Articles tagged with Brain
A new gene therapy treatment has been developed to cure Sanfilippo Syndrome type A in animal models by introducing the sulfamidase enzyme into cells, eliminating glycosaminoglican accumulation and associated neuroinflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice and dogs, with improved behavior and life expectancy.
A new eight-week intervention involving Head Start children and their parents produced significant improvements in attention, brain functions, and parental stress. The program's focus on selective attention and positive parenting practices led to improved cognitive abilities and reduced stress levels.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found that high doses of famotidine can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and affect the histamine system in the brain. After four weeks of treatment, symptoms of schizophrenia decreased statistically significantly in patients who received famotidine.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that our imagination can affect how we experience the world, changing our actual perception. The research used illusions to test the impact of mental imagery on sensory perception.
A study in ferrets shows that the brain can adapt to temporary hearing loss by relying on spectral cues from the outer ear. The findings suggest new strategies for rehabilitating children with glue ear and improve hearing aid design.
Researchers found that bullfinches memorize melody sequences in smaller subunits, anticipating the next note sequence when their human partner stops. The study suggests that songbirds have complex brain processes to learn and recall human melodies accurately.
A new class of experimental drugs has shown promise in preventing early memory loss in Alzheimer's disease by targeting a brain enzyme. The compound, MW108, halted memory loss and fixed damaged communication among brain cells in a mouse model of the disease.
Autism Speaks has committed nearly $199 million to research projects aiming to advance understanding of autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. The organization supports six translational postdoctoral fellowships focusing on brain studies, sleep patterns, and social cues in individuals with autism.
Researchers found a suite of changes in human shoulders and arms allowed efficient hunting by throwing projectiles, paving the way for later adaptations like increased brain size and migration out of Africa. The study suggests that humans' ability to throw played a key role in becoming part-time carnivores.
Research by Evan MacLean and colleagues found that lemur group sizes positively correlate with performance on tests of social cognition. In contrast, nonsocial cognitive skills were not affected by group size. The study suggests that the evolution of complex social intelligence may be linked to larger social networks.
A study published by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found that hunger modifies brain pathways and behavior, causing hungry individuals to take more risks. In fruit flies, a specific nerve cell transports carbon dioxide information to the mushroom body, triggering flight responses in hungry but not fed animals.
A study by Kessler Foundation researchers found that brain reserve and cognitive reserve can protect against cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis patients. The research used imaging studies to estimate brain reserve and disease burden in 62 patients, as well as measuring early-life cognitive leisure as a source of cognitive reserve.
Researchers found that people who are blindfolded employ the same strategy to intercept a running ball carrier as people who can see, suggesting multiple areas of the brain cooperate to accomplish the task. The constant target-heading angle strategy allows for effective capture in various situations.
Researchers found that electrical signals in the retina spiked high in response to chocolate, similar to those seen with methylphenidate, indicating increased dopamine release. This technique could be useful for studying food addiction and obesity prevention if validated through additional studies.
A synthetic compound has been discovered to enhance the effects of SSRIs, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. By blocking secondary 'vacuum cleaners' in the brain, the compound increases serotonin levels, offering new potential targets for treating depression. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to more effective treatments.
The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental
The study examined how Lumosity's dataset can provide insights into the lifestyle correlates of cognitive performance. The second study found that performance on tasks that rely on fluid intelligence decreases with age at a faster rate than those that rely on crystallized intelligence.
A study of over 3000 patients found that those who received rt-PA within six hours of a stroke had fewer problems with self-care and mobility, experienced less pain, and needed less help from others 18 months later. The drug significantly improved life after stroke in the long-term for elderly patients as well.
Researchers found that despite the 'connectedness illusion' affecting perceived targets, participants could accurately plan movements towards actual targets. This indicates a semi-autonomous robot-like system in the brain that plans actions independently of visual perception.
Researchers have identified a new virus, CyCV-VN, in patients with severe brain infections in Vietnam. The virus was found in 28 out of 644 patients, but not in those with non-infectious brain disorders. Further research is needed to determine its role in causing the symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a low-cost fiber-optic pen that tracks brain activity in real-time while children with learning disabilities read and write. The device, which costs less than $100, allows scientists to study the neural connections involved in writing and reading.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that mannitol prevents clumps of α-synuclein protein from forming in the brain, a process characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Mannitol has been shown to reduce aggregates of α-synuclein in genetically-altered flies and mice.
A study of over 3 million Danes found that those admitted to hospital with an infection prior to a mood disorder diagnosis had a 62% increased risk of developing the condition. The immune system's impact on brain function may play a role in this connection.
A study found that diet high in saturated fat increased LD αβ levels, while diet low in saturated fat decreased these fractions. The study suggests that lipidation states of apolipoproteins and amyloid peptides may play a role in AD pathological processes.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute in Göttingen have discovered a molecular mechanism that turns neurons into true masters of adaptation. This process, known as short-term plasticity, is crucial for brain functions such as sound localization and mental maths.
Andermann's work aims to understand how hunger affects the brain and its potential consequences for obesity and eating disorders. He will use novel imaging technologies to assess neural responses to food cues.
Researchers discovered a novel fluorescent protein in the freshwater eel that can bind to bilirubin, enabling high sensitivity and accuracy for clinical tests. This breakthrough may contribute to liver function assessment and eel conservation efforts.
Researchers found that people with inherited Alzheimer's disease produce 20% more of a specific form of amyloid beta, known as amyloid beta 42. Additionally, the protein drops out of cerebrospinal fluid more quickly in mutation carriers, suggesting a link to brain amyloid plaques.
A study in Journal of Analytical Psychology reveals internal conflict between the left and right parts of the brain when triggered by 'hot button' words, affecting sense of self and external responses.
A new study on an anti-nicotine vaccination found mixed results, with some patients experiencing a decrease in brain nicotine accumulation but others showing an increase. The study used PET imaging to test the vaccine's effectiveness, revealing that high-affinity antibodies were associated with decreased brain nicotine accumulation.
A study of 97 adolescents born with very low birth weight found a link between smaller brain volumes and poor academic achievement. The research team also discovered that many children with low birth weight did not experience academic deficits, raising questions about early warning signs for intervention.
A new study suggests that suspending humanity through objectification can prevent war crimes, while dehumanizing others evokes disgust and disempathy. By understanding the brain's workings in these situations, researchers aim to develop a more effective military strategy that minimizes harm.
Researchers found that small increases in cardiovascular health scores, even by just one point, significantly reduced the risk of stroke over a five-year period. This study highlights the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health in preventing strokes.
A new brain imaging study shows that differences in the visual system do not cause dyslexia, but rather are a result of less reading ability. Children with dyslexia made significant gains in reading after receiving intensive tutoring, and their visual system activity increased.
A new surgical technique for deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been developed, allowing for more accurate placement of brain electrodes and reducing complications. The procedure is safer and faster than traditional DBS surgery, making it a promising treatment option for various medical conditions beyond Parkinson's disease.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that our brains don't forget skills by passive decay but instead deliberately select what to retain. This new understanding contradicts previous assumptions about the formation and loss of motor memories.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully controlled a remote-controlled helicopter using non-invasive brain waves. The experiment, published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Neural Engineering, demonstrates the potential for brain-computer interfaces to aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study found that wider retinal venules are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive deficits in older adults, even after accounting for health and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that the processes linking vascular health and cognitive functioning begin much earlier than previously assumed.
Scientists found that lead exposure can trigger schizophrenia-like behaviors and brain structural changes in mice engineered with a human gene for the disease. The study suggests a synergistic effect between lead exposure and a genetic risk factor, opening avenues to better understand complex gene-environment interactions.
A new study finds that bright light therapy can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and alleviate depressive symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The treatment also shows changes in brain activation during cognitive tasks, suggesting potential improvements in brain function.
A new formula predicts when brain haemorrhage patients need surgery for the best outcome, helping ensure the right treatment at the right time. This study aims to improve patient survival rates and independence.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 can prevent and treat postoperative cognitive dysfunctions by resolving inflammation. The study found that treatment with a single dose of AT-RvD1 protected the brain from memory dysfunction after surgery.
Researchers developed a new model that integrates both historical and psychological perspectives on art appreciation. This approach acknowledges the importance of artistic understanding in assessing value and meaning, and can be applied to various forms of art.
Researchers have identified a protein responsible for controlling the growth of gigantic synapses in the auditory part of the brain. These massive synapses allow for rapid signal transmission, outpacing other neuronal circuits by a fraction of a millisecond, enabling humans to pinpoint sound sources with remarkable accuracy.
Researchers suggest targeting APPL protein for new Alzheimer's drugs, as it ensures optimal communication between brain cells. This approach may be more effective than solely focusing on breaking down Amyloid beta.
People with high IQ scores have more selective visual perception, discriminating between small moving objects and larger background motions. This ability helps them efficiently process information in a world filled with distractions.
Researchers discovered a regenerative process involving damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord that can improve functional recovery after stroke. The study found significant improvement in voluntary movement in mice whose axons were not severed, suggesting potential treatment targets for enhancing neurological recovery.
Researchers found that aortic arch pulse wave velocity is a strong predictor of white matter hyperintensities, which are associated with accelerated cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The study used MRI to measure aortic arch pulse wave velocity in 1,270 participants and found a significant association between the two variables.
A new study found that individuals whose brains are better at automatically suppressing background motion perform better on standard measures of intelligence. The test, which measures the brain's unconscious ability to filter out visual movement, shows a strong correlation with IQ scores.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a molecular mechanism that enhances attention and reduces cognitive noise in the brain. By manipulating glutamate coupling to NMDA receptors, they improved perceptual abilities and increased the fidelity of neural responses.
Researchers at Michigan State University investigate the brain and behavior of zebra finches to understand the relationship between rhythm and stuttering. The study aims to identify which parts of the brain are responsible for processing rhythm, with potential implications for treating stuttering in children.
Scientists have discovered a protein that binds to two 'orphan receptors' found in the brain, GPR37 and GPR37L1. This binding has been linked to neuroprotection and glioprotection, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and stroke.
Activating Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) enzyme delays nerve cell loss and preserves cognitive function in mice. Reducing caloric intake also produces similar effects.
Researchers studied 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils to reconstruct their brain and inner ear anatomy. The study found that the brain underwent significant changes during growth, with important parts for hearing and cognitive processes already well-developed in young dinosaurs.
Researchers at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry have discovered how the loss of a tumour suppressing protein leads to abnormal cell division in the brain and nervous system. The study's findings may lead to new drug-based therapies to reduce or negate the need for multiple surgeries or radiotherapies.
Researchers found that five days of cognitive training combined with transcranial random noise stimulation led to long-lasting improvements in math ability and brain function. The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that TRNS enables the brain to work more efficiently by synchronizing neuron activity.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery reveals a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used for cell phone conversations, with left-brain dominant individuals more likely to use their right ear. The study's findings have implications for language center mapping and may suggest a lower risk of tumo...
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that women aged 70-80 who participated in cardio or weight training classes incurred fewer healthcare resources compared to those in balance and toning classes. This cost-effective approach may help improve cognitive health and reduce healthcare costs for seniors.
University of Oregon neuroscientists found that people's brains detect grammatical errors without conscious awareness, generating an early negative ERP response. Despite participants' lack of awareness, their brains processed the errors implicitly, suggesting a brain mechanism recognizing and reacting to them.
Researchers aim to explore patterns of human collaboration in creating large-scale knowledge repositories. They seek to create a 'human-genome map' of online behavior, enabling observation and improvement of social knowledge creation processes.