Articles tagged with Brain
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that female zebra finches need to hear their father's song to develop the ability to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality courtship songs. The study suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping the developing brain's perception of vocal signals.
Researchers have successfully delivered a gene therapy to the brains of mice with mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, preventing neurologic deficits. The noninvasive intranasal approach shows promise for treating genetic disorders affecting the brain.
Researchers developed FAST - a fast whole-brain imaging system that can visualize individual cells and subcellular structures in the entire brain. This technique allows for faster comparison of multiple brains to gain new insights into brain diseases.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure alters the brain's reward system, making individuals more susceptible to addiction. The study suggests that endocannibinoids play a critical role in this process, leading to increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse and decreased dopamine neuron function.
Researchers studied decision-making in real-time using mouse trajectories, finding that individuals with low self-control veer closer to unhealthy foods. The study suggests a more dynamical process where both healthy and unhealthy choices compete from the beginning, contradicting dual systems theory.
Salk scientists discovered that mathematical rules governing plant growth are similar to brain cell connections. The team used 3D laser scanning to analyze plant architecture and found a Gaussian branch density function, suggesting universal rules of logic governing branching growth across biological systems.
A new study published in Neuron provides direct experimental evidence for the 'Memory-Synapse Specificity' Hypothesis, linking a specific type of synapse to a particular behavior and memory. The research reveals that synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at a specific type of synapse encodes socially acquired olfactory memory.
A new UCL study found that looking away from the sound source while focusing on another one can lead to slower reactions and increased listening effort. The researchers used EEG to monitor brain activity in participants, revealing an increase in oscillatory neural activity when gaze was misaligned with auditory attention.
Researchers at DGIST have successfully measured zebrafish's multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) using a non-invasive method. This breakthrough enables precise observation and study on the generation of EEG in specific areas of the brain, with potential applications in developing new drugs for epilepsy syndrome.
A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle have no impact on working memory, cognitive bias, or ability to pay attention. The study followed 68 women across two consecutive menstrual cycles and found no replicable effects of hormones on cognition.
A new study challenges the long-debated 'late equals large' hypothesis, which proposes that brain proportions are shaped by a universal rule related to size. The research found that this hypothesis does not work when considering brain growth in different mammals, including marsupials.
A 'brain training' game developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge improved memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment by 40% through episodic memory tests. The app's engaging gameplay and individualization also boosted motivation and confidence.
Researchers at USC found that stiff brain vessels and decreased blood flow are associated with the build-up of harmful plaque and cognitive decline. The study used patient data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to explore cerebrovascular resistance, a new way to calculate it, and its link to dementia.
A randomized double-blind study involving 51 participants found a 68% improvement in slowing whole brain atrophy in patients with secondary progressive MS. Lipoic acid also improved walking times and reduced falls compared to placebo.
Researchers propose guidelines for semi-autonomous systems, including veto control and data protection. The possibility of 'brainjacking' also raises concerns about security solutions.
A multilingual group program for older adult caregivers in Ontario uses talk therapy principles to improve their mental well-being. The program has helped over 275 caregivers since its launch in 2015 and aims to provide a cost-effective treatment option for those in need.
Studies in mice with a mutated CHD8 gene reveal cognitive impairment, increased brain volume, and excessive DNA packaging, shedding light on the genetic basis of autism. The findings suggest that CHD8 plays a role in brain development throughout life.
Researchers use machine learning algorithms with brain imaging technology to identify complex thoughts, such as 'The witness shouted during the trial.' The study found that the mind's building blocks for constructing complex thoughts are formed by the brain's various sub-systems and are not word-based. With an accuracy rate of 87%, the...
Researchers at Caltech have developed two new viral vectors that can deliver genetic cargo to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The vectors, AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-PHP.S, can reach their targets via the bloodstream and are customizable for gene therapy applications. They offer a significant improvement over existing me...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that paracetamol can reduce sex drive and aggressive behavior in mice by inhibiting testosterone development. The research suggests that pregnant women should exercise caution when taking paracetamol, as it may have unintended effects on their children's masculinity.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified the key protein responsible for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in the brain. The study reveals that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, creating an initial antidepressant reaction and extending its duration.
A marine annelid zooplankton has been found to use its brain photoreceptor cells to detect UV signals. This helps the animal regulate its daily vertical migration behavior, known as DVM, and avoid damaging UV irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the molecular basis of this unique adaptation.
A new brain imaging study by CAMH researchers shows that brain inflammation is more than 30% higher in people with OCD compared to those without the condition. The study provides compelling evidence for a new potential direction for treating this anxiety disorder.
A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.
Researchers have developed systems-pharmacological modeling to analyze and predict the dynamics of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. The models can accurately match cerebrospinal fluid analysis results with brain processes, allowing for optimal drug administration and therapy selection.
Researchers at Baycrest Health Sciences found that focusing on the meaning of words rather than repeating them creates better short-term memories. The study used brain scans to identify brain activity related to memorizing through sound and meaning.
Researchers found that even when facial expressions are objectively identical, familiar faces are judged more positively. The study suggests that prior experience with a face can influence how happy it appears, highlighting the dynamic nature of emotion perception processes.
A daily low dose of valnoctamide reduces CMV infection in newborn mice and suppresses replication in the brain, normalizing neurological development. The treatment also attenuates neurobehavioral dysfunctions and brain abnormalities associated with CMV infection.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that mouse eyes can constrict in response to light without involving the brain. Melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment, is found in the iris sphincter muscle and causes it to contract.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Alberta predicts HIV growth and progression in the brain, revealing a viral reservoir. The model enables scientists to backtrack the development of HIV infection, informing treatment strategies and potential nasal spray therapies.
A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.
Duke University researchers have identified a potential new mechanism for Parkinson's disease, suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein protein spreads from gut endocrine cells to the brain. This finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and development of therapies targeting the protein.
A team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience overactivation in subcortical brain structures when viewing eye contact, leading to an aversion to direct gaze. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling n...
A new UCL and University of Nottingham study found that most neurons in the brain's auditory cortex detect sound location relative to the head, but some track the actual position in the world. The researchers monitored ferrets while they moved around a small arena surrounded by speakers, using electrodes and LEDs to track movement.
A new study found that increased amyloid plaque buildup in the brain predicts faster cognitive decline in middle-age adults over four years. The research used PET scans to detect amyloid deposits in 184 healthy middle-age and older adults, revealing a link between higher amyloid amounts and vocabulary decline.
A Drexel University study found that art-making activities like doodling activate the brain's reward pathways, regardless of skill level or experience. The study used fNIRS technology to measure blood flow in the brain during various art activities, revealing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and positive emotional responses.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a molecule, LRP4, that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The molecule is specific to excitatory synapses, suggesting a parallel molecule may exist for inhibitory synapses.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that anesthetics decrease local information generation in specific brain areas, which can lead to reduced signal transmission and consciousness loss. This finding challenges the previous assumption that anesthetics disrupt signal transmission between brain areas.
Researchers propose that a single neural network, the fronto-parietal network, relies on 'emulation' to perform various cognitive tasks. This process creates an abstract dynamic image of movements, enabling the brain to strengthen motor skills and construct precise representations.
A new review of research on acute exercise found that it improves executive function, enhances mood, and decreases stress levels in humans. Neurophysiological and neurochemical changes also show widespread brain activation after a single bout of physical activity.
A new robotic tool has been introduced for assessing muscle overactivity and movement dysfunction in stroke survivors. The robotic-assisted rehabilitation therapy is expected to improve the mobility of patients surviving a stroke.
A new study found that a molecular compound called CLR01 improves balance and coordination in mice with early-stage Parkinson's disease. CLR01 reduces the amount of toxic alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, which is thought to contribute to the development of the disorder.
A new study reveals that humans can entrain to the temporal structure of sign language, regardless of whether they are fluent or non-fluent signers. The researchers developed a novel metric to measure visual rhythms in sign language and found that brain waves locked into specific frequencies of sign language.
Complement component C3 is produced by microglia in the brain within days of viral infection, suggesting a localized immune response. This finding adds to understanding of how increased expression of immunologic factors contributes to neuroinflammation and seizures following viral infection.
Researchers analyzed how neurons in V2 respond to natural scenes, discovering three principles: combining edges, cross-orientation suppression, and repeating patterns. This work provides insight into the brain's ability to recognize faces, cars, and other objects.
Neuroscientists propose using nonlinear message-passing and probabilistic models to simulate real-world conditions in the brain. This approach aims to better understand the brain's ability to perform approximate probabilistic inference.
A new mathematical framework developed by Tatyana Sharpee and colleagues provides a theoretical understanding of how different cell types divide work among themselves. This framework could help explain greater efficiency and reliability in cell function, as well as the impact of disease when division of labor is not effective.
Researchers discovered that direction-selective ganglion cells in the retina sense their owner's motion through space by detecting radial optical flow. This allows the brain to integrate information from visual and vestibular systems to sense rotation and maintain image stabilization.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London used transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance creative problem-solving ability by suppressing a key brain area. Participants who received the intervention showed improved ability to think outside the box and solve complex problems.
Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that dendrites in the retina's nerve cells play a critical role in decoding images. The study reveals that dendritic processing enables the retina to convert and refine visual cues into electrical signals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the Lombard effect, a phenomenon where animals raise their voices to be heard over noise, occurs in just 30 milliseconds, making it a fundamental temporal reflex. This discovery sheds light on human speech control and reveals a shared auditory process among species.
The ALEX trial demonstrates alectinib's superiority over crizotinib as first-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with improved progression-free survival and brain metastasis outcomes. Alectinib achieved a 53% reduction in progression risk and 68.4% one-year progression-free rate compared to crizotinib.
Researchers found that neurons initially rely on many neurons for good prediction of a macaque monkey's decision, but eventually each neuron is maximally predictive as the decision point approaches.
A clinical trial found that HIRREM closed-loop neurotechnology significantly reduced insomnia symptoms, with improvements in heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared to a placebo intervention. The study showed that HIRREM is more effective than placebo at reducing insomnia symptoms.
Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that even simple conversations on a cell phone can affect drivers' brain ability to focus on the roadway. The delay is about 40 milliseconds, which compounds and contributes to impaired driving.
A phase III clinical trial found that alectinib, a next-generation ALK inhibitor, extended the median time to progression by about 15 months compared to crizotinib. Alectinib also caused fewer severe side effects and was more effective in preventing brain metastases.
A new study reveals a group of cells acting as a 'brain' in plant embryos, assessing environmental conditions and dictating germination timing. The plant's decision on when to germinate is controlled by two types of cells promoting dormancy or germination, communicating through hormone signals.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present two combination therapies that significantly shrink metastatic brain tumors in over half of patients with stage IV melanoma. The trials demonstrate the feasibility of conducting clinical trials for these patients and offer new hope for those with brain metastases.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has invested over $1.8 million in brain health research at Baycrest, led by Dr. Tomáš Paus and Dr. Bradley Buchsbaum. The studies aim to understand how cannabis use affects brain development and memory in young adults, as well as develop targeted treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.