Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers found that yawning frequencies vary with ambient temperature, with people yawns more in summer and less in winter. The study suggests that yawning functions as a brain cooling mechanism to maintain optimal brain temperature, improving arousal and mental efficiency.
Researchers will compare connectivity changes between Lumosity training and active control groups, using fMRI sessions and cognitive assessments. The goal is to identify functional changes in the healthy adult brain that result from cognitive training and relate to improved cognitive performance.
A low-fat diet may help alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that participants who followed a plant-based diet very low in saturated fat had significantly less fatigue at the end of the year compared to those who didn't follow the diet.
A study confirms that brain reserve and cognitive reserve provide protective effects against cognitive decline in MS patients. The beneficial effects of these reserves persist for several years.
A large Japanese study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR increased the delivery rate of CPR and was associated with improved neurological and overall outcomes. Children who received dispatcher-assisted CPR had a significantly higher chance of survival and better brain function compared to those who did not receive CPR.
Patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in their brains are less likely to have a stroke or die if left untreated, according to a new study. This long-term outcome is better than those who received treatment for the condition.
Strategic thinking training has been proven beneficial in normal and clinical populations, leading to improved cognitive performance and brain function. The study highlights the potential of this type of training to enhance intellect and prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers found that mutations in the PTEN gene result in specific social interaction deficits in mice, despite broader brain overgrowth. The study suggests a selective effect on behavior and cognitive development, with sex-specific impairments observed.
Scientists have developed a new tool for controlling brain circuit activity using light pulses, allowing for precise control over neuron function. The breakthrough, funded by the NIH, could lead to future therapeutic applications in managing pain and understanding mental illnesses.
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute has deciphered the pheromone code used by mice to trigger countermarking behavior, which involves distinguishing territory from others.
A recent study using nearly 600 animals across three dozen species found that those with bigger brains and more diverse diets outperformed others in self-control tests. The researchers suggest that brain wiring and dietary diversity may be key factors in explaining differences in animal intelligence.
Researchers found that methylphenidate, an ADHD medication, can prevent the depletion of self-control by blocking regulatory depletion in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that this medication may help boost performance of brain circuits compromised after sustained exertion of self-control.
A study published in Cell Transplantation found that injecting autologous peripheral blood stem cells into the brain of stroke patients improved their motor function. The treatment was safe and feasible in patients who suffered a prior stroke, with significant improvements in clinical outcomes measures.
Hospitals participating in UCLA's Target: Stroke program have increased tPA administration speed, leading to improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality and increased independence. The average time-to-treatment fell from 74 minutes to 59 minutes.
A new study of 36 species found that brain volume – not body size – is the key to self-restraint. Animals with varied diets showed superior cognitive powers, while those with larger brains were more likely to inhibit counter-productive behavior.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.
A study published in JAMA found that conservative management of brain arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins) was associated with lower rates of stroke and death compared to interventional treatment. The study followed 204 patients for up to 12 years, finding a significant reduction in nonfatal str...
University of Houston junior Khanh Nguyen has been recognized as a 2014 Goldwater Scholar for her mathematical neuroscience research. She aims to pursue a Ph.D. in applied mathematics and apply her findings to medical and technological advances.
A research team led by Dr. Zeng Li has discovered a novel function of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), which controls the growth and maturation of newborn brain cells. This finding may help researchers understand how APP goes awry in Alzheimer's disease and potentially lead to innovative therapeutics.
Researchers found that morning and evening oscillators in fruit flies rely on neural cooperation to follow the sun. Without this cooperation, circadian clocks are useless or even harmful. The study's findings suggest a more complex role for light detection in regulating circadian behavior.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with apathy symptoms have smaller brain volumes than those without apathy. Apathy is a lack of interest or emotion, and the findings suggest it may be an indicator of accelerated brain aging.
A recent study found that football players' brains do not fully recover from head hits, even after six months of rest. The study suggests that inflammation may be a key factor in whether players recovered within six months.
Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder exhibit atypical connectivity in theory of mind and mirror neuron system networks, associated with social impairment. The study suggests a link between abnormal ToM-MNS connectivity and sociocommunicative symptoms of ASD.
A new study published in The Lancet found that functional brain imaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI, can reliably predict which vegetative patients have the potential to recover consciousness. The research suggests that these techniques can complement standard behavioral assessments to identify patients with a higher chance of lon...
Researchers found that carrying the ApoE4 gene variant increases the likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in women, but not in men. The discovery holds implications for genetic counselors and clinicians, and could shed light on the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers captured high-speed footage of fruit flies responding to a looming predator with swift banked turns, outpacing human blink rate by 50 times. The flies alter course in under 1/100th of a second using their fast visual system and wing motion.
A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute receive $472,500 grant to study impact of pain medication exposure in womb on developing brain. The two-year study will use rodent models to understand how subtle changes in brain wiring might lead to later changes in behavior.
A novel therapy using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has helped four patients with paraplegia regain voluntary movement, including flexion of toes, ankles, and knees. Researchers believe this approach may change the prognosis for people with paralysis even years after injury.
Research reveals that introducing new information during sleep weakens memory accuracy, making it harder to distinguish between familiar and novel odors. The study highlights the brain's repair mechanisms during sleep, which can impact memory strength and accuracy.
The innovative Healthy Aging Brain Center care model improves health outcomes and quality of care for older adults with cognitive impairment by reducing patients' behavioral and psychological symptoms. The model generates an annual net cost savings of up to $2,856 per patient, with potential nationwide cost savings of billions of dollars.
The Brain Health Registry aims to create a ready pool of research subjects for studies on neurological diseases, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Volunteers will provide personal history and take online neuropsychological tests, helping scientists analyze brain functions over time.
Researchers have identified the basal ganglia as a key brain region involved in vocal learning and variability across species. By studying songbirds, they found that this area is responsible for generating variability to aid in learning and performance.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to observe immediate changes in brain function during movie viewing. The study found similar brain signals in individuals watching the same movie, suggesting that the contents of the film affected certain brain functions in a similar manner.
Researchers discovered reduced dimensions of key cerebral veins after deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients. This finding suggests that bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation affects cerebral venous blood flow.
Researchers discovered that Homo's teeth decreased in size as its brain size increased over 2.5 million years, defying evolutionary expectations. The study attributes this phenomenon to a shift towards a higher animal-based diet, which provided essential nutrients for brain development and social advancements.
A study found that ER doctors often overlook or misdiagnose early signs of stroke in women, minorities, and younger patients, leading to potential harm. The research estimates that tens of thousands of Americans may be affected each year, with prompt treatment crucial for preventing long-term health issues.
A new study found that young adults who engage in regular cardio fitness activities, such as running, may preserve their memory and thinking skills in middle age. The study, which followed 2,747 healthy people for 20 years, measured verbal memory, psychomotor speed, and executive function.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have found that the drug baclofen can help block the impact of the brain's response to 'unconscious' drug triggers, potentially preventing cocaine relapse. The study used fMRI scans to measure neural responses to subliminal cocaine cues in patients treated with baclofen.
The new center aims to develop computational methods to understand how human cognition works and how it becomes disrupted in psychiatric disorders. The centre will combine advanced brain imaging with computational approaches to identify causes of mental health problems and develop personalized treatments.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a computational model that maps 21 distinct emotional expressions, including compound emotions like 'happily surprised' or 'sadly angry'. This breakthrough enables precise tracking of emotion in the brain and has potential applications in treating disorders such as PTSD or autism.
A study found that β-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain is associated with increased artery stiffness in elderly patients. Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave velocity and was higher among patients with β-amyloid deposition.
Scientists found a 'continuity field' that smooths out object features, allowing us to perceive stability in the real world. This discovery explains why we often miss subtle changes in movies and everyday life.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $4 million in NARSAD Grants to 40 mid-career scientists from around the world. The grants will fund basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
A team of researchers has developed a new generation of therapeutics against West Nile virus using tobacco plants. The monoclonal antibodies were shown to be effective in protecting mice from lethal doses even up to 4 days after infection.
The absence of coronin 1 protein causes significant learning deficits, aggressive behavior, and impaired neuronal activation. The protein plays a crucial role in linking extracellular stimuli to neuronal response, enabling efficient learning and memory.
Research suggests that mephedrone has a higher potential for developing dependence than MDMA, with users experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms after rapid use. The study found that mephedrone's rapid absorption and high psychostimulant action can lead to increased risk of abuse.
The study discovered impaired neuronal activity in the brain associated with anticipatory functioning among occasional 18- to 24-year-old stimulant users. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for identifying at-risk youth long before they exhibit obvious addictive behaviors.
Researchers discovered that stroke patients' brains exhibit more complex functional network connectivity than healthy controls. The study also identified a compensation loop in the brain's functional network following stroke, suggesting its role in rehabilitation.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to remove the toxic oligomeric tau protein, which can slow down the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. The treatment, TOMA antibody, protects brain cells from tau toxic aggregates and improves cognitive function.
A neuroscientist at Virginia Tech is researching how the brain develops collateral blood vessels to restore oxygen and nutrients after a stroke. Her study aims to understand the brain's natural network of collateral vessels and develop new treatments to improve blood flow and limit tissue damage.
Researchers estimate that humans can distinguish between more than 1 trillion odor mixtures, far exceeding the previously accepted number of 10,000. The study suggests that humans' sense of smell is more sensitive than previously thought, but often underutilized.
The Hastings Center special report examines the capabilities and limitations of neuroimages in biomedical research, medicine, and courtrooms. Key findings include concerns about overinterpretation, misapplication, and the lack of direct neural activity shown by neuroimaging techniques.
Researchers at Temple University found that chronic sleep disturbance can trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study used a transgenic mouse model to show that sleep deprivation impairs memory and tau metabolism, leading to accelerated brain pathology.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit have shown that suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influence on behavior. The study found that suppressing visual memories made it harder for people to later see the suppressed object compared to other recently seen objects.
Researchers at UCSF found a specialized brain circuit that fires more strongly in response to movement, allowing the visual system to work better while walking or running. This discovery could have implications for human vision and navigation.
Researchers discovered a specialized mechanism for spatial self-awareness that combines visual cues with body motion, triggering reactions before the conscious brain processes them. This 'visuomotor binding' mechanism is less prone to distractions and may be linked to schizophrenia symptoms and difficulties with prosthetic limbs.
Researchers discovered the mechanisms behind long-term depression, a cognitive impairment contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation and hypoxia activate microglia, weakening neural connections.
Chronic pain researchers found that individuals with chronic tension-type headache exhibited impaired neuroplasticity, affecting their brain's ability to change and adapt. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for patients.
A new brain imaging study reveals that nicotine withdrawal weakens the connection between two key brain networks: default mode and executive control. This reduced connectivity may lead to increased difficulty in quitting smoking, with up to 80% of people relapsing after trying to quit.