Articles tagged with Cerebral Cortex
A new perspective on cortical development suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape brain regions. Researchers, led by Mriganka Sur, have discovered that transcription factors play a key role in controlling cell growth and connectivity during early prenatal development.
Scientists from Max Planck Institute discovered that the auditory cortex integrates sensory information from multiple sources simultaneously, strengthening activity with tactile stimulation. This finding suggests that the brain processes sensory data early to prevent false perceptions.
The PALS (Population-Average, Landmark-, and Surface-based) atlas provides a comprehensive map of the human cerebral cortex, combining data from multiple individuals to improve accuracy. The atlas has already helped scientists understand how genetic disorders affect brain structure and function.
A study published in Neuron identifies the pre-frontal cortex as the origin of fear memory, contradicting previous research that linked it to the hippocampus. The researchers found that NMDA receptors play a critical role in developing fear memory, and blocking these receptors can reduce fear response.
Scientists at University College London found that the parietal cortex is crucial for detecting changes in a visual scene, explaining why we often miss dramatic changes while concentrating. The discovery sheds new light on 'change blindness,' a phenomenon where people fail to notice large visual changes.
The human cerebellum and cortex age at vastly different rates, with the cortex showing pronounced and consistent changes, while the cerebellum experiences smaller and less coordinated changes. This study, published in PLoS Biology, reveals that the functions of brain regions influence how they age.
The study found that individual odors stimulate a small subset of neurons across a large area in the cortex. Different odorants exhibit similar patterns of activation, but with partial overlaps. This suggests a complex logic to the way information is mapped onto the cortex.
Researchers found that people mentally fill in gaps in familiar music with auditory imagery, and lyrics impact different auditory brain regions when reconstructing musical memories. The study extends previous work on auditory imagery and visual imagery, revealing a kind of auditory imagery typical of everyday experience.
A study using fMRI reveals separate brain regions for making choices and dealing with conflicts, shedding light on why people with damaged medial frontal cortex struggle with actions and difficult decisions. The findings have implications for understanding human decision-making processes.
Researchers discovered two distinct areas in the medial frontal cortex associated with free choice and conflict. This discovery may explain why people with damage to this area seem incapable of making decisions, and has implications for our understanding of free will and decision-making processes.
Researchers at UCL found that brain activity increases in areas known as the 'mirror system' when experts view movements they've been trained to perform, compared to non-experts. This fine-tuned system may enable professionals to simulate skills without moving and maintain movement ability despite injury.
A study employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirms long-held suspicions about the complexity of language processing in the brain. Researchers identified a new language area, dubbed Geschwind's territory, which connects to classical language areas via a separate route, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of language.
Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.
Researchers found that newborn babies' right ears are more responsive to speech-type stimuli, while their left ears are more responsive to tonal sounds. This suggests that the auditory system develops differently on each side of the brain from birth.
A study by University College London reveals that the brain distinguishes between self and non-self by comparing information from different senses. Volunteers were immersed in an illusion where a fake limb was placed in front of their hidden hand, triggering feelings of ownership.
Researchers at UCLA deciphered the mystery of distant memory recall using a three-pronged experiment. They found that the anterior cingulate plays a special role in keeping early memories alive, while kinase II is critically involved in preserving our oldest memories.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a characteristic sign of Alzheimer's disease that can distinguish it from frontotemporal diseases, which are the second-leading cause of dementia in the elderly. SPECT testing measures brain blood flow and shows significant reductions in the posterior cingulate cortex, indic...
Researchers discovered that the timing of short and long bright light flashes can create optical illusions by activating two parallel pathways in the brain. These pathways adapt to changes in light, suggesting a complex network for handling perception and consciousness.
Researchers René Marois and J. Jay Todd found that the human brain's visual short-term memory has a limited storage capacity of about four objects. This is attributed to the posterior parietal cortex, which plays a key role in holding information from visual scenes.
Researchers discovered a new gene, GPR56, responsible for bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria, a genetic disorder affecting brain development. The study suggests GPR56 may have played a key role in the evolution of the frontal lobes and human cognitive function.
A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.
Researchers at Duke University found that the brain can switch to automatic mode when learning new skills, reducing cognitive effort. By analyzing fMRI data, they discovered that the cortex rapidly recovers prior responses, allowing for efficient decision-making and reduced neural activity.
A study found that mice with silenced small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels in the DCN had increased firing rates and ataxia. Despite this, Purkinje cell input into the DCN remained intact, indicating a direct relationship between SK channel regulation and proper muscle coordination.
Researchers found that blocking blood flow to the brain, like mini-strokes, can impair mental function by reducing nerve cell fibers that use acetylcholine. This study provides insight into the effects of cerebral blood flow disruption on cognitive decline in dementia, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessels.
The study found 83 genes with higher levels of activity in humans, linked to increased brain activity, while human brains showed increased expression of genes protecting against damage. This discovery may explain why humans have a long lifespan but are vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that stimulating a small region of the cerebral cortex, known as the rostral agranular insular cortex (RAIC), can diminish pain in patients with chronic pain conditions. Increasing GABA levels in this area produced analgesia up to 10 days, suggesting a novel target for therapy.
A study by Hebrew University researcher Dr. Ehud Zohary found that blind people's brains reorganize to process touch and memory, leading to superior verbal memory skills. The research opens a window into understanding cortical plasticity in brain systems, potentially leading to improved treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers Mark Gluck, Catherine Myers, and Martijn Meeter propose a novel interpretation of how the brain organizes sensory input into memories. They suggest that the entorhinal cortex handles incremental learning, while the hippocampus stores episodic memory.
Research suggests that exposure to constant white noise delays auditory organization in the brain of rats, which may have implications for human language development. The study found that the brains of noise-exposed rats took longer to develop and mature than those raised in normal conditions.
Researchers discovered beta catenin's role in regulating cortical growth, which may be associated with brain diseases such as mental retardation. The study also found that overexpressing beta catenin in neural precursor cells caused the cerebral cortex to grow dramatically, leading to a wrinkled appearance similar to humans.
Researchers found that children's brains show different activity patterns in left frontal and extrastriate cortex compared to adults. The study suggests that brain development continues into early school years, with some areas becoming more active in children.
A brain imaging study has pinpointed cognitive mechanisms behind age-related memory difficulties and confirmed that certain factors can be reversed with the right guidance. Older adults have underutilized cognitive resources in the left frontal cortex that can be harnessed for more efficient memory processing.
Researchers mapped the primary auditory cortex of a pallid bat, revealing insights into the structure and function of its hearing system. The study found that neurons in the low-frequency noise-preferring region are systematically organized with respect to their sensitivity to interaural intensity differences.
Researchers discovered increased brain activity involving the superior temporal gyrus and inferior parietal cortex when subjects imitated others or were imitated. This suggests that imitation may be linked to empathy and play a crucial role in learning and cultural transmission.
A new study reveals that specific subdivisions of the auditory cortex play a crucial role in identifying fine distinctions in pitch. The research found that subtle manipulations in the brain's response to complex tones can significantly impact our perception of musical nuances.
A study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) increases blood flow in thalamic areas of the brain, leading to improved seizure control. VNS was shown to reduce seizures by up to 91% in patients with partial epilepsy.
Researchers develop a microsurgical technique to manipulate signaling proteins in developing mouse brains, revealing a previously unknown molecular mechanism involved in forming the cerebral cortex. The study shows that this protein directs the development of cortical areas, including vision, touch, and memory.
Researchers found brain areas that track continuous event boundaries, even in passive viewing, suggesting a natural process of segmentation. This study has practical implications for designing better tools for teaching new activities and understanding perception across time.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that contract bridge players have increased numbers of immune cells after a game, suggesting a link between brain activity and the immune system. The study suggests that voluntary activities like bridge may help control white blood cell levels to combat disease.
Dr. Bushnell's laboratory uses human brain imaging techniques to study pain, finding four key brain regions involved in the experience. Activity in these regions is linked to emotional responses to pain, suggesting that psychological state can alter its perception.
Researchers discovered that higher brain centers act as training wheels for the lower brain by providing input to adapt to damaged sensory pathways. This feedback loop enables the lower brain to reorganize and form new neural pathways.
Researchers discovered that cells in the sensory cortex can sprout new axons and form connections with unimpaired areas of the brain, potentially allowing for recovery from stroke or injury. This newfound ability could lead to breakthroughs in treating brain disorders such as spinal cord injuries or stroke.
Scientists have identified a specific area in the human brain that temporarily stores information about spatial locations, solving a decade-long puzzle. The discovery sheds light on how our brains process spatial working memory and its connection to other cognitive abilities.