Cerebrospinal fluid shows promise as autism biomarker
Researchers found that altered CSF distribution in high-risk infants can predict ASD, with 70% accuracy. Increased subarachnoid CSF at six months is associated with more severe autism symptoms.
Brain
Articles tagged with Brain
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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's -- a key discovery about human memory
Cognitive psychologists at Johns Hopkins University have made a key discovery about human memory, linking it to the ability to track an object's movement. They found that people's memories improve significantly with rich details about how an object's appearance changes as it moves through space and time.
BU researchers awarded $5 million to identify biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease
Researchers will measure circulating biomarkers in over 17,000 persons enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study to identify new biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease. The goal is to develop a gold standard for early detection and intervention with treatment.
Researchers report first known case of CTE in patient with no known head trauma
Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital's Canadian Concussion Centre discovered CTE in a brain without head trauma or concussion history. The finding suggests that the cause of CTE might be more complex than previously thought, with Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati stating that there are more questions than answers about the definitive causes of CTE.
New collection in RIO Journal devoted to neuroscience projects from 2016 Brainhack events
The 'Brainhack 2016 Project Reports' collection features eight project reports applying open science to advance brain understanding. Researchers developed tools like the Semi-automated Robust Quantification of Lesions (SRQL) Toolbox and Mindcontrol, a web-based dashboard for collaborative neuroimaging data quality control.
Couples may miss cues that partner is hiding emotions, study suggests
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that even happy couples can be clueless about spotting emotional suppression and reappraisal tactics in their partners. Women tend to overestimate their partner's ability to see the bright side of an issue, while men are more likely to use suppression with their partners.
To maximize a child's development, genetics provide important insight
A study found that genetic variation impacts child development, with specific genes affecting attachment to mothers. Children with the short form of the SLC6A4 gene showed a strong response to maternal mentoring, while those with the long form were less affected.
Did seaweed make us who we are today?
According to Professor Ole G. Mouritsen, seaweeds were a crucial source of essential nutrients for early Homo sapiens brain development. These nutrients include taurine, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, iodine, and poly-unsaturated fatty-acids (PUFAs), which are also healthy for modern humans.
New target for Parkinson's disease identified by Emory researchers
Researchers discovered a connection between the SV2C protein and dopamine release in the brain, suggesting that drug therapies targeting SV2C may be beneficial for PD patients. The study found altered SV2C levels only in PD brains among patients with various neurodegenerative diseases.
Trials in humans near for antibody to block cocaine's impact on the brain
A new human monoclonal antibody has been developed to prevent cocaine from entering the brain, reducing its behavioral effects. The antibody is designed for individuals highly motivated to overcome addiction and can be given in doses that remain effective for at least 30 days.
Brain imaging headband measures how our minds align when we communicate
A wearable brain-imaging device has been used to measure brain synchronization during conversation, providing insights into how people understand each other. The technology can be used to study various social interactions and improve communication in different environments.
Changes in brain connectivity can help diagnose and predict outcomes of mild TBI
A new study reveals that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients exhibit changes in brain connectivity that can aid in diagnosis and predict cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Resting-state functional MRI assessments can serve as a sensitive biomarker for early mTBI diagnosis and patient performance.
Fructose is generated in the human brain
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that fructose is converted in the human brain from glucose, raising questions about its effects on eating behavior. The finding highlights the need to reevaluate the impact of fructose on chronic diseases.
E-cigarettes may pose the same or higher risk of stroke severity as tobacco smoke
Researchers found that e-cigarette exposure worsened stroke outcomes and neurological deficits in mice compared to tobacco smoke. Electronic-cigarette vaping decreased glucose uptake in the brain, which fuels brain activity. Both e-Cigarettes and tobacco smoke exposure for 30 days decreased Thrombomodulin levels, an anti-coagulant.
Bleeding stroke survivors at higher risk of depression, dementia
Research followed 695 bleeding stroke survivors for five years, finding 40% developed depression during follow-up, with high risk of dementia among those who also developed depression. Risk factors associated with hemorrhagic stroke also predicted depression risk.
Exercise can significantly improve brain function after stroke
Researchers found that structured physical activity training can improve cognitive deficits in stroke survivors, regardless of rehabilitation program length. Combining aerobic and strength training programs yields the largest cognitive gains, with benefits observed even in patients with chronic stroke.
Brain scans could help doctors predict adolescents' problem drug use before it starts
Researchers used brain scans to improve predictions of adolescent problem drug use, correctly identifying 2/3 of those who would abuse drugs. Novelty-seeking scores were associated with reduced anticipation in brain reward centers, a key predictor of future drug use.
Making it harder to 'outsmart' concussion tests
A new equation developed by a Nebraska researcher can correctly identify athletes who attempt to sandbag on the ImPACT test, informing better decisions about return-to-play protocols. The approach was found to be more effective than existing methods in detecting poor effort, with high accuracy rates.
Itch neurons play a role in managing pain
Researchers found that itch and mild pain signals can be transmitted through the same spinal cord neurons, with GRP neurons acting as a 'braking system' to mitigate intense pain. In mice without these neurons, pain responses were increased and scratching behaviors were altered.
Researchers reverse high blood pressure in offspring of hypertensive rats
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Iowa have shown that gestational hypertension can be reversed in offspring born to hypertensive rats. The study's findings may offer a promising approach to addressing fetal programming and preventing the transfer of health risks from mothers to children.
CUNY linguist to speak on second language acquisition and loss at AAAS Annual Meeting
Dr. Gita Martohardjono presents research on bilingual populations, showing changes in Spanish processing and predicting the impact of English use on brain responses. Her findings suggest that social factors hinder language learning in adults.
Is the human brain hardwired to appreciate poetry?
Researchers found that participants' brains responded positively to sentences conforming to traditional Welsh poetry rules, even when they couldn't explicitly identify the correct form. This suggests an innate appreciation for poetic structure in the human brain.
Solving the puzzle of Alzheimer's disease
A UAlberta study found that AC253 improves memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms, reducing amyloid levels and inflammation in the brain. Further studies are needed to optimize dosage and effectiveness.
Complex neurological infections require team care
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has published guidelines for diagnosing and treating complex neurological infections, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach. The guidelines provide parameters for identifying and managing ventriculitis and meningitis, as well as prevention strategies.
Nanotechnology based gene editing to eradicate HIV brain reservoir in drug abusers
A new study combines nanotechnology with gene editing to target HIV brain reservoirs and deliver morphine antagonists to protect neurons from opiate addiction damage. The approach uses Cas9/gRNA system and MENP drug-based delivery system to eliminate latent HIV copies and deliver medications non-invasively.
Early brain changes may help predict autism among high-risk infants
Researchers used MRI to identify differences in brain development among high-risk infants, finding that those with autism showed faster brain growth rates between 6-12 months. These early brain changes can help predict autism diagnosis at age 2 years.
Evidence of brain damage found in former soccer players
A study has identified CTE pathology in four former soccer players, exceeding the average background rate of CTE found in a previous survey. All six brains also showed signs of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting a potential link between playing football and degenerative brain pathologies.
New infusion therapy may help smooth out movement for patients with Parkinson's
Researchers are exploring a new infusion therapy that could help smooth out movement for patients with Parkinson's by providing constant levodopa levels and stimulating dopamine receptors. The therapy aims to reduce off-time and increase on-time movement, improving overall quality of life.
New discovery could be a major advance for neurological diseases
Researchers at University of Bristol and UCLan uncover new type of LTP controlled by kainate receptors, promising therapeutic strategies for dementia and epilepsy. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for understanding memory and neurodegenerative disorders.
Epilepsy drug discovered in fish model shows promise in small pediatric clinical trial
Researchers have identified a potential epilepsy treatment, lorcaserin, that suppresses seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome. The treatment was developed using a zebrafish model and showed promising results in a small clinical trial.
New study of ferroelectrics offers roadmap to multivalued logic for neuromorphic computing
Researchers have developed a theoretical map to use ferroelectric material to process information using multivalued logic, enabling the same physical switch to encode multiple values. This could lead to significantly more efficient memory units and processors, crucial for realizing neuromorphic computing.
Noradrenaline enhances vision through β-adrenergic receptors
Research by Osaka University finds that noradrenaline modulates the primary visual cortex, reducing spontaneous neural activity and suppressing contrast sensitivity. This suggests a new therapeutic target for improving vision and machine learning in patients.
How does brain functional connectivity change from the awake to unconscious state?
Researchers discovered dynamic changes in brain networks between high and low consciousness states, with relatively stable patterns recurring across the continuum. Anesthetic dosage was linked to changes in consciousness levels, providing insights into the conscious and unconscious states.
UChicago receives $2.4 million NIH grant to build visual prosthesis
A multidisciplinary team from UChicago is developing wireless brain implants that can convert camera input into electrical stimulations to produce useful visual perception in the brain. The technology could restore partial vision to people who have lost their sight, significantly improving their quality of life.
Orexin as a potential drug for treating septic shock
Researchers found that subcutaneous injection of orexin can improve survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock by restoring body temperature and increasing heart rate. Future studies aim to validate the effect of peripherally administered orexin in primates with septic shock.
Sex, drugs, and rock and roll chemistry in the brain
A McGill University study shows that the brain's opioid system is involved in experiencing musical pleasure. Researchers found that participants' favorite songs no longer elicited feelings of pleasure when their opioids were temporarily blocked.
Researchers find chemical switch that may decrease symptoms of schizophrenia
A new study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found adjusting kynurenic acid levels can reduce schizophrenia-like behavior in mice. Higher KYNA levels are associated with cognitive problems and reduced glutamate signaling in people with schizophrenia.
New look at sensory 'clues' wins 2016 AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize
A new model, aggregate-label learning, proposes that neurons serve as reliable clue detectors to their host by matching spike output to the magnitude of a cue. This approach outperforms existing models in processing continuous streams of sensory information.
Researchers outline new policies for earlier detection of autism in children
Researchers suggest that universal screening at 18 months and 24 months can help diagnose ASD earlier, reducing disparities among disadvantaged communities. The new policies aim to improve outcomes for relationships and careers.
With mini-vessels, mini-brains expand research potential
Scientists have developed mini-brains that can grow blood vessels, enabling the study of neurological diseases such as stroke and concussion. The presence of vasculature makes these mini-brains more realistic models of natural brains, allowing researchers to investigate the interaction between the brain and its circulatory system.
Brain-computer interface allows completely locked-in people to communicate
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) enables people with complete locked-in syndrome to communicate by detecting their brain activity. The study found that participants reported being 'happy' and could respond correctly to personal questions, overturning previous theories on the capabilities of individuals with this condition.
Kids should pay more attention to mistakes, study suggests
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that children with a growth mindset tend to focus more on their mistakes and improve their performance after errors. In contrast, children with a fixed mindset can also recover from mistakes if they pay close attention to the errors.
Research suggests way to improve stroke treatments
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a potential way to reduce complications from blood clot removal during stroke treatment. By targeting the plasma kallikrein protein, they aim to increase the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy while minimizing bleeding and swelling.
TSRI scientists find brain hormone that triggers fat burning
Researchers at TSRI identified a brain hormone called FLP-7 that stimulates fat metabolism without affecting food intake. By studying roundworms and visualizing the hormone in living animals, they found a direct link between serotonin levels in the brain and FLP-7 production, which triggers fat burning in the gut.
New drug SAK3 may offer hope to Alzheimer's disease patients
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new drug, SAK3, that stimulates the release of acetylcholine in the brain and improves cognition. In animal experiments, SAK3 has proven to be safe and well-tolerated, with potential for development into a disease-modifying drug.
LSD alters perception via serotonin receptors
Researchers discovered LSD alters perception by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This finding may lead to new courses of treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression, addictions, and phobias by enhancing personal relevance.
Study suggests best order of treatment for brain metastases in EGFR lung cancer
A study of 351 patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer and brain metastases found that radiation therapy followed by targeted medicines resulted in the longest overall survival, with median survival times of 46 months and 30 months respectively. The findings suggest that a more aggressive approach to treating brain metastases may be the ...
The apple maggot fly -- how an altered sense of smell could drive the formation of new species
Scientists discover that a minuscule change in brain connections between detecting hawthorn and apple odours may be the cause for the split amongst these fruit flies. This finding suggests that even small changes in nervous system can have significant effects on species, particularly in response to introduced foreign species.
A brain wide chemical signal that enhances memory
Researchers discovered a brain-wide chemical signal released in response to attention-demanding situations, which is boosted by current Alzheimer's treatments. This signal could lead to new ways to enhance cognitive function and memory in healthy individuals.
Brain scan before antidepressant therapy may predict response
Researchers found that brain activity patterns, particularly within two networks involved in error detection and interference processing, can predict treatment response. Patients who showed stronger communication between these networks were less likely to benefit from antidepressants.
Therapy for abnormal heartbeats may cause brain injury
A study of patients undergoing catheter ablation found a significantly higher rate of brain injury due to embolism among those with left ventricle therapy compared to right ventricle therapy. Brain lesions may also be associated with cognitive decline, highlighting the need for further research and strategies to avoid these lesions.
Cell disposal faults could contribute to Parkinson's, study finds
A study published in Cell Death and Disease suggests that problems with mitochondria may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that faulty waste disposal systems can lead to damaged mitochondria, which produce less energy and cause oxidative stress.
Brain study shows impulsivity may weigh down some individuals
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found a strong link between impulsive personality and high body mass index (BMI). Individuals with an impulsive personality were more likely to exhibit altered neural function, which may contribute to weight gain. The study suggests that addressing impulsive personality traits could be key to d...
Novel radiotracer measures olfactory neurons in animal models
Researchers have developed a novel PET radiatracer called Neuroflux to quantify olfactory sensory neurons, improving measurements of olfactory health. The study found decreased signals in young animal models before cognitive symptoms onset, demonstrating the vulnerability of olfactory neurons.
Low-cost therapy produces long-lasting improvements for stroke survivors
Researchers at UEA and Glasgow found that a low-cost, home-based therapy produces marked improvements in visual neglect, even after four months. Patients who received the therapy showed significant gains in finding items on their neglected side of space and experienced long-lasting improvements in daily activities.
Cholesterol -- good for the brain, bad for the heart
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that mice with reduced brain cholesterol suffer neurological damage and behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests that cholesterol may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with diabetes.
Why the lights don't dim when we blink
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that blinking prompts the brain to reposition eyeballs, keeping vision in line. This mechanism allows our brains to adapt to changes and compensate for errors in our bodies' own hardware.
Ants find their way even while traveling backward
Researchers found that ants can decouple their direction of travel from their body orientation, maintaining a northerly direction by going forward or backward. This challenges the notion of simple stimulus-response behaviors in insects.
Mandarin makes you more musical?
A new study from the University of California San Diego finds that native Mandarin speakers exhibit superior pitch processing skills in young children compared to English-speaking peers. The research suggests that brain skills learned in one area, such as language, can generalize to other cognitive abilities like music.
What humans and primates both know when it comes to numbers
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that humans and primates both have an ability to distinguish between large and small quantities of objects. The research showed that this bias is strongest in humans and correlates with increasing age and math education, suggesting a possible evolutionary basis for number perception.