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 propose an integrated strategy for managing and analyzing global neuroscience data to maximize return on investments. The plan includes standardizing data descriptions, developing hardware and software ecosystems for archiving and sharing data, and collaborating with mathematicians to develop new approaches for data analysis.
A team of scientists has developed a mouse model that closely mimics fetal brain abnormalities caused by the Zika virus, revealing abnormal blood vessel formation and a leaky blood-brain barrier. This finding highlights the need to understand all the effects of Zika infection if successful therapies are to be developed.
A combined pharmacological therapy and rehabilitation program shows promise in treating persistent cognitive difficulties after traumatic brain injuries, with modest yet significant improvements noted in verbal and nonverbal learning abilities, working memory, and divided attention.
The University of Utah Health has received a five-year contract renewal from the NIH to test drugs for treating refractory epilepsy, with the goal of identifying novel compounds. The program aims to address unmet medical needs in epilepsy patients and develop new therapies for different types of epilepsy.
A study at McGill University found significant differences in how people from different cultures perceive and react to the same scents. Providing odour names reduced these cultural differences, suggesting that mental representations activated by sensory information are more diverse than those activated by knowledge of what the scent is.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that individuals with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets had better cognitive performance, as measured by fMRI technology. The researchers suggest that these compounds may help buffer age-related brain decline and improve neurocognitive function.
A multidisciplinary group of stakeholders developed guidance materials to address concerns around neurotechnologies, prioritizing patient safety and societal benefits. The workshop emphasized the need for proactive discussions on ethics, social values, and governance.
A new index called Lung-moIGPA has been developed to estimate survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. The updated Lung-moIGPA incorporates genetic and molecular data, including EGFR and ALK gene mutations, and predicts an overall median survival of 12 months.
A five-year project is building on longstanding partnerships with Flint community collaborators to boost stroke awareness and get treatment to more stroke patients. The 'Stroke Ready' program will address barriers to timely evaluation and treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disability by over 30 percent.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have reported a high-resolution structure of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), which binds to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is responsible for marijuana's high. This detailed structure should lead to a better understanding of how cannabinoids initiate signals in the brain.
A new study at the University of Kansas investigates the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation for depression therapy. Researchers will apply a safe, low current of electricity to the brain and measure changes in brain chemistry and neural activity among participants.
Researchers found microstructural brain alternations in autism spectrum disorder using Automated Fiber Quantification technique, which provides increased sensitivity to white matter changes. The study supports the hypothesis that autism is caused by large-scale disruptions in brain connectivity.
A study published in PLOS Biology investigated the role of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine in handling uncertainty. The findings suggest that these brain chemicals enable our brains to learn changing relationships in our environment, predicting future events and executing fast responses.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to discover that brain activity in both the child and mother is low during gazing, but increases with parental responses. This study provides new insights into social interactions and child development for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that brain training improves memory and mood in people with mild cognitive impairment, but not in those with dementia. A meta-analysis of 17 studies involving nearly 700 participants showed significant benefits for brain training in preventing cognitive decline.
A study led by Indiana University researcher Andrea Hohmann found a compound that reduces chronic pain in mice without addiction risk or 'marijuana high'. The compound modulates the brain's cannabis receptors and amplifies the therapeutic effect of endocannabinoids.
A recent neuroimaging study found that native Japanese speakers are less affected by visual lip movements when listening to speech, allowing them to focus more on auditory cues. In contrast, native English speakers rely heavily on visual information to process audio-visual speech integration.
A study by SISSA researchers found that our brains use color to guide food choices, with red foods being perceived as more calorie-dense. The visual system's trichromatic nature and evolutionary history support this preference.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that an abundance of white blood cells in the spleen can send messages to the brain leading to behavioral changes long after mice experience repeated stress. The study suggests that the immune system may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating mental health conditions.
Scientists have identified two sensory channels that transmit information to the brain about movement using fundamentally different approaches. The discovery suggests a legacy of the differences between navigating in water and air, with one channel sending smooth signals resembling sound waves and another rapid signals like drumbeats.
A new study found that adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop substance use disorders if they have lower gray matter volume in the brain. The researchers discovered different patterns of gray matter reductions in females and males, highlighting the importance of sex differences in neuroscience research.
New research reveals that toxic proteins in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's spread through the brain via synapses, with genetic risk factors playing a critical role. Understanding this mechanism opens new perspectives for treatment and potential therapeutic avenues to block protein transmission.
Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a potential link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin signaling dysfunction. The study suggests that memantine, an Alzheimer's treatment, can improve cognitive function by inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (Kir6.2 channel), leading to better memory retention in patients.
Neuroscientists propose a collaborative approach to understanding the brain, combining experimentalists and theorists to tackle the great mysteries of consciousness. By sharing data and resources, researchers aim to make progress in neuroscience research using principles similar to those used in particle physics.
A recent study published in PNAS shows that people apply the rules of their spoken language to sign language, revealing a common structure between speech and sign. Researchers found that participants responded similarly to words and signs with doubling, regardless of linguistic context.
A team of researchers identified three novel proteins that act together on clock neurons to make the clock light responsive. The Quasimodo protein regulates light responses in the fly's clock neurons, controlling the circadian rhythm.
A mouse study found an antibody can soothe raging, nerve-driven poison ivy itch by blocking an immune system protein. The researchers also discovered that blocking another receptor for the protein alleviates itch, paving the way for potential treatments.
Researchers have found significant differences in men and women's brain function, with some genetic variants influencing susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a personalized strategy for prevention and treatment, taking into account gender-specific contributions.
Researchers found that ACL injuries alter brain activity related to leg movement, relying on visual systems instead of instinctive movement. This study suggests a new rehabilitation approach using strobe glasses to help patients rewire their brains and regain natural movement.
A large-scale 'Phase III' trial will investigate the connection between exercise and brain health in older adults, exploring cognitive, brain, and physical changes. The study, led by Pitt professor Kirk Erickson, aims to understand how individual differences such as age and genetics affect the results.
A study found that Transcendental Meditation produces unique brain activity patterns, including high default mode network activation and theta waves, differing from eyes-closed rest. Extensive practice duration does not impact frequency of Transcendental Consciousness experiences.
A study published in NeuroImage found that brain activation patterns are the same when decoding sentences in English and Portuguese. The research team developed a machine-learning algorithm to recognize sentence meaning in Portuguese based on neural activation patterns learned from English, achieving 67% accuracy.
Researchers found that rapidly increasing communication between subnetworks associated with visual information transformation into motor responses facilitates task automatization. The default mode network is decoupled from task-related networks as resources are released for controlled implementation.
A study published by Durham University found that earworms, or songs that get stuck in your head, tend to have faster tempos, common melodic contours, and unusual interval structures. The researchers also identified specific songs with these characteristics, including Bad Romance and Don't Stop Believing.
Researchers compared the effectiveness of fMRI and polygraph tests in detecting deception, finding that fMRI outperformed polygraph with up to 90% accuracy. The study suggests that fMRI may be a valuable tool in criminal proceedings, particularly when used in sequence with polygraph.
Researchers suggest shifting from 'curing' Alzheimer's to building resilience, acknowledging the disease is intertwined with aging processes. They propose education, infrastructure support and proper care as key components of societal response.
A pioneering study by Gilad Evrony and colleagues found that every brain cell has a unique genome resulting from somatic mutations during development. These findings hold promise for understanding unexplained neurologic diseases such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.
Researchers developed a new chemical compound Fluselenamyl that detects amyloid clumps better than current FDA-approved compounds. It potentially could be used in brain scans to identify early-stage Alzheimer's disease or monitor response to treatment.
Researchers identified mutations in genes controlling sleep in mice, revealing roles for NALCN and SIK3 proteins in regulating sleep need and maintaining REM sleep. The study used a genetic screening approach to isolate sleep phenotypes and mutated genes.
A new study has identified a group of brain structural networks linked to loss of cognitive function, highlighting the importance of cerebral small vessel disease. The research found that certain networks are less affected by age, while others show decreased expression and correlation with impaired cognitive functioning.
Researchers propose that mind-wandering is a spontaneous mode of thought, essential for creativity and daydreaming. Increased awareness of this thinking can lead to better diagnoses and treatments for depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
A Canadian-funded study finds that poor fetal growth before birth is the greatest risk factor for child stunting in developing countries. The study suggests a need for greater emphasis on maternal health and environmental factors such as sanitation to prevent stunting.
Researchers propose that understanding the connection between size and number is crucial for developing higher math abilities. This new approach could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of dyscalculia in younger children.
A new paper from Northwestern University researcher Adam Safron suggests that orgasm is linked to synchronized brain activity and neural entrainment, producing a sensory absorption and trance-like state. This understanding could change the way people view their sexuality, emphasizing the role of rhythmic aspects in sexual experiences.
A new study published in Neurology challenges a widely held African belief that spinal taps can cause death in cerebral malaria patients. Researchers found that children with severe brain swelling had no change in the likelihood of dying, whether or not they had a spinal tap.
Researchers at Binghamton University will continue to investigate brain biometric technology with a new $900,000 grant. The project aims to strengthen understanding of the human brain's unique cognitive and psychological properties to improve secure authentication.
Researchers have found a way to produce realistic sensations of touch in two human amputees by directly stimulating the nervous system. The study verifies earlier research on how the nervous system encodes intensity and determines perceived sensation through activation charge rate.
Researchers developed a new tool called SPIN-Score to predict survival after gunshot wounds, using pupil response and motor tests as key predictors. The tool accurately predicted survival rates with an excellent accuracy of 96%, offering valuable insights for doctors and families making life-or-death decisions.
A study by UC Santa Barbara psychologist Brenda Major found that highly identified white Americans who feel threatened by diversity are more likely to support Donald Trump and endorse anti-immigrant policies. However, those less identified with their ethnicity tend to oppose Trump and support anti-bias norms.
Research suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance the glymphatic system, facilitating clearance of waste from the brain, including amyloid-β peptides. This improvement may provide benefits for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, and sleep impairment.
A large international collaborative study sheds new light on the genetics behind essential tremor, finding a strong correlation between the disease and the gene STK32B. The study aims to recruit 10,000 additional patients to understand how these genes contribute to the development of the disease.
A new study published in PLOS Biology shows that the adult brain retains residual capacity to process restored or artificial visual inputs. Blind individuals who received a prosthetic implant were able to recognize unusual visual stimuli and improve their perception over time with extensive training.
Activating dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the brain causes active emergence from general anesthesia. This could lead to faster recovery times and reduced side effects for patients. The researchers are now conducting further experiments to confirm these findings and develop a new treatment.
A new robotic technique developed by Georgia Tech researchers enables the reuse of pipettes in patch-clamping, a method used to record signals from brain cells. The technique has been shown to produce results comparable to those obtained with fresh pipettes and holds promise for accelerating neuroscience research.
A recent study published in Frontiers presents a brain-to-text system that decodes speech from brain signals with high accuracy. The technology uses electrocorticography and language models to match patterns of neural signals to spoken words, offering potential benefits for individuals with speech disorders or locked-in patients.
Film and television often provide misleading information on brain death, which can lead to inaccurate public understanding. Neurologists recommend improved productions that balance entertainment with accurate information about organ donation.
A recent study published in Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that increasing muscle strength can improve brain function in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The SMART trial involved 100 community-dwelling adults who performed resistance exercise and showed significant improvements in global cognition and brain function.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences aim to unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's disease in women, who are disproportionately affected by the neurodegenerative brain disease. The five-year National Institute on Aging program project grant will investigate biological transformations during perimenopause that may increas...
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified a potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the enzyme Nuak1, which reduces tau accumulation in the brain. The study used a three-pronged approach and confirmed results in human cells, fruit flies, and mouse models.
Researchers found striations on a Homo habilis fossil, indicating the ancient human was likely right-handed. The discovery sheds light on brain lateralization and its relationship with handedness and language.