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.
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.
The study compares nerve fiber orientation captured with specialized MRI and OCT approaches, laying groundwork for combining these imaging techniques. The findings show strong potential for PS-OCT to validate dMRI data, providing valuable insights about the microstructural organization of nerve fibers.
Researchers will combine stem cell therapy with brain-computer interfaces to restore function to patients with brain damage. The goal is to create bidirectional connections between cultured brain cells and the living human brain.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed an AI model that predicts brain blood pressure using noninvasive data, enabling swift detection of critical changes and potentially saving lives. The study showed strong performance in detecting intracranial pressure within seconds.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that older individuals' brains work harder to compensate for age-related changes in memory function when listening to familiar music. The study uses classical music by Johann Sebastian Bach to map brain activity and identify potential biomarkers for dementia.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that slow fluctuations in neural activity can give rise to the spontaneous actions we take. The researchers propose that these slow background fluctuations emerge from networks of neurons and contribute to a threshold-crossing event, which may underlie movement and other phenomena.
A recent study on anaesthetic effects on cerebrospinal fluid flow and volume reveals significant findings, potentially reshaping neuroanaesthesia practices. The research found that commonly used anaesthetics blunt the vasomotor responses and cerebrospinal fluid flow effects of carbon dioxide.
A new 'deep scanning' approach reveals that individuals with depression have a larger salience network in the frontal cortex and striatum, increasing their risk for depression. This finding suggests that people may be pre-wired for depression if they have this brain feature in childhood.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed ultra-flexible tentacle electrodes that can precisely record brain activity over extended periods, enabling detailed analysis of neural activity. The technology has the potential to diagnose and treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia.
Researchers led by Daniela Vallentin successfully rewired zebra finches' brains using optogenetics, expanding their vocal repertoire. The findings have implications for human aging and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and learning impairments.
Researchers have found evidence for place cells in zebrafish brains, allowing them to create internal maps of their environment. The brain region, telencephalon, is also thought to be analogous to the mammalian hippocampus and plays a key role in spatial orientation, social networks, and memory.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
Researchers Dr. Marx and Prof. Gilon propose a novel tripartite mechanism of neural memory based on metal-centered complexes within the nECM/PNN, enabling the encoding of emotive states through biochemical interactions. This new understanding underscores the need for a more holistic approach to grasp brain function and mental processes.
Researchers mapped 1.65 million cells from 437 aging brains, identifying two distinct paths of cellular change that lead to either Alzheimer's disease or alternative brain aging. These findings offer new insights into the development of Alzheimer's and how it differs from healthy brain aging.
Researchers investigated the connection between androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease. They found that ADT can exacerbate cognitive decline by increasing brain immune cell infiltration, but a combination with Natalizumab improved integrity of the blood-brain barrier and reduced inflammation.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that countries with greater inequalities have older brain ages due to environmental factors like pollution and socioeconomic disparities. Participants from diverse geographical populations showed varying levels of brain age gaps, particularly those with dementia.
Researchers discovered that the blood coagulation protein fibrin causes unusual clotting and inflammation in COVID-19, suppressing the body's ability to clear the virus. A promising therapeutic strategy has been identified, targeting fibrin to combat these deleterious effects.
A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...
Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered that music can influence our emotions and reshape old memories, potentially aiding in the treatment of mental health disorders. By listening to film soundtracks, participants were able to incorporate new emotions into their memories, which lasted even after the music was removed.
A new algorithm has been developed to improve the accuracy of intracranial EEG data, which is critical for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The Automated Bad Channel Detection (ABCD) algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy than human raters, particularly in identifying channels with high-frequency noise.
Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.
A new study published in the Stroke journal found that people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 85,000 people, found that younger adults were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
A faulty copy of the ZNRF3 gene can lead to abnormal brain growth and neurological symptoms. The study found a correlation between patients' brain size and the location of mutations in the gene.
Researchers found Numt insertions arise spontaneously and accumulate in brain tissues during development or lifespan. These insertions are prevalent in the human brain and can be found in fibroblasts.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
Experts predict EEG technology will enhance cognitive performance, detect learning disabilities, and provide real-time diagnosis of brain abnormalities. The technology may also enable reading dreams and memories, with personal portable devices potentially available in a generation.
A study of over 900 children with autism spectrum disorder found that brain overgrowth is associated with increased social and communication symptoms. The research used MRI brain images and mini-brain experiments to show that enlarged brains are linked to altered Ndel1 enzyme activity, potentially affecting brain development.
A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brain scans can detect consciousness in some unresponsive patients with severe brain injury. The study, co-led by Mass General Brigham, discovered that 25% of participants with severe brain injury who appeared unresponsive responded to instructions covertly.
Researchers identify neural basis for abstraction and inference processes in the human brain, showing coordinated brain cell activity represents learned knowledge. The study used artificial intelligence to extract relevant responses from thousands of brain cells.
Researchers have captured data from thousands of neurons in the brains of volunteers with epilepsy to reveal how a person's brain abstractly represents acts of reasoning. The study shows that the hippocampus constructs cognitive maps linked to brain functions like making inferences and learning.
A new study using mathematical models found that individuals with strong biases are more likely to make quick decisions, while those with smaller biases take longer to deliberate. The researchers suggest that understanding these patterns can help reveal the mathematics behind human decision-making in complex situations.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine used intracranial EEG to study co-rippling in the cortex, finding synchronized activity between neurons enables integration of information and conscious thought. This breakthrough has potential implications for understanding neurological and psychiatric disorders and human experience.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
A study published in Cell Reports found that Western classical music elicits positive effects on the brain by synchronizing neural oscillations between the auditory cortex and rewards circuit. Patients with treatment-resistant depression who received high music appreciation showed better antidepressant effects, while those with low mus...
A trial at UT Health San Antonio found that Sacituzumab Govitecan was well-tolerated and showed signs of effectiveness for patients with breast cancer who had progressed to brain tumors. The drug has been shown to deliver a topoisomerase inhibitor into tumors, providing promising clinical signals of efficacy.
A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene disrupt prolonged human neuron development, leading to accelerated maturation and altered cognitive function. This finding has implications for understanding and treating intellectual disabilities and autism.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
Researchers genetically engineered Toxoplasma gondii to produce and release therapeutic proteins in the human brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The method has potential implications for treating diseases caused by protein deficiencies or abnormal expression.
Researchers found that word-specific brain activity peaks in speakers before speaking and corresponding spikes appear in listeners' brains after hearing the same words. The study suggests a shared model-based linguistic space for transmitting thoughts from brain to brain in natural conversations.
A novel study finds that monitoring cortical microstructural change in the brain using diffusion weighted MRI scans may help identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Tracking these changes over time could provide precious time for disease-modifying treatments.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
A new study from the University of Washington suggests that cortical implants like Blindsight, developed by Neuralink, will not provide high-resolution vision. Instead, researchers found that a single electrode stimulates only one neuron, and image sharpness is determined by thousands of neurons in the brain.
An AI model developed by King's College London has produced realistic synthetic images of the human brain, supporting medical research on brain diseases like dementia, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. The high-resolution images accurately reflect clinical factors and can be used to tailor treatment plans for individual patients.
Researchers propose a novel hypothesis that exercise reduces depressive symptoms by boosting dopamine function and motivation. Studies found inflammation and disrupted dopamine transmission are linked to depression, while exercise reduces inflammation and enhances motivation.
Researchers found that a cancer drug can restore phagocytosis, a process crucial for brain health, in individuals with Rett syndrome by targeting microglia. The study highlights the potential therapeutic target of microglia in neurological conditions and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers found specific gene variants associated with behavioral health outcomes after a stroke. The study suggests that genetic differences may predict stroke recovery trajectory, enabling personalized medicine approaches for individualized treatment.
Scientists successfully mapped transcriptomes from 1.3 million brain cortex cells to gain molecular insights into Alzheimer's vulnerability and resilience. The resulting atlas holds promise for gene and molecular discovery across pathways affecting brain health.
A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.
A new study reveals specific brain regions and cell types that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease, while others show resilience. Gene expression analysis and lab experiments highlight the role of Reelin in neuronal vulnerability and choline/antioxidants in sustaining cognition.
A higher brain care score is associated with a lower risk of late-life depression, dementia, and stroke. The tracker tool evaluates 12 modifiable factors, including physical, lifestyle, and social elements.
Researchers used Game of Thrones to understand how brains recognize faces, finding that familiarity with characters increases brain activity in non-visual regions. This study provides new insights into prosopagnosia, a condition that affects facial recognition and social interactions.
Oligodendrocyte-derived amyloid beta produces toxic peptide that promotes neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Selective suppression of oligodendrocyte Aβ production rescues abnormal neuronal hyperactivity, suggesting targeting these cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that years of high systolic blood pressure increase the risk of stroke, with Black and Hispanic patients facing a higher risk. Early diagnosis and controlled high blood pressure are crucial to preventing stroke, especially in these populations.
A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.