Articles tagged with Human Brain
Scientists discuss strengths and weaknesses of organoids as a model for human cortex, employing them to study developmental brain disorders. Researchers explore the viability of mini-brains in clinical research.
Researchers found that people perceive truthfulness higher in claims following alphabetical order, even when source unknown. This can be exploited by companies to convince consumers of slogans or claims.
Researchers study patient with stroke-induced color naming impairment to explore how language shapes color perception. The study found that while patients struggled to name specific colors, they could still group colors into categories, suggesting a separate process for categorization.
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze electrical patterns from lab-grown brains and compared them to premature babies' brain activity. The study found that the lab mini-brains produced similar electrical patterns as premature babies, with similar levels of electric activity following a similar pattern.
Scientists have successfully grown miniature brains from stem cells that exhibit functional neural networks and produce brain waves resembling those of preterm babies. The study marks a significant breakthrough in understanding human brain development and may lead to new insights into diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
Research at University College London found that minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to dopamine levels, impact decision-making. When the brain's dopaminergic midbrain is in a state of low activity, individuals are more likely to choose risky options.
A new study has created the most detailed 'parts list' of the human brain to date, revealing crucial differences between human and mouse brain cells that could explain why many drugs don't work in humans. The study highlights key changes in gene expression related to serotonin receptors and neuron connections.
Researchers have used a new imaging method to analyze brain activity in live pigs, discovering that pig brains are better platforms for studying human neurological conditions. The study suggests a promising approach to determining biomarkers or brain signatures that lead to CTE diagnosis while patients are still alive.
Researchers at Harvard University have created miniature, 3D tissue cultures that model a patient's own brain cells in a dish, offering great promise for studying disease in humans directly. The new method consistently grows the same types of cells, in the same order, as the developing human cerebral cortex.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a specific set of brain cells that are particularly susceptible to harm from low oxygen exposure in early development. The discovery has implications for preventing brain injuries in premature babies, who often suffer from poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A recent study suggests humans possess an ancient magnetic sense, as their brains respond to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The research used electroencephalography to record brain activity during magnetic field manipulations, revealing a decrease in alpha-band brain activity in some participants.
Researchers have discovered a specific area in the insular cortex of the brain that responds to sweetness stimulation on the tongue, revealing a complex taste map in humans. This 'sweet spot' is distinct from other tastes like sour, salty, and bitter.
Researchers studying Nicaraguan Sign Language find that signs don't move towards the face to be easier to understand. The study uses machine learning and computer vision techniques to analyze language change over 40 years, shedding light on how languages evolve.
Researchers confirm that the human brain and monkeys perceive the Pinna-Brelstaff figure's rotating rings similarly, with a delay of around 15 milliseconds. This finding supports Jan Purkinje's theory that illusions contain visual truth and sheds light on how our brains handle perception vs reality.
Researchers found that more efficient neural codes in humans and monkeys resulted in reduced robustness, potentially contributing to disorders like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The study supports the 'washing machine' theory of brain evolution, suggesting a trade-off between efficiency and error resistance.
Researchers have identified neurons in the human visual cortex that selectively respond to faces, a significant breakthrough in understanding face recognition. These neurons were found to respond strongly to both familiar and unfamiliar faces, as well as images of humans and animals in videos.
A new study at the University of Birmingham reveals that when retrieving memories, the human brain focuses on the core meaning first and then recalls specific details. This reversed reconstruction process challenges our understanding of how memories are formed and retrieved.
Researchers employed machine learning to analyze fMRI data and infer cellular properties of different brain regions without surgery. The approach could lead to personalized treatment plans for neurological disorders.
Researchers at George Washington University discover that people pay attention to objects based on their real-world size rather than visual perception. The study suggests attention allocation can be trained, leading to improvements and efficiency in tasks such as radiology or airport security.
A team of researchers at the University of Sussex has developed a fast and energy-efficient simulation of part of a rat brain using off-the-shelf computer hardware. By leveraging Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), they achieved processing speeds up to 10% faster than current supercomputers, while reducing energy consumption by 10 times.
A study published in BRAIN journal used a brain wiring diagram to reconcile inconsistent neuroimaging findings for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that all 26 studies reported abnormalities within the same connected brain network, improving reproducibility and understanding of the disease.
Researchers develop a novel methodology for characterizing neurons and their gene expression patterns, uncovering species-specific and age-related differences that could hold major implications for studying human brain disorders.
At 5 months, babies demonstrated the ability to recognize nested structures similar to human grammar. This basic understanding is thought to be part of what makes humans uniquely capable. The study used tone sequences and EEG measures to test infants' perception of embedded structures.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that human brain size increased significantly due to cultural factors and information availability. The cumulative cultural brain hypothesis proposes that brains expand to store and manage more information, co-evolving with group size, learning strategies, and life history.
The NIH has increased investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $400 million, supporting more than 200 new awards for cutting-edge brain research. These projects aim to develop new tools and knowledge to discover answers for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study suggests that hotel reviewers may be too trusting of reviews that conform to their preconceived ideas, and that those that contradict expectations require closer scrutiny. The researchers also found that reviews with attractive titles are more likely to be relied upon for decision-making.
Researchers discovered that human dendrites have different electrical properties than those in rats, with reduced signal strength as they flow along the longer extensions. This increased electrical compartmentalization could enable single neurons to perform more complex computations.
The Brainstorm Project aims to develop a philosophical framework for government policy and regulations on brain organoid research. The two-year project, led by CWRU researcher Insoo Hyun, will bring together neuroscientists and bioethicists to explore emerging ethical issues in this rapidly advancing field.
Researchers have demonstrated the existence of grid-like activity in the human brain using electrophysiological evidence. Grid cells encode spatial positions evenly distributed across space, creating a honeycomb pattern that tiles the environment.
Researchers transplanted human brain cells into mice brains to study the development and function of these cells in a natural environment. The study found that brain cells from individuals with Down syndrome were less coordinated but more stable than those without the condition.
Researchers at DGIST developed an artificial synaptic device that simulates the human brain's memory function. The device uses tantalum oxide to mimic synapses and has overcome durability limitations of current devices. It can store multiple values, reducing power consumption by over one-thousandth compared to digital signals.
Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.
Researchers at Wyss Institute create brain organ chip model, called BBB-Brain Chip system, to study the effects of drugs like methamphetamine on the brain and its blood vessels. The system, which includes linked chips with microfluidic channels, reacts like human brain tissue and shows how cells interact to regulate function.
The Virtual Brain platform will be integrated into the Human Brain Project, enabling researchers to better understand the brain and develop personalized diagnostic and treatment options. This collaboration aims to accelerate adoption of TVB among European researchers and advance brain health throughout lifetimes.
A study led by LMU researchers confirms the presence of magnetic particles in human brains, with striking asymmetry in their distribution. The particles were primarily found in the cerebellum and brainstem, but their chemical nature remains unknown.
Researchers developed an artificial synapse inspired by the human brain, which efficiently processes information and demonstrates excellent energy efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to the development of energy-efficient neuromorphic computing, revolutionizing AI devices and transforming industries.
The Virtual Brain neuroinformatics platform is integrating into the EU's Flagship Human Brain Project to promote efficiency and reproducibility in research. The platform will enable researchers to refine computer models, develop efficient simulation technology, and improve study reproducibility.
A new brain-inspired computer called SpiNNaker has been developed to mimic the human brain's neural networks. It produces results similar to the best brain-simulation supercomputer software currently used for neural-signaling research, advancing our knowledge of neural processing in the brain.
Neuroscientists from Caltech have discovered neurons in the human brain that respond when targets are spotted, revealing insights into how we perform visual searches. The study found two distinct populations of neurons in the medial temporal lobe, one recognizing objects based on appearance and another focusing on goal-directed relevance.
A set of three new genes involved in nerve cell generation may have contributed to the rapid evolution of the large human brain. These genes, which emerged around 3.5 million years ago, offer clues about what separates humans from chimpanzees.
Researchers found that people who generalize from negative events, such as pain or loss, report a greater experience of anxious feelings and intrusive thoughts. The study suggests that analyzing complex behavioral processes can help tailor treatments more effectively for people with anxiety.
A team of scientists has developed a novel tissue clearing solution, OPTIClear, to visualize microscopic structures in the human brain. This breakthrough enables high-resolution imaging of neuronal circuitries and could accelerate research on brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers used mathematical models to re-enact brain development in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding that the human brain requires fewer initial cells to grow. The study suggests that humans may have adopted a different developmental program to produce neurons efficiently within a longer gestational period.
Researchers created a genetically engineered ferret with a mutation linked to abnormally small human brain size, revealing an evolutionary mechanism governing cerebral cortical size. The study suggests that genes responsible for centriole function played a crucial role in the expansion of human brains over time.
Research at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that the human brain prepares for dawn and dusk by reducing resting activity in the visual cortex, allowing it to process weak visual stimuli more effectively during these times. This mechanism may have provided an evolutionary advantage in the pre-industrial era.
A bioinformatics professor and his colleague used GitHub as their writing platform to collaborate on a paper about deep learning in biology and medicine. The paper has been massively rewritten and revised by online collaborators, resulting in over 40 co-authors.
Researchers are using artificial networks to enhance their understanding of the human brain's complex systems. By parsing out contextual clues in image recognition, they can gain insights into how humans perceive and process information.
Researchers found that the right hemisphere equivalent of Broca's area processes musical non-local dependencies, and that this processing is integrated with working memory to determine grammatical rules. The study uses a novel 'genre' of music to tease apart contributions of local and non-local dependencies.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a conversational agent, Evorus, that can answer a wide range of questions using a human/machine hybrid system. The system, which combines crowd workers and AI, allows the agent to learn and improve over time, making it more accurate and effective in its responses.
Researchers found that the modern human brain shape developed gradually within the species, with fossils showing a transition from elongated to globular shapes between 100,000 and 35,000 years ago. This evolution was independent of brain size and was accompanied by changes in early brain development.
Researchers found that jazz pianists' brains plan movements differently than classical pianists, with a focus on improvisation and flexibility. Classical pianists, on the other hand, prioritize technique and expression, leading to differences in brain activity when playing the same piece.
UCLA researchers have developed a map of gene regulation in human neurogenesis, identifying factors that govern brain growth and set the stage for brain disorders. The study reveals key genes involved in neurogenesis and their roles in human cognition.
Researchers found that real objects exert a stronger influence on attention and manual responses compared to computerized images of the same objects. This effect was observed even when stimuli were out of reach or behind a barrier, suggesting that the potential for action plays a key role in attention allocation.
Researchers have developed a more detailed map of the human brain's cellular diversity, identifying 35 subtypes of neurons and glial cells linked to various brain disorders. The study provides insights into genetic risk factors for diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
A study published in eLife reveals that certain mammalian neurons have shapes and electrical properties well-suited for deep learning. The algorithm simulates how these neurons collaborate to achieve deep learning, offering a more biologically realistic approach.
Researchers found that pigeons process space and time in ways similar to humans and other primates, using a common neural coding mechanism. This suggests that abstract concepts are not processed separately and that lower-order animal species can exhibit high-level decision-making abilities.
Researchers found that language learners prefer word orders with shorter dependencies, which are easier to process, suggesting a causal link between human cognition and language structure. This discovery provides new insights into the role of human information processing in shaping linguistic universals.
Researchers at Kent State University analyzed primate brains to identify differences in dopamine-related gene expression, finding that humans have more tyrosine hydroxylase interneurons than other species. This discovery suggests that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in defining human brain function and evolution.
A new study of chimpanzee brain scans reveals a unique human brain structure, with the left hemisphere longer than the right. This asymmetry may hold the key to understanding how humans developed language ability.
A study published in the Journal of Human Evolution found that humans do not have uniquely expensive brains, challenging a major dogma in human evolution studies. Researchers measured the cross-sectional area of cranial arteries and brain glucose uptake to compare brain costs across 22 species.