Articles tagged with Brain
A team of neuroscientists has found that our brains use elapsed time as a proxy for task difficulty to calculate how confident we should be when faced with making choices but lacking sufficient evidence. This association helps untangle the different factors that contribute to the decision-making process.
Children who actively participated in music classes showed greater gains in speech processing and reading scores compared to less-involved peers. Music training improved neural benefits in the same areas of the brain traditionally weak in disadvantaged children.
Research suggests that talking to babies and naming things in their world can help them make connections between what they see and hear. Training with individual-level labels in infancy leads to long lasting learning effects that generalize from the trained images to human faces.
Research at the University of Kansas explores how native language impacts processing auditory words in a second language. Annie Tremblay's study investigates cues that signal word beginnings and endings, finding that some cues are easier to pick up than others.
Researchers used virtual bodyswapping to decrease white people's unconscious biases against black individuals and adults' childlike stereotypes. The results suggest a potential method for approaching phenomena like racism, religious hatred, and gender inequality.
A recent study by Caltech neuroeconomists found that the speed at which people factor in healthiness affects their ability to exercise self-control. On average, taste information begins to drive food choices 200 milliseconds before health information does.
A study by Ting Qian and Richard Aslin shows that our brains are wired to detect patterns in data, even if they don't lead to correct conclusions. This tendency is built into cognitive processes, providing information on possibilities that might not have been considered otherwise.
A large international group of scientists has published the results of a first-ever look at the genome of dozens of common birds, revealing how modern birds evolved after the mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs. The research also provides insight into how songbirds learn to sing and brain connection with human speech.
Researchers found that microglia cells in autism brains are perpetually activated and their genes for inflammation responses are turned on. The study is the largest so far of gene expression in autism brains, analyzing data from 104 brain samples.
Researchers used electrodes to record single neurons' activity in singing Bengalese finches, finding that precise timing of spikes contains more information than rate. The study's findings could improve prosthetic limb control and provide insights into brain function.
ANG4043 shows therapeutic brain concentrations in healthy mice and in mice bearing intracranial HER2+ tumors, increasing median survival time by 78% in a HER2+ intracranial tumor model. This technology has the potential to create brain-penetrant mAbs for treating neurological diseases.
The Allen Institute for Cell Science will create dynamic, visual models of cell behavior and share reagents, data, and tools with the scientific community. The initial project, Allen Cell Observatory, aims to accelerate disease research by predicting cell behaviors.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme that inhibits the breakdown of progesterone, a hormone linked to PMS. This discovery could lead to targeted therapy with minimal side effects.
Carmela Abraham, a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Massachusetts Neuroscience Consortium Award for her research on multiple sclerosis and the life extension protein Klotho. Her work identifies Klotho as a neuroprotective protein that can benefit animal models of Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Harvard Medical School have identified a neural mechanism in the spinal cord that sends erroneous pain signals to the brain. The discovery provides a key to understanding how chronic pain disorders arise from dysfunctional neural processing, opening doors to potential new treatments.
A new drug called ISP was designed to mimic a critical part of an enzyme found in damaged axons, promoting recovery from spinal cord injuries. Injections of the drug partially restored axon growth and improved movements and bladder functions in paralyzed rats.
A study of US Marines who suffered concussions found persistent post-concussive symptoms and lingering cognitive effects are due to concussion-related brain trauma. Multiple concussions were associated with worse emotional and post-concussive symptoms, an important finding for military and civilian settings.
Researchers have discovered a common 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits across different species, including house mice, stickleback fish, and honey bees. Shared gene expression patterns were found in response to intruder threats, suggesting molecular similarities run deeper than brain structural differences.
Researchers found that combining imagery with observation strengthens brain activity in movement-related areas, potentially aiding motor function recovery for stroke patients. The technique may help compensate for lost brain functions through brain plasticity.
A new study suggests that prehistoric conflict played a crucial role in the evolution of humans' ability to work together, overcoming costs associated with large brains. The research proposes that warfare and 'us vs. them' activities drove the emergence of high intelligence and cooperative behavior.
A new study led by Brown University found that older adults learn and retain visual perception tasks as well as younger people, but struggle to filter out irrelevant information. The researchers suggest this may be due to the brain's tendency to learn more than necessary, leading to a 'plasticity and stability dilemma'.
Researchers found that older individuals take in more irrelevant visual information due to a decline in filtering out non-task relevant details. This suggests a failure of attentional systems to suppress task-irrelevant signals.
Researchers found a significant association between atherosclerosis and mild cognitive impairment in a study of nearly 2,000 adults. The study used MRI and CT imaging techniques to measure plaque buildup in arteries and brain health.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.
Research shows that brain metastases have dense concentrations of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, providing an immunoactive environment. High expression of PDL1 is common in both glioblastoma and brain metastases, making immune checkpoint inhibitors a promising treatment option.
Researchers developed a sound-based training approach to enhance brain's distractibility, improving focus in aged rats and humans. Training reduced distraction-related errors and improved memory and attention spans.
A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.
A new study shows that gut microbiota can influence the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances. The findings suggest that alterations to our indigenous microbiota may have far-reaching consequences for the blood-brain barrier function throughout life.
A high-fructose diet during adolescence can exacerbate depressive-like behavior and alter the brain's response to stress. The study found that rats on a high-fructose diet had an altered stress hormone response and changed genetic pathways associated with stress regulation.
A new study reveals that computer-based cognitive training can improve memory, speed, and visuospatial skills in older adults. However, self-directed brain training at home has no therapeutic effect on cognition. Training frequency is also crucial, with one to three sessions per week being most effective.
A new study at Brown University found that reward overcomes retrieval-induced forgetting, a phenomenon where practicing certain facts suppresses recall of others. Volunteers who earned rewards during practice had improved recall of unpracticed fish category facts.
Several countries have launched brain research projects with big budgets and ambitious goals, aiming to make groundbreaking discoveries and develop new treatments for diseases. The initiatives are expected to drive rapid progress in the field of neuroscience, with a focus on global collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that allows them to study human glia in live animals, enabling the development of potential treatments for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The study found that the JC virus targets astrocytes, leading to inflammation and cell death, which can trigger PML.
Researchers at McGill University found that infant experiences shape the unconscious brain, influencing adult development even after years of disuse. The study used functional MRI scans to compare brain activation patterns in girls with unilingual French-speaking families versus those adopted from Chinese-speaking families.
A new neurological disease closely resembling Alzheimer's disease, called primary age-related tauopathy (PART), has been defined and established criteria for diagnosis. PART is characterized by cognitive impairment without amyloid plaques, but with neurofibrillary tangles composed of a protein called tau.
A new international study led by the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre has identified a molecule that puts a brake on brain processing and when removed, brain function and memory recall are improved. The study found that suppressing the production of molecules required for building new memories leads to stronger con...
Researchers will use brain imaging to discover the brain-behavior connections that influence decisions on goal-setting, activities, and controlling illness. They hope to develop new interventions to motivate patients to take better care of themselves.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that moving forward trains the brain to perceive the world normally and calibrates time perception. The study's findings have implications for treating sensory processing disorders like autism and could lead to retraining the brain after stroke or other conditions.
A recent study by Dr. Ahmed Dahir Mohamed found that Modafinil slowed down reaction times and impaired the ability to respond in a timely manner in healthy participants. The drug did not improve cognitive performance or enhance creativity, contrary to its marketed claims.
A team of researchers has drawn connections between known regulators of body mass, pointing to possible treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders. They also found intriguing clues that these same molecular pathways may play a role in learning and perhaps even in some forms of brain cancer.
Researchers discovered that statins can reverse the learning deficits caused by Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 people. The treatment works by reducing Ras activity, allowing brain cells to communicate properly and enabling normal learning to take place.
A new study reveals that playing action video games boosts learning capabilities by fostering better templates in the brain. Action gamers excel at tasks due to their improved ability to build and fine-tune models of the world, leading to accelerated learning curves and lasting effects.
Ankylosaurs had a unique nasal structure that allowed them to regulate their body temperature. The long, winding passageways would have warmed the inhaled air and cooled the blood before it reached the brain. This adaptation likely helped maintain the dinosaur's stable brain temperature.
Fidel Santamaria and his team aim to transform traditional approaches to understanding brain networks using a power-law framework. They will build computational tools to analyze and model power-law dynamics at multiple scales, from molecules to behavior.
Research on Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions may eventually lead to ways to prevent memory loss, learning disabilities, and devastating symptoms. Significant progress continues to be made with advancements in detecting neurodegeneration and predicting cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Washington have replicated a direct brain-to-brain connection, allowing them to transmit signals and control hand movements between individuals. The study involved six pairs of participants and achieved accuracy rates ranging from 25 to 83 percent.
Researchers at Georgia State University used the Granger causality test to analyze brain signals and locate seizure sources, improving surgical outcomes for patients. The study found that the test can detect seizures up to 10 seconds earlier than previous methods, leading to a higher cure rate.
The Brain 101 website, developed by Oregon researchers, increased knowledge and attitudes about concussions among students and parents in a study of 12 high schools. The tool, accessible online for free, includes educational resources for coaches, educators, teens, and parents.
Researchers discovered genetic patterns that predict when breast cancers will spread to the brain, offering a potential early detection method. Faulty gene switches in the original tumor may serve as an early warning signal for brain metastasis.
Long-term shift work is associated with impaired brain function, including lower memory and processing speed. Recovery may take at least five years after stopping shift work.
Researchers at UT Dallas' Center for Vital Longevity found that brain networks become less segregated and specialized as we age, leading to poor long-term memory. This study may lead to new clinical diagnostic criteria for age-related memory disorders.
A study of 517 mothers found that nearly 15% had taken recreational drugs during pregnancy, and mothers of babies with brain birth defects were more likely to have used drugs. The study suggests a link between brain birth defects and recreational drug use in expectant mothers.
Researchers at The University of Queensland found that animal brains can use a memory map to estimate location without external cues. Even in complete disorientation, the brain can accurately estimate location by self-motion cues such as walking. The study highlights the importance of understanding how the brain processes spatial infor...
A new single-domain antibody called FC5 has proven able to cross the blood-brain barrier, opening doors to new treatments for brain diseases. This breakthrough technology allows for the delivery of larger molecules into the brain, targeting conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.
Research from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that scratching causes the brain to release serotonin, which intensifies itch sensation. Blocking serotonin's communication with nerve cells may help break the itch-scratch cycle.
A new therapy combining computer-based cognitive training and d-cycloserine has shown promise in helping patients with tinnitus better cope with the condition. The study found that patients who received the treatment experienced greater improvements in daily life compared to those who took a placebo.
Seizures and migraines have long been considered separate events, but a new study reveals a surprising connection between the two. By applying fundamental physics principles to an older theory of brain electricity, researchers found that seizures and spreading depression are part of a spectrum of nerve cell behavior.
A study published in Current Biology found that the brain's response to disgusting images can reliably predict a person's political affiliation. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to analyze brain activity while participants viewed neutral, pleasant, and disgusting images.
Researchers developed an EEG test to help diagnose persons at risk of developing mental illness and measure the effectiveness of treatment options. The test measures auditory processing deficits in schizophrenia patients, suggesting potential improvement with cognitive exercises.
Researchers at Virginia Tech describe a new tool called VEIN pulse that uses bipolar pulses to enhance drug delivery to the brain. The technology has shown success in treating brain cancer and other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.