Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers found that stimulation from outside world guides neurons' early development, leading to two different types of inhibitory neurons. This adds complexity and regulation to brain circuitry, with implications for treating neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and depression.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discover a novel logic for mammalian olfaction that defies the traditional one-to-one correspondence between odors and receptors. The 'olfactory necklace' system uses a different class of chemoreceptors to detect carbon dioxide and other molecules, triggering innate behaviors such as avoidance.
A McGill University sociologist uses historical data to challenge the conventional wisdom that the US lacks a labor or socialist party. The analysis of 142 years of electoral data shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected.
A new study by McGill University sociologist Barry Eidlin challenges conventional wisdom on the US lack of a labor party. The research shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected before the 1930s. Instead, it was a consequence of different ruling party responses to wo...
Research on carboplatin therapy in rats suggests that chemotherapy can affect dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to cognitive issues. The study provides new insights into the development of chemo brain, a condition affecting up to one-third of chemotherapy patients.
Researchers found progranulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid differ from those in blood, challenging its use as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the biological processes underlying Alzheimer's and other common neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study finds that human amyloid-beta is protective against infections in mice and roundworms, and may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The protein's oligomeric form appears to entrap microbes, providing a natural defense mechanism.
A new study suggests that human intelligence developed in response to the demands of caring for infants, who are born prematurely and require intelligent parents. The research found a strong correlation between weaning time and general intelligence in primates.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that microglia can reduce the adverse changes to neural circuitry caused by chronic cocaine use. Microglia may be enticed to keep going by stimulating their production of TNF, which suppresses synaptic changes caused by cocaine.
Grand Challenges Canada funds nine creative ways to protect and nurture cognitive development of children in developing countries. Kangaroo Mother Care is expanded to improve lives of low birth weight infants in West Africa, while eight new innovations pursue approaches to help children reach their full potential.
Brandeis scientists have developed a method to genetically identify and manipulate individual cell types in the mouse brain, revealing over 150 distinct brain cell types. This breakthrough enables researchers to activate or deactivate specific genes to study their function without affecting other cells.
A molecular pathway in brain helps halt spread of intestinal bacteria into bloodstream, strengthening gut barrier to prevent immune system activation. Researchers discover genetic switch Crtc plays key role in maintaining this barrier.
A new study finds that busier lifestyles are associated with better processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory in older adults. The research suggests that busyness may stimulate learning and improve cognition, but more experimental work is needed to confirm this association.
Researchers discovered that differences in male and female brains develop from a ground state containing features of both sexes. Sex-specific wiring in the brain results in dimorphic behavior, with distinct patterns emerging in males and females.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found a positive correlation between fitness and increased blood flow to areas of the brain where Alzheimer's pathology is usually first detected. Regular physical activity, regardless of age, may provide some protection from dementia.
A randomized control trial found that incorporating omega-3 supplements into the diets of children with extreme aggression can reduce this behavior in the short term, especially its impulsive and emotional form. The study also explored the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a complementary treatment.
The European Stroke Organisation Conference highlighted major clinical trials on treating patients who suffer a stroke caused by bleeding into the brain. Studies found that platelet transfusion may be harmful and is not beneficial for patients taking aspirin. Additionally, tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) treatment was shown to red...
The Open Neuroimaging Laboratory aims to aggregate annotated brain imaging data and develop a tool for distributed team collaboration. The project seeks to improve transparency, statistical power, and reproducibility in brain data analysis.
Researchers used LEGO bricks to investigate symbolic object engagement, finding brain areas associated with social cognition and language activation when attending to model meaning. Special activation patterns were observed for models built with own group members versus others
A new mouse model of a genetically-linked type of autism has been developed to study the role of genes in the disorder and its underlying brain changes. The researchers found that targeting a specific brain receptor could ease repetitive behaviors and improve learning in some animals.
A major global study has identified a safer treatment for acute stroke, revealing that a modified dosage of the controversial clot-busting drug rtPA can significantly reduce serious bleeding in the brain while improving survival rates. The trial involved over 3,000 patients in 100 hospitals worldwide and showed promising results.
Researchers found that individuals with schizophrenia have impaired ability to process visual and touch stimuli, leading to distorted perception of reality. The study's findings suggest a new way to identify the disease at an early stage, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers presented findings from the SOCRATES trial, which tested ticagrelor against aspirin for reducing further strokes. The study showed that ticagrelor did not significantly reduce second strokes or death. In contrast, a lower dose of intravenous rtPA reduced serious brain bleeding by two-thirds and improved survival rates. Addi...
A five-minute brain activity test predicted language learning speed in adults with 60% accuracy. Researchers believe neurofeedback training can be used to strengthen desirable brain patterns and improve language learning.
The Open Science Prize has announced six team finalists to develop prototypes addressing big data access and usage challenges. The teams will receive $80,000 each and compete for the grand prize of $230,000.
Researchers found that BST-2 is an important target for viral replication in the brain and that preventing HIV inhibition of this factor may reduce neurocognitive disorders. Mutations in the viral envelope were shown to enhance antagonism of BST-2, leading to efficient viral replication in the CNS.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dietary tryptophan can limit brain inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In human patients, decreased levels of these molecules were observed, hinting at a possible link between gut flora and neurodegeneration.
Research on neural network interactions and related brain activity patterns provides insights into thought processes that make people vulnerable to depression. The study identifies increased activity in one important brain network, called the default mode network, which may contribute to maladaptive rumination.
Researchers have built a computer model that mimics bees' ability to detect motion and navigate complex environments. The model uses optic flow to control flight and avoid obstacles, paving the way for more efficient autonomous flying robots.
A Dartmouth-Princeton study found that people can intentionally forget past experiences by altering the context of those memories. Participants who were told to forget random words showed a 'flushing out' of scene-related activity from their brains, while remembering led to increased recall.
Researchers developed a new technique to control dopamine-producing cells' activity in the brain. They identified the exact signalling pathway that causes involuntary movements, known as dyskinesia, and found a way to reduce side effects.
A study found that human responses and statistical calculations align in making decisions, indicating an objective calculation of confidence. The model suggests that the brain produces feelings of confidence inform decisions like computers pull patterns from data.
Researchers found that humans consume 400 more calories daily than chimpanzees and bonobos, and 635 more calories than gorillas and orangutans. This higher metabolism supports having larger brains and longer lifespans.
Researchers found that human brains produce feelings of confidence that mirror statistical calculations, informing decisions. The study's model suggests that confidence is an objective computation, with the brain acting as a 'statistician' to make informed choices.
Researchers from the University of Leeds found that human steering in a driving simulator is influenced by visual speed signals, not just road edges. The study's findings suggest that our brains process information from across the whole visual scene to guide steering, similar to how insects choose their flight paths.
A large Danish cross-sectional study investigated the association between migraines with aura and silent brain infarcts. The research team found no evidence of a connection, which may be reassuring for patients suffering from migraines with aura.
Marina E. Emborg and Eng H. Lo received the 2016 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair for their outstanding contributions to neurodegenerative disorders and stroke research. Their work focuses on developing safe neuroprotective strategies using stem cells and advanced imaging techniques.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of salts in the brain controlling our sleep-wake cycle. By influencing salt levels, it is possible to control a mouse's sleep-wake cycle independently of neuromodulators like adrenalin.
Researchers found that acidity can reactivate dormant N3A receptors, causing neurons to become more sensitive to glutamate, which can kill them. This finding sheds light on the role of N3A receptors in brain function and may lead to new treatments for strokes, seizures, and schizophrenia.
Researchers modified an obesity drug to block brain penetration, reducing psychiatric side effects. The new version of the drug can work on cannabinoid receptors outside the brain.
A new miniaturized microscope reveals that astrocytes, traditionally thought to be passive support cells, respond to intense stimuli by generating their own chemical signals. This discovery offers unprecedented insight into nervous system function and could lead to novel pain treatments.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth will investigate how changes in brain blood flow affect cognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). They will use fMRI to examine cerebral blood flow and neural metabolic rate, aiming to pinpoint the brain systems responsible for cognitive slowing in MS.
A recent study investigated consumer attitudes towards brain-training apps, finding that over two-thirds reported improved thinking, memory, and attention. However, cost was the primary barrier to their use, highlighting a need for evidence-based apps. Strong positive expectations about app effectiveness may also drive user behavior.
Researchers found corvid birds outperformed great apes in a cognitive task, despite having smaller brains. The study suggests neuronal density and brain structure play a key role in intelligence.
A Dartmouth College study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions, revealing contradictory biases when combining evidence from different sources. The research shows that our ability for learning and inference is limited and biased due to the inability to separate information about cues from overall probability of outcomes.
Alexandre Pouget, a renowned expert in neural coding and spatial representations, will receive the prize for his work on probabilistic inference and its applications. Pouget's research focuses on general theories of representation and computation in neural circuits, with a strong emphasis on neural theories of probabilistic inference.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have derived a structural model of the Mfsd2a transporter, which could help treat neurological disorders like glioblastoma by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The study identifies new binding features and provides insight into the transport mechanism of Mfsd2a.
A recent review of published studies on autism spectrum disorder found significant discrepancies in reported brain abnormalities. Experts emphasize the need for more extensive research to better understand these variations.
Researchers at MIPT create electronic synapses based on HfO2 memristors, exhibiting properties similar to biological synapses. The devices can model complex learning mechanisms, including LTP and LTD, and demonstrate spike-timing-dependent plasticity.
Researchers developed a new method to map and track brain circuits affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys using brain imaging. This approach provides a physical measure of progress with behavioral and/or drug treatments, a tool previously elusive in ASD treatment.
Researchers at WSU have developed a method to improve the performance of conductive plastic, which can be used in devices that interface with the human body. The material is biocompatible and can detect faint signals from neurons, enabling medical breakthroughs such as limb reanimation.
A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that our visual perception may be limited to the 'big picture', capturing details but not specifics. This challenge to the notion of rich visual experience highlights the complexities of consciousness and perception.
A new study found that shifted sleep-wake cycles affect brain function differently in men and women. Women were more cognitively impaired during the early morning hours, making them potentially more vulnerable to night-shift work.
A team of researchers at Binghamton University recorded the brain activity of 50 people while they looked at images, finding that participants' brains reacted differently to each image. This allowed a computer system to identify each volunteer's unique 'brainprint' with 100% accuracy.
New research suggests that human brain size and body size are genetically linked, with increased brain size leading to a correlated response in body size. This phenomenon played a significant role in the evolution of larger brains and bodies in humans.
Researchers investigate relationship between plasma Aβ levels, cognitive function, and brain volumetrics in Alzheimer's patients. Plasma Aβ measures may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that psilocybin decreases the brain's reaction to social exclusion and pain, which can help improve therapy for social problems in psychiatric disorders. The study used fMRI and MRS to investigate the effects of psilocybin on the brain's processing of social conflicts.
Researchers developed a model to explain how monarch butterflies navigate during their 2,000-mile fall migration. The model suggests that the monarchs' brain receives information from both the sun's position and the time of day, and uses two neural mechanisms to decipher the correct direction.
Salk Institute scientists have developed a new reagent to map the brain's complex network of connections, 20 times more efficient than the previous version. The improved tool allows researchers to visualize neural circuitry and learn more about conditions like motor diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers developed a novel method for predicting attention impairment using brain network growth charts in young people. The study found associations between deviations from normative maturation patterns and impaired sustained attention performance, as well as ADHD diagnosis.