The brain reacts differently to touch depending on context
Researchers found that oxytocin levels increase when partner touches arm, then decrease with stranger's touch. Brain activity suggests adaptive responses to recent social context.
Human Brain
Articles tagged with Human Brain
Human eyes really do play ‘tricks’ on the mind, say experts
A new study reveals that human vision can exploit defocus blur to infer perceptual scale but does so crudely, affecting our ability to accurately estimate object sizes. Researchers used blurred images of full-scale railway scenes and small-scale models to test participants' perceptions.
New research sheds light on how human vision perceives scale
Researchers from Aston University and the University of York discovered new insights into how the human brain makes perceptual judgments of the external world. They found that humans can exploit 'defocus blur' to infer perceptual scale, but this process is crude and more heuristic than metrical analysis.
Emotional predictions can be modulated with non-invasive brain stimulation
Researchers used non-invasive electrical stimulation to modulate signals in the left prefrontal cortex, affecting facial expression predictions. The study showed that stimulation at a frequency of 20 Hz increased brain activity on the same frequency band, modifying behavior.
WVU tapped to transform neuroscience research in the Mountain State
West Virginia University is leading a $20 million project to elevate neuroscience research, diversify the workforce, and enhance education. The initiative aims to study synaptic plasticity, expand data science education, and promote participation from underrepresented groups.
Can tiny brain tissues legally be a person? Researchers say not yet
Human brain organoids, grown in labs from stem cells, raise questions about personhood. Researchers propose a legal framework to understand their potential personhood and uses.
Human Brain Project: Study presents large brain-like neural networks for AI
Researchers develop a new online learning algorithm that enables the training of larger spiking neural networks with six million neurons. This allows for faster and more efficient processing of tasks such as speech recognition and object detection.
Tuning brain cells with light
Scientists are investigating how brain immune cells called microglia change shape in response to hazards using gene transcripts as molecular mediators. The goal is to gain insights into the mechanisms involved and potentially develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-poverty programs may help reduce disparities in brain development and mental health symptoms in children
Research supported by NIDA found that states with stronger social safety nets have lower socioeconomic disparities in brain development and mental health of children. Anti-poverty programs, such as cash assistance and Medicaid expansion, reduce these disparities.
Chemotherapy drug reaches brain in humans for first time
Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.
Machine learning model sheds light on how brains recognize communication sounds
A machine learning model helps explain how brains recognize the meaning of communication sounds, such as animal calls or spoken words. The study models sound-processing networks in social animals' brains and demonstrates their ability to distinguish between different sound categories.
Scientists discover anatomical changes in the brains of the newly sighted
Researchers found that older children can learn visual tasks and exhibit increased white matter plasticity after surgery to remove congenital cataracts. This suggests that the window of brain plasticity extends beyond childhood and that all children may benefit from treatment.
Brain activity decoder can reveal stories in people’s minds
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a semantic decoder that translates brain activity into text, allowing individuals with speech disabilities to communicate. The system has been trained on extensive hours of podcasts and can decode continuous language, capturing the gist of what is being said or thought.
Music therapy could help children with brain injuries
A new pilot study suggests rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve walking speed and quality of movement in children with severe acquired brain injuries. The technique, tested for the first time in this population, has been shown to facilitate smoother and more coordinated walking patterns.
Study suggests catalyst for human brain evolution
Large structural changes in human ancestors' genomes may have sparked smaller changes that set human brains apart from other primates. Researchers found that many enhancers, which regulate brain development, are located near these regions, suggesting a link between DNA folding and brain evolution.
AI-collected data could compromise childhood sleep disorder diagnoses
A recent study published in Sleep Medicine warns that AI-collected data may lead to misdiagnosis of childhood sleep disorders. The lack of pediatric data used to train AI models results in biased classification, causing errors in sleep stage identification and potentially severe consequences for young patients.
Existing drugs prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive impairment in mice, new research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University shows
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.
How evolution has influenced the shape of the brain
A MedUni Vienna study examining the connection between brain structure and function found that brain shape evolved parallel to its capabilities. The research analyzed 90 species of Euarchontoglires, revealing clusters of growth patterns linked to cognitive abilities.
Matching form and function of brain cell types
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai created computational models to bridge the gap between
Poor air quality linked to cognitive problems in babies
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
Monkeys are smarter than we thought
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that monkeys can think deeply about problems, consider multiple factors, and find optimal outcomes. This discovery challenges traditional views on animal intelligence and highlights the complexity of monkey cognition.
Sugar rush: scientists discover key role of glucose in brain activity
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons consume and metabolize glucose, a process crucial for maintaining normal energy levels. The study found that neurons rely on glycolysis to break down glucose, and its disruption can lead to severe learning and memory problems in mice.
Does hormone mediate talk between brain and bones?
Researchers have found that the subfornical organ senses circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and modulates its peripheral level. PTH then alters bone metabolism and remodeling, highlighting a critical role of the brain-parathyroid-bone axis in maintaining bone homeostasis.
Brain diseases are better classified using analysis of gene activity
Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.
Mind-body connection is built into brain, study suggests
A recent study published in Nature has identified specific brain areas that integrate planning, purpose, physiology, behavior, and movement. Researchers found that stimulating certain areas of the brain can calm both the body and mind, providing new insights into the mind-body connection.
Human brains process social situations similarly – researchers discovered a brain network for social perception
A recent study found that humans process social situations similarly, with an extensive neural network processing various social information. The study identified main dimensions of social perception, including antisocial behavior, sexual or affiliative behavior, and communication.
Researchers have mimicked the human hippocampus to improve autonomous navigation
HBP researchers develop a robotic platform capable of learning as humans do while navigating around a space. The simulated hippocampus alters its own synaptic connections to remember paths, a marked improvement over current methods relying on deep learning.
Possible ‘steps’ to revealing super-agers
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that older adults with improved cognitive performance during dual-task walking had flexible neural resource allocation. This discovery suggests a potential method for tracking brain health and identifying individuals at risk of aging-related cognitive decline.
Researchers discover how some brain cells transfer material to neurons in mice
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...
EMBARGOED: Two brain networks are activated while reading, study finds
Researchers at UTHealth Houston identified two brain networks involved in reading, working together to integrate word meanings. The study used electroencephalography recordings from patients with epilepsy to measure neural activity while reading complex sentences.
Study of cerebral blood vessels uncovers potential new drug targets for treating stroke
Researchers have identified hundreds of genes with significant stroke-driven changes and likely relevance in human strokes. The study found alterations in sphingolipid production, which are involved in regulating blood vessels, and pinpointed several molecular pathways that can be targeted for stroke treatment.
Kombucha to kimchi: Which fermented foods are best for your brain?
Researchers have found that fermented sugar-based products and fermented vegetable-based products show promise in improving gut and brain health. Preliminary results suggest these foods contain beneficial metabolites that can positively impact mental health.
Father’s alcohol consumption before conception linked to brain and facial defects in offspring
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that a father's alcohol consumption before conception can lead to FAS-related craniofacial differences in offspring. The study challenges the existing dogma that only maternal alcohol exposure causes fetal growth defects.
The brain’s cannabinoid system protects against addiction following childhood maltreatment
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
Penn Medicine study reveals new insights on brain development sequence through adolescence
A Penn Medicine study identified a developmental sequence in brain maturation during adolescence, revealing regions supporting cognitive and social functions remain malleable until late adolescence. The study found that socioeconomic environments have a significant impact on brain development in these regions.
Table tennis brain teaser: Playing against robots makes our brains work harder
Researchers found that players' brains respond differently to human and machine opponents, with desynchronization indicating active calculations. The study suggests that training with machines may not replicate the experience of playing against humans.
New genetic finding provides clue for personalizing depression treatment
A team of scientists at MUSC identified a key gene that plays a role in the link between long-term stress and a common type of depressive behavior in mice. The study suggests that there may not be one central mechanism by which stress causes depression, but rather multiple pathways connecting stress with different symptoms.
High blood pressure in your 30s is associated with worse brain health in your 70s
A new UC Davis study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both factors linked to dementia. The research also showed sex differences in the negative brain changes, with men exhibiting stronger effects than women.
In bilingual readers, the visual cortex processes Latin and Chinese characters differently
A study found that bilingual readers process Latin and Chinese characters in different ways due to the formation of specialized cortical areas within the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA). In English-Chinese bilinguals, areas were only stimulated by recognition of Chinese logograms, while English-French bilinguals showed equal activation fo...
International study shows link between brain age and stroke outcomes
A new study published in Neurology shows that younger brain age is associated with superior post-stroke outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for stroke rehabilitation. The research team used multi-site data sets and 3D brain structural MRIs to analyze the relationship between brain age and stroke recovery.
Dozens of brain proteins may play a critical role in body weight regulation
A recent study has identified 60 unique brain proteins that may influence body weight via their expression in the brain. Genetic factors are believed to contribute to up to 50-75% of BMI variation, with the brain playing a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis.
Final Human Brain Project Summit closes with a vision for the future of digital brain research
The Human Brain Project has achieved significant scientific breakthroughs, including world-leading 3D brain atlases and personalized medicine based on computational modeling. The project's legacy will leave a lasting impact on the research community.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual preteens spend 4 more hours on screens daily
A new study found that LGB preteens ages 10-14 reported 10.4 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was nearly four hours more than their straight peers. The researchers argue that parents should regularly talk to their children about screen usage and develop a family media use plan.
Scallop eyes as inspiration for new microscope objectives
Researchers have developed a new type of microscope objective inspired by the eyes of scallops, which can capture images in various immersion media, including liquids. This innovative approach uses a mirror instead of lenses and has been shown to provide excellent image quality in homogeneous fluids as well as in air.
Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation
A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that visual stimulation can induce large-scale changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow during wakefulness. The findings have implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which are associated with declines in fluid flow.
Improving the efficiency of maps
Researchers are developing cartographic visualisations that tap into internal brain processes to enhance spatial orientation skills. The project, funded by the European Research Council, involves adding distinctive lines or graphic patterns to maps to stimulate grid cell activity in the brain.
Study shows human brain can assist with computational ghost imaging
Researchers successfully connected human brain to computer for simple computational imaging tasks, using ghost imaging to reconstruct images of an object behind a wall. The use of real-time feedback from the visual cortex improved both imaging speed and image quality.
New in The Lancet Neurology: Advances in brain modelling open a path to digital twin approaches for brain medicine
Researchers at the Human Brain Project present novel clinical uses of advanced brain modelling methods, enabling clinicians to simulate epileptic seizures and identify target areas. The approach has broad applicability in neuroscience, medicine, and neurotechnology, with potential improvements in data resolution and patient specificity.
A readily available dietary supplement may reverse organ damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
Study finds higher risk of sleep problems in gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are twice as likely to report trouble falling or staying asleep than their straight peers. This is attributed to greater depression, stress, and family conflict among LGB youth, which can make it harder for them to get a good night's sleep.
Where does your brain want to have lunch?
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators has determined that the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) plays a primary role in weighing value-based choices, such as choosing which book to read or which slot machine to play. The discovery could help understand neurological disorders like addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How the brain's 'internal compass' works
A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.
Sweets change our brain
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.
Decline comes later than previously thought
Researchers discovered brain speed doubles between 4 and 40 years old, with frontal lobe development outpacing movement areas. The study provides important data for creating realistic computer models of the brain.
Readers found to rely on word spelling rather than sound in reading
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that Russian-speaking readers, including both children and adults, rely on orthographic information during parafoveal pre-processing. The participants were able to recognize words with incorrect letter order more easily than those with pseudohomophones.
Advanced brain imaging study hints at how DMT psychedelic alters perception of reality
A study at Imperial College London used advanced brain imaging to track DMT's effects on brain activity before, during, and after the experience. Increased connectivity across the brain and dysregulation of high-level brain systems were found in areas linked with imagination.
New BU study finds tackle football at young age raises risk for brain decline later
A new Boston University study suggests that repetitive blows to the head in tackle football may lead to less white matter in the brain, potentially causing impulsive behavior and other cognitive issues. Researchers found players who start playing at a young age or play for over 11 years are at greater risk.
Repetitive negative thinking during low mood linked to suicidal thoughts – new study
A new study has found that increased rumination is a predictor of greater severity of suicidal ideation in young people with major depressive disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests that elevated cognitive rumination is associated with lower cortical surface area and suicidal ideation.
Characterizing abnormal neural networks in dogs with anxiety
Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.
How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals
Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.