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 at Harvard Medical School have discovered a control mechanism in the brains of mice that ensures adequate blood flow to areas of heightened neural activity. The study found that arteries actively regulate neurovascular coupling and that the protein Mfsd2a plays a critical role in this process.
A new study by Yale researchers found that a brief introduction to mindfulness concepts can significantly reduce physical pain and negative emotions in people. The study's results showed that even when participants were subjected to high heat on their forearm, their brain responded as if it was experiencing normal temperature.
Researchers identified reduced brain activity in a specific left-brain area in individuals with face blindness, contrasting with normal activity in control subjects when viewing faces. The discovery provides new insights into the condition and may aid in developing treatments.
Scientists at Virginia Tech explore a novel approach to treat alcohol use disorder by using behavioral analysis and neuroimaging to understand decision-making processes. By pre-experiencing future events, individuals can mentally construct how they will feel, reducing the value they place on alcohol.
The research team identified Abl1 gene as a key player in the development of inhibitory neurons and sensory circuits. Inhibiting Abl1 expression led to structural defects in brain development, causing hypersensitivity and sensory-related side effects.
Researchers have discovered a promising molecule, BT13, that may slow or stop Parkinson's disease. By increasing dopamine levels and protecting brain cells, BT13 has shown promise in treating the condition.
Researchers found that subtle differences in cognitive performance can predict the progression of Alzheimer's disease, even before abnormal levels of beta-amyloid plaques accumulate. Low-cost, non-invasive cognitive testing can identify at-risk individuals, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention and clinical trials.
A new study by Brazilian researchers sheds light on astrogliosis, a common inflammatory process in brain tissue linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Human astrocytes created in the lab were found to exhibit impaired function and morphological changes after exposure to an inflammatory protein.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated subconcussive head impacts in soccer players, finding those who received heading shots performed worse on eye movement tests compared to a control group. The study suggests that such impacts may cause short-term effects on neuro-eye function.
Biologists from Bayreuth investigate the role of Mauthner cells in fish and amphibian species, revealing a strong hierarchical dependence on these cells for essential functions. The researchers discovered that Mauthner cells remain functional without their cell bodies, contradicting widespread assumptions about nervous system hierarchies.
Researchers uncover that neuronal necrosis occurs earlier in Alzheimer's progression than thought and identifies YAP as a key regulator. Early intervention with YAP supplementation can prevent neuron loss, restore cognitive function, and reduce beta-amyloid plaques.
Researchers propose a holistic framework for understanding how the mind adapts to situations, suggesting that changing states of mind exert coordinated effects on perception, attention, and behavior. By acknowledging and manipulating these dynamic states, individuals can improve performance and achieve a healthier state of mind.
A portable, low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system has been developed to provide safe and practical brain imaging at a patient's bedside, according to preliminary research. The device used 85 stroke patients, with most completing the exam in under 30 minutes, while factors like claustrophobia halted some tests.
Mobile devices have been found to be both reliable and accurate for making clinical decisions about administering IV thrombolysis in patients with acute stroke. This allows for increased neuroradiologist availability and the potential use of reperfusion therapies in resource-limited countries.
Researchers found a strong association between gum disease and large artery strokes, as well as severe brain blood vessel blockages. Gum disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by hardening of blood vessels.
Research found that optimistic patients had lower inflammation levels, reduced stroke severity, and less physical disability after three months. Optimism was linked to better disease outcomes, suggesting a positive environment can benefit recovery.
Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can observe the brain at the single-neuron level, allowing for better understanding of neural interactions. The device uses light to record individual neurons, capturing changes in brightness depending on activity, and transmits information wirelessly.
A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology has engineered a new chip that cultures the human blood-brain barrier in 3D, allowing astrocytes to function naturally. This improves the model's accuracy and opens possibilities for reliable research of the human blood-brain barrier.
A recent study has shown that microglia regulate forgetting in the adult brain by weakening and eliminating synapses connecting engram neurons. Inhibiting microglial activity or depleting them prevents forgetting, while intact microglia facilitate the dissociation of engram cells, leading to memory erasure.
Researchers developed an open-source app to interactively explore predictive algorithms for meningioma patients. The models effectively predicted outcomes in individual patients, but further refinements are needed using larger datasets.
A new study found that cluster headaches can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, with people missing an average of 16 sick days and 63 disability days per year. The study also revealed sex differences in the impact of cluster headaches on work capacity, with women experiencing more frequent and longer-lasting symptoms than men.
A new imaging system, Flyception2, has recorded ultra-precise brain activities in flies during various stages of mating, including courtship. The study reveals surprising findings about brain nerve cells' activity patterns, with P1 neurons inactive during copulation and mAL neurons switched on.
The EU-funded IN-FET project develops novel nanodevices to treat neurological diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's by modulating nerve cell activity. The project uses ion-based technology to correct hyper-excitability in brain cells, offering a natural approach to treating these conditions.
A Tufts University-led team discovered that embryonic brain signals direct the migration of immune cells to infection sites, significantly improving embryo survival rates. Without a brain, embryos are more susceptible to bacterial infections and succumb quickly.
A study on rats and mice found that early life experiences impact the brain's biological and functional development, leading to unique changes in memory formation. The researchers discovered that specific experiences during infancy mature learning and memory abilities, while others do not.
Researchers at Washington State University and UMass Amherst will explore the role of bacterial fragments in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. They aim to determine how these fragments affect brain functions, including sleep, cognition, mood, and appetite.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has shown that the human brain's ability to recall simple movements is significantly affected by previous actions. The research found that actual physical movement had a greater influence on success than mere observation, suggesting that consistent lead-in movements are crucial for optimal recall. T...
Researchers found that microglia, immune cells in the brain and central nervous system, encase macrophages, preventing them from dispersing into areas they shouldn't be. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children with dyslexia and math difficulties may struggle with visual processing, which can impact movement detection. Researchers used an app to investigate the issue, highlighting the importance of understanding individual learning challenges.
Researchers identified a tiny gene fragment impacting brain development and information processing in individuals with autism. The finding may lead to new treatments by targeting a specific microexon that contributes to social behavior and learning deficits.
A new study uses AI to analyze blood samples from 1969 patients with Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, detecting molecular patterns specific to these diseases. The algorithm reveals chronological changes in gene expression over decades, offering a long-term view of molecular changes underlying neurodegeneration.
Researchers have found that a hormone required for insect sexual maturity cannot freely pass through the blood-brain barrier unless aided by a protein molecule. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling mosquito populations and potentially boosting beneficial bee reproduction. The study's findings also suggest potential...
A team of researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute has completed the first MRI-based mapping of the squid brain in 50 years. They proposed 145 new connections and pathways, with more than 60% linked to vision and motor systems.
Emerging adult women who are at increased risk for STIs/HIV due to inconsistent condom use exhibit a decreased brain response to rewarding and motivational circuits to sexual cues. This contrasts with previous studies in men, where a heightened brain response was linked to greater sexual risk behaviors.
Researchers conducted a global census of diverse proteins on the outer membrane of cells, governing their interactions and assembly into organs. The study's agnostic approach revealed 20 new cell surface proteins important for brain wiring in fruit flies.
A protein complex of Teneurin, Latrophilin, and FLRT attracts neighboring neurons during development, enabling synapse formation and information exchange. In early brain development, however, the same proteins repel migrating nerve cells, guiding them to their target brain area.
A new UCI-led study reveals that early life adversity is directly linked to opioid addiction vulnerability by affecting brain development and function. The research highlights the importance of attention to sex differences in future studies and prevention strategies, which could help address the growing opioid crisis.
Immune cells facilitate glioblastoma growth by clearing necrotic areas while ignoring tumour cells. Researchers aim to train microglia and macrophages for tumour elimination through immunotherapy or other strategies.
A new study published in Neurology found that young black and Latino people are less likely to be disabled or die within three months after a hemorrhagic stroke. The study, which involved 418 participants, found significant differences in recovery rates among racial and ethnic groups.
Scientists have discovered a non-invasive technique that can successfully target both cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons, two major neurotransmitter systems affected by Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could lead to a more precise and effective treatment for the condition.
Glutamate molecules have unexpected qualities, researchers show with a new analysis method. The technique measures activity and quantity of glutamate in brain cells, shedding light on its role in neurological disorders and diseases. This breakthrough could help improve understanding of pathologies and deliver real benefit.
Researchers have identified a new protein called 'aggregatin' that accumulates in brain plaques and may be linked to Alzheimer's disease progression. Suppressing this protein could lead to future treatments aimed at slowing the disease's advance.
A new study suggests that reward only improves visual perceptual learning if participants follow up the task with sleep. The researchers found that reward reinforces neural circuits between reward and visual areas of the brain, which are then more likely to reactivate during sleep to facilitate task learning.
Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.
Researchers at University College London discovered a new mechanism that allows the brain to monitor its own blood supply, potentially leading to new treatments for hypertension and dementia. Astrocytes, specialized brain cells, act as blood flow sensors to regulate brain blood flow and maintain oxygen supply.
Researchers used computational simulation methods and cloud computing to discover how nicotine receptors respond to nicotine, reducing time to results from months to days. This accelerated discovery could lead to more effective smoking cessation aids, addressing a major public health concern.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered a novel feedback pathway from the brain to the eye that modulates eye pressure. This breakthrough finding may lead to new treatments for glaucoma by exploiting the modulatory mechanisms of the drainage control system.
Researchers develop new framework to understand changes in brain activity and connections, with implications for modeling brain disease mechanisms. The study identifies three categories of dynamic interaction between neurons involved in cognitive function.
Research in fruit flies found that environmental light exposure activates light-sensitive neurons, triggering the production of memory maintenance proteins. This study suggests that long-term memories require active maintenance through natural lighting conditions.
Researchers analyzed 20 years of research on intention deactivation and found that completed intentions can sometimes continue to affect people, particularly when reminders or stimuli trigger their retrieval. This effect is often rare but can play a role in learning new routines.
Researchers investigated how cuttlefish determine the best distance to strike moving prey and found that they use stereopsis to perceive depth. The study revealed that cuttlefish brains are significantly different from humans in processing vision, with a unique area comparing images from both eyes.
A preliminary study found that losing a night of sleep increases tau levels in blood by an average 17-percent compared to a good night of sleep. Higher levels of tau may reflect clearance of proteins from the brain or elevated levels in the brain.
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science has received a $1.6 million grant to apply big data analytics and computational modeling to better understand Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to identify patient-specific therapeutic targets and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drug combinations.
A new study questions the current practice of measuring intracranial pressure via external ventricular drains, suggesting that three-fourths of closures may not leave enough time for accurate readings. The researchers call for standard guidelines and proper training to ensure precise ICP monitoring.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that children with autism have trouble entering deep sleep and exhibit shallow brain waves, leading to severe sleep disturbances. The study suggests that increasing daytime physical activity, behavioral therapies, and pharmacological alternatives may help generate deeper sleep.
A study published in Current Biology found a link between dopamine, the brain's pleasure center, and the biological clock, which regulates daily rhythms. Mice fed high-calorie diets became obese due to disrupted feeding schedules, highlighting the importance of timing in eating and weight management.
Research in mice suggests that short chain fatty acid supplementation can improve stroke recovery, reducing motor impairment and increasing spine growth on dendrites. The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in this process, with microglia activity linked to improved stroke outcome.
Researchers discovered that the brain can integrate artificial and natural vision, allowing for partial visual restoration in AMD patients. This breakthrough has implications for future retinal prosthetic devices and brain-machine interfaces.
A research team created a neuromorphic network composed of metallic nanowires, exhibiting electrical characteristics similar to human brain functions. The team found that the network's fluctuation-based functionalities mimic memorization, learning, and forgetting processes.
A review article published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar regulation, increase resistance to stress, and suppress inflammation. Studies have shown that this adaptation may trigger a slower metabolic process, which can lead to weight loss and reduced belly fat.