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.
A study has found that market bubbles leading to financial crashes may be self-made due to brain processes that help traders predict others' behavior. This research offers insight into the biology of financial decision-making, suggesting that unproductive behaviors can drive cycles of boom and bust.
Chronic Toxoplasma infection causes mice to lose innate fear of cats, which persists even after parasite clearance and inflammation markers are undetectable. The infection alters the brain's mechanisms underlying fear responses, leading to a lasting behavioral change.
Researchers identified key function of CYFP1 at synapses, orchestrating two biological processes to regulate brain cell connections. Poorly developed and dysfunctional synapses are linked to conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggests that people who can move to a beat show more consistent brain responses to speech than those with less rhythm. The findings imply that musical training could improve the brain's response to language.
A study published in Gastroenterology found that carbonation can trick the brain into perceiving artificially sweetened drinks as just as sweet as regular ones. This effect may facilitate weight loss by making low-calorie drinks more palatable, but it also increases sugar and food consumption.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that low-level blast explosions can cause symptoms similar to sports concussions, including neurocognitive deficits and self-reported symptoms. The research, conducted on a group of soldiers called 'breachers', identified biomarkers capable of detecting changes in this population.
Researchers found a widespread neural network responsible for human imagery manipulations, resembling the 'mental workspace' theorized to facilitate creative thinking and problem-solving. The discovery may help advance artificial intelligence by understanding how humans create new ideas and think flexibly.
The Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (CBMM) will focus on understanding human intelligence from multiple perspectives. The center aims to develop a computational understanding of intelligence through research in vision, language, motor skills, neurobiology, electrical engineering, and more.
The Center for Brains, Minds and Machines aims to foster collaboration across disciplines to understand intelligence and develop intelligent machines. The center will focus on four main research themes: integrating intelligence, circuits for intelligence, developing intelligence in children, and social intelligence.
Two neurology researchers propose that prion-like protein aggregates drive multiple brain diseases associated with aging. These seeds disrupt nervous system function and can stimulate the aggregation of other proteins, suggesting therapeutic strategies to combat these diseases.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate production of social behavior in the brain using honey bees, mice, and stickleback fish. The study aims to identify shared gene actions guiding social behavior across species.
Rice University has been awarded a $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant to establish a multidisciplinary training program in neuroengineering for graduate students. The program, led by bioengineer Robert Raphael, will focus on problem-based learning and the development of online educational resources.
Researchers discovered a defect in microglia's internal recycling program, leading to faulty phagocytosis and accumulation of A-beta protein. This impairment may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease by allowing toxic substances to remain in the brain.
UC Riverside researchers have created a novel transparent skull implant made of yttria-stabilized zirconia, allowing doctors to aim laser-based treatments without repeated craniectomies. This technology has strong potential for positive impact on patients with life-threatening neurological disorders.
Researchers identify role of BDNF in controlling brain activity during seizures, potentially leading to new anti-epileptic therapies with fewer side effects. The discovery could help patients who do not respond to current treatments.
Researchers found that brain patterns for both tasks correlated, suggesting they use the same area of the brain. This study provides evidence for the co-evolution of language and tool-making skills, a theory proposed by Darwin.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $11.8 million to 200 new Young Investigator grantees conducting basic and clinical research on mental illness causes and treatments. This marks the 27th year of the program, which has invested over $300 million since 1987.
A new model system developed by Salk researchers completes the bridge between cellular and human studies of schizophrenia, enabling faster development of therapeutics. The model uses non-invasive scalp EEGs to detect brain activity, providing insights into sensory integration and neurotransmitter function.
Researchers used PET scanning to map changes in brain metabolism in Huntington's disease gene carriers, identifying a characteristic network of abnormalities. This finding enables the tracking of disease progression and will aid in evaluating the effects of new drugs before symptoms appear.
A study has identified a metabolic network associated with Huntington's disease progression, allowing for predictive assessment of time to symptom onset. This discovery provides biomarkers for evaluating disease progression in carriers and supports the incorporation of this assessment into clinical trials.
A new study published in Neurology found that over half of stroke patients have undiagnosed attention problems, which can be addressed with tailored computer games. The study identified three types of attention problems linked to specific brain regions affected by the stroke.
Researchers identified a neuropeptide named natalisin that controls reproductive ability and interest in mating in insects. The study found that knocking out natalisin in fruit flies reduced their reproductive capacity and decreased their desire for mating.
New findings reveal that inhibitory neurons fire less frequently in young brains, allowing for heightened plasticity and learning. In contrast, adult brains exhibit stronger inhibitory neurons, which can impede learning and make it more difficult to acquire new skills.
A Canadian sculptor's artistic abilities remained intact despite advanced vascular dementia, according to a new study. The artist, Mary Hecht, was able to draw spur-of-the-moment and detailed sketches from memory, showcasing cognitive reserve in the brain.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that corrupted proteins spread in the brain through a specific type of receptor called heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Blocking this receptor may aid treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, potentially unifying understanding and treatment of multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
The project aims to perfect a non-invasive brain-machine interface technology that allows patients to control robotic legs and neuroprosthetic limbs with their thoughts. Researchers have begun initial testing at UH, with broader clinical trials planned for Methodist Hospital.
A new study has identified a fundamental biological process controlling the body's circadian clock, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating circadian clock-related disorders. The research found that removing a repressor protein improved brain clock function, enabling mice to adapt to time zone changes faster.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that severe swelling in the brain, continuous seizures, and low blood platelet counts are linked to death from encephalitis. Aggressive treatment of these conditions may improve survival rates for affected patients.
A new technique from Case Western Reserve University's Capadona Lab enables gauging property changes during implantation and measuring on a micro-scale. This allows for crafting devices that can withstand physiological conditions in the brain for longer-term use, solving a major challenge in bioengineering.
Scientists at McGill University have identified a unique 'on/off' switch for a major neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, known as the kainate receptor. This discovery highlights a new target for drug development to treat diseases such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
Researchers at EPFL found that visualizing heartbeat on a virtual body can alter how people experience their own body and self. The study suggests that internal organs shape body ownership and can be used to change self-consciousness.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a novel visual circuit in dragonflies' brains that combines opposite pathways for processing simple dark objects. This finding has implications for improving vision systems in robots and developing neural prosthetics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein switch that can increase or decrease memory-building activity in brain cells. The protein, AGAP3, has dual roles: one side strengthens synapses in response to brain activity, while the other side brings synapse-building back down to normal levels.
A University of Michigan study reveals that rats display brain activity patterns characteristic of conscious perception shortly after clinical death. The findings suggest that the brain is capable of well-organized electrical activity during the early stage of clinical death.
Researchers found that odor representation changes after the first inhalation and an olfactory retentivity persists, comparable to vision and hearing. This phenomenon enables the identification of new odors in complex environments and participates in odor memorization.
Researchers found that individuals at high risk for alcoholism experience a greater dopamine response when drinking, which may contribute to increased desire for rewards and counteract the sedative effects of alcohol. This study provides insight into the causes of addiction and could mark an important step toward developing treatment o...
Researchers have successfully used a new class of genetically engineered proteins, called genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicators (GEVIs), to monitor nerve cell electricity in live brains. These proteins enable researchers to watch brain cells spark and fire while the flies were awakening and smelling.
A new study reveals that autism affects the brain of females and males differently, with females showing 'masculinization' in atypical brain areas. This finding suggests a need to re-evaluate research methods and understanding of autism's neurobiology.
A study of 60 older adults found that consuming two cups of hot cocoa per day for 30 days improved blood flow to the brain and enhanced working memory skills. The participants who started with impaired blood flow showed significant improvements in these areas, while those with regular blood flow showed no change.
As people age, their memory-making abilities decrease due to the loss of GluN2B subunits in NMDA receptors, but research suggests that lifestyle changes can help mitigate this decline. Studies have shown that genetic therapy can restore some subunits and improve cognitive function in laboratory mice.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology discovered the cells responsible for processing motion in fruit flies, showing that motion information is processed independently in two separate pathways. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how neurons work together to enable complex behaviors.
A team of scientists has mapped the complex neural connectivity in a fly's brain essential for vision, revealing new insights into how flies detect motion. The researchers used a high-throughput approach to chart neuronal connections involved in motion detection, identifying 379 cells and 8,637 connections between them.
A biodegradable plastic, dissolvable suture material has shown promise in reducing hospital stays for patients with brain infections. The material released vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that killed many microbes, including MRSA.
A new study found that mindfulness meditation, known as Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT), significantly reduced smoking in smokers by 60 percent. The training improved self-control pathways related to addiction, leading to increased activity in areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that listeners' brain reactions differ depending on the speaker's perceived ability to act upon their words. Researchers used EEG recordings to compare reactions to statements made by influential and non-influential speakers, revealing a significant impact of social status on neural responses.
Researchers aim to develop innovative ways to enhance smokers' ability to abstain from nicotine cravings. The study will recruit hundreds of smokers and use behavioral exercises to build resistance to tobacco withdrawal cues.
Researchers used fMRI and EEG to study brain function, mapping a previously unexplored aspect of brain activity. They found that post-stimulus signal in fMRI reflects changes in brain signalling, not just blood flow.
Researchers have found that dopamine neurons are sensitive to reward but not punishment, suggesting a separate dimension for aversiveness. This discovery implies the existence of four neurotransmitters representing two dimensions of value.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study sheds light on the mechanism of cocaine addiction, revealing how dopamine, mGluR5, and immediate early genes work together to induce addiction. The findings may lead to new treatments for this strong form of addiction.
A University of Maryland-led research team found a specific class of inhibitory neurons controlling the timing of synaptic plasticity, which regulates amblyopia. The discovery offers hope for treating amblyopia late in life by targeting the NARP protein.
A new Binghamton University study aims to understand brain activity in children with and without dyslexia, establishing types and degrees of the disorder. The five-year project will help identify brain signatures of people with dyslexia and inform treatments.
A study published in Nature reveals that attention operates at the synapse level to sharpen signals and selectively boost relevant information. The results have implications for improving screening and treatments for people with attention deficits resulting from brain injury or disease.
In a study published in Developmental Psychology, researchers found that gesturing significantly improves young children's performance on cognitive tasks. The study shows that even 2-and-a-half-year-olds who use gestures outperform their peers, suggesting a strong link between gesture and cognitive development.
Researchers found that adenosine-releasing silk implants can reduce DNA methylation levels in the brain and prevent the progression of epilepsy. The study suggests that the implants could be used to prevent seizures after head trauma or following conventional surgery.
Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, respond to neurological trauma by changing shape and forming scars that can either repair or hinder brain function. The study identified proteins controlling this process, revealing a complex mechanism involved.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that ACE inhibitors slow cognitive decline typical of dementia, even boosting brain power in patients. Compared to those not taking these drugs, patients on ACE inhibitors experienced marginally slower rates of cognitive decline.
Researchers found that a speaker's ability to act on their words influences listeners' brain responses, with more impactful statements made by political figures. The study used brain scans to compare responses to implausible statements from high and low-status speakers.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have developed a new stem cell gene therapy to treat Sanfilippo, a fatal genetic brain disease. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, producing near-normal levels of SGSH enzyme and correcting progressive dementia and hyperactivity.
Researchers developed a neuromorphic system that can carry out complex sensorimotor tasks in real time, exhibiting cognitive abilities. The system combines artificial neurons into networks that implemented neural processing modules, closely resembling mammalian brain structures.
Concussions can have serious long-term health effects; therefore, it's essential to recognize and manage these injuries accurately. The article provides a 6-point protocol to help people resume activity after a concussion, emphasizing complete rest and gradual progression.