Articles tagged with Human Brain
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that dopamine levels can affect emotion recognition in people with neurological disorders. Those with low baseline dopamine levels improved their ability to recognize emotions after receiving a dopamine boost, while those with higher baseline levels became worse at emotion recognition.
Researchers analyzed brain volumes of 37 Parkinson’s patients and 27 controls over 8.8 years, finding accelerated grey matter decline in temporal and occipital lobes. The study’s findings support Braak's disease stage scheme and provide new insights into Parkinson’s progression.
A study by HBP scientists found that wakefulness, non-REM sleep, and REM sleep have complementary functions for learning: experiencing stimuli, solidifying experiences, and discovering semantic concepts. This research suggests that unusual dreams, simulated using Generative Adversarial Networks, can improve brain learning by introducin...
A recent study by Leipzig University researchers has identified a rare gene mutation that causes increased cognitive performance and blindness. The mutation affects synaptic communication, leading to improved neuronal function, as demonstrated using fruit flies.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers used a mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction instrument to study vanadium dioxide's insulator-metal transition. The 'stroboscopic camera' captured the hidden trajectory of atomic motion, showing two stages with non-linear atomic motions in the second stage, influenced by electron orbital forces.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered how the brain uses a group of neurons in the frontal lobe to monitor performance, enabling humans to learn from mistakes and develop specific skills. This mechanism allows for flexibility in learning new tasks and adjusting focus based on conflict or difficulty encountered.
Scientists have developed novel methods to study human brain cell migration during fetal development by tracking genetic mutations in healthy adult individuals. This allows for the first time to reconstruct brain development and provide key findings on cell type origins and hemisphere separation.
A new study found that newborn brains are already organized into functional networks, with five networks operating at birth. Individual variability in these networks may be related to genetic differences and could have implications for behavior in adults.
A team of researchers from Kobe and Kyoto universities proposes an ethical framework for conducting research on conscious brain organoids. The framework assumes that brain organoids already possess consciousness and recommends guidelines similar to those for animal experiments. Key considerations include minimizing the number of organo...
Researchers are developing technologies to image tens or hundreds of human brains at unprecedented speed, generating comprehensive brain-cell atlases to uncover behavior, emotion, and cognition. The team aims to chart the diversity of brain cells, including neurons and glial cells, to gain insights into normal brain function and disease.
Researchers created brain charts spanning human lifespan, revealing rapid brain growth in early life and slow decline with age. The charts use aggregated MRI datasets, covering a range of ages from fetus to 100-year-old adult, and aim to create a common language for describing brain development and maturation.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program successfully reduced the proportion of patients who needed admission to a specialized inpatient unit by 60%. This suggests that VBM is highly effective for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia without p...
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
Researchers created detailed 3D maps of the metathalamus using BigBrain dataset, gaining insight into its cellular structure and subcortical nuclei. The maps have clinical relevance for diagnosing neurological disorders and aiding neurosurgery, as the metathalamus is involved in many conditions.
The completed human genome assembly has revealed new insights into human evolution and diseases. Researchers found that highly repetitive regions, including segmental duplications, contain genes critical for brain development and function. These findings shed light on the genetic factors that make humans distinct from other primates.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that despite the functional importance of connections between far-reaching brain regions, the actual number of these connections is low. Researchers estimated 2.5 billion long-range axons in the cerebral cortex, but found that only a small percentage directly connected key functional areas.
The Human Brain Project (HBP) has brought together neuroscientists from different disciplines to work collaboratively on common goals. The HBP researchers outline their scientific approach and illustrate the potential of EBRAINS infrastructure for neuroscience research.
Researchers developed a new genomic technology to analyze DNA, RNA and chromatin from a single cell, providing a comprehensive database for better understanding of brain diseases. The technology helped identify 63 cell types in the human frontal cortex region.
Researchers at MUSC and University of Florida successfully visualize the complete human brain lymphatic system in living humans using a new non-invasive MRI technique. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of brain function and may provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.
Researchers found significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts, indicating the brain's ability to adapt to spaceflight. After returning to Earth, these changes remained visible seven months later.
A team of researchers from MIT created a comprehensive atlas of cerebrovascular cells in human brain tissue, identifying 11 subtypes and their functions. The study reveals differences between healthy and diseased cells, potentially leading to new targets for treating Huntington's disease.
Thirumalai Venkatesan's research aims to create a human-brain like computing system using quantum technology. His team has discovered a wonder molecule that enables molecular devices to mimic the brain's logic and reconfigure physical wiring, leading to enhanced computational power and reduced energy consumption.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that autistic children have distinct amygdala changes, with larger volumes associated with traditional anxiety and smaller volumes linked to autism-distinct anxieties. The study used brain scans of 71 autistic and 55 non-autistic children between ages 2-12.
Neuroscientists have designed neural organoids with both mature neurons and astrocytic glial cells to study interactions between brain cells. The new technology enables the emulation of brain activity during healthy and disease states, opening doors to rapid drug screening for neurological diseases.
A team of scientists has identified hundreds of new genomic loci associated with brain structure, shedding light on how the human brain is shaped. The study used genetically informed brain atlases to uncover the largest number of genetic variants linked to cortex size and thickness.
Researchers have developed a system that can capture the information in speech signals similar to how humans perceive speech. The method uses a matching pursuit algorithm and psychoacoustic principles to produce high-quality resynthesized speech signals with natural accents.
Researchers developed a single-use sensor strip that can detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, providing a rapid diagnostic tool for patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. The test uses antibodies specific to proteins found in human CSF, detecting leaks even when other substances are present.
Breakthrough research reveals Tuberous Sclerosis Complex arises from human-specific progenitor cells, explaining its pathology. Human-derived cerebral organoid models shed light on complex brain development and potential mechanisms for other diseases.
The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study by researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found that dog brains can differentiate between two languages, with distinct activity patterns in primary and secondary auditory cortices. The study used brain imaging to compare dogs' responses to speech and non-speech stimuli in Spanish and Hungarian.
A new study reveals distinct DNA methylation profiles of human microglia cells across different age groups, disease states, and brain regions. The researchers found that interindividual differences in methylation variability had a larger impact than regional or diagnostic differences.
A study by UC Riverside researchers shows that reactivating the Fmr1 gene in young transgenic mice with Fragile X syndrome eliminates symptoms. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for young children living with FXS and suggests targeting early brain development may be effective.
Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in reversing memory deficits and slowing disease progression in female mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating a specific receptor was effective in treating females, who make up two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
The human brain contains trillions of contact points, requiring massive computational resources. Researchers outline the need for exascale computing power to tackle brain complexity.
A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a unique neural cell assembly that enables complex learning in songbirds, similar to those found in the human primary motor cortex. This finding has implications for understanding fine motor control and may lead to new avenues for treating disorders such as ALS.
Researchers at the University of Trento discovered brain cells acting as a compass for navigating conceptual spaces, similar to those found in physical environments. These 'head-direction cells' signal direction even when movement occurs in abstract spaces, suggesting a complementary mechanism for conceptual navigation.
Researchers from HSE School of Linguistics and Centre for Language and Brain conducted an experiment to understand how language speakers perceive polysemous words. The proximity of figurative senses to the literal sense affects perception as semantically different.
Researchers found that human neurons have a lower density of ion channels compared to other mammals, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for energy efficiency. This difference in channel density may enable the human brain to allocate more resources to complex cognitive processes.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers shows that merging AI with electrical brain stimulation can enhance specific brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility. The method improved cognitive control in patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
A new algorithm has been developed to train spiking neural networks, mimicking the human brain's structure and function. This approach enables these powerful, fast, and energy-efficient systems to solve complex tasks like image classification with high precision.
A new study by Hungarian researchers finds that dogs use complex computations and brain regions similar to humans to learn word boundaries in speech. Dogs can recognize syllable patterning, such as frequent words with consistent syllables, and use this information to extract words from continuous speech.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lack of sleep affects gait control, with students who stayed awake all night performing poorly. However, those who compensated for lost sleep by catching up on weekends showed improved walking control.
A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.
Aging affects bilateral coordination, particularly anti-phase movement, by altering alpha and beta neural activity. Researchers discovered that older subjects displayed lower synchronization between sides of the body during anti-phase movements, making such tasks more challenging.
Researchers found that human brains decreased in size around 3,000 years ago, coinciding with the expansion of collective intelligence and social groups. This decrease was linked to a reduction in brain energy use due to the externalization of knowledge.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have developed lab-grown mini brains that can mimic the development of motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia. The models, grown for up to 340 days, provide valuable insights into early stages of these devastating conditions.
The Human Brain Project unveiled its 8th annual Summit with presentations of new scientific insights and technologies. The project has developed a powerful new infrastructure called EBRAINS, which will serve generations of brain scientists.
The study found that negative smells trigger a physical avoidance response, indicating an unconscious and rapid reaction mechanism. The olfactory bulb processes smells rapidly, with signals reaching the brain within 100-150 milliseconds.
A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a previously overlooked part of our DNA that appears to contribute to the development of human and chimpanzee brains. The study found that humans and chimpanzees use a structural variant of DNA in different ways, which plays a significant role in brain evolution.
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Human Brain Project's Scientific Conference presents abundant scientific achievements in neuroscience, brain medicine, and technology. Renowned experts discuss past, present, and future of brain research, highlighting the role of HBP in driving innovation.
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have published a comprehensive census of cell types in the primary motor cortex of human, mouse, and monkey brains. This milestone could lead to breakthroughs in studying and treating conditions like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers used fractal analysis to study brain network patterns while listening to a story. The results show that complex thoughts are reflected in high-order dynamic correlations in neural activity patterns.
Neuroscientists at Lieber Institute for Brain Development discover similar cell types across human and mouse brains associated with reward and addiction. The study provides molecular profiles of cell types in key regions, including the nucleus accumbens and amygdala.
A recent study from Aarhus University found that the brain experiences musical phrases as complete when they end in uncertainty, allowing it to save completed phrases for future recall. This challenges traditional theories of auditory perception, suggesting the brain is a prediction machine.