Articles tagged with Human Brain
Researchers at BIH developed a theory on traveling waves of activity in the human brain, which influences cognitive processes such as learning and remembering. Understanding these waves can support treatment of patients with cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.
A newly discovered connection between two brain regions may help regulate how much we eat, according to a Northwestern University study. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's BMI, suggesting that individuals with weak brain circuits may overeat even when full.
Researchers are studying the early brain development of babies born to mothers with diabetes to understand the link between prenatal exposure and later childhood obesity. They aim to identify key differences in brain structure and function that may contribute to the increased risk of obesity.
This Neuron special issue highlights recent findings on consciousness research, including neural theories, sleep, anesthesia, coma recovery, and prefrontal cortex roles. It showcases how these areas contribute to our understanding of the complex topic.
Researchers have developed a new weight loss drug that combines GLP-1 with molecules blocking the NMDA receptor, exploiting its effects on appetite control and neuroplasticity. This approach shows promise for greater weight loss in mice than existing medications.
A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.
Salk scientists develop new method to quantify synaptic features, revealing high precision of plasticity and up to 10 times more storage capacity. The technique uses information theory to analyze synapse pairs from a rat hippocampus, offering a scalable approach for studying brain function.
A University of Saskatchewan researcher is building tiny pseudo-organs from stem cells to help diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease. These 'mini-brains' more accurately reflect a fully-fledged adult human brain, allowing for closer examination of neurological conditions.
A new study using AI technology analyzed MRI scans from 471 men and 560 women, revealing differences in brain organization at a cellular level. The findings highlight the need for diversity in neurological research and may offer new insights into how psychiatric and neurological disorders develop differently in men and women.
A new study found that transgender preteens reported 13 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was 4.5 hours more than their cisgender peers. The researchers highlight the importance of managing the risks associated with excessive screen use for this vulnerable population.
A team of Harvard researchers, led by Jeff Lichtman, has created the largest synaptic-resolution, 3D reconstruction of a piece of human brain to date. The dataset contains 1,400 terabytes of data on neural connections in a tiny piece of human temporal cortex.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a framework to address the complex challenges of brain health, environment, and sustainability. The 'brain economy' concept aims to create a stronger future by reversing brain capital loss, which affects cognitive abilities and socioemotional stability.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.
Scientists from Nagoya University identified signaling from serotonin neurons as important for maintaining reproductive function by sensing glucose availability. This discovery provides an explanation and possible treatment for decreased fertility observed in people with depression.
Macquarie University researchers debunked a 75-year-old theory about sound localization, revealing that humans use a simpler neural network. This finding could unlock next-generation hearing devices and improve smart devices' ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
Researchers created an ultra-small vision implant with single-neuron sized electrodes, allowing for thousands of 'pixels' to be stimulated simultaneously. The implant's unique combination of flexible materials ensures long-term functionality and stability.
Researchers have pinpointed the location of an internal neural compass in the human brain, which helps orientate itself in space and navigate through the environment. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, where navigation and orientation are often impaired.
Researchers created a corticolimbic index tool that categorizes Alzheimer's disease into three subtypes based on brain changes. The study found demographic and clinical differences among sex, age at onset, and rate of cognitive decline.
A groundbreaking study found that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke, suggesting other factors are at play. White matter hyperintensities were associated with more severe motor impairment, independent of corticospinal tract damage.
A Swansea University-led study investigates the impact of omega-3 supplements on children's behavior, mood, and mental wellbeing. The research aims to identify which children may benefit most from supplements and how they can be best identified.
Researchers have discovered a small molecule compound called ESI1 that can regenerate vital myelin coatings, potentially treating multiple sclerosis and age-related cognitive deficits. The treatment promotes healing by clearing a roadblock in the repair process, allowing oligodendrocytes to produce myelin sheaths.
A new atlas of early brain development has been created, allowing researchers to understand the genetic processes behind brain tumor formation in children. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for this rare but deadly disease.
Researchers mapped a subcortical brain network that integrates arousal and awareness in human consciousness. The study used high-resolution scans to visualize brain connections at submillimeter spatial resolution, revealing a
A previously healthy man developed toxic leukoencephalopathy after inhaling fentanyl, leading to inflammation in the brain and potentially irreversible damage. Fortunately, he slowly recovered with wraparound treatment from a multidisciplinary team at OHSU.
A new study found that ChatGPT's responses to key questions about brain abscess diagnostics and treatment were unclear or incorrect in some cases, potentially putting patients at risk. The AI model provided clear answers to most questions but failed to provide adequate guidance on certain treatment decisions.
A national US study found that nearly a quarter of children with symptoms of brain injuries or concussions were not checked for the condition. Younger children were more likely to be overlooked. Routine checks can help ensure these children receive necessary care and support their mental and social well-being.
Researchers found a bias in X-chromosome inactivation that protects females from harmful mutations linked to autism. The study suggests the paternal X chromosome is inactivated in 60% of cells, preventing mutation effects.
A new study suggests that stimulating specific areas of the brain can affect heart rate in individuals with depressive disorders. The researchers found high accuracy in identifying optimal treatment spots using heart rate measurements during brain stimulation.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study is tracking over 300 infants and preschoolers to assess the importance of napping on brain development. The research aims to identify the bioregulatory mechanisms involved in napping and its impact on memory, with findings expected to inform nap policies for young children.
Researchers discovered a novel brain network condition called 'explosive synchronization' that correlates with pain crises in sickle cell disease. This finding could lead to predicting and preventing severe episodes of pain, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers developed an AI technique to estimate brain age based on EEG scans, making early screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible. The technology uses machine learning to analyze brain waves and can be used as a low-cost screening tool for large numbers of people.
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
A large-scale study revealed a profound link between dietary patterns and brain health, with a balanced diet associated with better mental health, superior cognitive functions and higher grey matter in the brain. The researchers suggest that gradual dietary modifications can lead to healthier food choices and improved wellbeing.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that post-mitotic brain neurons re-entering the cell cycle rapidly succumb to senescence. This process is more common in Alzheimer's disease and may provide valuable information about neurodegeneration, while the technique used can be applied to other inquiries.
Researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to discover the metabolism driving Alzheimer's disease, suggesting new treatment strategies. Lipid droplet metabolism can malfunction in Alzheimer's, leading to a cycle of stress and inflammation that worsens the disease.
The position paper identifies eight key areas for digital neuroscience research, including near-term, middle-term, and long-term goals. It also discusses the potential of 'digital twin' approaches, ultra-high-resolution digital atlases, and neuro-derived AI and computing innovations.
A recent study published in Attention, Perception & Psychophysics found a correlation between pupil dilation and working memory. Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that individuals with better working memory had larger pupil dilations during tasks, indicating improved focus and attention.
Researchers develop gene therapy to delay progression of metachromatic leukodystrophy by correcting enzyme deficiency and reducing neuroinflammation. Successful treatment has been demonstrated in mice, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.
Researchers used a new integrated wireless system to record brain activity in frontal areas of macaques' brains while they foraged. The results indicate that foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics.
Scientists have identified a consistent signature of multiple sclerosis in the blood of patients years before they develop symptoms. The discovery, published in Nature Medicine, could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US.
Researchers at UCSF have identified laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that sense water and acid in the upper airway, triggering a cough reflex. The discovery could lead to interventions to prevent pneumonia and treat certain types of chronic cough.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during the first two years of life is associated with poorer attentional function in children aged 4-8, particularly in boys. The association persists even after adjusting for other factors.
The American Heart Association has awarded $15 million to researchers studying the role of inflammation in cardiac and brain diseases. The four-year project aims to better understand the body's response to inflammation and prevent or treat inflammation-driven cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in Nature reveals the existence of source inhibitory neurons (dInNs) in humans that differ from other species. The researchers used mosaic variants to trace the lineage of brain cells and found that inhibitory and excitatory neurons share a common family name, indicating they share a cellular relationship.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified promising links between common HIV drugs and a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed over 225,000 medical records and found that RT inhibitor exposure was associated with a statistically significant reduced incidence and prevalence of AD.
Researchers from SGH and NNI found side-to-side differences in the corticoreticular pathway of patients with AIS, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. The study's findings suggest that scoliosis is fundamentally related to brain and spinal cord interactions.
Researchers discovered that rats without prior knowledge of numbers can develop a sense of numbers when trained with sounds representing two or three numbers. The study found that the brain has a specific area for dealing with numbers, which is separate from the processing of magnitude.
A new review links poverty and low socioeconomic status to brain changes that influence educational attainment, psychiatric illness, and language development. Chronic stress, poor nutrition, and environmental hazards can impair brain development, leading to negative consequences for individuals and families.
Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.
Researchers used fMRI and predictive modeling to decode emotional dimensions of spontaneous thoughts, revealing the involvement of default mode, ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks. The study's findings hold promise for daydream decoding and potential applications in mental health.
Researchers found two key brain systems malfunctioning in people with psychosis, leading to hallucinations and delusions. The study used brain scan data from children, teens, and young adults with psychosis, confirming an existing theory of how breaks with reality occur.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo successfully connected lab-grown brain-mimicking tissue using axonal bundles, mimicking natural brain connections. This breakthrough enables the study of complex brain networks and their role in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults. The treatment benefits persisted at a one-year follow-up, particularly among those with moderate to severe state anxiety.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have assembled a comprehensive atlas of messenger RNA variants in the mouse and human brain, revealing intricate patterns of gene expression and its relationship to major brain disorders. The study provides valuable insights into brain development, neuron specialization, and disease mechanisms.
Dr. Olga Boukrina's research aims to test a novel hybrid approach combining aerobic exercise and targeted reading treatment for post-stroke aphasia, targeting 70 stroke survivors. The study seeks to enhance brain blood flow and rehabilitate damaged brain networks supporting reading.
Research from the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that increased neural activity in response to social interaction at 5 months predicted enhanced language development at later ages. The study used magnetoencephalography to monitor infant brain activity during social and nonsocial interactions wi...
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
Researchers at Hiroshima University explore the ethics of growing brain organoids from human fetal brain cells, highlighting concerns over consciousness, informed consent, and medical applications. The study emphasizes the need for a global regulatory framework to navigate the complex ethical landscape of fetal brain organoid research.
A new study found that lonely women exhibit increased activity in brain regions associated with food cravings and motivation towards eating high-calorie foods. The researchers also discovered a link between social isolation, obesity, and poor mental health, highlighting the importance of holistic interventions to break the cycle.