Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers have successfully measured participants' risk behavior while observing their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), revealing a key link between anxiety and decision-making. High anxious participants chose the low-risk option more often, and specific brain activity was associated with heightened cognitive control.
A study by the Center for BrainHealth found that cognitive processes, education, and gender affect financial decision-making. Older adults were more likely to make risky decisions with larger amounts of money, but those with better strategic learning and delayed memory skills were less likely to engage in riskier behavior.
A team of researchers used 2-photon microscopy to visualize individual neurons during absence seizures, revealing uncoordinated firing activity instead of the expected rhythmic pattern. The study aims to better understand the underlying causes of absence epilepsy and potentially develop new treatments.
Researchers discovered a two-step invasion process mediated by the immune system, which paradoxically promotes infection and meningitis in Cryptococcus neoformans. Monocytes act as transport vehicles for the fungus to cross into the brain, causing tumor-like lesions and meningitis.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have uncovered the biological role of the CHD8 gene in developing oligodendrocytes, cells that form a protective insulation around nerves. Modulating CHD8 activity may help restore neuronal connections and reduce symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder.
Research found that foods high in both fats and carbohydrates stimulate the brain's reward system more strongly than other calorie sources. This intensified effect is consistent with game results, suggesting that our brains prefer these types of foods due to evolutionary pressures.
An international study found that brain phosphorylation, a molecular process, is linked to sleep need. The researchers identified 80 proteins, or SNIPPs, that accumulate phosphate groups in the brain during wakefulness, and their levels decrease during sleep.
Researchers found that heightened neural activity biases a person's subjective perception, leading to 'liberal detection bias' and potential 'hallucinations'. The study suggests that spontaneous fluctuations in brain activity shape conscious perception, with implications for our understanding of decision-making and perception.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that the brain values foods high in both fat and carbohydrates more than those containing only one nutrient. This suggests that processed foods, which often combine these nutrients, may hijack our body's natural signals governing food consumption.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded fellowships to ten promising Latin American scientists for two years of biomedical research training in US labs. The fellows will work with prominent investigators and gain invaluable experience that will contribute to the resurgent scientific communities in their home countries.
Research by Baycrest researchers found that 'near miss' mistakes during learning can help remember correct information better than no errors at all. Mistakes that are far from the correct answer hinder learning.,
A study by University of Miami Professor Daniel Messinger and colleagues found that eye wrinkles around the eyes, known as the Duchenne marker, convey more intense and sincere emotions across multiple facial expressions. Participants rated Duchenne smiles and sad expressions as more sincere and intense than non-Duchenne expressions.
Researchers found that the Duchenne marker, a wrinkle feature around the eyes, is perceived as more intense and sincere across various facial expressions. The study suggests a potential universal language for reading emotions.
Researchers at RMIT University found that honeybees can comprehend the concept of zero, a feat previously thought to be exclusive to humans and other intelligent species. This discovery has significant implications for developing artificial intelligence, as it suggests simpler approaches may be possible.
Kumamoto University researcher Dr. Wataru Teramoto found that people respond to stimuli in a partner's peripersonal space (PPS) as quickly as they would their own, suggesting PPS remapping is a naturally occurring phenomenon.
A new study published in Anesthesiology suggests that dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative delirium by preventing the overactivity of GABA A receptors. The drug's effects on brain cells have implications for treating neurologic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Researchers examined neuropeptide changes in aggressive and non-aggressive Africanized honeybees, finding that specific peptides can trigger aggression. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for honeybee behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
A recent study published in Neurology found that black and Hispanic people are at higher risk of having another intracerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding stroke, compared to white people. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 patients, also found significant racial differences in blood pressure and its impact on stroke risk.
A new technology improves on retrograde viral tracing, enabling neuroscientists to study the connectivity of specific neurons and their functions. The 'receptor complementation' strategy eliminates tropism, a common problem in retrograde tracing, allowing for more accurate results.
Researchers studying axonal transport may uncover new avenues for treating or preventing Alzheimer's. The UB lab, led by Shermali Gunawardena, investigates the role of presenilin in regulating brain cell traffic.
Researchers found that binding to MUNC 13-1 reduces tolerance to alcohol, making it harder to become addicted. By inhibiting this protein, a pill could be developed to reduce the formation of tolerance and alleviate alcoholism.
A recent study published in eNeuro resolves a long-standing issue in decision-making by showing how the brain optimizes speed and accuracy. Researchers found that the brain adjusts signal-to-noise ratio to balance speed and accuracy, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying this crucial aspect of human behavior.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed fluorescence sensors allowing precise capture of dopamine activity in the brain. This breakthrough technology enables high-resolution maps of dopamine transients associated with behaviors such as learning and motivation.
Detailed micro-CT scans reveal a 2,100-year-old Egyptian mummy was actually a near-to-term, severely malformed fetus with anencephaly. The finding provides clues to maternal diet and raises questions about mummification practices.
Researchers have identified a protein 'off-switch' in the brain that regulates memory and learning. The Arc protein needs to be rapidly switched off after new information is received to remember and retain it.
New research reveals that the brain can anticipate and adapt to painful movements following an injury, modifying muscle usage accordingly. This adaptation strategy may lead to quicker completion of painful movements but longer reaction times.
A team of UTSA researchers received a $387,000 grant to develop brain-computer interface technology that identifies brain activity patterns contributing to stuttering. The goal is to train individuals to optimize their brain functions and reduce stuttering rates.
Researchers from Israel and Japan collaborated to diagnose a child with an ultra-rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the EPT1 gene, which is essential for making myelin in the normal brain. The team found that the disease affects PE production, leading to reduced plasmalogen synthesis, but not enough to prevent myelin damage.
Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.
A study published in JNeurosci reveals a new pattern of neuronal activity in the gastrointestinal tract that generates rhythmic electrical activity in smooth muscle. This finding identifies a previously unknown mechanism for colon movement, suggesting an early feature preserved through nervous system evolution.
A team of researchers has discovered that the loss of BMI1 gene expression in the brains and neurons of patients with the common form of Alzheimer's disease is not a consequence of the disease, but rather its cause. This finding offers new hope for developing a cure by targeting the BMI1 gene.
A MSU neuroscientist published research that reveals how the brain maintains attentional focus during eye movements, which could lead to new treatments or therapies for some brain disorders. The study's findings may also contribute to the development of screening technologies and targeted behavioral therapies for conditions like autism.
Researchers have successfully tested an existing prescription drug, fingolimod, on lab cultures infected with mucolipidosis IV (MLIV), a rare genetic disease that causes severe neurological damage. The study suggests that fingolimod may help regulate abnormal astrocyte behavior and improve brain function in MLIV patients.
A team of researchers has found that light and temperature stimuli mutually regulate the circadian rhythm of fruit flies. The study identified molecular pathways in photoreceptors that affect the fly's inner clock, including a previously unknown pathway involving photopigments.
New research found that daily aerobic exercise alters mesolimbic dopamine pathway in the brain, a key neurotransmitter associated with substance use disorders. The study suggests that exercise may normalize dopamine signaling changed by chronic drug use, providing a potential treatment strategy for substance abuse.
Researchers found that slight changes to warning appearance help users pay attention and adhere to warnings 76% of the time. In contrast, static warnings were only adhered to 55% of the time, highlighting the importance of visual novelty in sustaining user attention.
Groundbreaking research reveals that leg exercise sends vital signals to the brain for healthy neural cells. Limiting physical activity impairs nerve cell production and maturity.
Researchers at the American Academy of Neurology have identified a new type of vertigo characterized by prolonged nystagmus eye movements. The study found that this condition may respond to treatment and is associated with severe motion sickness.
A study by MIT researchers found that patterns of eye movement correlate strongly with performance on standardized tests of English as a second language. The study tracked eye movement to determine comprehension, revealing potential for use as a testing tool.
Researchers found that combined vascular risk factors and high brain amyloid levels predict faster cognitive decline in clinically normal older individuals. Vascular risk remained a strong predictor of cognitive decline even when controlling for other biomarkers.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons that give rise to unique mating calls in two closely-related frog species. The findings suggest that changes in these cells over time may have shaped vocal patterns in vertebrates. Ancient circuits involved in breathing control were found to be linked to the evolution of vocal patterns.
A novel drug has been identified as a potential treatment for brain damage caused by exposure to cosmic rays, protecting memory function in mice. The study's findings suggest that rebooting the brain's immune system may help prevent cognitive impairments in astronauts during deep space travel.
Researchers at UCI School of Medicine have discovered a new pathway for developing therapies for disorders like epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain by understanding how GABA modulates specific ion channels. This finding opens up an entirely novel mechanism for GABA to fulfill its inhibitory role in the brain.
A team of researchers at Drexel University has successfully measured the brain activity of pilots in real-time using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS. The study shows that pilots who flew a real aircraft committed more errors and had higher cognitive load than those who operated a flight simulator.
The study found that pupils dilate before reported inspiration, predicting subsequent inspiration. This discovery may lead to externally monitoring and controlling memory retrieval in the future.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified the cell types underlying schizophrenia, providing a roadmap for developing new therapies. The findings suggest that certain cell types contribute to the disorder and may require separate treatments.
A new study published in eNeuro provides evidence for the link between the motor system and our sense of time. Participants in the research task showed synchronization between action preparation and perception, demonstrating that the brain operates at different speeds.
A recent Baycrest study suggests that learning music or speaking another language trains the brain to be more efficient. Researchers found that musicians and bilinguals utilized fewer brain resources when completing a working memory task, with less brain activity compared to monolingual individuals.
A clinical trial involving over 4880 participants found that combining clopidogrel and aspirin reduces the risk of secondary stroke within 90 days. However, it also increases the risk of major bleeding, with most episodes being non-fatal and not brain-related.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a wireless flying robotic insect called RoboFly that can take independent flaps. The insect uses a laser beam to power its wings and is controlled by a microcontroller that mimics the fluttering of a real insect's wings.
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvement with exergaming, which combines physical exercise with complex thinking and memory skills. Exergames may be an effective tool for slowing the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that nouns slow down speech more frequently than verbs, indicating difficulties with planning noun utterances. This discovery has implications for understanding human language processing and suggests universal long-term effects on grammar evolution.
Researchers studied Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation and found that brain activity alternates between the left and right sides of the brain while stepping. The introduction of a metronome improved accuracy and enhanced beta activity.
Researchers at Tohoku University used a visual search experiment to demonstrate that the human visual system can perceive objects outside its limited field. The study found that the brain constructs a 360-degree world, enabling smooth and efficient movement without turning.
Researchers developed a brain-computer interface that uses mutual learning to improve control for tetraplegic individuals. The system allowed users to adapt and learn at their own pace, leading to significant improvements in performance.
A new study led by Dr. Olga Boukrina of Kessler Foundation investigates the neural mechanisms behind recovery of impaired reading after stroke. The research aims to predict reading recovery using neuroimaging and may lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes.
Dr. Karun Singh is a leader in stem cell research, human genetics and brain development. His work has made significant impact on our knowledge of signaling mechanisms that regulate brain development and genetic risk factors underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers use virtual reality to study sound perception in immersive settings, revealing variability in brain processing of spatial cues. The technology holds promise for developing more accurate diagnoses of auditory disorders and enhanced audio experiences in video games.
Researchers found significant improvement in walking speed for patients undergoing brain magnetic stimulation after a stroke, with greater effects seen on the same side of the brain where the stroke occurred. However, there was no significant impact on balance or motor function.
A study published in Neurology found that depression in older adults may be linked to memory problems and structural differences in the brain. Researchers also discovered a possible link between depression and small vessel disease, a condition affecting brain health.