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.
Action video games have been shown to improve attention skills and cognitive functions, while 'brain games' lack equivalent impact on perception and cognition. Video game play predicts poorer attention in the classroom, but benefits can be positive or negative depending on content.
A Stanford study suggests a malfunctioning enzyme may contribute to the development of alcoholism in individuals who binge drink. The researchers identified a previously unknown biochemical assembly line that produces an essential neurotransmitter called GABA, which is thought to play a key role in countering addiction.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $38 million in grants to support the BRAIN Initiative, a large-scale effort to understand neural circuit function and capture dynamic views of the brain. The initiative aims to treat devastating brain disorders that affect over one billion people worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have confirmed that glutamate is an essential energy source for the brain, which cannot store glucose. In its absence, the brain sends signals to the liver to increase glucose production, leading to muscle loss and growth deficits.
Scientists at the NIH discovered a link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS, suggesting that reactivated viral genes may destroy neurons. Activation of HERV-K genes may be controlled by TDP-43, a gene-regulating protein linked to ALS.
A University of Texas at Arlington professor will analyze complex data using imaging genomics to identify biomarkers predicting Alzheimer's disease risk. He aims to develop advanced algorithms to study the brain, incorporating biological knowledge into data sets.
Stroke patients with spatial neglect are at higher risk of falls, have longer hospital stays, and are less likely to return home. The study found that screening for spatial neglect and early intervention can help mitigate these negative outcomes.
Researchers replicate previous finding on how the brain processes music using a naturalistic free listening context, demonstrating reliable results and ecologically valid findings. The study fine-tunes previous findings, concluding which brain areas are involved in processing different musical elements.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $13.3 million in NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to 191 promising young scientists working on groundbreaking neurobiological research to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
A paraplegic man was able to take steps without manual control using an electroencephalogram-based system that bypasses the spinal cord. The study, led by Zoran Nenadic and An Do, used a custom-made system to process brain waves into signals that stimulate leg muscles.
Researchers found that fruit flies exhibit a similar craving for salt during pregnancy as humans, and this preference increases offspring production. The study suggests the existence of unifying biological principles underlying this behavior across species.
Researchers at University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich develop new treatment methods for rare brain disease PML. A vaccine against the disease could be developed using specific antibodies that recognize the most important mutants of the JC virus.
Researchers aim to create a 'smellscape' to understand how critters navigate by scent and convert odors into spatial information. They will use computational modeling to simulate odor navigation processes and test their models on diverse species.
A participant with complete paralysis regained walking ability using a brain-controlled system that utilizes electroencephalogram signals. The study, published in Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, demonstrates the feasibility of non-invasive leg muscle stimulation using direct brain control.
Researchers at UW linked two human brains to play a question-and-answer game via direct brain-to-brain connection. Participants successfully identified objects in 72% of real games, outperforming control rounds.
Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.
Researchers will explore how brain processes a wide range of odors to understand cognitive functions and behavior in humans. The study aims to shed light on the evolution of mammalian brains and their connection to human behavior.
A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.
Researchers at ASU will use honey bees and fruit flies to better understand the physical space of odors and how brains represent them. This study aims to reveal new information about neural representations of odor and their link to brain diseases.
A recent study by Dr. Sylvie Belleville and her team has identified typical patterns of brain progression towards Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex path characterized by periods of stability followed by accelerated decline. The study suggests that rapid memory decline is a key indicator of risk, allowing for earlier treatment.
Research led by Duke-NUS scientists has linked abnormal behavior of BDNF and DTNBP1 genes to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. By understanding how these genes interact, researchers have identified potential treatments that could rescue signalling balance in the brain, offering new hope for schizophrenia patients.
Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.
Researchers at EMBL, Salk Institute, and UC Berkeley measured how ageing affects brain and liver cells in rats. They found that age-related changes in brain cells often involve the loss of molecules helping neurons communicate, while liver cells show changes in metabolic processes.
Researchers found a stress-coping hormone releases a protein fragment called amyloid beta, which clumps together and leads to Alzheimer's disease. The study strengthens the idea of a link between stress and Alzheimer's, providing insight into potential treatment approaches.
Researchers discovered that a stress-coping hormone boosts amyloid beta production, leading to brain degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The study strengthens the idea of a link between stress and Alzheimer's disease.
A five-neuron circuit in the female cricket brain identifies species-specific chirp rhythms by delaying pulses to match gaps between pulses. This discovery reveals a fundamental neural mechanism for sound processing that could be applied to more complex brains.
Homo naledi, discovered in South Africa, has a unique combination of derived cranial vault and hand morphology. Its age is unknown, but it may represent an intermediate between Australopithecus and Homo erectus.
A new model applying ideas from complex networks has found that some quantum spaces might include hubs with significantly more links than others. Calculations indicate that these spaces are described by well-known quantum statistics, suggesting they could be useful for physicists working on quantum gravity.
Researchers found female mice singing back to male mice during courtship, with voices registering at 35-125 kilohertz. The discovery could lead to advances in understanding autism and social communication in the brain.
Scientists at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy created macrophages that deliver glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and teach neurons to produce the protein. The treatment has shown promise in reversing Parkinson's disease progression and promoting neuron survival.
A University of Houston researcher is using brain activity tracking to study the connections between art and science, with a goal of improving creativity and understanding human emotion. The project involves artist Jo Ann Fleischhauer and uses advanced headset technology to track brain activity as she creates art.
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.
Scientists have successfully reversed an animal's behavior by altering a single synapse in its neural network. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the stability of neural circuits and their role in controlling behavior.
Researchers at UW's I-LABS study body maps in infant brain, finding they develop early and relate to social connections and imitation. The findings shed light on how infants build sense of self and connect with others.
A recent study suggests that grandmothering played a crucial role in the development of human pair bonds, which distinguish us from other primates. With increasing human longevity, grandmothers helped feed their weaned children, allowing their daughters to have more kids and passing on genes.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new seasickness treatment using a mild electrical current applied to the scalp. The treatment reduces responses in an area of the brain responsible for processing motion signals, helping prevent symptoms of motion sickness. Short-term use is expected to be safe and effective.
The Society for Neuroscience has announced the winners of its fifth annual Brain Awareness Video Contest, featuring nine winning videos that explain complex neuroscience concepts in an engaging way. The contest winners, including Matthew Sugrim and Guillaume Riesen, have received awards and recognition for their innovative videos.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that the brain's prioritization of scenic categories may not be as complex as previously thought. Researchers found that people tend to make the easiest distinctions first, rather than following a predetermined hierarchy.
A recent study published in Neuron highlights a novel role for the appoptosin protein in initiating tau aggregation, a key component of brain lesions. Elevated levels of appoptosin increase caspase-mediated tau cleavage, leading to synaptic dysfunction and progressive deterioration of the central nervous system.
A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.
Fossil skulls from 35 million year old sediments in Antarctica have shed light on the changes in penguin brains that accompanied their transition to water. The findings indicate that early penguins had many of the adaptations of living forms, while having a few unique traits not seen in modern ones.
A study published in Vision Research found that amblyopia, or 'lazy eye,' alters the brain's visual pathways, making it harder for the brain to adapt to using the weaker eye. The research suggests a potential new approach for treating vision disorders, including adults.
A large NIH clinical trial of 4,000 patients found that omega-3 supplements had no effect on cognitive decline. Researchers tested the combination of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin, but saw no benefit in slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or dementia.
Researchers discovered that a promising class of cancer drugs can lead to memory loss in mice due to molecular changes in the brain. The findings suggest the potential risks of these therapies and highlight the need for further investigation into their brain effects.
A single molecular event in cells may hold the key to how mammals evolved intelligent brains. Alternative splicing (AS) enables cells to create more than one protein from a single gene, and researchers found that PTBP1 plays a crucial role in regulating AS events that lead to neuron development.
A three-year NSF-funded grant will support research on how brain cells regulate locomotion in zebrafish. The project aims to understand the role of neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, and identify specific receptor types that control movement.
Researchers at Rockefeller University identified a molecular pathway that can dampen amyloid-β production, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By targeting this pathway, it may be possible to develop drugs to reduce amyloid-β and potentially treat or prevent the disease.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that treating astrocyte nucleus with TGF-beta frees p75NTR protein, allowing critical molecules to enter the nucleus and enabling reactive state. This discovery highlights the importance of nuclear pore complex in brain health and raises possibilities for treating neurological disorders.
Researchers found that the brain coordinates vision loss in glaucoma patients, with a 'Jigsaw Effect' where two puzzle pieces fit together. This suggests that the brain optimizes vision in the face of glaucoma's destruction of sight, opening up new areas of research for neuroprotective therapies.
Researchers aim to create temperature-activated proteins that can be controlled by temperature to better understand brain disorders. They plan to identify and engineer proteins with different temperature properties.
A team of Penn State researchers, led by Ping Li, has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to investigate how readers comprehend science texts. The project aims to capture cognitive and brain representations during and after reading, with implications for STEM education.
Researchers analyzed case systems in over 600 languages, finding that complex constructions tax the brain more than simple ones. The brain activity is stronger for simple cases, leading to simplifications and changes in grammatical structures.
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a targeted brain game that helps people focus and reduces anxiety. The study found that anxious college students who completed the game task showed improved concentration and lessened anxiety after being distracted.
The researchers will investigate how variability in neuronal responses contributes to learning and performance in motor tasks. By understanding this connection, they aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying neural variability and its role in brain function.
A new study suggests that regular exercise may help reduce disease activity in children with multiple sclerosis. Children who engaged in strenuous physical activity had lower overall volume of lesions in the brain and fewer relapses compared to those who did not.
New research links mGluR5 receptor loss in parvalbumin-positive interneurons to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The study suggests that alteration of these receptors may be a critical step in the formation of some neurodevelopmental disorders, with potential for reversal.
A Dartmouth researcher and his colleagues have discovered a neural signature of negative emotion that accurately predicts how negative a person will feel after viewing unpleasant images. The study, which included a large sample size of general adult population participants, found the brain signature to be highly accurate and specific.
Research reveals a strong link between kidney impairment and decreased blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia. Poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, with the strongest association seen in participants with decreased blood flow.
Researchers discovered fundamental differences in brain formation between children with childhood-onset schizophrenia and their siblings, revealing similar delays in brain connectivity that normalize over time. This finding opens up new avenues for developing treatment approaches with fewer side effects.