found that a thermometer-like brain circuit promotes midday siestas on hot days. The study, which used fruit flies as a model organism, identified absolute heat receptors in fly heads, leading to increased midday sleep in flies and potentially humans.
Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.