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 created visual illusions to stimulate nerve cells in the visual cortex, revealing their role in estimating 3D shape. The study found that the brain uses complex cells to measure local orientation of patterns in the retinal image.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough using century-old brain samples to detect mental illness. The goal is to create a simple blood test for conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD, which could lead to faster diagnoses and improved patient care.
Researchers found that brain activity and visual perception of local and global motion differ significantly. Humans rely on a second mechanism for global motion, while neuronal activity is controlled by local motion in the stimulus.
A new study published in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience emphasizes the significance of identifying 'overlap syndrome' between ALS and FTD, which can impact patient survival. The research also explores clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and screening strategies for this syndrome.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that 3-year-old boys with regressive autism have larger brains than their healthy counterparts, while girls with autism do not show abnormal brain growth. Brain enlargement was consistently observed only in the subset of children diagnosed with regressive autism.
Research led by Dr. Paul Harch found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved function and quality of life for veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment showed improvements in symptoms, cognitive testing, quality of life measurements, and PTSD symptoms.
A new study found that conscious awareness influences information processing during decision making, leading to non-linear integration strategies. Participants who were aware of the evidence weighted new information based on their existing knowledge.
New research reveals that Toll-like receptors play a major role in brain damage risk for newborns, contributing to conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies, such as blocking special TLRs to reduce brain damage following hypoxia.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision increases our understanding of how the brain processes facial structure and recognizes family resemblance. Researchers found that people can pick out family members despite underlying differences, such as gender or age, by comparing faces to an average face for that gender.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology found that poor recycling of the BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease. Reduced levels of the retromer component VPS35 led to enhanced BACE1 activity and increased Abeta protein formation, contributing to disease progression.
A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain processes complex sensory signals, using a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells. The study confirms and extends a computational theory developed earlier, predicting that neurons fire in a manner predicted by a weighted summation rule.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. The goal is to define biomarkers for PTSD and TBI, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A new national plan aims to improve care for patients with delirium, a poorly understood condition that affects millions of Americans. The plan outlines four goals: improving clinical care, educating healthcare providers, investing in research, and developing a network of delirium professionals.
Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.
Researchers discovered a cellular mechanism allowing brain cells to translate different diets into distinct activity patterns. The orexin/hypocretin neurons are stimulated by amino acids, but inhibited by glucose, revealing a complex 'push-pull' control by sugars and proteins.
A group of researchers at UCSF has discovered why the bite of a small Texas coral snake can be so painful. The venom contains toxic chemicals that bind to acid receptors on human nerve endings, triggering severe pain signals to the brain.
The new chip can simulate the activity of a single brain synapse and capture intracellular processes that underlie many brain functions, including learning and memory. It represents a significant advance in modeling neural functions and could be used to build systems for neural prosthetic devices and artificial intelligence devices.
Researchers found that reappraising emotions can quickly reduce negative responses to angry faces, with brain activity showing decreased signals for negative emotions after reappraisal. This process is faster and deeper than previously thought, allowing people to prepare themselves for potentially challenging situations.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a definitive role for the brain in regulating involuntary muscle mass loss associated with chronic illnesses. The process is driven by a signaling system that controls stress responses and cortisol release.
Researchers found that once a word is learned, it is stored in a purely visual dictionary in the brain, allowing for fast and efficient recognition. This concept may help explain why people with dyslexia struggle with reading due to difficulties forming a finely tuned visual representation of words.
Researchers found that mice with high amyloid burden experienced significant brain inflammation after receiving the vaccine, while those with lower amyloid burdens showed a significant benefit. The study suggests that vaccines may work best for patients with early disease and lower amyloid burden.
The Allen Institute for Brain Science has launched a new brain atlas resource, the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, which provides a three-dimensional map of neural connections throughout the mouse brain. The Atlas will help scientists understand how the brain is wired and what goes awry in brain diseases and disorders.
Researchers are discovering promising treatments for pain, including mirror box therapy and a new opioid-like drug that relieves acute pain without euphoric effects. The studies also identify the neurobiological source of common morphine side effects.
Researchers have developed a flexible brain implant that could pinpoint seizure start points and shut them down. The device conforms to the brain's surface, allowing for unprecedented brain activity observation.
NYU Langone experts will present research on brain networks, cognition, and memory at the annual meeting. The institution's Neuroscience Institute connects scientists with clinicians to tackle complex healthcare issues.
A recent study using functional magnetic resonance imaging has found that attention, rather than awareness, modulates the activity in the primary visual cortex. This suggests that these two mental processes may be dissociated and affect nerve cells differently. The findings have implications for philosophy and psychology.
A Japanese study reveals that the brain, not the eye, produces afterimage illusions in complementary shapes. The research found that the brain's shape-processing visual cortex is responsible for creating these illusory shapes, which were observed in a novel afterimage illusion.
A surgical procedure aimed at bypassing a blocked brain artery did not lower the subsequent stroke rate after 2 years, compared to those who did not have the surgery. Patients who made it through the first month without a stroke had their risk of subsequent stroke almost cut by three-fourths.
University Hospitals neurosurgeons champion brain bypass in select patients with complex brain aneurysms or cerebrovascular disorders. The procedure can reduce stroke risk and improve symptoms in young patients with moyamoya syndrome.
The Toxoplasma parasite affects dopamine production in infected brain cells, leading to increased dopamine levels and changes in behavior. This discovery may provide new insights into treating human neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease.
UBC researchers have created a monitoring technique for brain aneurysms using platinum implants as antennas to detect blood levels and indicate implant failure. This approach may enable patients to check their condition at home, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
A new iPhone application called GlassesOff uses brain training to delay the need for reading glasses by translating blurry images into clear ones. Users can read two lines lower on an eye-test chart after just 40 uses of the app, according to trials with average age users.
Researchers found that individuals rationalize restrictions they cannot change, but rebel when they believe a change is possible. This finding could explain uprisings and unrequited love, suggesting that perceived absoluteness influences behavior.
Researchers discovered reindeer use three tactics: panting with nose closed, mouth open and brain cooling system, to prevent overheating while exercising. The team found that reindeer selectively cool their brains only when temperature becomes dangerously high.
A massive study found hundreds of genetic differences between males and females as their brains develop in the womb. Genes associated with psychiatric illnesses are expressed before birth, suggesting a complex link between genetics and mental health.
Scientists have developed a sensor array that can diagnose multiple sclerosis from exhaled breath, offering a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. The technology has been tested in humans and shows promising results, rivaling the accuracy of spinal taps without pain or risk.
Researchers discovered that a combination of two gut hormones, PYY and GLP-1, can reduce food intake and appetite by deceiving the brain. This finding has significant implications for obesity therapy and could lead to the development of a daily pill that promotes healthy eating.
Scientists at the University of Calgary discovered Natural Killer T-cells suppress the immune system after a stroke, leading to infections. A new drug has been found to stop these cells from suppressing the immune system, potentially reducing death rates associated with stroke.
A six-month randomized controlled trial found no added benefit from high-dose vitamin D over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study involved 23 participants with MS, who received either high-dose or placebo high-dose vitamin D, and showed no significant differe...
Researchers in India developed an alarm clock that monitors brain activity to wake users during more easily roused stages of sleep. This leads to a gentler and more refreshed awakening compared to conventional alarm clocks.
A UT Southwestern study found that estrogen acts on two hypothalamic neural centers to regulate hunger and energy expenditure in female mice, keeping their body weight in check. This discovery has potential implications for postmenopausal women, who may benefit from targeted hormonal replacement therapies.
A study suggests that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill can improve motor learning in healthy adults. This approach may help patients relearn how to walk after stroke or injury, improving therapeutic outcomes.
Researchers found that the brain can selectively focus on visual information from one eye, even when both eyes are receiving images. This selective attention enhances the processing of visual information from the focused eye.
Researchers found that boosting VEGF levels improves muscle coordination and balance in mice with SCA1. The study suggests a potentially useful treatment for the fatal disease, which affects 1-2 people per 100,000 population.
This study found that genetic influences on brain activation affect responses to alcohol, particularly in individuals with low response levels. Those with low response levels may not perceive changes in their brain activity after drinking, which can lead to increased consumption and risk of alcohol problems.
A Penn team has identified a key connection between genetic risk factors for schizophrenia and altered sound processing in the brain. By studying mice with a mutated dysbindin gene, they found reduced activity in specific nerve cells that control fast brain activity, leading to symptoms of schizophrenia.
Researchers developed a brain scan method to quickly test whether drugs increase dopamine levels, alleviating attention deficits in mice with neurofibromatosis type 1. The technique may lead to matching specific treatments to patients with NF1 and attention deficit disorders.
Scientists have developed new substances that first block the biological vacuum cleaner preventing anti-HIV drugs from reaching the brain and then revert to an active drug to treat HIV. This breakthrough allows medications to cross the blood-brain barrier, targeting brain diseases and potentially offering a cure for HIV.
Research by biologists at the University of York has revealed that under stressful conditions, synapses can grow excessively, potentially contributing to dysfunction. This finding has strong implications for neuronal function as brains age and adds significantly to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that short-term sleep restriction in adolescent mice prevented balanced growth and depletion of brain synapses, which may have lasting consequences for the wiring of the brain. The study's findings could be relevant to mental illnesses like schizophrenia that often start during adolescence.
Research suggests that diseased brain proteins can be taken up by healthy neurons and propagated within them, leading to neurodegeneration. Alpha-synuclein fibrils have been shown to induce the formation of Lewy bodies, hallmark lesions of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that 95% of people aged 65 have brain small vessel disease, while a quarter of healthy seniors have silent strokes. Regular exercise can delay onset of late life dementia, says Dr. Sandra Black.
Researchers have identified estrogen receptors in specific brain areas that influence metabolism, weight gain, and fertility. Deleting these receptors from mice resulted in significant weight gain and metabolic changes.
Pre-schoolers improved their verbal intelligence and brain function after participating in a four-week learning program that combined interactive, music-based cognitive training cartoons. The study, led by Dr. Sylvain Moreno, found rapid transfer of cognitive benefits in 90% of children.
Researchers developed a tracking system to monitor worm behavior and brain activity, revealing that certain neurons remain active as the worm moves. The study provides a new window for exploring links between brain and behavior, genetic mutations, and mental illness in humans.
A groundbreaking study by Michigan State University researchers found that people who believe they can learn from their mistakes exhibit distinct brain activity compared to those who do not. This difference may be used to tailor training programs to individuals' learning styles and abilities.
UCLA neuro-physicists discovered an optimal brain 'rhythm' for changing synaptic strength, contrary to previous assumptions. The findings suggest that stimulating synapses at naturally occurring frequencies, not high frequencies, increases synaptic strength and may lead to new therapies for learning disabilities.
Researchers found evidence of large-scale dynamic DNA demethylation in non-dividing brain cells, challenging scientific dogma. This discovery has major implications for understanding learning, memory, and mood regulation, as well as potential new treatments for depression and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with a growth mindset exhibit different brain activity when making mistakes, leading to better post-error adjustments. Those who believe intelligence is fixed show reduced brain activity and difficulty bouncing back from errors.