Articles tagged with Human 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found TDP-43 drives nerve damage after injury and blocking cell surface protein KCNJ2 can correct faulty TDP-43, curbing nerve death. The study provides insights into traumatic brain injury and potential prevention methods.
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
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.
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin has developed a new blood test that measures the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the leading risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that people with MS have a higher immune response to EBNA-1, a part of the EBV, compared to those without MS.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A new study found that postmenopausal women exhibit smaller cortical surface areas in certain brain regions, reduced thalamic subnuclei volumes, and decreased functional connectivity, suggesting a link between menopause-related symptoms and brain changes.
Researchers sequenced RNA transcripts from 18 primate brains to map every expressed gene, revealing remarkable variation in humans and chimps compared to other primates. The study identifies specific genes for further research and sheds light on human neurodegenerative disorders.
A new bioluminescence imaging technique allows researchers to observe oxygen movement in the brains of mice in real-time, providing insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's and strokes. The method reveals that small areas of the brain, called 'hypoxic pockets,' can be denied oxygen for brief periods, increasing risk for these diseases.
Research on aphantasia, a condition where people cannot visualize images in their mind's eye, reveals its subtypes and links to variations in physiology and behavior. A review of nearly 50 studies found that aphantasia is not a disorder but rather a variation in human experience with both advantages and disadvantages.
Researchers have introduced a refined method for analyzing brain signals, providing a more detailed understanding of the brain's complex activity. This enhancement enables scientists to better understand how brain activity correlates with different tasks and behaviors.
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can accurately locate lesions in the brain after a stroke, identifying which side of the brain is affected and specific brain regions. The AI model achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates, but its accuracy depends on the quality of available health history information.
A new study led by Dr. Mareike Albert identified epiregulin as a growth factor involved in brain expansion in humans, but not in mice or other primates. The findings were made using 3D cell culture technology and brain organoids.
A study using a xenotransplantation model has revealed that human microglia respond to amyloid-β plaques with a complex immune response, influencing the disease course. The research highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in microglia-targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discover a significant association between chronic knee pain and accelerated brain aging, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention strategies. Brain regions critical for cognitive function show increased signs of aging in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A new study has identified the likely origin of tone deafness in the brain, finding that strokes causing amusia affect the right hemisphere and a specific region called the superior temporal gyrus. This discovery highlights the differences between processing music and language in the brain, with implications for diagnosis and treatment.
A new series of essays explores the ethics and social issues raised by brain research, including post-trial obligations for human participants in neural-device trials. The studies reveal that injury and illness rob individuals of personal identity, while neuromodulation can restore it.
A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.
Researchers have mapped the protein composition of brain endothelial cells, revealing dysregulation of key molecules involved in cellular processes. This study provides a framework for understanding endothelial signaling pathways during aging and serves as a data basis for future analyses of brain endothelial function.
A recent study published in Cell reveals significant similarities between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two distinct neurological disorders. The research found shared gene expression patterns across various brain regions, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for both conditions.
A new Dartmouth study reports on a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare condition that distorts facial features. The researchers used computer software to visualize the patient's real-time perception of face distortions, providing accurate and photorealistic visualizations for the first time.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
Researchers argue that middle age marks a shift in brain aging and should be a focus for more research. The study identified changes in the brain's structure, function, and gene expression during this period.
A study from the University of Surrey suggests that anxiety in girls and young women is connected to an imbalance between GABA and glutamate. As young women mature, the levels of GABA increase while those of glutamate decrease, indicating a vital indicator of anxiety levels.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to spatially characterize and map brain epigenomes, providing a comprehensive map of the brain's biology at genome scale. The approach enables understanding of gene activity outside of DNA sequences and has implications for treating brain disorders.
A new study highlights the importance of differentiating between formal and functional competence in language learning models. Researchers argue that leveraging human neuroscience insights can help develop more powerful AIs that mimic the brain's modularity, leading to improved performance and natural user interaction.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully connected two artificial synapses using ions to process data, paving the way for brain-inspired computing. The device stores information in a readily accessible way, reducing energy costs and mimicking the brain's own processing mechanism.
A new UCLA study discovered a brain circuit that makes mice pursue fatty foods even when not hungry. People may possess the same cells, which could offer new insights into eating disorders. The research suggests that food-seeking neurons drive cravings for high-calorie foods, rather than hunger.
A new study has compiled a global archive of preserved human brains, challenging the notion that brain preservation is extremely rare. The archive reveals that nervous tissues persist in much greater abundances than traditionally thought, with many brains up to 12,000 years old and found in diverse environments.
Researchers have discovered that neurochemicals influence neural activity, blood flow, and fMRI measurements. The study found that certain neurochemicals can cause constrictions in blood vessels, leading to negative fMRI signals.