Articles tagged with Human Brain
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.
Researchers found that individuals who excel at synchronizing speech rhythms can learn new words more efficiently and have stronger connections between brain areas involved in language processing. This ability is stable across time and not dependent on language experience.
Researchers at WashU make the case that a public health priority focusing on these conditions can enhance brain development, cognition, and social-emotional development. The study evaluated 232 infants and found that even those from adverse conditions can thrive with access to these basic supports.
Research found greater pain exposure in early life associated with altered maturation of neonatal brain connectivity, particularly in female infants. This alteration was linked to regional specificities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Researchers developed chronological age prediction models by analyzing gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex, identifying genes associated with aging and potential mechanisms. The models showed high correlation with age and demonstrated female and male-specific differences.
A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.
Researchers at UC San Diego discover that acute stress triggers a switch in neurotransmitters, leading to generalized fear responses. They also find that suppressing GABA production and using antidepressants can prevent this effect.
Research at the University of Washington School of Medicine found that veterans who suffered mild traumatic brain injuries from blasts had changes in spinal fluid proteins similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a possible link between mTBI and an increased risk of developing dementia.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that activity in the dentate gyrus helps keep us focused on our environment when our mind wanders. This neural activity also aids in forming memories.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that babies who were prompted to touch their own faces developed self-recognition earlier than those who did not. This suggests that active experiences, such as touching one's body, play a crucial role in the development of self-awareness.
Spending time with dogs increases alpha-band oscillations, associated with relaxed wakefulness, and beta-band oscillation strength, linked to heightened concentration. Participants reported reduced fatigue, depression, and stress after dog-related activities.
Researchers developed a custom-built, low-cost mesoscope that can adapt to different neuroimaging experiments in live mice and rats. The system offers excellent spatial and temporal resolutions, achieved through its reversible tandem lens configuration, which enables flexible experimentation.
Researchers have discovered that specific neurons in the thalamus are actively involved in processing cardiac and respiratory signals. This breakthrough understanding of brain-body integration may help characterize how subcortical regions process signals through a functional pathway from internal organs.
A team of researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina has discovered a novel protective response by which the brain naturally repairs itself after traumatic brain injury. Protein p17 plays a crucial role in this process, triggering the restorative mechanism of mitophagy to remove damaged tissue and initiate healing.
A new AI language model identifies clinical symptoms in medical summaries and links them to brain tissue, providing new insights into individual disease progression. The model contributes to a better understanding of common misdiagnoses of brain diseases and may assist in making more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible paper-based sensor that operates like the human brain, enabling low-power and efficient health monitoring. The device can distinguish 4-bit input optical pulses and generate currents in response to time-series optical input, with rapid response times.
A new study found that the brains of polyglots process their native language with minimal effort, while more proficient languages activate the language network stronger. The researchers explored how polyglots' brains respond to different languages and proficiency levels.
Researchers at Columbia University discovered that brain waves move from back to front while forming new memories, but reverse direction when recalling information. The study's findings advance fundamental neuroscience research and may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for memory-related disorders.
Researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science discovered how the brain coordinates attention and filtering functions to perform complex tasks. The study found that multiple brain regions work together to adjust focus and filter out distractions, providing insight into human cognitive flexibility.
A study published by the University of Florida suggests a connection between elevated amyloid blood levels and subtle brain microstructural changes in individuals without dementia. Researchers used diffusion MRI to detect free-water in the brain, revealing associations with structural abnormalities even when PET scans were negative.
A new study combines virtual reality exposure with transcranial direct current stimulation to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The innovative approach shows significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity and accelerates psychological adjustment, offering hope for an effective treatment.
Scientists trained AI models on brain activity data from mice to detect hippocampal ripples, a biomarker of memory, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. The model toolbox can be applied to non-human primate and human data with similar recording techniques.
A preliminary study found that people with headaches after concussions tend to have higher levels of iron in areas of the brain, suggesting damage to brain cells. The more concussions and frequent headaches individuals experience, the greater the likelihood of increased iron accumulation in certain brain regions.
A new study from Drexel University's Creativity Research Lab reveals that the creative flow state involves two key factors: extensive experience and release of control. High-experience musicians experienced flow more often and intensely than low-experience musicians, suggesting expertise enables flow.
A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.
UCSF scientists discover delivering therapeutic molecules to amniotic fluid can effectively treat Angelman syndrome and other neurological conditions. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides, which can alter gene expression, and has shown improved motor function and learning outcomes in mice.
A global study finds that people from different cultures favor simple integer ratios in music rhythms, but with varying degrees of bias. The research team gathered data from 39 groups across 15 countries and found a degree of universality in music perception and cognition.
Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.
UCLA Health researchers found a group of astrocytes in the central striatum regulate neurotransmitter communication and gate perseverative behavior. The discovery may lead to potential therapies for disorders like autism, OCD, and Tourette syndrome.
A study by researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that chronic cocaine use alters the functional networks in the brain, including the default mode network and salience network. This disruption can make it harder for individuals to focus, control impulses, or feel motivated without the drug.
A research team developed a model of the blood-brain barrier using modularized tissue derived from human cells. The 'Tissue-in-a-CUBE' system accurately mimics the real blood-brain barrier in terms of structure and function, allowing for the testing of drugs without animal testing.
A new study found a significant link between healthcare disparities and stroke treatment, with patients from disadvantaged backgrounds receiving clot-busting drugs less frequently. The study identified factors such as race, income, and housing as contributing to these disparities.