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.
Researchers found significant improvements in overall brain function, with most improvement in attention, concentration, planning and organizing. Muscular strength and walking ability also increased.
A new study by Professor Nilli Lavie and colleagues found that focusing on remembering an image can lead to 'blindness' in detecting visual information. The research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, reveals a pathway of competition in the brain between new visual information and short-term memory.
A study found that transplantation within a 72-hour time window resulted in early functional recovery and reduced brain atrophy. The optimal therapeutic time window was determined to be between 72 hours and 120 hours after stroke onset, with no benefit observed when transplanted at 14 days.
A study published in Behavioral Neuroscience found that repeated fluoxetine administration to adolescent hamsters increased offensive aggression and altered brain areas related to aggression control. The research suggests that clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine during adolescence can dramatically alter brain circuitry implicated i...
Researchers at the University of Sheffield and Sussex aim to build flying robots that can sense and act autonomously like bees. They will use computer models of the systems governing a honey bee's vision and sense of smell to achieve this goal.
A new study defines boredom as a mental state fueled by attention failures, leading to frustration and potential dangers such as accidents, impulse control issues, and mortality. The researchers aim to stimulate further research to understand and address the issue.
A Northwestern University study reveals that our brains make complex decisions for us without our knowledge or consent. Researchers found that even when people are aware of the trick, their brains still rely on visual information to guide hand movements.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that our brains prioritize detecting new sounds over detecting when a sound disappears. In busy environments, participants often miss more than half of changes and experience longer reaction times to detect oncoming sounds.
A Concordia researcher is developing a system that converts physiological displays of emotion into music. The music is used to teach individuals with autism disorders how to identify feelings by externalizing them through sound. By tapping into the brain's electrical signals, researchers can create an emotional symphony.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum report that impaired protein degradation causes muscle diseases, including filaminopathies. The study found that protection mechanisms against abnormal protein deposits do not work properly in patients, opening up new avenues for therapies.
A 15-year study found that brain parts can respond to evolutionary stimuli independently, contradicting previous concerted evolution theories. The research identified specific gene sets controlling the size of different brain parts, with little correlation between overall brain and body sizes.
A study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that brain white matter can change and adapt in response to long-term learning processes. Using diffusion tensor imaging, researchers observed significant structural changes in adults learning a complex skill over time.
Researchers have discovered how chemical agents bind to and detect amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, enabling quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment. The study's findings will speed the development of new imaging agents, providing potential benefits for patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the behavior of worms by manipulating their neurons with precise laser beams. By hijacking key neurons, they can instruct the worm to perform specific actions, such as turning in a desired direction or responding to fake sensory inputs.
Research suggests that individuals with psychopathic tendencies exhibit impaired odor discrimination and identification skills. This finding supports the idea that front-brain inefficiencies are associated with psychopathy.
A nationwide hospital database analysis found no significant difference in the risk of death for operations performed in July compared to all other months. The complication rate was also similar, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 7.2%. The results suggest that there is no 'July phenomenon' affecting neurosurgical risks.
A genetic mutation in the FADS cluster on chromosome 11 allowed early humans to convert plant-based polyunsaturated fatty acids to brain PUFAs, enabling increased brain size and complexity. This trait rapidly spread throughout the African continent under intense selective pressure.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline to help doctors diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and always fatal brain disorder. The guideline suggests that the 14-3-3 protein test can be useful in reducing uncertainty when the probability of the disease is between 20% and 90%.
A new video article in Journal of Visualized Experiments uses fMRI to characterize subjective risk assessment while subjects choose between different lotteries. The research aims to understand normal and pathological behaviors, such as substance abuse and over-eating, by examining how individuals evaluate risk.
The Wellcome Trust has announced its first Pathfinder Awards to support research into rare and orphan diseases, including Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) and Homocystinuria. The awards aim to facilitate collaboration between academia and industry to develop innovative treatments for these debilitating conditions.
A study by the American Heart Association found that transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and minor strokes can cause significant disability in up to 15% of patients. Thrombolysis treatment may be necessary for these patients, even if symptoms appear mild, to prevent further damage.
Karl Deisseroth's CLARITY approach unites chemical engineering, molecular genetics, and optics to gather detailed information from intact brains, potentially elucidating psychiatric diseases like depression and schizophrenia. The $22.48M award enables his team to continue their research with the potential impact in biomedical science.
A recent study by Harvard researchers found that deep sleep plays a crucial role in the onset of puberty. The study suggests that inadequate or disturbed sleep in children and young adolescents may interfere with normal pubertal maturation, particularly for those with sleep disorders.
A new study published in Neurology finds that people who drink heavily (3+ drinks/day) are at higher risk for stroke almost a decade and a half earlier than those who don't. Heavy drinking is linked to a more severe form of stroke, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.
Infants can automatically detect and learn complex syllable dependencies in spoken language, a skill lost in adulthood. Young infants also exhibit stronger brain responses to pitch changes, suggesting a link between basic auditory skills and sophisticated rule learning abilities.
Scientists at NIEHS discover a way to turn off P-glycoprotein, a major gatekeeper preventing medicinal drugs from reaching the brain, allowing small therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for central nervous system diseases such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, ...
A study of 340 stage III NSCLC patients found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly reduces the risk of brain metastases, but no improvement in overall survival was observed. The rate of brain metastases for PCI-treated patients was 17.3%, compared to 26.8% for observational arm.
A team of researchers at Henry Ford Hospital has identified new ways to detect, treat and even prevent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus in American troops. Using antioxidants, dietary supplements and high-tech brain imaging, the team hopes to reduce the impact of acoustic trauma on soldiers.
Researchers found that sleep disturbances occur when Alzheimer's plaques appear in the brain, disrupting the normal sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that sleep problems could be an easily detectable sign of pathology, potentially indicating whether new treatments are succeeding.
Researchers at the University of Illinois's Beckman Institute used periodic visual stimuli and EEG recordings to demonstrate that the brain's natural oscillations can be precisely timed to future repetitions of an event. This entrainment leads to a heightened visual awareness of the next event, improving processing in critical environm...
A new device that mechanically removes stroke-causing blood clots from the brain has been proven to be highly effective in reopening blocked vessels, with a success rate of 61% compared to 24% for the standard FDA-approved mechanical device. The device also led to better survival rates three months after a stroke.
Fit Brains, a top online brain fitness platform, has achieved 75 million brain game scores played by over 5 million users. The company is celebrating with a charitable incentive, donating $10 to a brain research foundation for each new membership in September.
A new study links nasal irrigation with contaminated tap water to rare disease Naegleria fowleri infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports two fatal cases in Louisiana where the organism was found in home water systems, highlighting the importance of using safely treated water for sinus irrigation.
Research suggests that a mother's placental blood flow during pregnancy affects her baby's body fatness, with higher liver blood flow associated with greater body fatness. This adaptation may have evolved to prioritize brain growth but instead leads to a predisposition for obesity and diabetes in contemporary societies.
Researchers found that managers and non-managers exhibit differential brain activation patterns during decision-making, with managers showing a more heuristic, automated approach. This study provides insight into the neural basis of managerial decision-making and its differences from non-managerial decisions.
A new MRI study reveals that vein abnormalities do not contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity and are not specific to the disease. Despite previous speculation, the researchers found no correlation between cerebral blood flow and MS symptoms.
A new robotic exoskeleton and EEG-based neural interface are being developed to help stroke patients regain upper-limb function. The system will interpret brain waves to control the exoskeleton, allowing patients to willingly operate it with their thoughts.
Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $11.9 million in NARSAD grants to support innovative brain and behavior research related to mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The grants aim to advance treatments and therapies for these conditions.
Scientists have developed fluorescent probes that change color depending on the type of amyloid they encounter, offering hope for differentiating between related brain disorders. The technology has been licensed for commercial development of diagnostic tests.
Researchers discovered that catechins, found in green tea and cocoa, can protect neurons from damage and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This could lead to new hope for patients with HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses computational approach to determine individual predictability in group conflict. The research proposes a novel estimate of 'cognitive burden,' or minimal amount of information needed to make predictions, using sparse coding principles.
A study published online found that long-term alcohol abuse affects white matter brain volume differently for men and women. Women tend to recover their lost white matter volume more quickly than men with abstinence, while excessive drinking is associated with increased ventricular size in alcoholic women.
Researchers found that kids with less brain activation initially were at greater risk for becoming heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking was linked to increased brain activity during memory tests, particularly among those who consumed four or more drinks per occasion.
Research shows adolescents' brains mature intellectually before they mature socially or emotionally, influencing how policymakers and courts treat teenagers. The findings could impact policies on medical decision-making, autonomy, and punishment for juveniles.
A UCLA study finds that a computerized brain fitness program significantly improves memory and language skills in older adults. The six-month program, used by participants aged 84, demonstrated improved cognitive function compared to those who played less frequently.
Researchers found that concussions and even lesser head impacts can speed up the brain's natural aging process, causing changes in gait, balance, attention, and impulse control. The study suggests a cumulative effect of repeated head impacts on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
A UCI study reveals that individuals with stellar autobiographical memory exhibit distinct brain variations and statistical evidence of obsessive-compulsive tendencies. These unique traits enable them to effortlessly recall every moment of their lives since age 10.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that the brain processes information from the inner ear non-linearly, preferring unexpected changes in stimuli. This finding has significant implications for treating patients with vertigo and dizziness, and may lead to better treatments for balance disorders.
A Vanderbilt-led team is developing a microbrain bioreactor to improve drug testing by replicating the human brain's complex chemical communication and molecular trafficking. The device will test new therapies for stroke, obesity, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury can disrupt proteins regulating BACE1 enzyme associated with Alzheimer's. The team identified complex mechanisms leading to rapid elevation of BACE1 in the brain, which may lead to new drug treatment targeting this mechanism.
New study reveals that mephedrone activates brain's reward circuits similarly to cocaine, increasing addictive potential and compulsive drug taking. The findings justify maximum restriction of bath salts access by the FDA.
University of Alberta researchers have identified a new class of compounds that can clear prions from infected cells. These compounds demonstrate promise in treating prion-induced brain disorders, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that strobe eyewear training enhances visual short-term memory by disrupting vision and forcing participants to adjust their processing. The effects of improved visual memory retention were observed even after removing the eyewear, lasting up to 24 hours.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Scientific Council has recognized six exceptional young researchers for their outstanding contributions to mental health research. The awards honor achievements in clinical and basic mental health research, including studies on vascular disease, synaptic dysfunction, and mood disorders.
Researchers found that flies on low-calorie diets exhibit enhanced transmission of nerve signals in their brains and mouthparts. The team discovered increased release of neurotransmitters, which could be a novel therapeutic approach for people suffering from neuromuscular disorders.
Dr. Teresa Murray, a Louisiana Tech biomedical engineering professor, has received NIH funding for her research on glial cells and their role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Her innovative approach involves creating a tiny glass lens to study glial cell function and interactions with neurons.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a potential cause of HIV-associated dementia: reduced production of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mature BDNF), a protein essential for brain neuron health. This finding may lead to a therapeutic solution and provide a biomarker for risk assessment.
Researchers at Brown University found that training can improve recognition of rapidly presented objects by making the second target object a distinct color. This allows people to switch their attention more quickly and perceive the second target as effectively as a fifth of a second later.
Researchers mapped gut-brain signaling after protein-rich meals to limit food intake. Peptides from digested proteins block opioid receptors, suppressing hunger and glucose release in the intestine.