Articles tagged with Brain
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.
A diabetes drug called metformin has been found to promote the growth of new brain cells and enhance spatial memory formation. The study's lead author suggests that the widely used medication may also offer cognitive benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease, independent of its effects on blood sugar control.
The University of Nottingham is developing a detailed picture of the Asian brain through a two-year project. The resulting road-map will help doctors in Asia diagnose age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's at an earlier stage, improving treatment outcomes.
A team of researchers has identified the natural receptor in the brain where GHB binds, shedding light on its physiological function and potential risks. This discovery opens up new research opportunities, including the development of targeted pharmaceuticals with reduced side effects.
A new article highlights the importance of introspection and reflection in learning, socioemotional functioning, and overall well-being. Research on the brain's default mode network reveals that individual differences in brain activity during rest are correlated with self-awareness, moral judgment, and memory consolidation.
Researchers found that chronic inflammation caused by immune system challenges can lead to long-term neurological changes and memory problems in mice. The study suggests that this early event may be an important step in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher Suzanne de la Monte found a significant link between brain insulin resistance and neuronal stress in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that reducing toxin production in the brain and restoring insulin responsiveness may help slow cognitive decline.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have made progress in deciphering the neural processes behind human thought. Using brain recordings, they identified unique patterns that reflect how people associate words in their memories. These patterns, known as 'neural fingerprints', can potentially be used to read out individual's memory or...
Researchers found that stimulating a musical tune during slow-wave sleep improved memory for complex skills. Participants made fewer errors when pressed keys to produce the melody presented while they slept compared to the other melody. The study opens doors for future studies on sleep-based memory processing.
Researchers have identified several South African daffodil plant compounds that can potentially bypass the blood-brain barrier, a key challenge in developing new antidepressant drugs. The study's findings, published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, offer hope for the development of novel treatments for depression.
The overall winner of the Wellcome Image Awards is a visceral photograph of a living human brain, showcasing its beauty and fragility. The image, taken during a surgical procedure to treat epilepsy, highlights the importance of medical photography in helping doctors make diagnoses.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding to support autism research projects addressing various high-priority areas. These include investigating the impact of DSM-5 on autism diagnosis, developing new medications and behavioral treatments, and improving access to early intervention in minority communities.
Researchers at University of Calgary developed a biometric security system that combines different measurements like eye colour and fingerprints to create a learning system simulating the brain. The algorithm can learn new patterns and adapt to changing conditions, improving accuracy and recognition process.
The Aging Brain Care model, developed by Indiana University researchers, aims to deliver better health care to older adults through interdisciplinary care teams and personalized treatment plans. The expanded program is expected to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.
A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment effectively improved motor function in Parkinson's disease patients for at least three years. However, improvements in health-related quality of life and cognitive abilities were gradually lost over time., The treatment was most effective for reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.