Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have adapted a weather-forecast tool to assess the effectiveness of therapies for reducing brain injury in newborns who suffered oxygen deprivation during birth. The non-invasive method produces real-time heat maps of the infant's brain, helping doctors determine whether therapies are working.
A study by University of York researchers found that eating Marmite daily for a month reduced brain's response to visual stimuli by 30% in participants. This effect is believed to be due to the presence of vitamin B12, which increases GABA levels in the brain.
The Obesity Research Initiative aims to study the brain's role in regulating body weight and metabolic disorders like diabetes. The initiative will promote collaborative research across disciplines, including neuroscience, genetics, and metabolism.
A new study found that doxycycline can reduce fear memory responses in healthy volunteers by 60%, suggesting its potential to treat PTSD. The antibiotic disrupts the formation of negative associations in the brain, which is crucial for learning to fear threats.
A new hand-held EEG device has been shown to accurately rule out brain bleeding in patients with head injuries. The device, approved by the FDA in 2016, can quickly assess electrical activity in the brain to determine if a patient needs further evaluation and treatment.
Researchers developed a novel technique to eliminate specific peripheral neurons without affecting the brain, revealing their crucial role in maintaining normal adiposity. The study showed that mice lacking these neurons became fat quickly, opening new avenues for understanding diseases related to the peripheral nervous system.
A new study has identified an early vulnerability brain marker for psychosis in late adolescence, which can be detected through exaggerated emotional responses to non-threatening cues. This finding could lead to the development of new intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
Researchers used PET scans to study dopamine levels in patients with migraines and healthy individuals. The study found that dopamine levels fell significantly during migraine attacks, which may contribute to increased sensory sensitivity. This suggests that dopamine-based therapies could be effective in managing migraines.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that entrepreneurs exhibit similar brain behavior to parents when viewing images of their own companies, suggesting that emotional attachment plays a crucial role in entrepreneurial success. This attachment is linked to confidence levels and can impact risk perception.
A new UC Davis study found that video game users who received reminders played more often and experienced increased time spent playing, with some games increasing feelings of control over depression. The study, using six three-minute games, showed promise in reducing symptoms of mild depression.
Scientists at McGill University used magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography to study the relationship between theta waves and auditory memory. They found that applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at the same frequency as natural theta waves improved memory performance, while arrhythmic TMS had no effect.
Researchers created graphene-based neural probes to record brain activity in high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The devices successfully detected small electrical signals associated with brain activities, such as sleep and visual light stimulation, without inducing inflammation or toxicity.
Researchers used brainwaves to measure children's reading levels and found that brain activity differed between those who showed reading success later on. The study suggests that brain activity can be a long-term predictor of reading development and may help identify children who need extra support.
Researchers used portable EEG to study social interactions in real-life settings like classrooms and museums, finding that brain synchrony increases with group cohesion and empathy. The studies also showed that eye contact at the beginning of an interaction can influence subsequent brain activity.
A new gene variant has been identified in the PTPRD gene that is associated with the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. The study found that this variant affects more than one mechanism of tangle accumulation and may be a key target for developing therapies targeting Tau pathology.
Capillaries in the brain's wire-like network can sense activity and generate signals to direct blood flow and deliver nutrients to neurons. This mechanism enables precise control over cerebrovascular blood flow to meet the brain's changing energy needs.
A new study reveals that circular RNAs, previously thought to be non-coding, can encode for proteins. The discovery suggests an unexplored layer of gene activity and may have implications for understanding aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transporters after a seven-day spiritual retreat, leading to increased positive emotions and self-transcendence. The study suggests that such retreats could prime the brain for spiritual experiences.
Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.
Poor smell was associated with an 8% lower risk of mortality, while those with complete olfactory loss had a 19% higher risk of death. Olfactory assessments may provide insights into the aging brain and future research aims to pinpoint underlying biological processes.
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that the brain combines 2-D and depth information when representing 3-D objects. The fMRI data showed that early visual areas focus on 2-D location, while later areas prioritize depth information, suggesting a gradual shift towards 3-D perception.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that changes in the vascular system and a plasma component called Factor XII may trigger Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to early diagnosis and new treatments for the condition.
University of Utah engineers develop 'computational cannula microscopy' to capture high-resolution images of animal brains using surgical needles and laser light. This non-invasive method shows promise for studying neurological disorders and could lead to a simpler, less expensive alternative to endoscopes for human patients.
A new study reveals that adults who learned Spanish as a second language can understand subtle aspects of Spanish grammar not present in English. Researchers found that these adults were capable of learning and processing a new language in a way similar to native speaker language use.
New research suggests that serotonin facilitates adaptation to environmental changes, which may indirectly impact mood. Serotonin-producing neurons exhibit a surprise spike in activity when rules are suddenly reversed, signaling altered circumstances.
A new Penn Medicine study finds that preventative brain radiation therapy can significantly improve overall survival for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients. The research also reveals the most common genetic mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is likely to progress at the primary site if left untreated.
Researchers found that preterm babies' brain responses to gentle touch are reduced compared to full-term infants. Positive touch experiences in the NICU enhance brain response to touch, while painful procedures can affect sensory development.
The Brain Health Food Guide provides evidence-based dietary advice for older adults, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Research suggests that following this guide can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 36% and mild cognitive impairment by 27%.
Scientists studied the circadian clocks of two fruit fly species from Finland and Tanzania. Finnish flies adapted their activity pattern to longer days, while Tanzanian flies were influenced by the equator's long daylight hours. The study reveals tiny differences in the flies' brains that affect their behavior.
Researchers discovered a mechanism to block amyloid-beta fragments in Alzheimer's disease, reducing levels of enzyme BACE-1. A type of nucleic acid found in healthy brains promotes its degradation, offering hope for treatment.
Researchers found that probiotics had little impact on microbial diversity and even impaired recognition memory in rats on a balanced diet. However, for rats fed a junk diet, probiotics positively changed the bacterial make-up in their digestive tract and benefitted brain function, preventing spatial memory loss.
A new mechanism by which inflammation can spread throughout the brain after injury has been identified. The findings may explain chronic and long-lasting inflammation that occurs after traumatic brain injury and could transform understanding of brain injury and disease.
Researchers at IU Center for Aging Research have developed a novel easy-to-administer tool to score and track delirium severity in the ICU, enabling clinicians to make better decisions about the brain health of ICU patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit 7 (CAM-ICU-7) scores delirium on a scale of 0 to 7 a...
Brain imaging can determine whether someone is acting knowingly or recklessly during criminal activity, according to a new study. The discovery has implications for the emerging field of neurolaw and could inform punishment decisions.
A new study reveals that 15% of patients with suppressed HIV infection still have active HIV in the brain. MRI scans identify high-risk individuals for further testing and potential treatment regime changes.
A new mathematical model predicts how human brains should grow based on ecological, social, and cultural factors. Early results counter prevailing thought that social influences are required for large brain sizes.
A machine-learning device developed by Osaka University can detect the emotional state of its listeners and produce new songs that evoke different feelings. This technology has the potential to enhance the interactive music experience and be applied in healthcare settings to motivate people to exercise or improve their mood.
A controlled study by UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research shows no added benefit from opening narrowed veins in treating multiple sclerosis. The findings debunk the claim that patients could achieve dramatic improvements from liberation therapy, an invasive procedure with significant financial cost and risk of complications.
Researchers identify complementary roles played by mitral and tufted cells in processing olfactory information. Active learning enhances distinctiveness between similar smells through separate neural networks.
A new study found that a diabetes drug called amylin improved learning and memory function in AD patients and reduced AD pathology in their brains. The findings suggest a potential blood test for AD using pramlintide.
A study by Indiana University researchers has identified 24 compounds with the potential to boost an enzyme in the brain that protects against dementia. Caffeine was found to increase production of this enzyme, which also shows promise in reducing the impact of harmful proteins in the brain.
Researchers discover that a small GTP-hydrolysis enzyme called Rab4 is essential for the assembly of synapses and corresponding brain functions. Reduced supply of Rab4 increases synapse formation in fruit fly neurons, which may have implications for treating Alzheimer's Disease.
A study by the University of Exeter found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improved cognitive function, blood flow to the brain, and working memory in healthy older adults. Flavonoids, rich in blueberries, may be an important component in causing these effects.
A study found that many toddlers diagnosed with autism at two years of age had a substantially greater amount of extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid at six and 12 months of age, before diagnosis was possible. The more CSF at six months, the more severe the autism symptoms were at two years of age.
Scientists identify α2δ4 as essential for photoreceptors to connect with neural circuit, enabling proper vision. The study suggests manipulating α2δ4 may help preserve vision in degenerative conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers discover that brain cells work together to store and retrieve short-term memory, contradicting previous assumptions about single neurons. This finding has implications for understanding cognitive function, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.