Study: Rapamycin prevents age-related brain vascular deterioration
Researchers found rapamycin modifies blood flow and cognitive decline with aging. The study provides evidence that TOR drives loss of synapses and cerebral blood flow during aging.
Brain
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New 'bike helmet' style brain scanner used with children for first time
Researchers have successfully used a new 'bike helmet' style brain scanner with young children for the first time, measuring brain activity during natural activities. The technology enhances Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study healthy brain function and neurological conditions in children.
WVU's RNI first in US to use deep brain stimulation to fight opioid addiction
The RNI is conducting a clinical trial using deep brain stimulation to treat patients with treatment-resistant opioid use disorder. The trial aims to investigate the mechanism of addiction in the brain and potentially provide a new tool to help those severely impacted by opioid use disorder.
Critical protein that could unlock West Nile/Zika virus treatments identified
Researchers at Georgia State University have identified the critical protein Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), which plays a significant role in triggering an immune response to viral infections. The study found that ZBP1 is essential for restricting West Nile and Zika virus replication, preventing severe disease outcomes.
How much do we lie when we have sex on the brain?
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people are more likely to change their attitudes and engage in deceptive self-presentation when they are sexually primed. Participants who were exposed to sexual stimuli were more likely to express agreement with a contrary opinion and conform to a stranger's...
Stressed to the max? Deep sleep can rewire the anxious brain
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that deep sleep can calm the anxious brain by reorganizing connections. Participants who got more nighttime deep sleep experienced lower anxiety levels the next day, suggesting a strong causal connection between sleep and anxiety.
Complex society discovered in birds
Researchers found multilevel societies in a population of over 400 adult birds, with stable membership and associations between groups based on preference. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of complex societies and provides clues about the mechanisms underlying social behavior.
Gene variant may help protect against Alzheimer's disease
A new study identified a gene variant that may delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Carrying two copies of the APOE3ch variant may limit tau pathology and neurodegeneration, allowing individuals to age with fewer cognitive impairments. Researchers hope this finding can lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Daylight Saving Time has long-term effects on health
Daylight Saving Time transitions can have lasting impacts on health, causing biologic clocks to become desynchronized and increasing the risk of heart attacks and ischemic strokes. Average sleep duration shrinks by 15-20 minutes during DST, potentially leading to fatal accidents.
Complex society discovered in birds
Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.
Screen-based media associated with structural differences in brains of young children
A new study finds that preschool-age children with higher screen time have lower white matter integrity and lower scores on language and literacy measures. The researchers suggest that parents set appropriate limits on technology use to support healthy brain development during early childhood.
Flotillin is a novel diagnostic blood marker of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers found that serum flotillin levels significantly decrease in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD compared to non-AD controls. Flotillin levels are also negatively associated with brain amyloid deposition, indicating its potential as a blood biomarker for early AD diagnosis.
Slow-wave sleep critical to brain's automatic 'self-rinse' cycle
Researchers found that slow-wave sleep triggers waves of cerebrospinal fluid that flush out toxic metabolic waste products from the brain. This process supports memory processing and consolidation, and may be crucial for preventing neurodegeneration and diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why music makes us feel, according to AI
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity and physical responses while listening to music, finding that dynamic variability, new instruments, and complexity levels stimulate emotional responses. The study also found a correlation between specific musical notes and emotions.
Engineers and biologists together to study microbiota-gut-brain axis
The Politecnico di Milano has established two new laboratories, MINERVA and ATHENA, to study the microbiota-gut-brain axis. These labs will develop organ-on-a-chip devices that model in vitro the organs involved in this complex interaction.
Study results may provide a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a link between the brain's extracellular matrix and Alzheimer's disease, finding that elastin-like polypeptides increase amyloid-beta peptide accumulation in cell and animal models. This discovery offers new insights into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Immune 'control switch' could prevent brain injury in premature babies
A team of international researchers has identified a potential treatment for reducing brain injury in premature babies by targeting hyperactive microglia with a drug that activates the Wnt signalling pathway. This approach may help protect white matter and prevent long-term memory problems associated with preterm birth.
Artificial networks shed light on human face recognition
A new study reveals that human brains process faces in a similar way to artificial intelligence systems, with unique activation patterns playing a key role in recognition. The researchers found parallels between the human visual system and deep neural networks, which can improve face recognition capabilities.
How will your thinking and memory change with age?
A study found that childhood thinking skills are associated with improved performance on cognitive tests at age 70, even after accounting for education level and socioeconomic status. Participants with amyloid-beta plaques in the brain scored lower on cognitive tests, but this was not linked to sex or other factors.
Name that tune: Brain takes just 100 to 300 milliseconds to recognize familiar music
The human brain can recognize a familiar song within 100 to 300 milliseconds, with rapid pupil dilation and cortical activation related to memory retrieval. The study suggests that the brain's temporal circuitry is fast and efficient in recognizing familiar music, which may have implications for music-based therapeutic interventions.
Milken Institute projects doubling of Americans living with dementia
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias is projected to nearly double to nearly 13 million over the next 20 years. Women will shoulder more than 80 percent of the cumulative costs, with 4.7 million women expected to have dementia by 2020.
Whether a fashion model or not, some body image concerns are universal
Researchers found that fashion models and women from the general population shared similar body image concerns, with thighs and tummies being top areas of focus. The app Somatomap showed promise in helping doctors diagnose and treat eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorders.
Ground-breaking work improves understanding of brain function
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding brain function by studying the role of lactate in memory formation and learning. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, used a novel technique to produce three-dimensional models of astrocytes, revealing their complex structure and metabolic coupling with neurons.
Compact depth sensor inspired by spiders
Researchers developed a compact depth sensor inspired by jumping spiders' impressive depth perception. The metalens sensor combines with an ultra-efficient algorithm to measure depth in a single shot, enabling applications in microrobots, small wearable devices, and virtual/augmented reality headsets.
Biomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hair
A study found that a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormal hydrogen sulfide levels in the brain, which can act as a biomarker. Higher than normal levels of the enzyme Mpst were detected in postmortem brains and hair follicles from people with schizophrenia.
$5 million in federal funding to help patients with urea cycle disorders
A $5 million federal grant will support research into urea cycle disorders, which can cause hyperammonemia and seizures. The study aims to investigate long-term organ damage, academic achievement, and neurologic complications in patients with the disorder.
A possible gut-brain connection to 'chemo brain'
Scientists at Ohio State University are studying the potential link between chemotherapy treatment and cognitive problems in patients. Researchers have found that manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemo may partially reverse side effects such as fatigue and weight loss.
Pathogenic tau and cognitive impairment are precipitated by a high-salt diet
A high-salt diet can cause cognitive impairment by activating a pathway in the brain that leads to tau protein clumping, according to a new study. The researchers found that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain, but rather to the accumulation of tau protein aggregates that interfere with brain cell function.
Expecting the unexpected: A new model for cognition
Researchers developed a computer model inspired by biological brain mechanisms to predict and recognize new information, enabling robots to mimic behaviors. The model may help reveal the cognitive underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder, where individuals tend to minimize error and prefer repetitive social interactions.
High-salt diet promotes cognitive impairment through the Alzheimer-linked protein tau
A high-salt diet may negatively affect cognitive function by causing a deficiency of nitric oxide, which is vital for maintaining vascular health in the brain. This can lead to the accumulation of tau deposits, contributing to dementia and cognitive impairment.
Gut instincts: Researchers discover first clues on how gut health influences brain health
Scientists have identified a link between gut microbiota and brain cell communication, revealing altered gene expression in immune cells that disrupts learning processes. Restoring gut microbiota at birth rescues learning deficits, suggesting early-life signals play a crucial role.
Exposure to environmental PCBs impairs brain function in mice
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) impairs brain function in mice by activating pathways that neutralize toxins and causing oxidative stress in astrocytes. This study suggests a potential contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders.
A blood factor involved in weight loss and aging
Researchers at Institut Pasteur have identified GDF11 as a blood factor involved in weight loss and aging. The study shows that GDF11 mimics the benefits of calorie restriction, inducing metabolic changes and promoting neurogenesis in the brain.
Twin study shows what's good for the heart is good for the brain
A recent twin study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found a strong correlation between good cardiovascular health and improved cognitive function. The research suggests that adopting an ideal lifestyle with low CVH scores may not only reduce heart disease but also lower dementia risk.
Using the gut-brain connection to impact brain health and disease
Studies show intestinal bacterial imbalance linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease and traumatic brain injury. Probiotics may improve brain function by altering the gut microbiome, reducing amyloid beta plaque and memory deficits.
AI rivals expert radiologists at detecting brain hemorrhages
A new AI algorithm developed by UCSF and UC Berkeley outperformed two out of four expert radiologists in detecting tiny brain hemorrhages on head scans. The algorithm achieved exam-level accuracy, tracing detailed outlines of abnormalities within the brain's three-dimensional structure.
Study suggests a new way to think about the brain's link to postpartum depression
Research in animals shows that chronic stress during pregnancy triggers an immune response in the brain, leading to potential changes in brain functions. The study found that stressed rats showed evidence of neuroinflammation and increased activity levels of microglia, suggesting a link between gestational stress and postpartum depress...
New therapeutic strategy may help reverse autism behavioral abnormalities
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new therapeutic approach to treat symptoms associated with PTEN deficiency, which is linked to autism and other neurological disorders. The treatment targets the mTORC2 complex and has shown promising results in reversing behavioral abnormalities and reducing seizures in mice.
The brain's favorite type of music
Listeners prefer songs with balanced uncertain expectations, suggesting a 'reward for learning'. Medium complexity musical fragments with counterbalancing uncertain and predictable events yield the highest preference ratings.
Metabolic disturbance in the brain exacerbates, may forewarn Alzheimer's pathology
Research reveals a connection between Alzheimer's disease and metabolic disturbances, including glucose resistance and abnormal sleep patterns. Introducing ApoE2 into cells expressing ApoE4 may reduce metabolic deficiencies, supporting cellular functions and energy metabolism in the brain.
New NIH BRAIN Initiative awards accelerate neuroscience discoveries
The NIH BRAIN Initiative has awarded over 180 new projects to accelerate neuroscience discoveries, including developing neural circuit tools, studying non-neuronal cells, and analyzing complex data. These advancements aim to improve treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke.
Make some noise: How background noise affects brain activity
Researchers found that brain actively filters out background noise, with fluid outdoor sounds causing the largest effect on focus. The study uses wearable EEG technology to measure brain activity in different environments, paving the way for more realistic neurotechnology design.
Evidence of behavioral, biological similarities between compulsive overeating and addiction
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that chronic cyclic pattern of overeating can reduce the brain's ability to feel reward, leading to compulsive eating behaviors. The study suggests that future treatments should focus on rebalancing the mesolimbic dopamine system.
Smoke signals: Study shows path linking nicotine addiction to increased risk for diabetes
Researchers discovered a brain circuit linking cigarette smoking to type 2 diabetes, showing that nicotine consumption leads to reduced insulin release and higher blood sugar levels. The study found that variations in the Tcf7l2 gene may influence both tobacco addiction and diabetes development.
Cultivating joy through mindfulness: An antidote to opioid misuse, the disease of despair
A new study published in Science Advances shows that MORE, a mind-body therapy, decreases brain's response to opioid-related cues while increasing its response to natural rewards. Participants reported enhanced joy, less pain, and improved psychological health after treatment.
A rat's brain, on and off methamphetamine
Study reveals substantial changes in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism, the nervous system, and cell membrane lipid metabolism during methamphetamine self-administration and withdrawal. Biomarkers such as depleted amino acids may help identify early warning signs of methamphetamine dependence.
Monkeys can also thank their body for vocal development, not only their brain
Researchers found that marmoset monkeys' vocal development changes are driven by local bodily solutions rather than brain control. This discovery suggests that the body can make local problems-solving decisions without relying on the brain, saving energy and simplifying motor control.
'I predict your words': that is how we understand what others say to us
A recent study published in eNeuro has shown that our auditory system and brain can make predictions about words in complex, uncertain, and noisy situations. The study used electroencephalography to analyze the brain waves of volunteers listening to unknown syllables, revealing a phenomenal ability to detect errors in predictions.
Mindfulness meditation training alters how we process fearful memories
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that mindfulness meditation training enhances the ability to recall a 'safety' memory, leading to reduced fear and anxiety. The researchers used MRI scans to examine changes in the brain associated with attention and memory following mindfulness meditation training.
Study suggests a protein could play key role in neurodegenerative diseases
Researchers found that protein TET2 plays a key role in regulating the immune response generated by microglia in inflamed brains. This discovery may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
New findings about mechanisms regulating brain inflammation
A recent study has identified a key regulator of microglia function during inflammation, which could become a significant component in treating neurodegenerative diseases. TET2 protein modulates the immune response generated by microglia cells in the brain under inflammatory conditions.
'Whoa, I didn't expect that'
Researchers investigate how 9-month-old babies process novel information using EEG. They find that the theta rhythm is sensitive to unexpected outcomes, suggesting it plays a key role in encoding new information. The study's findings have implications for understanding infant learning processes.
More aggressive blood pressure control benefits brains of older adults
A major study published in Circulation shows that more aggressively controlling daily blood pressure in older adults can improve brain health by reducing the accumulation of white matter lesions. Researchers found that intensive blood pressure therapy reduced these lesions by up to 40% and lower cardiovascular events, making it a safer...
Receptor complexes on the assembly line
Researchers identified a step-by-step assembly process of AMPA receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum, critical for excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The assembly line involves specific proteins and complexes, and its disturbance leads to severe brain dysfunction.
Happy, angry or neutral expressions? Eyes react just as fast
A study by Dr Louisa Kulke found that reflex eye movements are independent of facial expression and occur just as quickly. The researcher used a combination of eye-tracking and EEG to investigate attention shifts during emotional face processing.
Overcoming the blood-brain-barrier: Delivering therapeutics to the brain
Scientists have developed a simple way to transport medication into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The new technique uses engineered particles that can be packed with drugs and delivered through an intravenous injection, offering a minimally invasive solution for treating neurological disorders.
Musical perception: nature or nurture?
Research by Juan Manuel Toro and Carlota Pagès Portabella finds that musical training alters how humans perceive music. Brain scans reveal trained musicians distinguish between different types of musical irregularities, while untrained listeners do not.
Brain scans may provide clues to suicide risk
Researchers have identified brain circuitry differences associated with suicidal behavior in individuals with mood disorders. The study found that those with a history of suicide attempts showed less connectivity in the cognitive control network and between it and the default mode network.
New research raises important questions on how mental illness is currently diagnosed
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry highlights the need for individualised approaches to defining mental illness. The researchers found that compulsive behaviour maps onto cognitive flexibility better than expert-assigned diagnoses.
UBC study finds siblings of problem gamblers also impulsive, prone to risk-taking
A new UBC psychology study found that biological siblings of people with gambling disorder exhibit markers of increased impulsivity and risk-taking. The research suggests people with gambling disorder may have pre-existing genetic vulnerabilities to the illness.