Articles tagged with Brain
Researchers at UCSB and University of Bristol found that the brain can perform foveal analysis and peripheral selection during visual sampling independently and rapidly, without affecting accuracy. This specialized ability may be due to humans' need to maintain vigilance over their periphery while performing focused visual analysis.
A survey of 3,000 triathletes found a significant association between physical doping and brain doping, with 13.7% of men and 8.0% of women reported doping. The study also revealed that athletes who use legal performance-enhancing substances are more likely to engage in brain doping.
Recent developments combining machines and organisms have great potential but also raise major ethical concerns. Cyborgs, technically modified organisms with extraordinary skills, are already reality in medical implants.
The SHY hypothesis suggests that sleep weakens brain connections to conserve energy and avoid cellular stress. During wakefulness, learning strengthens synaptic connections, making them more susceptible to interference with new information.
Researchers at Roche have successfully developed a new technology called Brain Shuttle that efficiently transports investigational antibodies into the brain in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. The technology increased target engagement by over 50-fold compared to parent antibodies.
Researchers have identified a natural defence mechanism in the brain that prevents cannabis' harmful effects, opening doors to new treatment options for addiction. Pregnenolone, a hormone produced by the brain, blocks the activation of CB1 receptors, reducing intoxication's effects.
A study reveals that elevated LINE-1 retrotransposition in the brain may contribute to schizophrenia. Abnormal activity of these DNA sequences is thought to disrupt normal gene function, leading to the development of the disorder.
Researchers found contralateral needling at specific acupoints significantly promotes recovery of affected limb function in stroke patients. The study demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared to conventional acupuncture.
A new study found that patients with Aiming deficits improved on the Catherine Bergego Scale, while those with only Where deficits did not. Prism adaptation therapy showed intermediate improvement in patients with both types of deficits.
The Allen Institute for Brain Science has released major updates to its online public resources, including the Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, Human Brain Atlas, and more. These updates provide freely available tools and data for researchers worldwide, accelerating understanding of brain function and disease.
A study by Gary Lupyan reveals that humans make mistakes in even the simplest rule-based calculations, favoring contextual information over clear rules. People consistently mistake numbers like 798 for odd and prefer 400 as a better even number.
Research at Arizona State University has found that the mirror neuron system can be modified by language use, affecting visual perception. The study demonstrates how the MNS is used in both action and simulation processes, shedding light on its role in comprehension and language learning.
Researchers found that computer users make broader generalizations when it comes to movement learning. Computer-naive individuals converted their generalization patterns after just two weeks of intensive mouse use, suggesting that computer use fundamentally affects neural representation of movements.
Researchers are exploring methods to monitor and understand intracranial pressure through the ear, eye, and head. These non-invasive techniques aim to provide accurate and safer ways to determine the correlation between intracranial pressure and vision impairment.
A new study has found that heart disease is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older postmenopausal women. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,500 U.S. women ages 65-79 and found that those with heart disease or vascular disease were 29% more likely to experience cognitive decline over time.
Tinnitus affects millions of Americans, including veterans, and can be debilitating. Researchers at U-M have discovered a process called stimulus-timing dependent multisensory plasticity that is altered in animals with tinnitus. This finding provides a science-based approach to treating the condition.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that neurons in mice reacted more strongly to threatening odors before the brain interpreted the message. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic treatments for anxiety disorders by understanding how fear-learning affects the senses.
A study found that high maternal care during early post-natal periods can re-program genes controlling stress responses, reducing sensitivity to stressful events. This rewiring has implications for understanding early environment influences on stress-related disorders.
A small study found that inflating a balloon inside the artery after placing the stent increases patients' risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stroke, or heart attack. Skipping this step may be beneficial in preventing these complications.
A study found that branched chain amino acids improved wakefulness and restored orexin neurons in mice with mild TBI, suggesting a potential dietary supplement to address sleep disturbances and cognitive problems
A new study reveals that high school athletes playing at higher elevations suffer fewer concussions than those closer to sea-level. The researchers analyzed concussion statistics from athletes playing multiple sports in 497 high schools and found a significant decrease in concussion rates among all sports played above 600 feet.
A new study suggests that a head injury can lead to depressive complications years later due to an overactive immune response and inflammation. The research found that brain cells went on 'high alert' after the injury, affecting behavior and leading to symptoms that were linked to inflammation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a gene involved in forming brain circuitry using a powerful new technique. The discovery paves the way for faster progress toward identifying genes involved in complex mental illnesses, such as autism and schizophrenia.
New research shows microRNA-128 controls complex functions in the adult brain by adjusting a neuronal signaling pathway. Reducing miR-128 expression led to increased motor activity and fatal epilepsy in mice, while overexpression decreased motor activity and reduced seizure susceptibility.
Researchers analyzed tongue twisters to understand the brain's speech-planning processes. They found that different types of tongue twisters induced distinct speech errors, revealing key differences in brain processing.
A team at Gladstone Institutes has developed a molecular sensor that can detect the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis, including heightened thrombin activity in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and treatment options, shedding light on the underlying molecular processes that drive the disease.
Researchers report only limited evidence showing a link between sports concussions and increased risk of late-life cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments. The study's findings cast doubt on the notion that CTE is a novel condition unique to athletes who have experienced concussions.
Researchers used 18F-FDOPA PET imaging to differentiate between radiation-induced lesions and new tumor growth in brain metastases patients, achieving an accuracy of 83% with visual scoring. The study found that 18F-FDOPA PET imaging was highly prognostic of progression-free survival and overall survival.
A study investigates how athletes' high-level motor expertise affects the brain's understanding of actions. The research reveals that expert subjects showed a modulating effect on motor activity in response to positive but impossible commands.
Male fruit flies that expect sex but don't receive it experience rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation, and more stress. Mating partially reverses the negative effects on health and aging. The study provides new insights into how sensory perception and physiological state are integrated in the brain.
A brain reward gene variant has been linked to childhood obesity and tasty food choices, especially in girls, according to a new study. The genetic predisposition combines with environmental stress and emotional well-being to drive consumption of foods that promote obesity.
Researchers identified five promising treatments, including constraint-induced movement therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, to improve rehabilitation outcomes in stroke patients. These non-invasive methods have potential applications beyond stroke rehabilitation.
Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.
Researchers used locusts to demonstrate how the brain processes multiple odors simultaneously, recognizing patterns and adapting to new cues. The findings shed light on principles of olfactory computation and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and non-invasive chemical sensing.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that improved mood is associated with increased participation in daily activities and independent living after brain injury rehabilitation. The study suggests a holistic approach to care can address both physical and personal problems, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a system to investigate microglia functions, revealing their role in shaping neuronal networks and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses a genetic switch to target microglia cells, shedding new light on their mechanisms of action.
A study by University of Montreal researchers found that asparagine, an amino acid in food, is crucial for normal brain development. The lack of this nutrient affects the proliferation and survival of cells during brain development.
A Michigan State University study discovered anatomical differences in the brains of children with nonverbal learning disability compared to those with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. The research found smaller spleniums in children with NLVD, which may lead to more targeted intervention strategies.
Research finds that treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain can increase risks of stroke and death, while managing symptoms may be safer. The study suggests observing patients with AVMs for at least five more years to confirm this finding.
Researchers at University of Kansas found that listeners process words grammatically faster when speakers match their sex, affecting higher-level processes like grammar. Native Spanish speakers showed reduced accuracy when mismatched sex was present.
A study found that synaesthesia occurs in 18.9% of people with autism, compared to 7.2% of typical individuals. The researchers suggest that both conditions involve neural over-connectivity, leading to atypical connections between brain areas.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that resveratrol may also block the effects of methamphetamine. The study found that resveratrol significantly diminished methamphetamine's ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrate hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive brain functions and improve life quality for mild TBI patients. The treatment improved cognitive function, memory restoration, and language use, offering a new hope for millions of victims.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...
A study found that CPR for 38 minutes or longer can improve a patient's chances of surviving cardiac arrest. Sustaining CPR for this extended period also reduces the risk of severe brain damage and preserves normal brain function.
Researchers from University of Cincinnati develop a brain-computer interface to detect brain signals and interpret intent, paving the way for thought-controlled smart tech and robotic personal assistants. The university also announces its development of an interdisciplinary curriculum for human-centered robotics.
A new study found that people's decisions on recognizing faces are dependent on the context, not just repeated exposure. The brain's fusiform face area learns familiar information about faces, while the superior temporal sulcus influences recognition reports based on social context.
A growing body of evidence shows that diet affects brain function and identifies patterns associated with eating disorders like binge eating. Targeted magnetic stimulation reduces severe eating disorder symptoms, while rats' impulsivity is linked to calorie consumption on binges.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München elucidated the mode of action of one crucial component of the heart's intrinsic pacemaker, HCN1 channels. These channels control heartbeat and cardiac rhythmicity by regulating ion flow across cell membranes.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis, revealing warning signs and potential treatments. Researchers found that antibodies can break past the brain's protective barrier to attack the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing MS symptoms.
New studies reveal exercise and diet play crucial roles in treating depression, aging, and learning in teenagers. Lifestyle changes, such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise, show promise for preserving movement function, improving memory, and boosting mood.
Research reveals new roles for sex hormones like estrogen in the cognitive function of females, including memory and interpreting social cues. Estrogen replacement therapy may help prevent stress-related memory loss in post-menopausal women.
Researchers discovered that a protein called HDAC5 plays a crucial role in triggering the regrowth of damaged nerve cells. By activating HDAC5, scientists hope to develop treatments that enhance axon regrowth and potentially restore sensation in nerve injuries.
Gambling addiction is linked to distinct brain function abnormalities that impair decision-making, unlike cocaine addiction which affects areas responsible for impulse control. The study highlights the need for specialized treatment addressing emotional issues and loss evaluation in severe cases.
Researchers have found that miR-137 is downregulated in the brains and peripheral blood of post-stroke depression patients. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles of post-stroke depression rats improved behavioral changes, suggesting that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to its mRNA.
Dogs exhibit asymmetric brain organization, with left-brain activation linked to right-tail wagging and right-brain activation tied to left-tail wagging. This difference affects emotional responses in dogs, who display anxious behavior when seeing a dog with a left-tail wag and relaxed responses when seeing a dog with a right-tail wag.
Researchers found a patient in a vegetative state who could filter out unimportant information and home in on relevant words. Using brain imaging, scientists also discovered that the patient could follow simple commands, providing new insights into the ability of patients in these states to pay attention.
Researchers have developed a computerized system that can track patients' brain activity and automatically adjust drug dosages to maintain the correct state during medically induced comas. The system uses EEG patterns and real-time feedback to optimize anesthesia levels, eliminating the need for constant monitoring by nurses.
A study of 24 pregnant women found that fetuses who heard Twinkle Twinkle Little Star reacted strongly to the melody both immediately and four months after birth. This suggests that fetuses can recognize and remember sounds from the outside world, with potential implications for early rehabilitation.
A cognitive science study reveals that at least 50 percent of people can perceive the movement of their own hand even without light, suggesting brain combination of sensory information. Synesthetes, individuals who experience blending of senses, also showed improved visual perception.