Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
Researchers from The University of Osaka have demonstrated that vision transformers can spontaneously develop human-like visual attention patterns without specific training. This breakthrough showcases the potential of self-supervised learning for advancing AI applications and modeling biological vision.
A comprehensive analysis reveals how brains generalize learning from previous experiences to new scenarios, mapping neural pathways from hippocampus to cortex. The study's findings highlight the critical role of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in cognitive generalization.
Researchers mapped dynamic cellular mechanisms of memory formation, storage and update, revealing new insights into encoding experiences in the brain. Memories are stored through biophysical changes in neuronal ensembles, which can be manipulated to induce recall.
A new USC-led study found a significant link between type 2 diabetes and cortical thickness in older adults from various populations. The researchers discovered that individuals with T2DM exhibited thinner cortex, particularly in temporal and parietal regions critical for memory and cognitive function.
Preliminary research suggests that long working hours can induce neuroadaptive changes in the brain, particularly in areas associated with emotional regulation and executive function. The study found increased brain volumes in regions such as the middle frontal gyrus, which is involved in attention and problem-solving.
Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation discovered a nine-letter microexon in DAAM1 exclusively in neurons that is critical for neuronal development and memory. Deleting this microexon in mice resulted in reduced learning spines and impaired memory function, with animals remembering roughly 40% less in standard memory tasks.
Researchers developed MuSICCA, a music therapy tool that uses musical stimulation to assess levels of consciousness in children with brain injuries. The study found high agreement among participants that the tool is suitable for use with children, providing guidance for caregivers and supporting clinical teams.
A study found that satisfying intimate relationships and general social support can reduce cognitive problems experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The research suggests that couples therapy could be a helpful option for partnered patients, while oxytocin levels decreased significantly during treatment.
A University of Ottawa-led study reveals that serotonin neurons are connected and interact with each other, controlling serotonin release in specific regions of the brain. This complex system has implications for understanding decision-making and developing targeted therapeutics for mood disorders.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise can improve brain health and mitigate cognitive decline, even when ketone production in the liver is impaired. The research found that endurance exercise can prevent cognitive impairment caused by compromised hepatic ketogenesis.
The World Sleep Society releases recommendations on wearable sleep trackers, providing clear guidelines for consumers, clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers. Key takeaways include choosing a device suitable for individual use cases and focusing on fundamental sleep measures rather than specific stages of sleep.
Severe permanent impairment in function and cognition are prevalent among long-term care residents nearing the end of life. A minority of residents live in these states for extended periods, suggesting the need for resident-centered medical decision-making.
Research found that adolescents who slept longer performed better at cognitive tests, with those sleeping 7-25 minutes more performing better. The study also found differences in brain volume and structure between the groups.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that cognitively impaired older drivers are less likely to be involved in car-to-car crashes when accompanied by a passenger. The analysis revealed that second-party drivers were more likely to have been accompanied by a passenger than first-party drivers, regardless of...
Women who enter menopause before age 40 experience worse cognitive decline compared to those entering menopause after 50. This association may help clinicians assess patient risk of developing dementia. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and design potential treatments.
Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.
MIT researchers have found that a computational model of the ventral stream, which processes object recognition, also performs well on spatial tasks such as determining an object's location and orientation. This challenges the dominant perspective that the ventral stream is optimized for object recognition.
New research reveals changes in brain connectivity during chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, particularly in the frontal-limbic system and cerebellar cortex. These changes worsen as treatment continues, suggesting that chemotherapy can quickly disrupt brain function in breast cancer patients.
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
A new study by researchers at Tufts University suggests that a lack of vitamin K may increase inflammation and hamper proliferation of neural cells in the hippocampus, a key region for learning and memory. Vitamin K deficiency was also associated with increased neuroinflammation and reduced neurogenesis, leading to noticeable cognitive...
Professor Tatia Lee's award-winning paper reports a study showing Qigong improves processing speed, sustained attention, and hippocampal volume in healthy older adults. The results suggest that Qigong can benefit brain health through its effects on the immune system.
Researchers found that immune molecule IL-17 influences brain regions to induce either anxiety in the amygdala or sociable behavior in the somatosensory cortex. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems.
Researchers have discovered that the thalamus can update its own connections independently of the cortex, a finding relevant to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This breakthrough suggests that modulating neurotransmitters in the thalamus could alter sensory processing and improve cognitive function.
The DAM-Decision and Memory group at Universitat Jaume I studied the cognitive and neural computations that guide decision-making and long-term memory. They found that the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex regions use context boundaries to make decisions in both spatial and abstract contexts.
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
Rats exposed to high amounts of alcohol demonstrated poor decision-making during a complex task even after a monthslong withdrawal period. The team linked the behavioral difficulties to dramatic functional transformations in the dorsomedial striatum, a part of the brain critical for decision-making.
Researchers used mice to examine the activity of two neuronal proteins linked to autism. They found that a natural balance between MDGA2 and BDNF maintains normal neuron activity, but disruption can lead to ASD-like symptoms. This study suggests MDGA2 and BDNF as promising therapeutic targets for future treatments.
A new study published in Radiology found that higher blast exposure correlated with changes in brain function and structure, even when standard MRI exams appeared normal. The researchers discovered weaker connectivity in key areas and more severe symptoms such as memory problems and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study from USC Dornsife's Brain and Creativity Institute found that nostalgic music engages the brain's default mode network linked to memory and self-reflection, as well as its reward circuitry. This discovery could support emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with memory impairments.
Research at Maharishi International University found that long-term TM practitioners have lower inflammation, slower age-related decline in cognitive function, and reduced cortisol levels, indicating potential benefits for overall health and longevity. The study suggests a protective effect against both stress and aging.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that college graduates experienced faster cognitive decline after a stroke compared to those with less education. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for post-stroke cognitive decline to target future interventions.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
Researchers at ISTA discovered that neural activity patterns during sleep reflect recently learned spatial memories and transform into those seen later upon awakening. This 'representational drift' phenomenon optimizes memory representations for long-term storage, allowing the brain to free up resources for new memories.
Despite severe sleep deficits, insomniac fruit fly mutants exhibit enhanced memory performance through altered PKA signaling in the mushroom body. This finding suggests a complex relationship between sleep and memory functions.
Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.
Researchers from Kyoto University and Cambridge University developed a fluorescent dopamine sensor to monitor dopamine signals in primate brains. The study found that dopamine signals varied depending on the location in the striatum, with distinct patterns observed in the anterior putamen and caudate head.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
A new study led by researchers at UCL has found that online brain speed tests can provide valuable insights into cognitive function and potentially shed light on dementia development. The tests, which measure reaction times, were designed to be easy and convenient for women in their 40s and older to participate from home.
A randomized clinical trial found that a customized smartphone app, Silvia Program, significantly improved cognitive functioning among residents with mild cognitive impairment. The program's combination of daily goal setting, cognitive training, and AI-generated conversations showed promising results.
A study of nearly 900 postmenopausal women found an association between perimenopausal symptom burden and later cognitive function and behavioral impairment. Women with higher menopausal symptom burdens were more likely to experience poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments, both markers of dementia.
Researchers discovered distinct neuronal populations in the ACC process pain and itch information separately, with stimulus-specific neurons receiving differentiated synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus. Suppressing these neurons reduced corresponding sensations without affecting the other.
Researchers discovered that the activity of place cells in large spaces follows universal mathematical principles, challenging long-held assumptions about neural circuits and spatial cognition. The findings suggest that randomness is key to encoding information about experiences.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a fundamental mechanism linking breathing to pupil size, which affects vision. The study shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation, impacting visual perception.
Researchers identified three key principles in language recovery after stroke: rapid reinforcement of damaged areas by unaffected network regions, activation of homologous mirror-image areas, and increased communication between affected areas.
Mutations in MeCP2 gene lead to depletion of NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA controlling autophagy. Restoring NEAT1 reverses cellular alterations in Rett syndrome models.
Researchers explore the connection between Alzheimer's and metabolic syndrome, finding links between insulin regulation, high blood pressure, and obesity. The study suggests that maintaining healthy blood fat levels may be crucial for brain health, paving way for potential therapeutic developments.
Researchers mapped bird brain regions and found similar cellular composition and evolution across species. Certain excitatory neurons have a common evolutionary origin, challenging existing assumptions about brain region evolution.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found that excessive neuronal activation over time leads to brain function decline, contradicting previous theories. Interventions targeting reduced neuronal hyperactivation, such as dietary changes, may mitigate age-related cognitive decline in humans.
Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.
Researchers found a high agreement between EEG and fMRI in identifying brain regions activated during language tasks. EEG-guided tDCS improved picture-naming speed in participants, suggesting its potential for innovative therapies.
Certain mouth bacteria may support better memory and attention, while others increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce nitric oxide production, crucial for brain communication.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
Researchers used fMRI data to uncover how the hippocampus coordinates memory processes by analyzing neural activity patterns. The study found that participants remembered scenes with lower novelty more accurately and that the hippocampus integrates diverse forms of novel information.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that heavy cannabis users exhibited reduced brain activity during working memory tasks, associated with worse performance. Abstaining from cannabis before cognitive tasks may help improve performance.
A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that stimulating CB2 with JWH 133 improved cognitive function and reduced neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. The study suggests that CB2 is a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, providing a cost-effective alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.
The Neuron special issue sheds light on the science of aging, focusing on how age-related changes impact the brain's ability to clear waste and transport energy. The collection also explores the link between the immune system and brain health.