Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute identified the gene and protein CPG15 that enables brain cells to select permanent synapses based on experience-driven neural activity. Without CPG15, mice exhibit slower learning and reliance on circuit architectures that haven't been refined by experience.
Researchers propose a new approach to correct artificial intelligence errors by leveraging high-dimensional brain insights. The GMT approach enables efficient correction without retraining the original system, reducing time and resources required.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that older adults with weaker brain connections experience interference, making it harder to access long-term memories. The research highlights the importance of suppressing irrelevant information for optimal cognitive function.
Researchers recreated barn owl brain circuitry in electronics, mimicking the ability to locate prey using sound to within one to two degrees. The electronic circuit can supersede the owl's precision by orders of magnitude and may lead to more accurate and energy-efficient navigation devices.
Researchers discovered an association between liver function and Alzheimer's disease, finding evidence of metabolic disturbance and altered liver enzymes linked to cognitive impairment. The study used blood-based biochemical markers of liver function to uncover connections with established Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified characteristic changes in MND's effect on brain activity and neural communication. The study uses electroencephalography to capture second-to-second changes in electrical signalling, revealing specific groups of nerves that behave abnormally.
The brains of individuals with exceptional general knowledge exhibit efficient structural networking, allowing for better information integration and recall. This is evident in a recent study where participants with more efficient fibre networks scored higher on the Bochum Knowledge Test.
A University of Warwick academic has answered the question of human free will for the first time, proposing a new framework for neurocognitive free will. The study identifies key features that satisfy design elements of free will, including adaptive access to unpredictability and conscious construction of the self.
A study of 812 ADPKD patients found that 9% had undiagnosed brain aneurysms, with those with hypertension and smoking more likely to have aneurysms. The overall rupture rate was approximately 5 times higher than in the general population.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a link between high levels of estrogen in the womb and an increased risk of developing autism. The research found that prenatal estrogen levels were significantly higher in male fetuses who later developed autism compared to those who did not.
Researchers developed neuro biomarkers to create 'smart' deep brain stimulators, adapting to Parkinson's disease patient needs. The technology responds to fluctuating symptoms in real-time, improving the therapy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that removing inhibitory interneurons' ability to regulate excitatory neurons dramatically changed odor responses. The study highlights the need for better understanding cell type relationships in brain function.
Researchers found that resveratrol blocks the expression of an enzyme related to stress control in the brain, displaying anti-stress effects and neuroprotective properties. This could lead to novel antidepressant treatments, potentially benefiting millions of people affected by depression and anxiety disorders.
Research by LSU biologist Ryoichi Teruyama and student researcher Ryan LeBlanc has identified a group of cells activated by oxytocin in one area of female mouse brains not found in males. This discovery may lead to new treatments for postpartum depression, which affects 10-20% of women after childbirth.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are exploring the use of dragonfly-inspired computing to develop faster and lighter missile defense systems. By mimicking the brain's ability to process visual information, they aim to improve intercept techniques for maneuvering targets such as hypersonic weapons.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 studies found that non-invasive tests such as dilated pupils, abnormal posturing, and CT scan signs are not sufficient to diagnose increased intracranial pressure. Critically ill patients with suspected ICP should be transferred to a more expert centre for further monitoring.
Researchers have created a prosthetic arm called the LUKE Arm, which can mimic human hand sensations, allowing amputees to pick up objects with greater precision. The arm uses a system of mathematical calculations and modeling to send biologically realistic signals to the brain, enabling users to feel touch, texture, and pressure.
Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University have identified a second critical mode in neuronal networks, allowing for parallel information processing. This newly discovered dynamics permits the network to represent signals in numerous combinations of activated neurons.
Researchers found that fruit flies compare their current direction to a goal direction, calculate the difference, and adjust their next step. The animals' brain activity suggests they aim to keep their neural compass needle at an internally-generated goal angle.
A study published in Nature suggests that certain strains of gut microbes, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice. The researchers found that supplementing ALS-prone mice with this strain significantly improved their survival and reduced disease symptoms.
The UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center is participating in the U.S. POINTER study, a landmark trial examining the effects of lifestyle modifications on brain health. The study aims to expand research on slowing cognitive decline and will enroll 400 adults at risk for Alzheimer's over 18 months.
The four scientists have transformed neuroscience by allowing unprecedented control over the brain's inner workings. Their discoveries established optogenetics as a field and laid the foundation for therapies for disorders like Parkinson's and addiction.
Researchers from RMIT University developed an electronic chip that replicates the brain's neural approach to store and delete information. The chip uses light to create and modify memories, moving closer to artificial intelligence that can harness the brain's full sophistication.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $6 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support the development of a cortical vision research program. The program aims to understand how the eye and brain work together to restore vision, using cutting-edge technologies such as brain computer interfaces and optogenetics.
A meta-analysis of 61 neuroimaging studies involving 1,850 participants found no correlation between biological sex and brain responses to visual sexual stimuli. The findings contradict previous assumptions about sex-dependent differences in men's and women's reactions to visual erotic stimuli.
Researchers have identified ceramides, a type of lipid, as key contributors to neuronal damage in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study found that exposure to cerebrospinal fluid from progressive MS patients caused mitochondrial dysfunction and increased energy demand, leading to neuronal demise.
A new study found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time. The research suggests that wearing a hearing aid may mitigate the risk of dementia, with benefits seen in measures assessing working memory and attention.
A study published in Journal of Memory and Language found that the voice carries indexical information that affects access to word meaning. Researchers determined that cognitive representations of words contain non-linguistic information about the speaker's voice, which influences mental lexicon development.
Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, has been linked to the activation of immune cells in the brain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammation-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement to improve prediction of recovery in comatose cardiac arrest survivors. Current practices often lead to premature predictions, resulting in unnecessary suffering or withdrawal of care too soon.
Dr. Tallie Z. Baram's team will investigate how unpredictable parental and environmental signals influence infant vulnerability to cognitive and emotional problems. They aim to identify novel factors contributing to mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and devise precise interventions.
A new study found that mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk of delay or prevention of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment. Engaging in more activities during later life was associated with an even lower risk.
A new study suggests that larger drug trials are necessary for Alzheimer's disease due to the limitations of current trials. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,120 people with no cognitive difficulties and found a consistent pattern of cognitive development in those who had beta-amyloid in the brain.
Researchers found that food activates the vagus nerve to stimulate hunger neurons, while alcohol suppresses their activity directly through the bloodstream. This divergence in neural pathways helps explain why food and alcohol have distinct effects on behavior and motivation.
A new study reveals that age-related and noise-induced hearing losses affect the brain's sound processing differently. Researchers found that mild noise-induced hearing loss causes similar processing impairment as moderate to severe age-related hearing loss.
Researchers discovered that people who experience boredom often have more anxiety and depression. To cope, individuals can shift towards left brain activity, engaging themselves in activities like reading or planning meals.
Research finds that older brains have a higher rate of tau protein spread, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study uses gene vectors to demonstrate this connection in mice, raising questions about therapeutic options and disease mechanisms.
The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded two grants to researchers at EPFL, focusing on developing smart upper limb prostheses that can provide sensory feedback to patients. Additionally, a non-invasive brain stimulation system is being developed to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or brain injury.
Researchers discovered theta oscillations play a role in navigation and memory formation, reactivating location-specific activity patterns during virtual reality navigation. This finding may help identify novel biomarkers for neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.
A joint Australian-Indian study has identified a new genetic variation associated with schizophrenia, found in over 3000 individuals. The research highlights the importance of studying diverse populations to understand the complex causes of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that food and drugs can hijack the brain's reward circuits, which are also responsible for signaling hunger. This knowledge could inform the creation of more effective weight loss drugs or addiction therapies with fewer unpleasant side effects.
Mosquitoes have evolved to specialize in humans, recognizing distinct human odors through a complex blend of compounds. Researchers study the behavior, genetics, and brain structure of disease-carrying mosquitoes to understand this specialization.
A team created a method that allows three people to work together to solve a problem using only their minds. The BrainNet system uses electroencephalography caps and a brain-to-brain interface to transmit signals between participants, enabling them to collaborate on tasks like playing Tetris.
A new study published in Brain suggests that neurotechnology-based therapies, such as brain-machine interfaces and robotics, can lead to largest treatment effects when tailored to individual patient needs. Personalized combination of these therapies may allow patients to continue their recovery beyond what is possible today.
Brain diseases now account for 10% of global disease burden, affecting 50 million worldwide. A new national brain health strategy in Norway aims to prevent and cope with these conditions through research, innovation and holistic care.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified neurons in praying mantises that enable complex 3D perception, enabling more efficient algorithms for machine vision. The discovery provides new insights into the neural basis of depth perception in insects, shedding light on how these tiny brains process spatial information.
A new technology allows clinicians to map patient pain in real-time using augmented reality glasses and brain data. The study tested on 21 volunteer dental patients showed promising results, predicting pain with accuracy of about 70%. The tech has the potential to improve pain measurement for various conditions.
A new Salk study found that neurons selectively respond to particular combinations of color and shape, rather than extracting them separately. This breakthrough challenges the long-held notion that color and shape are processed in the early stages of vision.
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet improved brain function and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The modified Atkins diet showed small but measurable improvements on standardized tests of memory compared to a low-fat diet.
Increasing Klotho levels improves neurological deficits and prolongs life span in an experimental ALS model. Brain immune cells also play a crucial role in protecting the brain against inflammation and motor neuron loss.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that fruit bats integrate vision and echolocation to see and use their eyes as much as they hear and use echolocation. The team trained the bats to land on objects in complete darkness, where they transformed echoes into visual images.
Researchers propose two criteria for selecting optimal brain stimulation strategy, considering interactions between hemispheres and neuronal phenotype. This approach aims to improve effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation methods in stroke patients.
A study from MPFI has uncovered that CaMKII decodes calcium signals predominantly through its autonomous activity, rather than just its interaction with calmodulin. This finding broadens our understanding of how molecules contribute to memory and synaptic plasticity.
Research from RIKEN Center for Brain Science found that betaine supplementation can counteract psychiatric symptoms in mice, including depressive behaviors and reduced oxidative stress. The study also identified a genetic variant predicting betaine's treatment efficacy, a potential example of precision medicine in psychiatry.
A review paper highlights the importance of choline and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for infant brain and eye development, with inadequate intakes linked to visual and neurocognitive deficits. The study suggests that supplementation, particularly for vulnerable populations, may improve maternal and infant health.
Scientists have discovered that dung beetles utilize wind direction in addition to sun orientation to navigate. This combination enhances the beetle's compass, allowing for more precise navigation even in challenging conditions.
Researchers have discovered that dung beetles use a wind compass and sun compass to navigate, switching between the two depending on the condition. The insects' brains adapt dynamically to the environment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
A USC study found that pericytes, a type of brain cell, secrete a substance that keeps neurons alive even in the presence of leaky blood vessels. This discovery sheds light on the cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration and offers potential therapy strategies.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered synchronized brain activity in Egyptian fruit bats during social behaviors like grooming, fighting, or sniffing. The finding opens the door to future studies on how brains process social interactions and has potential implications for understanding diseases affecting social behavior.
Researchers from McMaster University mapped a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, providing new insights into its behavior and interactions with neurons. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the structural features that differentiate toxic and non-toxic forms of amyloid beta.