Articles tagged with Brain
Recent advances in EEG technology could enable earlier diagnoses of common mental and neurological disorders like autism and dementia. Non-invasive portable devices make functional brain measurement possible during primary care check-ups.
Experts emphasize the need for more neuroscience research on long-term recovery from substance abuse, citing the potential benefits for clinical practice and public policy. The International Quit & Recovery Registry provides valuable insights into recovery processes.
Researchers propose using blood-brain barrier breakdown as an early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Healthy blood vessels are crucial for normal brain functioning, and damage can be detected with imaging tests such as MRI.
Researchers connected cognitive science's Universal Law of Generalization to information theory, revealing that the brain approaches optimal performance in perception and memory. This discovery has implications for education, particularly in STEM fields, where students learn to differentiate between complex stimuli.
A vicious feedback loop drives brain degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, but a clinically approved drug may provide a solution. The study identified Dkk1 as a central player in the cycle, and targeting it with fasudil shows promise in animal models.
Research suggests that even low levels of physical activity, such as walking at least four hours a week, may reduce the severity of a stroke. The study found that people who engaged in light to moderate physical activity were twice as likely to have a mild stroke than those who were physically inactive.
A study published in Neuropsychologia suggests that human brains are innately attracted to sedentary behaviors and must work harder to avoid them. The research found that participants were faster at moving towards active images but required more brain resources to move away from inactive images.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a neural circuit that enables the brain to predict motion based on past experiences and sensory inputs, mirroring Bayesian statistical inference. This discovery could improve our understanding of motor control and eye movements.
The MoreGrasp project developed a sensoric grasp neuroprosthesis controlled by thought, enabling users to perform daily activities with ease. The technique uses 'attempted movement' signals, allowing for more precise control and improved learning through brain-computer interface training.
In low light, retinal cells sensitive to upward movement change their behavior, firing on detecting any kind of movement. This adaptability helps the brain sense movement and may aid in designing implantable retinal prosthetics.
A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience suggests that our brains prioritize character development when listening to or viewing a story. This study used fMRI scans to examine how participants conveyed narrative ideas through different forms of expression, such as speech, gestures, and drawings.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dietary fiber can reduce brain inflammation in old mice, leading to improved memory and reduced cognitive decline. The researchers discovered that high-fiber diets elevated butyrate levels in the blood, which had anti-inflammatory properties on microglia.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that male mice on high-fat diets experienced neuroinflammation and reduced testosterone levels, while female mice remained protected. The findings suggest ovarian estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting females against weight gain and associated health issues.
Scientists have uncovered how mice ignore their own footsteps, offering insights into human speech and music learning. The study shows that mice develop an adjustable sensory filter to suppress movement-related sounds, improving sound detection in their environment.
Researchers found that fruit flies freeze in response to threats at slow walking speeds, but run away when moving quickly. The team identified a single pair of neurons critical for this process, providing insights into the brain's defensive strategies.
Researchers found that brain anatomy and psychological traits can predict which patients will respond to sugar pills, resulting in reduced pain and cost savings. The study suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing sugar pills for chronic pain patients, potentially opening up a new field.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $16 million to 18 cross-disciplinary projects exploring the intersection of neural and cognitive systems. These innovative research approaches aim to tackle fundamental questions about the brain, developing new methods for studying neural activity and behavior.
A study by Gemma Scholes and colleagues found that newborn babies with congenital heart disease tend to have significantly enlarged kidneys. This contradicts previous assumptions about organ development in these infants. The type of congenital abnormality also influences kidney size, with some having larger or smaller than normal kidneys.
Researchers found that clots have different compositions and administering tPA can be as effective as thrombectomy given sufficient time. The study involved nearly 600 patients across five countries and provided definitive evidence on the value of giving patients tPA.
Bilingual individuals exhibit unique brain activity when switching between languages, with increased cognitive control activity during disengagement. In contrast, engaging in a new language comes relatively cost-free from a neurobiological standpoint, suggesting that the burden of language-switching lies in disengagement.
A study found that brain teaser questions give interviewers power and speak to their dark personality traits, such as narcissism and sadistic tendencies. Participants who support the use of these questions were less socially competent and relied heavily on intuition in the hiring process.
Researchers found neural dynamics predict future speech timing based on past speech rate, influencing word comprehension. The study suggests that brain activity synchronizes to speech rhythms, affecting how we process and hear words.
Researchers from the German Primate Center found that visual attention desynchronizes nerve cell activity, enabling more complex information processing. This insight may provide evidence for mechanisms underlying ADHD and autism, and sheds light on how the brain processes stimuli.
A recent study from Prof. Gaiti Hasan's lab has identified the FMRFa receptor as a crucial molecule in sustaining flight in fruit flies for long periods of time. The receptor is part of a class of proteins known as GPCRs, which help convert extracellular messages into cellular responses.
A study published in Neurology found that medical marijuana, specifically THC, reduces connections between brain areas processing emotions and sensory signals, providing pain relief for radicular nerve pain. The more pain relief experienced, the greater the reduction of these brain connections.
Researchers will use mice to create detailed maps of young and aging brains' blood vessels, hoping to understand healthy brain development and disease progression. The project aims to lay the groundwork for studying pathological conditions like strokes and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found significant differences in male and female mice microglia structure and function. Male microglia are more active and respond differently to injury, but may also be less protected against environmental insults.
A new study aims to tailor behavioral therapy for co-occurring depression and obesity by analyzing how the brain responds to the intervention. The researchers will adapt an integrated behavioral therapy to target changes in brain function and health behaviors associated with better weight loss and depression outcomes.
A George Mason University researcher has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to develop remedies for the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can cause long-term neurological problems and even death. The team aims to identify specific targets for therapeutic countermeasures and prevent the disease in mouse models.
A recent study reveals that Zika virus proteins bind to cellular proteins essential for neural development, leading to brain damage and microcephaly. The research identifies specific viral factors responsible for the condition, offering new insights into the virus's mechanism of action.
Beston's research focuses on the ecological drivers of eye and brain size evolution in a species of fish, with funding from the AAUW. Her work reveals that increased predation is associated with smaller eye sizes, while larger eye sizes are correlated with improved vision and fitness benefits.
Researchers will examine connections between cardiovascular disease and brain health in a 3,000-participant study. The study aims to determine whether heart health explains increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease among different racial and ethnic groups.
A phase 2 trial conducted by Cleveland Clinic shows that ibudilast decreased progression of brain atrophy in progressive MS patients by 48 percent versus placebo. The study also demonstrated the utility of advanced imaging in clinical trials to measure the impact of therapies on brain health.
A $3.8 million NIMH grant will support the development of a predictive model that uses machine learning techniques to identify neural signatures of suicidal ideation and behavior. This technology has the potential to improve clinicians' ability to detect and treat suicidal patients, reducing suicide risk among young adults in the US.
A newly discovered mammal fossil contains fossils of 38 babies, providing insight into the evolution of mammals' reproductive strategies. The discovery suggests that a key development in mammalian evolution was trading brood power for brain power.
A new platform called INSiGHT was used to examine over 100 genes in the retina, identifying 16 key retinal regulatory genes. Of these, 15 were previously unknown and nine have been linked to human diseases.
A new study from Binghamton University suggests that women's diets play a bigger role in their emotional wellbeing than men's. Women are less likely to experience mental distress until they follow a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
A new study explores the cognitive effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment on brain function. The research reveals that connectome disruption is associated with delayed neurodevelopment in long-term survivors, with younger age at diagnosis and longer chemotherapy duration linked to poorer outcomes.
Researchers discovered a predictive biomarker for epilepsy by analyzing the connection between heartbeat irregularities and abnormal brain activity in mice. They found that anomalous heart rate patterns slightly preceded abnormal brain waves, allowing them to predict which mice would develop seizures with 100% accuracy.
Researchers discovered a brain-heart biomarker that can identify mice at risk of developing post-cerebral malaria epilepsy. This finding could translate to humans and improve therapeutic approaches for patients recovering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, which are estimated to develop epilepsy in up to 15 percent of survivors.
Researchers study how male fruit flies generate their courtship song using cutting-edge imaging techniques and genetic tools. They discover that the song serves as an honest signal of a male's fitness, with flaws indicating neuromuscular deficits, which can affect flying abilities.
Researchers developed a handheld ophthalmology instrument with adaptive optics technology to image individual photoreceptors in the eye, improving diagnosis of eye diseases. The device can capture images of tiny photoreceptors close to the center of the retina, providing insights into brain-related diseases and trauma.
The study reviews the psychology behind rapid spending decisions and proposes five policy options to optimize retirement income solutions. These include financial literacy programs, safe automatic options, precommitment plans, disclosures and framing, and customized interventions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that variability in neural responses is not just random noise, but rather due to fluctuations in internally generated signals like attention. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how our brains work and focus, potentially leading to diagnostic tools for ne...
A study published in Cell describes the discovery of a molecular link between aging and two major genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The findings reveal possible new targets for treatment and highlight the need for a better understanding of the biology of...
A clinical trial found that combination immunotherapy reduced melanoma brain metastases by 26% in 94 patients. The treatment, combining checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab and nivolumab, also showed durable responses with 59.5% of patients remaining progression-free at nine months.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved symptoms of neurodegenerative ataxias in patients. The treatment showed significant improvements in walking speed, hand and arm coordination, and overall test scores.
Attention is not a steady focus, but rather a pulsing rhythm that cycles between periods of maximum concentration and broader situational awareness. This rhythmic structure of perception allows the brain to sample the environment and allocate resources efficiently.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that children's susceptibility to the McGurk effect decreases with age, while adults are more likely to be influenced by visual information. The research suggests a shift in sensory dominance across development, with reduced susceptibility in childhood and adult-like levels by 10 years of age.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology found that dehydration alters human brain shape and activity, leading to a decline in task performance. The researchers used brain scans and simple tasks to test the effects of dehydration on cognitive function.
A new study found that antidepressants can restore lost plasticity in the brain's inhibitory neurons, which are less flexible with age. The researchers showed that fluoxetine, a commonly used antidepressant, can reverse age-related declines in structural and functional plasticity.
A study from Columbia University neuroscientists found that the human brain employs precise logic to decision-making, allowing prior knowledge to be updated based on new evidence. Participants learned to recognize and incorporate bias in a statistically optimal manner without confirmation bias.
Researchers found that men and women show surprising differences in perceiving motion, with men picking up on visual motion faster than women. The study suggests that the difference may be due to disrupted processes in the brain that down-regulate neural activity in males.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that DTM can model near-death experiences in the brain, with participants scoring above a threshold for determining an NDE. The study suggests that DTM may be able to alter brain activity similarly to NDEs, but with different contexts.
Amputees can be tricked into feeling their prosthetic limb belongs to their own body by combining visual and tactile sensations. The study used virtual reality goggles and artificial tactile sensations to induce embodiment, reducing phantom limb issues.
Researchers have identified altered brain waves and movement abnormalities in young children with autism spectrum disorder, which can be detected as early as infancy using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques. These findings may represent an objective approach to diagnosing autism in young children.
A new LSU Pennington Biomedical study reveals a novel biomarker that may help diagnose hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) in diabetics. The biomarker measures how well the brain uses acetate, which could indicate if someone is at risk for developing HAAF or has already suffered from it.
A study published in Nature Communications provides new insight into the regulation of brain cell signaling, which may lead to better treatments for epilepsy and related disorders. By quantifying the interaction between two key proteins, researchers have identified a specific pattern that can be influenced to control brain activity.
A new video game designed to train empathy in middle schoolers showed improved connectivity in brain networks related to empathy and perspective-taking. The game, 'Crystals of Kaydor,' was developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers and found to enhance emotional regulation skills.
Working memory is a crucial aspect of cognitive function, and researchers are trying to understand its underlying mechanisms. A recent study suggests that brief, coordinated bursts of neural activity may be essential for maintaining working memory. This finding challenges the traditional view that neurons fire continuously during this ...