Articles tagged with Brain
A new study has demonstrated the potential of using a frequency distribution-based index of brain functional connectivity as a biomarker for detecting Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The findings show good accuracy across databases and test sites, offering promise for widespread clinical usage.
Researchers at TU Graz have developed a new brain-computer interface application called Brain Composer, which allows users to compose and play music solely through their thoughts. The study involved 18 test subjects who were able to create and play back melodies using the BCI system after a short training session.
A phase III clinical trial found that osimertinib improves progression-free survival and median duration of response by 50-100% compared to standard first line therapy for patients with EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. The benefit was consistent across all subgroups, including those with and without brain metastases.
The Krembil Research Institute and University Health Network release new guidelines discouraging brain imaging as a test for chronic pain. Brain imaging is considered unreliable due to variability between people and within individuals, making it unsuitable as a 'lie detector' test.
Eugenia Chiappe, a principal investigator at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate how the human brain builds a mental representation of body movements. Her team plans to use fruit fly research as a model to better understand this process.
A new study found that monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly in olive oils, nuts, and avocados, are linked to improved cognitive performance. The researchers discovered a specific brain network, the dorsal attentional network, where these fatty acids positively impact general intelligence.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that practicing Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation can significantly improve brain function and energy levels. The study showed that even brief sessions of just 25 minutes per day can boost executive functions and cognitive abilities.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that physical activity changes diet preferences in male rats, but not female rats. The study suggests that environmental factors like exercise may influence how males and females eat.
Recent phase 3 studies (ALEX and ALUR trials) demonstrate alectinib's efficacy in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The medication significantly decreases CNS progression, improving median progression-free survival by up to 8 months compared to standard chemotherapy.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that prenatal lack of DHA and AA fatty acids can lead to offspring developing schizophrenic-like symptoms as adults. The study found epigenetic changes in gene expression, affecting nuclear receptor genes and oligodendrocyte-related genes, which may be traced back to DNA methylation.
A ketogenic diet improved memory in aging mice and increased their chances of surviving to old age. The study suggests that the health benefits of BHB may go beyond memory and could affect tissues and organ systems.
Researchers have observed unusual neural activity in some genetically modified lab mice widely used in neuroscience research. This abnormal activity may be linked to the expression of a genetically-encoded calcium sensor during development.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identified two separate pathways in the fly brain that process landmark locations and self-motion independently. This discovery sheds light on how animals navigate their environment using cues like landmarks and memories.
Researchers propose a revised understanding of serotonin's role in the brain, highlighting its potential to treat recalcitrant mental health conditions through psychedelic drugs. The 'two-pronged' model could enable patients to change negative behaviors and thought patterns.
Researchers at Lund University have developed an imaging method that shows changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease at different stages of life. The method uses a PET camera and a trace substance to detect tau protein and can facilitate diagnosis and treatment for younger patients.
A new pathway to target Parkinson's disease has been identified, leveraging beta2-adrenergic agonists that lower alpha-synuclein production. Studies in mice and human health records suggest a 34% reduced PD risk for patients taking salbutamol.
Researchers found that mind wandering occurs in 70% of drivers during a simulation, causing distinctive brain activity. Drivers are often unaware of their mental drift, which can impair reaction time and increase road traffic crashes. The study suggests that autonomous transport systems may be an option to improve safety.
A new article suggests that bilingual children from low-income homes are at risk of falling behind their peers in developing language skills, leading to poorer academic performance. The research recommends community resources, parent training programs, and innovative technologies to foster language development in these children.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered a family of proteins controlling brain connectivity through multiple checkpoints. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting conditions like autism and epilepsy by regulating neuronal circuits.
A novel brain-computer interface (BCI) has been developed to improve motor function in stroke patients. The BCI produced a 36% improvement in motor function of a stroke-damaged hand after just 10 training sessions. This innovative therapy has shown promise for helping stroke patients recover from debilitating damage.
A team of scientists at Imperial College London has developed a robot that can guide tiny measuring devices to specific neurons in live mice brains, recording electrical currents without human intervention. This automated platform accelerates the study of brain function and brain disorders like Alzheimer's.
A large international study has found that psychotic experiences in otherwise healthy people are more likely to have later suicidal thoughts or attempts. Children under 12 who experienced psychosis were at even greater risk of suicidal thoughts, with the risk five to six times higher than in other age groups.
Research found that bilingual speakers' brain areas for executive control are less involved when conversing with another bilingual individual, unlike in artificial scenarios. In natural conversations, language switches require minimal executive control, engaging only auditory cortices.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered a damaging cascade of events inside brain cells that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that amyloid beta protein can trigger an inflammatory response in immune cells, leading to the formation of bead-like structures filled with abnormal tau protein.
The study found that closure of the left atrial appendage during open heart surgery significantly reduces the risk of stroke and silent cerebral infarctions. Patients who underwent surgical closure had a lower cumulative probability of an ischaemic event in the brain compared to those without closure.
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 gene, leading to permanent changes in neural circuit structure and symptoms characteristic of ASD. Research confirms FMRP's essential role in refining brain processing during early development, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment methods.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) releases endorphins in the brain, alleviating physical and emotional stress. In contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise does not induce significant endorphin release, but rather increases pleasurable feelings.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have developed a new technique using ultrasound equipment to measure brain blood flow, providing a potential tool for diagnosing concussions. The study found a clear link between the brain injury and changes in blood flow response.
A recent study found that consuming one fresh avocado per day for six months improved working memory and problem-solving skills in healthy older adults, with a significant increase in lutein levels. Lutein is a carotenoid pigment commonly found in fruits and vegetables that may act as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
A recent study of over 5 years of pediatric patients treated for sports concussion found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed structural changes to the brain related to persistent symptoms. However, the study indicated that MRI in children with persistent symptoms after concussion rarely identified brain injury.
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience has found that the harmonic structure of pop songs is linked to their placement in the Billboard Top 100 charts. The research analyzed chord-by-chord transcriptions of 545 songs and found that rare chords and surprising harmonies are key factors in a song's popularity.
The University of Alberta has acquired a new optical brain-imaging tool called Imagent, which measures brain activity and blood flow non-invasively. This technology allows researchers to study brain function in real-time, with potential implications for job training, professional development, and artificial intelligence.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a small molecule compound that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit, relieving symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The study provides further evidence that a drug may be possible to treat this rare neurodevelopmental disorder in females.
A new study found that specific brain activity patterns can reliably predict the size of blood pressure and heart rate reactions to mental stress tests. The findings suggest that brain imaging could be a useful tool to identify people at risk for heart disease or who may benefit from stress-reducing interventions.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that GLP-1 agonist extendin-4 significantly reduces brain pressure in an animal model, with effects lasting at least 24 hours. The treatment shows promise as a novel new way to lower brain pressure, potentially benefiting patients with conditions such as traumatic brain injury...
A recent review suggests that the gut-microbiome's formation and influence begin early in life, potentially leading to imbalances that contribute to depressive syndromes. The review also finds evidence of disturbances in the microbiome due to stress, diet, and medications, highlighting the importance of nutrition in mental health.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Clostridium, can predict brain metabolites like serotonin and myo-inositol, which are altered in individuals with autism. The study suggests a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through cortisol.
Scientists have developed a system called FreemoVR, which immerses freely-moving animals in a reactive, three-dimensional world controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to study complex interactions of neurons in different brain regions while maintaining natural sensory input and feedback.
Korean researchers used protein crystallography to study the three-dimensional structure of proteins regulating neuronal cell connections. They identified MDGA1 protein's role in inhibiting inhibitory synapse formation and verified its control mechanism, providing insights into autism and brain diseases.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that Daple protein is essential for the correct arrangement of cilia on brain cells, enabling directional fluid flow. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind hydrocephalus and its related diseases such as asthma and female infertility.
A team of scientists from the University of Freiburg has created a self-learning algorithm that decodes human brain signals measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) with high accuracy. The algorithm, based on brain-inspired models, can recognize and differentiate between various behavioral patterns from different movements, making it ...
A study from Hiroshima University found that the brain's estrogen levels are directly linked to DHA intake, which can prevent seizures. The research suggests that dietary sources of DHA may contribute to brain health and could lead to the development of new epilepsy treatments.
Researchers have discovered a critical neural pathway that transmits itch signals from the spinal cord to the brain, with the parabrachial nucleus identified as a first relay. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying itch signal processing and offers potential targets for therapeutic treatment of chronic itching.
A WSU research team developed a computer algorithm that accurately maps brain neural networks, similar to human performance, which could speed up the analysis of brain circuitry. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of devastating brain diseases and more efficient treatments.
Researchers have discovered a critical role for type III interferon signaling in controlling Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) infection, particularly in preventing viral brain invasion and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. This finding provides new insights into the complex mechanisms regulating YFV infection.
A retrospective study of nearly 1,100 patients with severe TBI found that ICP monitoring was associated with a significant decrease in mortality rates, but no improvement in favorable outcomes. The study also showed that ICP monitoring was linked to more aggressive therapy.
New experiments support distinct roles for ventral and dorsal brain pathways in processing information about objects. The dorsal pathway sees objects according to what they are and what is done with them, while the ventral pathway sees objects as they always are, clarifying their roles in visual processing.
A study in eNeuro found that when remembering a sequence of events, the brain focuses on the event paid the least attention. The image that generated the weakest response in the brain during encoding was most strongly replayed during the delay period.
A recent study found that imagining an action between two objects and its potential consequence can improve memory performance. Older adults who learned to use this strategy showed significant improvements, suggesting a promising approach for personalized memory rehabilitation.
A clinical trial shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick type C by slowing disease progression with cyclodextrin. The study found significant improvements in gait, cognition, and speech, with half of patients experiencing no worsening or improvement in neurological severity score.
A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.
A new study suggests that auditory hallucinations may arise from top-down brain processing, driven by strong associations between sensory inputs and mental concepts. Participants who experienced hallucinations showed strong beliefs about the association, which drove their tone hallucinations.
Greater intraindividual reaction time variability was found to predict shorter survival times in older adults, independent of cognitive decline. The study used computerized reaction time tests to measure participants' responses and found that increased variability was associated with a higher risk of mortality.
A recent study suggests that men may be experiencing a decline in stroke rates, with the rate decreasing by 31% for men compared to no change for women. The study, published in Neurology, analyzed data from 1.3 million adults and found that overall stroke rates declined significantly for men, but not for women.
Scientists discovered that molecules help the tongue communicate with the brain to identify the correct taste. By rewiring the taste-system of mice, researchers found that taste receptor cells determine their own connectivity by providing instructive signals to neurons.
Terrence Sejnowski will use advanced modeling techniques to understand how the brain stores information and how diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson's affect it. The project aims to create a layered control system model of the brain, testing its accuracy with human tasks requiring fast reflexes and long-range planning.
A study by UC San Francisco scientists found that administering klotho to young, aging or impaired mice rapidly improves their cognitive and physical performance. The treatment also showed benefits for aged mice and those with Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, suggesting a potential therapeutic application.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered two new genes, SPOCK1 and TWIST2, that regulate brain metastases in lung cancer patients. These genes are present in the primary lung cancer of all patients with brain metastases but not in those without them.
A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.
The NSF has awarded 19 projects to study neural and cognitive systems, advancing frontiers in cognitive science and neuroscience. The research focuses on four themes: education, engineering, computer science, and the impact of neural systems on these fields.