Articles tagged with Brain
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.
A study in rats reveals that nicotine exposure temporarily changes the brain's response to alcohol, increasing its reinforcing properties through stress hormones. This finding highlights the mechanisms underlying the link between smoking and alcohol abuse, providing a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate this risk.
UCLA researchers measure brain responses to sexual images in hypersexual individuals, finding that brain response is tied only to level of sexual desire, not severity of hypersexuality. This challenges existing theories of sex 'addiction', suggesting it may be a cluster of problems rather than an addiction.
A University of Maryland-led research team is using brain measurements to study cultural differences in neural-biological processes associated with permissiveness versus restrictiveness. The goal is to advance understanding of group identities, cultural norms, and behavior, and develop tools for better intercultural interaction.
A new study finds that half a billion dollars could be saved annually by using bedside physical exams to identify patients who truly need imaging tests instead of routine head CT scans. Emergency room physicians can confidently diagnose benign inner-ear disorders, freeing up resources for those who need stroke diagnosis.
A new study by Mark Scott suggests that corollary discharge, a predictive brain signal, plays a crucial role in our experiences of internal speech. The findings indicate that the internal copy of our voice produced by corollary discharge can be generated even without external sound, making us believe we hear ourselves speak.
Researchers found that mice lacking the monoamine oxidase A and B enzymes displayed increased fear and generalized phobia to new contexts. This study suggests a correlation between MAO enzyme deficiency and autistic-like features, highlighting potential avenues for developing interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.
The BrightFocus Foundation has awarded $7.2 million in grants to 53 scientists conducting research on Alzheimer's, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The funded projects focus on imaging technology, gene therapy, and cell regeneration to better understand disease development and potential new therapies.
Researchers found that infants with later-diagnosed autism had excessive cerebrospinal fluid and enlarged brains, raising the possibility of using these as potential biomarkers. These anomalies were detectable by MRI at 6-9 months and remained elevated between 18-24 months.
Research found that irregular bedtimes in early childhood are associated with lower intellectual performance in reading, maths, and spatial awareness, particularly for girls. The effects of disrupted sleep on brain development and learning are still not fully understood but may have lasting impacts on health throughout life.
Researchers have discovered a biomarker that can track Huntington's disease progression using electrical activity in brain waves. The study found abnormalities in specific frequency bands prior to the onset of symptoms, suggesting a potential early indicator of the disease.
Research suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading and writing, can help slow down cognitive decline in older adults. The study found that individuals who participated in these activities both early and late in life had a slower rate of memory loss compared to those who did not.
A study found that cerebral aneurysms of all sizes are 12 times more likely to rupture if they grow in size. The researchers observed growth in nearly 18% of asymptomatic cerebral aneurysms and found a strong association between aneurysm growth, initial size, and tobacco smoking.
Studies of early development in fishes reveal a single compartment in the hindbrain controlling vocal and pectoral mechanisms, which may explain why humans use hand gestures when speaking. This neural connection could be key to understanding the evolution of language.
A new UCLA study finds that brain aneurysms of any size can grow and increase the risk of rupture. Tobacco smoking and larger initial aneurysm size are also linked to growth and higher rupture risks.