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.
A new family of molecules with high affinity to join imidazoline I2 receptors has been discovered, improving cognitive skills and biomarkers in murine models. The study presents a novel structure-activity relation for these receptors.
A new study reveals that Toxoplasma gondii parasite alters the behavior of microglia, leading to a loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain. This can result in seizures, personality changes, and vision problems, similar to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers argue that psychedelic drugs can have therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions. Brain imaging has shown that psychedelics activate specific receptors in the brain, leading to long-term changes in brain functioning and anatomy.
Researchers at Shinshu University School of Medicine have developed a non-invasive method to predict intracranial pressure (ICP) by measuring the brain's natural resonance frequency (NRF). The NRF is strongly correlated with ICP, allowing for accurate predictions without inserting a catheter or sensor inside the skull.
A new study suggests that the brain uses multiple sources of sensory information, including vision and posture, to control movement. When visual cues are distorted or removed, the intensity of muscle stretch reflexes is reduced.
A new study reveals how Big Dynorphin binds to the ASIC receptor, causing pain signals. The discovery could lead to a new type of painkiller medicine, potentially reducing the risk of opioid-related adverse effects.
Research reveals stress induces structural changes in mice by halting GluA1 protein production, affecting neuron communication. Astrocytes' branch retraction impacts neurotransmitter release and neural function.
Numerical competence in animals affects various aspects of their lives, including hunting, finding food, and attracting mates. Researchers believe that this ability plays a crucial role in an animal's chance of survival.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a complex array of sensory nerve endings in the lower colon that can detect sensory stimuli and communicate with the spinal cord. This breakthrough could lead to new medications to treat disorders related to gut-to-brain communication.
Researchers found that birds with larger brains, like crows or gulls, can thrive in cities due to their intelligence. Conversely, small-brained species like pigeons succeed through frequent breeding attempts, prioritizing future reproductive success over present survival.
A large study published in Neurology found that taking a low-dose aspirin daily does not reduce the risk of thinking and memory problems caused by mild cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimer's disease. The study involved 19,114 participants and was supported by various funding sources.
Researchers at MDC found that mice detect warmth and cooling with the same acuity as humans, relying on a population of neurons increasing activity during warming. Blocking neural pathways associated with warming reveals perception is diminished but not gone.
A team of biologists and engineers used computer simulation to explore the core brain-body question of how different-sized limbs and muscles perform identical fine-motor tasks. They found that sensory feedback is crucial for controlling body movement, particularly in electric fish.
Researchers from UNIGE used a database of over 100,000 people to study the relationship between physical and cognitive abilities after 50 years of age. They found that cognitive decline precedes physical activity, suggesting prioritizing brain exercise may slow down an inevitable decline.
A study by York University researchers found that the brain's representation of the back and palm of the hand are different. The perceived width of the back of the hand changes depending on its orientation, but the palm's size is accurately judged.
A recent study examined the association between sleep-disordered breathing and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in older adults. The research revealed a significant link between the two conditions, with those with sleep-disordered breathing showing higher levels of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that an immune reaction in the brain adds fuel to the fire of inflammation, leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The microglia cells' activation of inflammasomes makes degradation of Aß proteins more difficult, creating a devastating process.
Researchers analyzed the skull of 'Little Foot', a 3.67 million-year-old Australopithecus species, to understand its lifestyle. The study found that 'Little Foot' had head movements different from modern humans and could climb trees regularly.
Researchers used electroencephalography to monitor brain activity while participants made decisions. Weaker alpha waves indicated resisting the bias, while stronger waves signaled succumbing to it. This study demonstrates that neural signals can predict individual biases in perception.
A study using time-resolved EEG data found that neural representations of moving objects are activated earlier than visual input, suggesting the brain uses predictive neural mechanisms to compensate for lag times. This compensation enables faster processing of real-time events.
Research finds that the dorsal attention network (DAT) and default-mode network (DMN) are anti-correlated, with suppressed activity during unconscious states. The study uses fMRI data to uncover temporal circuits of brain activity supporting human consciousness.
Sandia National Laboratories has received funding to develop a patient-friendly brain imager that uses quantum sensors for more accurate and accessible measurements. The new system aims to enable people with chronic pain and motor disorders to participate in MEG scans, improving the accuracy of diagnoses.
Critically ill patients on mechanical ventilators who listened to slow-tempo music had decreased need for sedatives, fewer days of delirium, and were more awake. The study suggests that music may be a non-pharmacologic treatment option for delirium.
A preliminary study found that people who engage in regular physical activity have bigger brains than their inactive peers. The results showed that those who were most active had larger total brain volume, equivalent to nearly four years of brain aging slower, compared to the inactive group.
Purdue University researcher Alexander Chubykin is working on developing new biomarkers to diagnose autism and schizophrenia. He believes understanding how the brain predicts future events can help individuals with these disorders better navigate their environments and manage sensory overload.
Researchers found that interferon triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions leading to synapse loss and neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The study also suggests that blocking the IFN-triggered cascade could potentially reduce microglia activation and synapse loss.
Researchers have uncovered neural mechanisms that govern complex motor sequences in fruit flies, revealing the importance of spatial comparisons in decision-making. The findings could lend insight into pathologies such as Parkinson's Disease and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
A new computer model developed by MIT cognitive scientists can quickly generate a detailed scene description from an image, similar to the brain's ability. The model, known as efficient inverse graphics (EIG), reverses the steps used in computer graphics programs to generate images, allowing it to infer underlying features of a scene. ...
Researchers at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that participants' eye movement patterns could predict mistakes in memory. They used an innovative eye tracking technique to map the participants' eye movements and observe pattern completion.
A recent study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can negatively impact insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism when consumed with carbohydrates. The researchers believe this is due to the gut generating inaccurate messages about calorie availability, which can lead to negative effects on brain function and body response.
A study of 754 participants found that specific gene variants on chromosomes 1 and 5 were associated with higher levels of tau protein in the brain. These variants were present in around 2-3% of the group, leading to about 10% higher tau levels than those without.
Researchers found that oxytocin levels are increased in groups experiencing conflict and influences the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to a desire for revenge when attacked by an outside group. The study suggests that this process may contribute to conflict contagion among entire groups.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Adelaide Fringe festival plays a crucial role in building the state's social capital, helping to combat 'brain drain'. The festival achieves this through placemaking, regeneration of urban spaces, and creating vibrant experiences for residents and visitors.
Researchers found that a protein called FRX1 functions in an amyloid form in healthy brains, contradicting the idea that only diseased brains store amyloids. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
A new blood test detects abnormal tau protein accumulation, differentiating healthy participants from those with Alzheimer's pathology and predicting disease progression. The test shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study has found that the loss of RNA editing in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Molecular Brain, replicated this process in mice and discovered it led to the loss of synapses, a key feature of the disease.
A recent study published in Neurology found that individuals who follow a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, and soy have a lower risk of ischemic stroke. The study, which followed two groups of people from Buddhist communities in Taiwan for an average of six years, also found a significant reduction in overall stroke risk.
A study by Northwestern University found that people with better cardiovascular health in their 20s are more likely to have higher scores on thinking and memory tests, even after adjusting for education level. The researchers also found an association between better cardiovascular health and improved cerebral autoregulation.
Researchers at UCSF successfully transplanted stem cells into fetal mice carrying a genetic mutation that causes MPS7, a disorder affecting enzyme production. The treatment improved survival rates and helped sustain the fetus through birth, with potential benefits for related metabolic disorders.
A novel nanoelectronics device has enabled brain neurons and artificial neurons to communicate with each other over the internet. This breakthrough study shows how three key emerging technologies can work together: brain-computer interfaces, artificial neural networks and advanced memory technologies.
A research team led by Dr. Segrey Kasparov has identified a new signaling system in the brain that regulates blood flow, or perfusion, and improves brain function. This discovery opens up new possibilities for regulating blood pressure, particularly in cases where it occurs without an obvious reason.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland analyzed data from 1.4 million births and found that quitting smoking during the first trimester reduces low birth weight risk but doesn't fully prevent smaller brain size and body length issues. The study highlights the importance of quitting smoking before pregnancy to minimize lo...
Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that nicotine increases craving for benzodiazepines, known as benzos, in rats, leading to increased consumption. Boosting a specific protein KCC2 appears to restore normal brain function and decrease benzo consumption.
Researchers applied machine learning to decompose faces into components, revealing a mixture of low- and medium-complexity cells. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain processes complex visual information related to face recognition.
A preclinical study suggests that targeting overactive immune cells in the brain can limit brain cell loss and reverse cognitive and motor difficulties caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice treated with an experimental drug recovered markedly better than control mice, showing less tissue loss and improved motor and cognitive per...
New preclinical research suggests that targeting overactive immune cells can improve traumatic brain injury recovery and modulate chronic neurotoxic effects. The study found that a therapeutic strategy to inhibit microglia cells after TBI led to better motor and cognitive performance in mice.
Researchers have found that autoantibodies against the NMDA receptor can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when they enter the brain. The level of these autoantibodies increases with age and is higher in people subjected to chronic stress, but may also play a positive role in reducing depressive symptoms.
A recent animal study found that adding L-serine to the diet of vervets exposed to cyanotoxin BMAA significantly reduced signs of ALS-like pathology. The study provides a promising model for understanding ALS development and potential treatments.
The study found that higher intakes of fibre and fruit were linked to a lower risk of ischaemic stroke, while eggs were associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke. The researchers recommend increasing fibre and fruit consumption to reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke.
A new study suggests that mechanical clot removal alone may be as effective as combining it with IV clot-busters for treating acute strokes. The approach resulted in lower rates of brain bleeding and similar disability levels compared to the combination treatment.
Researchers successfully treated brain aneurysms using a robotic system, enabling precise stent and coil placement. The technology has the potential to deliver rapid care through remote robotics, improving patient outcomes and expanding access to cutting-edge care.
A new study suggests that a common blood-clotting agent may be effective in treating bleeding stroke, with researchers noting a trend towards reduced hemorrhage expansion in patients treated promptly. Further trials are underway to confirm these findings and explore the potential for this treatment to enter routine clinical practice.
A follow-up study of the Wingspan stent suggests it is safe and effective for reducing recurrent stroke risk, with a long-term one-year rate of 8.5% compared to 20% in another trial. The study follows 152 patients treated with the stent according to FDA guidelines.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees can find objects in the dark based on past experiences, a phenomenon called cross-modal recognition. This ability allows bees to form mental images of shapes despite limited sensory input.
A study found that over 97% of authors failed to provide raw data despite requests from editors, leading to rejected manuscripts. To address this issue, experts propose that journals require the deposition of raw data in publicly available databases or on journal websites.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute will employ a nematode worm model to understand how serotonin modulates brain states and behavior. They aim to map out which combinations of serotonin receptors mediate its effects on behavior and analyze how serotonin alters whole-brain activity.
Research confirms lower 0.25mg/kg dose of tenecteplase is appropriate for eligible stroke patients, reducing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and improving blood flow in rural centers. The study found no advantage to increasing the dose beyond 0.25mg/kg and provides reassurance about a window of safety.
Researchers developed a non-invasive wearable device that increased physiological brain activity near injured areas in chronic ischemic stroke survivors. The device produced significant improvements in motor function, as measured by functional MRI, and treatment effects persisted over three months.
A global collaboration of over 150 scientists has released a blueprint for more complete brain wiring diagrams, aiming to improve understanding of brain disorders. The initiative seeks to share thousands of datasets and leverage technology to facilitate discoveries in neuroscience and medicine.
A new study has found that the effectiveness of health messages in reducing risky drinking among young adults is linked to brain activity. The research used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain synchronisation while participants watched real-life health advertisements about alcohol use.