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 have found that our brains use the same cognitive processes to identify both real and imagined human faces. This 'face pareidolia' allows us to quickly detect faces in objects like the moon or cheese on toast, but also enables us to analyze their expressions.
A new study reveals that microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, play a crucial role in regulating brain wiring by sculpting inhibitory neurons. The research showed that microglia interact with GABA-emitting inhibitory synapses through direct physical contact, a process enabled by advanced imaging techniques.
Researchers discovered how flies choose their food based on neural activity and hunger levels, with findings that may apply to human food choices too. Hungry fruit flies prefer sweet, nutritious food over lower-calorie options when hungry, but adapt their preferences when presented with novel foods.
The National Institutes of Health has funded a new predoctoral training program at Penn State to train graduate students in neural engineering. The program aims to encourage collaboration among STEM students and faculty interested in brain function and brain disorders.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC and CBD affects the development of mice's brain, leading to impaired response to fluoxetine. The results suggest caution when using CBD during pregnancy.
Researchers have discovered the crucial role of astrocytes in closing the period of brain plasticity following birth. Transplanting immature astrocytes into adult mice has been shown to reintroduce brain plasticity, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for rehabilitation after brain lesions or neurodevelopmental disorders.
The study reveals that feedback to the primary visual cortex (V1) is necessary for segregating figures from the background, a crucial function of our vision. Disrupting this feedback renders objects invisible, highlighting its importance in figure-ground perception.
Neuroscientists at UCL have identified abnormalities in the way memories are 'replayed' in the brains of people with schizophrenia. The study found that individuals with schizophrenia were less able to build a structure of the task, with impaired neural replay linked to their symptoms.
A new study found that a special type of brain training based on neurofeedback enables people with attention deficit disorder to improve their ability to concentrate. The training is linked to an enhanced response from the brain's P3 wave, which reflects integration of information in the brain.
The study seeks to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with infection in Alzheimer's disease development. Researchers will analyze the role of peripheral and brain infections using transgenic mice, human samples, and novel in vitro techniques.
A human endogenous peptide called LL-37 has been identified as a powerful blocker of toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which are responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests that this naturally occurring molecule could be a safe and effective therapy to slow down the progression of the disease.
A new class of illusion, Scintillating Starburst, illustrates how the brain connects dots to create a subjective reality. Researchers found that contrast, line width, and number of vertices contribute to stronger and more vivid rays.
Amblyopia researcher Mark F. Bear receives a $100,000 grant to develop a new treatment approach based on synaptic plasticity principles. The therapy aims to 'reboot' a formerly deprived eye, restoring vision more fully than traditional patch therapy.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that disulfide bonds on certain amino acids stabilize tau protein, leading to its accumulation and triggering neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study suggests that targeting these chemical groups may lead to novel treatments to reduce or prevent tau accumulation.
Researchers led by Katie Baldwin found that the loss of hepaCAM disrupts astrocyte territories and gap junction coupling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells. This study has implications for understanding MLC and other neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.
A study published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for primary lung cancer is associated with a lower risk of developing brain metastases. Researchers identified 1502 participants diagnosed with lung cancer between 2002 and 2009, where LDCT screening was detected versus other meth...
Astrocytes play a key role in forming synapses between neurons. A new study has discovered that hepaCAM, a crucial protein, is essential for their communication and coordination. Lacking this molecule, astrocytes fail to form connections, leading to brain disorders like epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute have published high-resolution images of TRPM5, a taste-sensing molecule that may serve as targets for new medications to control blood sugar in diabetes. The findings also reveal potential applications for low-calorie alternative sweeteners that mimic sugar.
A new study reveals that inhibitory neurons increase signal transmission by targeting the weakest-responding neurons in the brain, enabling flexible information transfer. This discovery could help understand and treat disorders such as anxiety and attention deficit disorders.
A new AI model can quantify individual deviations from typical aging trajectories in patients with mild cognitive impairment, indicating potential for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study found that the model's predicted age difference was significantly associated with cognitive decline and progression to Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that trying more than one time to remove blood clots during endovascular treatments for ischemic strokes was associated with increased disability and brain damage. Researchers suggest aiming for a single attempt at removal with new devices, highlighting the need for further development.
A new review suggests chronic psychosocial stress contributes to Alzheimer's development by impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. Genetic factors influencing this axis may also affect inflammation, further increasing disease risk.
The study revealed that natural melatonin is linked to a pre-hibernation state that allows mice to slow down their metabolism and survive when food is scarce. Melatonin-producing female mice also enter a state called daily torpor, a low-power mode similar to hibernation that conserves energy.
A three-year study found significant changes in brain connectivity in older adults with subjective cognitive decline, which may predict dementia. The study suggests that brain alterations underlie the experience of decline and could emerge before cognitive assessments detect a deficit.
Training stroke survivors to walk at a faster speed can help improve the brain function that enables people to walk and perform another task simultaneously. Advanced brain imaging found changes in the brain consistent with adaptations necessary for controlling gait in complex environments, supporting the findings.
The study found that gantenerumab reduced amyloid plaques, lowered soluble tau and phospho-tau levels, and slowed neurofilament light chain rise in participants with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease. The drug showed potential benefit as a secondary endpoint.
Researchers have discovered a link between ADORA2B protein in red blood cells and age-related cognitive decline. The study found that mice lacking ADORA2B exhibited accelerated aging, including poor memory and hearing deficits.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the transport of omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier. The study revealed the structure and function of a protein called MFSD2A, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential fatty acids to the brain.
A reduced dose of gadobutrol was found to be non-inferior to the standard dose of gadoterate for contrast-enhanced brain MRI in patients undergoing multiple examinations. The study demonstrated equivalent efficacy for lesion detection and delineation.
Scientists at IBEC successfully controlled neuronal activity in the human brain using a light-responsive molecule named PAI. This breakthrough study demonstrates spatiotemporal control of brain state transitions, opening up new avenues for basic neuroscience research and potential brain therapies.
Despite miniature brain size, baby orb weavers can create complex webs identical to those of adults. The study suggests flexibility in spider behavior despite neurological limitations.
Researchers have discovered a huge diversity of alternative splicing combinations in the human brain, allowing for adaptation to specific requirements. New glutamate receptor variants, some with potential new functions, were identified using bioinformatic methods.
Researchers analyzed visual complexity of written language in 47,000+ characters from 133 scripts, finding large scripts have more complex characters and complexity driven by linguistic units, not evolutionary change.
Researchers at Dartmouth College discovered that the brain uses a 'steadycam' strategy to stabilize visual experience, perceiving frames as stationary even when they're clearly moving. This 'paradoxical stabilization' effect creates the illusion of stable images, similar to how our brains discount motion in everyday life.
A longitudinal study found that youth football players experience a significant positive association between changes in head impact exposure and abnormal findings on brain imaging studies. The researchers also discovered that variations in head impact exposure metrics differed from year to year and between athletes.
A consensus statement by a US expert panel suggests that strict rest after a sports-related concussion can slow recovery and prolong symptoms. Most athletes will recover fully within 2-4 weeks, but factors such as previous concussions, loss of consciousness, and underlying conditions may complicate recovery.
Researchers linked repeated head impacts in youth football with changes in brain imaging, highlighting the need for reduced head impact drills during practice. The study used diffusion tensor imaging and biomechanical data from helmet-mounted sensors to examine the effects of head impacts on young athletes.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identified APOE4 as associated with the activation of an inflammatory protein that causes a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems. The study suggests a potential treatment targeting this pathway could slow down or prevent cognitive decline in...
A study by Van Andel Institute and Roche suggests that chronic gut inflammation may propel processes in the body leading to Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that gut inflammation triggers protein clumping in the colon and brain, which can clog molecular machinery and lead to Parkinson's symptoms.
A deep neural network model accurately predicts brain age with a mean absolute error of 4.6 years based on EEG data, and its results show correlations with diseases such as epilepsy, stroke, and sleep-disordered breathing. The study suggests that these conditions are associated with deviations in predicted age from chronological age.
A national panel of experts recommends recognizing seven major modifiable risk factors for dementia and taking steps to lower risk through medication, lifestyle changes, and interventions. By controlling vascular risk factors, people can preserve cognitive function and reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Researchers discovered weaker gamma brain waves in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy peers. This finding suggests a potential new way to diagnose these conditions and may lead to earlier intervention.
Researchers have identified a new gene mutation responsible for non-familial cerebral cavernous malformation cases. The MAP3K3 c.1323C>G mutation is found in almost all patients with type II CCM lesions, allowing for potential targeted treatment without surgery.
A new study identifies ten-eleven-translocation 1 (TET1) as a necessary component of myelin repair in adult brains. Higher TET1 levels are needed to form functional myelin in response to injury, which declines with age.
Researchers found that secondary infections trigger a heightened brain immune response, affecting memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. This over-response leads to knock-on effects on brain rhythms and cognition, similar to acute psychiatric disturbances like delirium.
A new study published in Trends in Cognitive Science argues that recent research does not challenge free will. The article highlights computational modeling and data analysis challenges to the idea that electrical activity in the brain indicates a lack of free will.
Researchers discovered two types of nerve cells in the vagus nerve control center that adapt feeding behavior and blood sugar levels differently. The first type detects stomach stretch, while the second type senses chemical signals from food, influencing appetite and glucose metabolism.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an algorithm that can remove electrical artifacts from brain signals, enabling simultaneous recording and stimulation in deep brain stimulation devices. This breakthrough could lead to more effective DBS therapy with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a new autonomous robot called EVA, which uses artificial intelligence to teach itself how to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions. This technology has the potential to improve interactions between humans and robots in various settings, such as nursing homes and factories.
Researchers have discovered that tabernanthalog (TBG) rapidly corrects stress-induced behavioral deficits and promotes neuronal regrowth in mouse brains. TBG lacks toxic and hallucinogenic effects of ibogaine, making it a promising potential treatment for mental health conditions.
A new study found that the brain's neural representation of a familiar face strengthens faster when viewing someone in person. The type of exposure affected how much the signal changed, with in-person interactions strengthening it the most.
Researchers found that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly lower dementia risk for those at higher risk due to a family history of dementia. Participants who followed more healthy behaviors had lower rates of familial dementia and were less likely to develop dementia overall.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a cell division machinery in fruit flies that produces brain cells, revealing a mechanical cycle involved in differentiation. The study provides insights into brain development and potential regenerative therapies for injuries.
Researchers found altered connectivity in brain networks associated with goal-directed behaviour and increased executive network activity in women at risk of postpartum psychosis. This could offer a vital marker for resilience to relapse, enabling earlier intervention.
A new study using fruit flies has uncovered the mechanism behind a gut hormone's role in inducing cravings for protein-rich foods. The research found that CNMamide, released by enterocytes in response to protein deprivation, conveys nutrient status to the brain, triggering a desire to consume essential amino acids.
Researchers at UC Davis found a link between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to polluted air accelerated Alzheimer's disease characteristics in both rats with and without the risk gene.
Researchers found that two brain subnetworks are responsible for constructing and evaluating imagined scenarios, with the ventral network focused on vividness and the dorsal network on valence. This discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying imagination.
A new theory of dreaming proposes that our brains create strange dreamscapes to counteract overfitting by familiarizing themselves with everyday experiences. This 'overfitted brain hypothesis,' inspired by AI regularization techniques, suggests dreams serve a purpose in generalization and world understanding.
Researchers visualized and studied white matter pathways in human brains developing in the womb using advanced medical imaging. The study provides a detailed understanding of normal developmental trajectories of white matter tracts, which will help inform treatment strategies for diseases affecting preterm infants.
Researchers have successfully used a brain-computer interface to record brain signals associated with handwriting and create text on a computer in real time. The system allows individuals with severe speech or motor impairments to communicate rapidly and accurately, with a trial participant typing at a rate of 90 characters per minute.