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.
Weizmann Institute scientists discover that adverse experiences can impair perception, making it harder to distinguish between similar stimuli. This finding may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Stephen L. Boehm II, Ph.D., a behavioral neuroscientist at IUPUI, has been awarded the 2011 Young Scientist of the Year by the International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society for his research on binge drinking's impact on gamma-aminobutyric acid neural circuits. His lab is also recognized for its mentorship of students.
The Einstein Aging Study will explore the relationship between cognitive and motor aging, as well as pain and stress, as novel risk factors for Alzheimer's. Researchers will assess biomarkers, genes, and neuro-imaging procedures to facilitate earlier diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Research by Dr. Wei Ji Ma and colleagues found that the brain can perform visual search tasks near optimally, even in complex environments. By weighing different pieces of visual information based on reliability, humans can quickly integrate data to detect targets.
BC scientists are part of an international team creating a vast resource bank for gene function research. The project aims to build tools to discover mutant genes' roles in human diseases, potentially leading to medical therapy advances.
Researchers found that increased NOTCH activity helps sleep-deprived fruit flies learn and behave normally. Boosting NOTCH may provide a natural way to combat cognitive deficits caused by prolonged wakefulness.
A team of researchers used a virtual computer model, called DISCERN, to simulate excessive dopamine release in the brain, revealing distinctly schizophrenic-like memory recall. The study supports the hyperlearning hypothesis and provides insights into how neural networks can help understand human schizophrenia.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that social stress can increase inflammation among brain cells, leading to anxiety-like behaviors. The researchers found that immune cells migrated to the brain in response to social stress, triggering an inflammatory response and a specific activation pattern of neurons.
Research suggests that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with chronic changes in brain function, particularly increased brain activation in visual processing areas. The study's findings may have implications for the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of Ecstasy use, as well as its impact on mental health over time.
The invention of optogenetics enables scientists to control and observe brain circuits using genetically encoded molecules targeted by light. This technique reveals how entire neural circuits operate, allowing researchers to determine the roles of specific neurons in various behaviors and brain functions.
Researchers have found that brain enlargement in autism is due to increased folding on the surface of the brain and not an increase in gray matter. Brain growth in children with autism begins as early as 1 year old and continues until age 2.
A recent NIH-funded study demonstrates that moderate levels of secondhand smoke deliver nicotine to the brain, increasing vulnerability to nicotine addiction. The study's findings support policies banning smoking in public places, particularly around children.
Researchers discovered a novel role for aquaporin-4 in brain inflammation, which causes astrocyte swelling and cytokine release. The study suggests that inhibition or down-regulation of aquaporin-4 expression may offer a new therapeutic option for diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.
Researchers found that infants' brains develop the ability to determine light and dark cycles independently of visual stimuli. The study suggests that this innate ability is a hard-wired feature of development, allowing animals to synchronize their circadian rhythms with daily changes in light exposure.
Researchers found box jellyfish use four of their 24 eyes to navigate through mangrove swamps by detecting the canopy's visual field. This ability allows them to avoid obstacles and control swimming rates in shallow waters.
Retired NHL players will undergo comprehensive cognitive testing, brain scanning, and blood sampling to identify risk factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia. The study aims to better understand the aging brain in professional athletes and the general population.
Scientists found that brain's estimate of gravity direction biases perception of object stability, with better judgments when upright than on side. The study has implications for existing theories of human perception and suggests integrating multisensory information.
A recent study found that teenagers retain a unique and consistent pattern of underlying brain oscillations even during periods of rapid neural change, lending support to the idea of a 'brain fingerprint',
The USC Viterbi team built a carbon nanotube synapse circuit that reproduces neuron input behavior, a significant step towards developing brain prostheses. The fabricated synapse is simplified, but understanding the process of human intelligence could lead to breakthroughs in prosthetic technology and intelligent cars.
Bertil Fredholm is awarded the 2011 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award for his groundbreaking research on adenosine and its receptors. His work has significantly advanced understanding of CNS mechanisms and provided new targets for drug development across brain disorders.
The human super-brain is believed to have emerged in Africa no later than 75,000 years ago, fueled by the development of bipedalism and tool-making. This collective mind enabled the creation of complex thoughts, language, art, and technologies.
Dr. Jamie Tyler will discuss medical uses of ultrasound in treating neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety through selective brain stimulation. The presentation aims to explore the safety and efficacy of emerging technologies like ultrasound for non-invasive therapies.
Researchers found that older bilingual adults use context more to process language as working memory capacity declines. Bilingualism is associated with a cognitive advantage, and this study sheds light on how bilingual brains adapt to aging.
SLU professor of neurosurgery Saleem Abdulrauf's high-flow brain bypass procedure improves treatment outcomes by reducing invasive procedures and maintaining blood flow in the brain. The technique is built upon the original brain bypass surgery developed in the 1960s and has been recognized for its potential to minimize recovery time.
Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a molecular wrecking ball called thorase that regulates the demolition phase of a cycle at synapses, critical for learning and memory. The enzyme's activity can be harnessed to create new treatments for autism, post-traumatic stress, and memory dysfunction.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered a simple illusion can reduce and even eliminate arthritic pain in the hand, affecting 85% of volunteers. The MIRAGE technology uses computer manipulations to trick the brain into feeling less pain, with some participants experiencing temporary elimination of pain.
Researchers have found that brain nerve stimulation can accelerate learning in laboratory tests, leading to new understanding of how the brain learns and encodes new skills. The study also showed that large changes in the brain are meaningful and not merely coincidental.
A new MRI device guides surgeons during electrode implantation, potentially cutting surgery time in half and making the procedure faster and more comfortable for patients. The device was developed by a team of UCSF neurosurgeons and radiologists to improve deep brain stimulation outcomes for Parkinson's disease patients.
A new study found that areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease may start shrinking up to a decade before dementia is diagnosed. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain size in people with no memory problems and followed them for years to see who developed the disease.
A new study by neurobiologist Hitoshi Morikawa found that repeated ethanol exposure enhances synaptic plasticity in a key area of the brain. This increased capacity for learning, or 'conditionability,' may help explain why alcoholics become more receptive to forming habits and memories related to food, music, and social situations.
A new study reveals that Iraqi refugees are disproportionately affected by brain and nervous system disorders, with 4% of all registered refugees having a diagnosed condition. The most common diagnoses were epilepsy, back pain, and headache, with many refugees experiencing torture-related injuries.
A 3-month study of 16 elderly women found that brisk walking improved brain blood flow by 15% and increased oxygen consumption. The study suggests that vascular health may be linked to brain health, and that moderate exercise can be beneficial in the senior years.
A 3-month study found that brisk walking for 30-50 minutes three to four times a week improved brain blood flow by 15% in elderly women. This increase in blood flow may improve cognitive function and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that cultural differences in spontaneous trait inference, or inferring personality traits from behavior, are present in both behavioral and neural responses. This suggests that cultural influences shape our immediate responses to others' behaviors, rather than just intentional deliberate effort.
Researchers at UCSF found that older adults have difficulty switching between tasks due to brain network inefficiencies, affecting working memory and multitasking abilities. The study suggests that attention and memory interaction plays a crucial role in this process.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh has shed light on how older people experience memory loss, revealing a stress hormone receptor's role in this process. The research found that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, activate brain processes contributing to memory impairment.
A study found that higher levels of the protein clusterin in blood are associated with increased prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease. However, clusterin levels do not predict the development of new AD cases or all-cause dementia.
Researchers have uncovered five new genes that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, adding to a total of ten identified genes. The study found that these genes are clustered in patterns, implicating immune system and cholesterol processing as risk factors.
An intensivist-led approach to caring for brain dead donors can lead to a greater likelihood of recovering organs for transplant. This team-based care involves monitoring and managing donor bodies to optimize organ function and increase the pool of available organs.
Researchers discovered that the brain processes mirrored words automatically and unconsciously in a matter of milliseconds. This finding opens up new avenues for studying dyslexia and other reading problems.
A study published by Scottsdale Healthcare and TGen identified microRNA-328 as a biomarker that can predict lung cancer patients' risk of developing brain metastasis. The study found that over-expression of microRNA-328 resulted in increased cancer cell migration, suggesting its involvement in 'brain-seeking' metastatic potential.
Researchers have identified key aspects of learning based on decades of research, including repetition, reward, visualization, active engagement, and others. These neurobiology-based strategies can improve retention and depth of understanding in medical education.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a mathematical framework to understand how neurons in the retina encode visual information. The study reveals that only information about pairs of temporal stimulus patterns is relayed to the brain, with higher-order combinations being less important than previously thought.
A new medical device developed using submarine technology detects, diagnoses, and monitors stroke with high accuracy. The device can differentiate between normal brain activity and life-threatening conditions, allowing immediate treatment to begin.
A new approach to studying the brain uses a mathematical sequence to strengthen fMRI data, revealing how nerve cells represent information. This method measures changes in brain responses and corrects an important limitation of fMRI, making it more powerful than before.
Researchers found two ways neurons communicate: synchronized firing for simple messages and individual spikes for complex ones. This collective approach enhances transmission, but not for intricate information.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel algorithm to detect epileptic seizures in real-time, analyzing EEG recordings of patients' brains. The new method has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting every seizure while scoring extremely low false positives rates, and may have applications beyond epilepsy.
A study published in Psychological Science found that disbelief in free will impairs brain activity before conscious intention, while belief in self-mastery enhances readiness to act. This suggests that believing in one's ability to control their actions may lead to better performance and motivation.
Researchers found that brain plasticity, the brain's ability to change and reorganize itself, can be improved in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a simple memory training program. This increases correct answers by 33% and opens new avenues for research into slowing Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers deciphered a molecular code that regulates brain channel protein activity, modulating neuronal excitability. SNX27 distinguishes GIRK channels from similar proteins, targeting them for destruction and affecting substance abuse behaviors.
A team of researchers has identified a phenomenon known as 'cotransmission,' where brain neurons use two different methods of communication to exchange information. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind brain diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's, and depression.
A new study found that gene therapy NLX-P101 improved motor performance and control of Parkinsonism symptoms in half of patients, offering hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The therapy has been safe and well-tolerated over a six-month period.
A team of University of Texas at Austin engineers is working on novel algorithms to enhance the efficiency of mobile video streaming, reducing the demand on wireless networks. The goal is to deliver high-quality videos with fewer bits, while improving network capacity and reducing interference from base stations.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a critical protein that maintains nerve fibre health, potentially improving understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery could lead to new insights into conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and stroke by unraveling the complexities of brain function.
A University of Alberta researcher suggests that excessive prenatal testosterone exposure may contribute to giftedness, leading to increased brain connections and distinct personality traits. Further research is needed to determine the exact processes involved in gifted brain development.
A Vanderbilt study found that exercise significantly reduced cannabis cravings and use in heavy users. Participants who engaged in 10-30 minute treadmill sessions for two weeks saw a 50% decrease in cravings and average daily use dropped from 5.9 joints to 2.8 joints.
A new study at UCSF reveals that brain implant surgeries can dramatically improve life for people with severe cervical dystonia. The procedure targets a previously untested part of the brain, showing promise in reducing pain and spasms while improving quality of life.
A Brown University study uncovers a novel protective effect of the molecule putrescine on brain activity after epileptic seizures. Putrescine converts into GABA, calming brain activity and increasing resistance to subsequent seizures.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that alpha brain rhythm persists during sleep and signifies vulnerability to external stimuli. The findings could lead to more precise approaches to inducing and supporting sleep, with potential applications in real-time tracking of sleep states.
A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.