Articles tagged with Brain
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study reveals that brain lateralization is essential for the emergence of left-to-right spatial-numerical associations in newborn chicks. Strongly lateralized chicks showed a clear preference for selecting food from the left, while weakly lateralized chicks had no consistent directional preference.
Two Hebrew University researchers, Dr. Anat Arzi and Dr. Ariel Goldstein, have received prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their innovative research on the dynamics of brain activity and neural basis of language generation. Their work aims to advance our understanding of transitions between unconscious and conscious states and the fou...
A UNIGE team has discovered a 9,000-year-old quartz knapping workshop in Senegal, providing new insights into the stone-knapping techniques used by West Africa's last hunter-gatherers. The findings suggest technical similarities among these communities and potential shared traditions.
A new study using two-photon microscopy shows that brief interruptions in brain capillary flow can cause rapid drops in oxygen levels, potentially leading to tissue damage. The research found that even minor stalls can lead to significant hypoxia, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted blood flow to the brain.
A team developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) neuron that perceives dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. The device demonstrated synaptic plasticity, integrate-and-fire dynamics, and spike tuning, mirroring biological neurons' behavior.
Researchers developed a safe method to obtain prefrontal cortex biopsies during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in living patients, demonstrating no increased risk of adverse events or cognitive decline. The study's findings establish the safety of this approach and open up new avenues for neuroscience research.
Scientists have discovered that tiny brain vessels pulse to regulate blood flow through bursts of contraction and relaxation. The research reveals that these bursts originate from the walls of small arteries and spread through the vascular network in short intervals, providing insights into how the brain regulates its blood supply.
Researchers created a comprehensive brain-wide activity map of decision-making in mice, revealing that signals are distributed across multiple brain regions. The study challenges traditional hierarchical views and highlights the importance of prior expectations in guiding behavior.
Researchers analyzed 139 neuroimaging studies on cognitive conflict tasks across 3,765 participants aged 5-85, revealing an inverted U-shaped lifespan developmental trajectory in brain activities associated with cognitive control. The peak age of brain activity was found to be between 27 and 36 years.
A new exosome-based therapeutic agent has been developed to treat traumatic CNS injuries, alleviating neuronal apoptosis and restoring glial homeostasis. The treatment, SeNExo, promotes neuronal repair and reduces oxidative damage, showing potent therapeutic benefits in mouse models.
Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.
Despite long-held assumptions, a new study reveals that the brain's somatosensory cortex holds a stable 'body map' even after limb loss. The findings have significant implications for treating phantom limb pain and restoring sensation in prosthetic limbs via brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers at Beijing Tiantan Hospital developed a one-stage hybrid operation to treat hypervascular CNS tumors, achieving high rates of gross-total removal and improved neurological function. The technique combines embolization and resection in a single procedure, reducing intraoperative bleeding risk and operative time.
Aging is harsh on the hippocampus, a region responsible for learning and memory. Researchers at UCSF identified protein FTL1, which slows cognitive decline in mice by increasing metabolism. Treating with a compound that stimulates metabolism prevents these effects. The study offers hope for therapies to block FTL1's impact.
Researchers found that brain areas typically involved in hand tool use are still active when individuals use their feet, indicating a more flexible organization. This organization can arise without typical motor experience, providing evidence for action-type as a core driving factor in motor organization and development.
Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist at Baycrest, has been elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences for her ground-breaking research on brain processing and cognitive decline. Her work aims to advance health outcomes for Canadians through innovation and equity in science.
A recent study by researchers at The University of Osaka discovered the crucial role of DNA repair enzyme Polβ in safeguarding the developing brain from harmful mutations. Accumulation of indel mutations near CpG sites may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study finds structural abnormalities in the brain and poorer motor function among NYC children exposed prenatally to chlorpyrifos. The findings are associated with progressively greater alterations in brain structure, function, and metabolism.
Researchers found that the ketogenic diet improved memory and learning abilities following status epilepticus by reducing neuroinflammation through NF-κB signaling pathway suppression. The study suggests that the ketogenic diet may protect the brain and restore cognitive function in individuals with epilepsy.
Researchers identify key symptom categories and biomarkers for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain condition. Clinical manifestations suggest the presence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis through NMDA antibody checks, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-related hormones.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new microscope system that can visualize metabolic and neuronal activity in brain tissues with unprecedented depth and precision. The system uses sound waves to detect molecular activity, enabling the imaging of individual cells in dense brain tissue.
A study found that aging selectively degrades essential DNA- and RNA-binding proteins, contributing to neurodegenerative disease hallmarks. This impairment triggers the decline of proteostasis, leading to protein aggregation and age-related brain changes.
A new study reveals that the brain has distinct regions for processing 'things', such as rigid objects, versus 'stuff', like liquids or sand. These findings may help the brain plan interactions with different materials, similar to artificial physics engines used in video games.
A UNIGE team has identified a new brain mechanism responsible for modulating sensory signals. This discovery reveals a previously unknown form of communication between the thalamus and somatosensory cortex, which could explain perception variations and open up new avenues for understanding mental disorders.
Researchers developed a personalized brain stimulation system powered by AI to safely enhance concentration from home. The system, which uses non-invasive brain stimulation and adaptive AI, showed significant improvements in sustained attention and learning abilities.
The Living Brain Project at Mount Sinai has collected over 300 brain tissue samples, revealing that 80% of genes exhibit different expression levels in living versus postmortem brain tissue. This challenges decades of neuroscience research based on postmortem samples.
Researchers grew a 'whole-brain' organoid with neural tissues and rudimentary blood vessels, opening possibilities for studying neuropsychiatric disorders. The multi-region brain organoid retained a broad range of neuronal cell types and formed electrical activity, allowing for real-time study of neurodevelopmental disorders.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
Researchers developed a novel fabrication technique that sidesteps traditional etching by applying a soft PDMS mask during insulation. This approach achieved uniformly exposed tips with minimal residue, resulting in excellent signal clarity and structural reliability.
Researchers used IntelliCage to assess spontaneous behavioral changes in a mouse model of schizophrenia, finding increased hyperactivity and exploratory behavior after treatment with MK-801. However, cognitive flexibility was impaired, suggesting schizophrenia-like behaviors.
Researchers at USC have developed a new understanding of how the human brain organizes its visual memories by sorting them into categories. The study, published in Advanced Science, used human patient brain recordings and machine learning to decode the category of visual image being recalled from precise neural timing.
A systematic review identified 112 studies on implantable brain-computer interfaces, which decode brain signals to control devices. The analysis found that iBCI technologies are being used to control robotic prosthetic limbs and digital technologies, but clinical outcomes were highly mixed.
A specific 'anti-reward' brain circuit becomes hyperactive during cocaine withdrawal, driving discomfort and pushing users back toward the drug. However, this circuit may also serve as a protective mechanism, potentially helping to develop new therapies targeting emotional pain of withdrawal.
Researchers found that map-making brain cells in the hippocampus are activated differently even when navigating a static environment, shedding light on how the brain processes spatial memories. The study's findings could have profound implications for understanding memory, learning, and aging.
Researchers found that astrocytes maintain optimal levels of GABA to enable neural groups to process visual information efficiently. Knocking out Gat3 in mice impaired neuron coordination and reduced ensemble activity, highlighting the importance of astrocytic regulation.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that 44% of autistic teens can mask their diagnosis in school settings, showing faster brain responses to faces and reduced emotional reactivity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better support for these teens.
The brain processes visual information in rapid snapshots roughly eight times per second, resolving competition through rhythmic switching between competing inputs. This 'attentional sampling' mechanism is a fundamental solution to the deep problem of cognition's neural implementation.
Researchers identify two human brain genes that contribute to brain size and synapse signaling in zebrafish, providing a roadmap for discovering more genes. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding language disorders and autism.
Leading media voice on health, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, and innovative Stanford cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Joseph Woo, join the American Heart Association's volunteer Board of Directors. They bring clinical leadership, scientific innovation, and health media influence to intensify efforts to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
A new study from UC San Francisco challenges the traditional view of how the brain strings sounds together to form words and orchestrates the movements to pronounce them. The brain relies on a wider network of neurons across many brain areas, centered in the middle precentral gyrus, to coordinate speech-motor sequencing.
Long-haul COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome share similar pathophysiologies, including oxidative stress, autoantibodies, and impaired mitochondrial energy conversion. These conditions also exhibit neurodegenerative outcomes, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of dementia.
A small collection of neurons in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus, acts like a 'memory reset button' during meaningful changes. This region predicts later memory separation and influences the hippocampus to map experiences. Chronic stress may weaken this neural signal.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered a key neuroendocrine pathway underlying the seasonal shift in insect reproduction. The brain peptide corazonin plays a suppressive role in reproduction under short-day conditions, allowing insects to prepare for winter.
A recent Northwestern University study analyzed brain tissue from 174 donated brains, including some from former amateur football players. The researchers found no elevated levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is often associated with CTE and normal aging.
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe to visualize AMPA receptors on living brain cells, revealing that new receptors are inserted from inside the cell during long-term potentiation. This breakthrough allows for rapid study of synapse strength and plasticity, shedding light on memory formation and learning.
Researchers developed a low-radiation dose imaging protocol and a deep learning model to generate vital blood flow maps for assessing stroke patients. The innovation slashes radiation exposure by over 80% compared to current methods, making stroke diagnosis safer and more accessible.
A research team led by Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute is working on a technique that uses focused ultrasound to deliver creatine directly to the brain. This method aims to restore normal brain mass in models of creatine deficiency, which can impair brain development and lead to severe cognitive challenges.
Dr. Xuyu Qian's pioneering research using MERFISH technology created an unprecedented developmental atlas of the human cerebral cortex, analyzing over 18 million single cells. His work aims to identify mechanisms disrupted in conditions like malformations and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons born later in brain development mature faster than those produced earlier, ensuring a balanced neural network. This regulation is controlled by genetic mechanisms and may contribute to developmental disorders.
Rice University professor Lei Li has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop wearable medical imaging technology capable of visualizing deep tissue function in real time. The project aims to miniaturize hospital-grade imaging systems into compact, energy-efficient wearables.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that neurons in mice brain rewire and refine their connections to integrate visual signals from both eyes over a 10-day period. The researchers found that only 40% of the initial synapses survived, with 24% added and 27% removed, indicating an extensive process of synaptic turnover.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have identified proliferating neural progenitors in the adult human hippocampus, confirming ongoing neuron formation. This discovery has implications for understanding brain changes during life and developing regenerative treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
New research suggests that blurry, color-limited vision in early childhood can contribute to the development of key brain pathways. The study proposes that such limited vision allows the brain to specialize in certain processing units, which later develop into distinct pathways for color and fine spatial detail.
A comprehensive study protocol has been developed to investigate pregnancy-related stroke risk factors and long-term implications for mothers and their children. The nationwide multicenter study aims to identify key risk factors associated with ASPP and assess its impact on offspring.
Dr. Danielle Beckman's research uses animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease. Her work has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes.
Scientists have developed a new multiscale modeling approach that can simulate how microscopic changes affect macroscale brain activity. The framework successfully predicted the effects of anesthesia on synaptic receptors, bridging the gap between molecular and whole-brain levels.
Researchers used advanced neuroimaging and the Julich-Brain Atlas to identify specific brain networks linked to psychopathy, finding reduced volumes in multiple regions including basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex. This study advances research on neuropsychobiological correlates of aggression.
A study in mice reveals that only 40% of synapses survive during critical development, with active spines more likely to endure. Clustering of spines also emerges, allowing them to combine activity and enhance visual processing.
Researchers have discovered that multimodal pain integration in the brain significantly enhances overall pain perception when participants are instructed on how to perceive the pain. The precuneus region of the brain plays a vital role in integrating pain information into a cohesive and intensified pain experience.
A study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that newborn babies and patients with Alzheimer's disease share elevated levels of phosphorylated tau, specifically p-tau217. In newborns, this protein reflects a healthy mechanism for brain development, while in Alzheimer's patients, it indicates disease progression.