Research on the structure and workings of the human brain. Covers prenatal brain development, structural changes in disease, gray and white matter, and brain stimulation.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how a brain cell surface molecule shapes neuron behavior, finding that it suppresses selectivity in neurons. The study's findings may help scientists better understand causes of autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
A Dartmouth-led study found that people are more skilled at inferring past events from conversations than predicting future events. This phenomenon is attributed to the asymmetrical nature of human knowledge about their own lives and experiences, which influences how people converse.
A study by UW researchers found a direct correlation between feeling 'wonder about the universe' and interest in astronomy. Populations with low light pollution reported higher levels of wonder, which led to increased interest in astronomy.
Researchers at UConn have discovered a novel miRNA-141-3p inhibitor that successfully reduces stroke damage and extinguishes inflammatory fires in the brain. The treatment has shown swift restoration of motor function and memory in mouse models, offering new hope for patients affected by strokes.
A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.
The study found that individuals with higher melanin levels experience decreased signal quality and lower oxygen saturation readings. To enhance reliability, researchers advocate for incorporating melanin level measurements and using specific wavelengths less absorbed by melanin.
Researchers found that humans slow their speech when talking to dogs to match the pets' receptive abilities, allowing for better understanding of commands. The study also revealed that dogs respond well to slower tempos and prosody in human speech.
Researchers successfully activated a specific memory circuit in mice using brain-imaging technology. The study found that stimulating neurons in two areas of the mouse brains reactivated spatial memory and caused the mice to seek shelter.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that ChatGPT's diagnostic performance for brain tumors was comparable to that of neuroradiologists, with an accuracy rate of 73%. The model's performance varied depending on the type of clinical report written, with higher accuracy when using reports from neuroradiologist writers.
A systematic review of 40 studies found associations between outdoor air pollution and differences in children's brain volumes, connections, and markers for Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that even low-level pollution can impact brain development, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce exposure.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh discover that deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand strength and function weakened by traumatic brain injury or stroke. The therapy stimulates the motor thalamus, a key relay hub of movement control, and significantly improves activation of muscles and grip force.
Researchers developed an AI-driven approach to model complex hand movements, overcoming current limitations in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. The model achieved a 100% success rate in controlling virtual Baoding balls, showcasing its strength in various challenging situations.
A new wearable laser device can non-invasively monitor changes in brain blood flow and volume, offering a simple way to assess stroke risk. The device uses speckle contrast optical spectroscopy to detect early physiological signs of increased stroke risk.
Researchers found that combining APOE4 and TREM2 variants triggers inflammatory response in female brains, damaging brain regions involved in thinking and memory. This study emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to treat Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women.
Research reveals that children who attended day care regularly are more likely to overcome stereotypical beliefs in adulthood. Participants who spent time in day care were quicker to adjust their behavior when interacting with people of different ages.
A team of researchers from USC and Caltech developed a new noninvasive tool to measure brain blood pressure, assessing stroke risk through changes in blood flow and volume during a stress test. The affordable, portable device has the potential to transform stroke care by providing more reliable data than existing questionnaires.
A nationwide Swedish study found that full vaccination significantly reduced the risk of severe cardiovascular outcomes linked to COVID-19, such as heart attack and stroke. However, temporary increases in cardiovascular risk were observed after individual doses, particularly among elderly and males.
A team of engineers and scientists from Caltech has developed a headset-based device that can noninvasively assess a patient's stroke risk by monitoring changes in blood flow and volume. The device uses speckle contrast optical spectroscopy to differentiate between individuals at low and high risk of stroke.
A phase II clinical trial found that radiopharmaceuticals, specifically 177Lu-Dotatate, can extend progression-free survival for patients with refractory meningioma by nearly 80% after six months. The therapy offers a safe and effective treatment option for those with aggressive tumor growth.
The study challenges the idea of creating artificial general intelligence (AGI) with human-level cognition, citing limitations in replicating human cognition. Researchers argue that even under ideal circumstances, it is impossible to achieve AGI due to the complexity of cognitive processes.
A groundbreaking study reveals how TRMT10A deficiency disrupts protein synthesis, synaptic structure, and function in the brain, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. Researchers found a significant decrease in specific tRNA levels, particularly those essential for initiating protein synthesis.
A new study proposes a theoretically new mechanism to modulate spinal reflexes at the same spinal cord level as stretch reflexes during voluntary movements. The research, led by Biomedical engineering doctoral student Grace Niyo, suggests that a simple spinal circuit can correct self-perturbations from stretch reflexes to produce smoot...
A landmark study found specific types of brain cells fired in a way that mirrored the order and structure of a person's experience. The brain retains these unique firing patterns after the experience is concluded and can rapidly replay them while at rest.
A study found increased menstrual irregularities in women living in areas affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Risk factors included post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic diseases, and smoking.
The American Heart Association joins a $10 million grant from the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum for international scientific research on cardiovascular health in women. The International Research Challenge aims to address significant gaps in research, diagnosis, and care for women worldwide.
A study published in Neurology found an association between LGBTQ+ status and increased risk of adverse brain health outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from over 393,000 people and found that LGBTQ+ individuals had a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression compared to cisgender and straight individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a specific brain circuit that may protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with traumatic brain injury. The study suggests using neurostimulation therapies on this circuit could treat PTSD, offering a new potential non-invasive treatment option.
Researchers found that emotion enhances ability to retrieve contextual details, contrary to prevailing view that emotion impairs memory. The study's findings have practical implications for controlling and capitalizing on emotions to remember better.
A team of researchers from Bonn and Tübingen has discovered that individual nerve cells in the medial temporal lobe recognize the number zero as a numerical value. The study found that neurons respond to both Arabic numerals and empty sets, but not both simultaneously.
A new randomized study of 168 people investigated the neurochemical underpinnings of the placebo-effect, finding that dopamine does not play a direct causal role in establishing positive treatment expectations and placebo analgesia. Instead, dopamine may interact with reward processing related to active agency and motivation.
Researchers analyzed MRI scans and questionnaires of over 900 Dutch people, finding a smaller connection between brain structure and ideology than expected. The amygdala of conservative individuals is slightly larger, while no connection was found with the anterior cingulate cortex.
Researchers found that border-associated macrophages (BAMs) with ApoE4 protein produce inflammatory oxygen free radicals, damaging blood vessels. Removing BAMs or reducing ApoE4 expression eliminated the harmful vascular effects. The study may help identify new approaches to preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...
Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.
Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.
A new large-scale longitudinal study will investigate the environmental, lifestyle, social, and clinical factors affecting brain development in children with type 1 diabetes. The five-year study aims to refine clinical guidelines and targeted treatments for children with diabetes.
Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.
A recent study by FAU researchers reveals how the brain coordinates food intake to ensure we receive the right amount of energy. The hypothalamus, a control center in the brain, triggers behaviors like eating and satiety through a complex mechanism involving four teams of neurons that work together like relay runners.
The Mount Sinai Health System is deploying blood-based biomarkers and confirmatory tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, enabling early detection and intervention. The system aims to stratify patients rapidly, non-invasively, and cost-effectively.
Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.
A new study by University of Oklahoma researchers identifies key measurements of brain blood flow and ability to compensate as better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than traditional risk factors. The findings provide hope for preventing or treating memory problems early before they progress to dementia.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies critical language connector sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language. These sites serve as connectors between subnetworks of people, serving a similar function for language in the brain.
A University of Houston team developed non-invasive, comfortable, and safe wearable sensors to monitor eyeball movements, providing early warning signs of brain-related disorders. The new sensors have potential applications in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
Scientists have developed new therapies that selectively remove aggregated tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease in mice. The approach utilises TRIM21 to target tau aggregates, leaving healthy tau intact, and demonstrates potential for other brain disorders driven by protein aggregation.
A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.
A recent study found that children in families with high screen use struggle with language skills, while videogames have the most significant detrimental impact. The research suggests that everyday face-to-face interactions with adults are crucial for early language development, and excessive screen time can disrupt this process.
A University of Colorado Boulder study of 10,000 pre-teens found that increased wildfire smoke exposure was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms. Repeated high-level exposures had a greater impact on risk than annual averages or maximum levels.
Researchers have successfully manipulated brain waves during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep using sound stimulation, which may help improve cognition in individuals with dementia. The study found that stimulating brain waves could increase their frequency, offering a promising new approach for treating the condition.
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A new study published in The FEBS Journal found that protein C1QL1 plays a crucial role in promoting the replacement of specialized cells responsible for producing myelin. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A UCLA-led research team has identified degeneration-associated molecular markers shared by several forms of dementia. The study also found cell type-specific changes that underlie each condition, highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.
Researchers have successfully visualized and tracked specific cells in deep brain tissue, including along the corpus callosum's nerve fibre highway. This advancement could potentially lead to better diagnostic tools for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
A new study finds that greater trauma exposure, particularly sexual trauma, is associated with markers of accelerated brain age and neuroinflammation. Women, especially Black women, are at a higher risk of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease due to trauma exposure.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that prevents chronic neurodegeneration by targeting mitochondrial fission. P110, a small peptide agent, has been shown to halt the process and protect the brain from damage.
The study reveals that local field potential events play a crucial role in processing information, even without external stimuli. The findings offer new avenues for research, diagnosis, and treatment of brain diseases, as well as the development of AI inspired by neuroscience.
A new technology measures neural activity across a baby's whole outer surface, revealing unexpected brain activity in response to social stimuli as early as five months old. The device enhances understanding of how the baby brain functions and optimizes support for neurodiverse children.
A new study finds that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of eating disorder symptoms in 9-14-year-olds, including binge eating and distress over weight gain. Problematic screen use may contribute to unhealthy behaviors and addictive tendencies.
A new study using advanced MRI techniques has discovered a functional backbone formed by robust, delay-free interactions that serve as the core of communication in the brain. Weaker connections amplify the system's potential functional states, providing flexibility.
Researchers from the University of Virginia Health System found that out-of-body experiences can foster deepened emotional connections with others, leading to increased empathy. This phenomenon, known as ego dissolution, can have a transformative effect on people's ability to experience empathy and connect with others.
A UW study found that COVID-19 lockdowns accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, particularly in females, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and internalizing problems. The study suggests that social isolation and lack of normal stress release channels may have exacerbated these effects.