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.
A formal model of counting has been developed, revealing that children's number sense can be improved through proper training. The study suggests that children struggle to map numbers to words due to competing information in their learning process.
German researchers have successfully used electroencephalography (EEG) to detect drivers' intentions to brake, reducing reaction time by 130 milliseconds. The system uses EEG and myoelectric activity to detect emergency situations before they occur, potentially saving thousands of car accidents caused by human error.
A new cognitive neuroscientific study challenges traditional models of working memory, introducing a 'multiple-component framework' that considers different capacities operating simultaneously. This framework has practical implications for education and interventions for aging or brain damage.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a non-invasive brain computer interface that allows users to control computers and robotic prosthetic limbs with their thoughts. The technology, known as UMD brain cap, uses EEG signals to translate brain waves into movement commands.
A signaling pathway plays a key role in determining the type of new neurons generated from postnatal neural stem cells. The study found that sonic hedgehog signaling, which is active in specific locations within the subventricular zone, influences neuron production and can redirect adult stem cell fate.
A study by Johns Hopkins physicians found that stents can prevent brain aneurysms from recurring after minimally invasive coiling procedures. The research suggests that stenting can make coiling a more promising option for the 30,000 people diagnosed with brain aneurysms each year in the US.
Researchers found that shifting attention towards healthy food options can influence decision-making, leading to healthier choices. External cues, such as instructions to consider healthiness or tastiness, can also help individuals exhibit more self-control.
Research reveals microglia cells prune connections between neurons, shaping brain wiring. The discovery could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have identified a molecular pathway affected in schizophrenia and successfully alleviated symptoms using a cancer drug. The study found that reducing p35 enzyme levels led to cognitive impairment, which was addressed by administering the cancer drug MS-275.
Dr. Ed Ruthazer's study shows that environmental stimulation enhances visual acuity and refines nerve cell connections in developing brains. The research identifies molecular mechanisms underlying the changes, including the activation of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which plays a key role in plasticity.
A new study found that people associate small numbers with short time intervals and large numbers with longer intervals, indicating a brain-wide connection. This association affects how individuals perceive time, with larger numbers leading to slower time perception.
A study found that participants with high levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, had twice the typical annual rate of falls for their age group. This suggests that falls may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease in people with preclinical symptoms.
A recent study found that infants can perceive flicker or movement but struggle to identify individual elements within a moving scene. This suggests that babies have a slower visual processing speed than adults, with a limit of around half a second.
New research explains how positivity bias in the brain contributes to successful aging, with increased engagement in positive emotions leading to greater emotional stability. The study suggests that focusing on the positive can help individuals age successfully.
Perlecan domain V protects nerve cells from death and promotes blood vessel growth after stroke, enhancing brain repair. Elevated levels of perlecan domain V were detected in rodent models of stroke, suggesting it may provide a nontoxic therapy to improve stroke outcomes.
Researchers found that vitamin D injections improved the removal of amyloid beta from the brain of mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Transporter proteins at the blood CSF barrier also play a crucial role in removing amyloid beta from the brain.
Researchers found that neurons can prefer multiple signals simultaneously and choose based on competing signals. This discovery could lead to more efficient brain implant design for treating neurological disorders.
A team of scientists identified the MB-V2 nerve cells as crucial for recalling associative memories in fruit flies. The study showed that these cells receive information from the mushroom body and relay it to other nerve cells, enabling memory 'read-out' and guiding behavior.
Researchers found that genetic mutations cause rare human diseases by disrupting a protein called Tectonic1, which forms a crucial collar around the base of cilia. This discovery provides new targets for diagnostics and treatments.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and UCL are investigating whether robots can learn to recognize faces like humans do. This research aims to develop software that allows robots to interact with humans in a natural way, understanding facial expressions and emotions.
A VIP signaling pathway is key to normal brain development, and environmental factors can affect the final brain size. Researchers used a mouse model to study microcephaly, identifying a cellular and molecular mechanism that disrupts brain development.
A randomized controlled study using Brainwave Optimization to treat insomnia was conducted at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The study found that participants who underwent Brainwave Optimization sessions experienced improved symptoms and brain balance, suggesting a potential treatment for insomnia.
A Tel Aviv University researcher suggests investors can master their fear of the market by analyzing and understanding its dynamics. The team's study reveals a strong correlation between volatility and price variations, enabling investors to redefined risk parameters and enrich their portfolios with stocks that behave in different ways.
Scientists discovered that brain activity increases when viewing same-race and other-race faces, but only predicts whether an other-race face will be remembered. The study suggests that individuation process is fragile for other-race faces due to lack of practice and social categorization.
Researchers found that humans experience the Motion Aftereffect, even with brief background motion, due to neural processes in the brain. The study reveals a rapid motion adaptation that occurs every time we see moving objects, but its purpose remains unknown.
Researchers found that aged mice showed increased activity and anxiety-like behaviors before sleep, similar to sundowning in humans. Changes in brain regions associated with attention, emotions, and arousal were also observed, suggesting a biological basis for the syndrome.
A study at McMaster University found that practice can lead to precise and long-lasting changes in the brain's ability to retain information about visual patterns. Researchers observed significant improvements in accuracy rates over time, even when participants were shown new images closely resembling those they had seen previously.
A new study by UW-Madison sleep researchers found that fruit flies with enriched learning environments need more sleep due to increased synaptic growth. The study suggests that sleep is driven by the need to reduce brain energy needs, providing structural evidence for the theory of synaptic homeostasis.
A new study finds neural synchronization abnormality in autistic toddlers' brains related to language and communication symptoms, indicating possible early diagnosis tool. This brain abnormality was present in 70% of autistic toddlers but rare in typically developing or language-delayed children.
Researchers at Yale University found that spontaneous brain activity in the womb plays a crucial role in shaping the visual system, challenging the idea that genes are the primary determinants of brain development.
Neurobiologists have found that the fly brain requires only two distinct motion detectors to recognize movement, shedding light on the complexity of visual processing in both humans and insects. This discovery has implications for our own understanding of how we perceive motion.
Research finds that gently rocking hammocks facilitate faster sleep onset and boost stage N2 sleep duration. The study also discovers a lasting impact on brain activity, increasing slow oscillations and bursts of activity known as sleep spindles.
A new study suggests that unhappy consumers are more likely to crave tactile experiences, such as hugging a teddy bear, to alleviate negative emotions. This is because their brain systems mimic those of mammals, which prioritize comfort and security in times of stress.
Researchers found that when people use summary perception to perceive general properties of objects, they are unable to learn relationships between the objects. On the other hand, when there are relationships to be learned, people are worse at perceiving general properties.
A new study by Taoli Zhang and colleagues found that Chinese people fluent in English quickly translate Chinese words into English without conscious thought. This suggests a strong connection between languages stored in the bilingual brain.
New research from UC Davis found that high theta waves before recalling a memory are associated with better performance, contradicting the assumption that the brain waits for external stimuli. The study suggests that most of the brain is busy with internal activity unrelated to the outside world.
A new study found that older adults who engage in regular moderate to intense exercise are 40% less likely to develop small brain lesions, also known as 'silent strokes'. This reduces the risk of falls, memory problems, dementia, and stroke. Exercise does not appear to have a similar benefit for those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found that people's brains become distracted by previously associated rewarding objects, such as money, even when they're not important in the task. This effect persists for weeks and is linked to impulsivity levels.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a brain function that governs the decision to stay or go in search of food, a fundamental problem in evolutionary history. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex steadily increases its activity during foraging decisions until a threshold level is reached, prompting the individual to move on.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that attention and awareness are distinct mental states. The researchers used the phenomenon of visual pop-out to demonstrate that people can pay attention to a stimulus without being aware of it, especially when distracted.
A new study by University of Wisconsin professor Martha Alibali and colleagues reveals that body movements significantly impact problem-solving. Participants who were restricted from using their hands or feet used abstract, mathematical strategies more often than those with free movement.
Research by Baylor College of Medicine reveals MeCP2 is required throughout life to maintain healthy brain function. The findings suggest that certain treatments may need to be maintained throughout the lifetime of individuals with Rett Syndrome.
Computer science researchers at Brown University have developed a new way to visualize the human brain's neural connections using 2D maps. These simplified representations can help medical professionals identify potential pathologies, such as autism, and understand how neural bundles differ among individuals.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that our brain uses multiple senses to understand spatial awareness, challenging the long-held assumption that sight is the primary trigger. The study's findings suggest that technologies can be developed to help the visually impaired through tactile means.
Researchers used fMRI to identify how precision-tinted lenses work, finding that they normalize brain activity in patients with migraine headaches. The study showed a 70% improvement in symptoms compared to control lenses, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying patients who may benefit from tinted lenses.
A University of Missouri study found that playing violent video games reduces brain response to violence and increases aggressive behavior in young adults. Participants who played violent games set louder noise blasts for their opponents during a competitive task, indicating increased aggression.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discover that the size of one's own body affects perceived space around us. They create illusions of tiny and giant bodies to demonstrate this effect.
Researchers found blind echolocators' brains process clicks and echoes in the 'visual' part of their brain, enabling independence. Sighted controls did not show similar echo-related activity.
Blind individuals who have learned to echolocate use the 'visual' part of their brain to process clicks and echoes, allowing them to sense their surroundings and perform tasks like mountain biking and basketball. This study provides insight into the neural basis of natural human echolocation in blind experts.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that impairments in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) brain area contribute to difficulties in reading social cues. This abnormal brain activation leads to misconstruing human actions and intentions in individuals with schizophrenia.
Astrocytes, the most common cell in the human nervous system, have been cultivated in a lab dish using embryonic and induced human stem cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to better understand their functions and develop new therapies for neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.
Research shows that eating triggers anxiety in individuals with anorexia nervosa, rather than the expected feeling of pleasure. The study uses brain imaging technology to demonstrate a paradoxical response to food in people with the disorder, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered that early mammals developed larger-than-expected brains to enhance their sense of smell. The study used CT technology to reconstruct the brains of two ancient species and found that they had more developed olfactory centers than expected.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers used a video game to study adult language learning, discovering that listeners quickly recognize word-like units. With just two hours of play, participants could reliably extract sound categories and apply them to advance through the game.
Researchers used EEG to measure brain's response to tones, finding smaller mismatch negativity in individuals who developed schizophrenia. The test showed promise as a potential predictor of psychosis development.
A new study using brain scans reveals that simple line drawings can activate similar patterns of brain activity as color photographs when viewing natural scenes. This suggests that the brain uses abstract representations to categorize scenes and doesn't need features like texture and color to tell a beach from a street scene.
Researchers have analyzed the physical and chemical properties of memristors using highly focused x-rays, providing a detailed insight into their behavior. This study is crucial for understanding how memristors work, which will lead to novel applications in semi-autonomous robots and complex electronic circuits.
A Stanford study suggests that digestive problems early in life may increase the risk of developing depression. Researchers found that laboratory rats subjected to mild stomach irritation showed signs of anxiety and depression, including changes in behavior and stress hormone levels.
Researchers discovered that estrogen receptors in the brain help turn off genes leading to chronic inflammation. This finding may lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers found that a steroid hormone called ADIOL moderates inflammation in the brain and may lead to new treatments for patients with neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery could also help predict risk or responses to drugs that mimic its actions.