Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers found that defective primary cilia can modulate connectivity between neurons during brain development and cause JSRD. Dysfunctional cilia affect axonal tract malformations in JSRD.
A study by University of Alberta chemists identifies CD33 protein as a factor that may decrease the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease. The most common type of CD33 protein plays a crucial role in modulating microglia function, which can protect against neurodegenerative plaques.
Eating added sugars during the holidays can trigger metabolic, inflammatory and neurobiological processes tied to depressive illness. A minimally processed diet rich in plant-based foods and Omega-3 fatty acids may help alleviate symptoms.
Researchers found that two identical triplets who shared the same DNA developed Alzheimer's at different ages, suggesting other factors contribute to its development. The study also discovered that environmental and lifestyle factors can affect an individual's biological age and potentially delay or accelerate dementia onset.
A study published in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence found that deep learning can improve MRI detection of ADHD by using a multi-scale approach to construct the brain connectome. This method provided significantly better performance than single-scale approaches, highlighting the predictive power of the brain connectome.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used targeted gene epigenome editing to reverse a genetic mutation causing WAGR syndrome, a condition leading to intellectual disability and obesity. The study suggests the potential for developing epigenome editing therapies to prevent brain developmental disorders.
A team of neurosurgeons has discovered the origins of the homunculus, a famous brain concept devised by Wilder Penfield. The study reveals that the iconic map was created from Edwin Boldrey's 1936 thesis, which analyzed electrical brain stimulations in human surgery.
A study of over 4,700 participants found a strong link between elevated sCD14 levels and increased risk of dementia, as well as brain atrophy and decline in executive functions. The researchers hope that sCD14 could serve as a useful biomarker for assessing cognitive decline and dementia risk.
A Stanford-led study found that children with Type 1 diabetes exhibit abnormal brain-activity patterns during cognitive tasks, which worsen with age. The study's findings highlight the need for improved blood glucose control through treatment devices to mitigate potential learning and behavioral issues.
A new Northwestern University study found that athletes across various sports have healthier brains due to enhanced processing of external sounds. Athlete brains minimize background noise, allowing for better sound recognition.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an artificial synapse that mimics the human brain's ability to create neuronal connections. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize AI and cognitive computing, enabling faster and more efficient processing of complex tasks.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.
Northwestern University scientists discovered genetic mutations in the Usp9x gene lead to reduced synapses and increased anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This research provides a crucial understanding of the biological basis of intellectual disabilities and mental illness, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Researchers found structural diversity in alpha-synuclein protein deposits associated with Parkinson's and MSA, revealing potential starting points for medicines. The study suggests that the variability of Parkinson's disease could be related to differences in the folding of aggregated alpha-synuclein.
A new pathway in the central nervous system removes brain waste substances through the creation of corpora amylacea (CA), aggregates formed by glucose polymers. CA acts as waste substance containers that are expelled from the nervous system and removed by the immune system.
Dr. Frost's team identified targets that can mitigate the spread of toxic proteins in the brain, aiming to intervene at the earliest stages of the disease. By preventing tau protein activation, her research holds promise for preventing memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers found that protein clumps in the brain are caused by transportation failures of proteasomes, a molecular machinery that breaks down proteins. Without proper transport, damaged proteins accumulate and disrupt cell function, leading to degeneration and cell death.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that humans form mental representations of uncertainty by integrating incomplete sensory evidence into a larger context. Participants predicted the likelihood of future events based on contextual information, demonstrating a refined probabilistic representation of their environment.
A Columbia University study finds that serotonin is the chemical that drives a fly's startle response, causing it to freeze momentarily. The research provides insights into the biology of this ubiquitous phenomenon and offers clues about what may happen in human bodies when we get startled.
Renée Fleming, acclaimed soprano and neuroscience research advocate, will receive the Isadore Rosenfeld Award for her commitment to research advocacy at the intersection of music, brain function, and wellness. Her work with the Sound Health Initiative enhances public awareness about how the brain interacts with music.
A recent study explores how our brain fuses with musical rhythm and its relationship to spatial sound dimensions. Trained musicians' brains show stronger synchronization with rhythms, while untrained listeners also synchronize with the beat.
A Monash University study has made key discoveries into the role of gene expression in individual cell types of the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding non-neuronal cells in treating this devastating condition.
A team led by biomedical engineer Kam Leong has received a $3.2 million NIH grant to develop efficient, noninvasive gene editing methods for the brain. The goal is to overcome current inefficiencies in delivering CRISPR-based gene editing elements to the brain and treat devastating diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed models to identify internal states of the brain in fruit flies. By analyzing song patterns and behavioral changes, they discovered three distinct strategies - Close, Chasing, and Whatever - linked to specific neurons controlling these shifts.
Researchers exploring how chronic stress impacts brain function and increases risk of depression, finding link to complement system and inflammation in prefrontal cortex. Chronic stress may instigate destructive cycle leading to depression through immune response and inflammation.
The MIT researchers developed a bot equipped with artificial intelligence that can beat human players in tricky online multiplayer games where player roles and motives are kept secret. The bot uses deductive reasoning to identify friend or foe, ensuring victory over humans in certain games.
Research reveals that walking changes how we perceive our environment, especially in the peripheral visual field, which enhances processing for navigation. This shift in visual preference makes sense due to the role of peripheral input in tracking movement and direction.
A study found that ultrasound treatment can significantly improve hand tremors, disability, and quality of life in people with essential tremor. After three years, participants showed a 50% improvement in hand tremors, 56% reduction in disability, and 42% increase in quality of life.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have decoded how visual inputs alter the activity of compass neurons in fruit flies, maintaining an accurate sense of direction. By studying the brain's response to visual cues, the team found that R neurons inhibit compass neuron activity in a spatially specific manner.
Scientists discovered that AMPA receptors continually form and disintegrate within a fraction of a second, allowing for novel mechanisms of synaptic plasticity to occur. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for epilepsy by targeting specific subunit compositions in the brain.
Researchers used virtual reality to test how humans remember positions in space with distorted grid cell patterns. In trapezoidal environments, participants were worse at learning positions than in square environments, and their memories remained distorted even when no longer in the environment.
A study of over 1,000 elderly individuals reveals that statin use is not associated with memory loss or cognitive decline. In fact, statins may even slow down cognitive decline in individuals at risk of dementia.
A recent study published in Neuroimage found that inflammation specifically affects the brain's readiness to reach and maintain an alert state, leading to mental sluggishness. The research suggests that even mild illnesses can reduce alertness, and anti-inflammatory drugs may help preserve or improve cognitive function.
A new study finds that nearly half of 50- to 64-year-olds think they're likely to develop dementia, but only 5% have talked to a doctor about reducing their risk. Meanwhile, many use unproven tactics like supplements and brain games to stave off the disease.
Researchers found altered immune responses and sex-specific brain abnormalities in healthy pig offspring infected with Zika virus in-utero. The study suggests new strategies to prevent long-term effects of Zika infection.
Researchers are studying brain aging and dementia in 500 individuals born in 1946, using detailed assessments and brain scans to identify risk factors. The goal is to develop better preventative health strategies and improve clinical trials.
A new study reveals that intestinal stretch sensors uniquely stop hungry mice from wanting to eat, contradicting long-held assumptions about how we feel full. Researchers mapped the molecular and anatomical identities of vagal sensory cell types innervating the stomach and intestine, discovering that these stretch receptors are more po...
Researchers at Children's National Hospital aim to use mesenchymal stromal cells collected from bone marrow to promote brain growth and repair in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. The NIH-funded trial seeks to determine the safety of this treatment and set the stage for a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
A study published in Neurology found that adults with low levels of education and limited access to education were more likely to develop dementia. Adults who learned to read and write had lower scores on memory and thinking tests at the start of the study, but their test scores did not decline as rapidly as those who were illiterate.
A study published by Aalto University found that mothers with high pregnancy-related anxiety gave birth to babies who had reduced brain responses to sad-sounding speech. The effect was more pronounced in mid-pregnancy, suggesting a potential link between maternal anxiety and infant emotional development.
Anemonefish have a unique visual system that allows them to detect ultraviolet (UV) light, which may aid in finding both friends and food. This specialisation in the eye enables them to distinguish colour and see UV light, making it easier to navigate their environment.
A study published in the journal Science of Learning found that children's brains function similarly regardless of their gender when it comes to math skills. The research team, led by Jessica Cantlon, used functional MRI to compare brain activity in young girls and boys while watching educational videos on early math topics.
The Center for BrainHealth has awarded five scientists with innovative research grants to study brain health and performance. These studies aim to improve understanding of brain disorders and develop new treatments, including biomarkers for dementia and multiple sclerosis.
The Global Brain Health Leader Awards announce initiatives addressing dementia prevention, care and support in 14 countries. The awards span $675,000 funding to drive projects and research.
Researchers found that the brain activity patterns of individuals and their close friends show remarkable similarities when evaluating personality traits. This study utilized a round-robin design to analyze brain activity while participants evaluated themselves and others.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary has found that individuals with spinal cord injuries experience fatigue more than people without, with a nine times greater risk. The study also revealed that sleep-related breathing problems are associated with reduced brain health and increased risk of stroke in this population.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.