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For young people with schizophrenia, physical and mental exercises offer hope

Researchers found that physical exercise significantly improves cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in areas such as memory, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. The study suggests that early intervention and combined cognitive training with aerobic exercise may lead to long-lasting impr...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateApr 6, 2016

Study: Mental abilities are shaped by individual differences in the brain

A new study suggests that individual differences in brain structure and function affect both anatomical and cognitive factors, such as intelligence and memory. The researchers identified four unique traits that explained most of the differences in brain anatomy, with the remaining differences accounting for individual differences in in...

Transparent metal films for smart phone, tablet and TV displays

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new material that is both highly transparent and electrically conductive, potentially replacing indium tin oxide in display technology. The new material, a correlated metal, has a structure that allows it to behave like a liquid, resulting in high optical transparency and conductivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 15, 2015

New potential cause for Alzheimer's: Arginine deprivation

A new Duke University study in mice found that immune cells consuming an important amino acid called arginine may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking this process with a small-molecule drug prevented characteristic brain plaques and memory loss in mouse models, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy.

Shedding new light on the formation of emotional fear memories

A new study identifies a neural mechanism for translating unpleasant experiences into fear memories by changing amygdala connections. The findings suggest that Hebbian plasticity is partially correct but requires concurrent activation of noradrenaline to form memories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2014

Breakthrough in flexible electronics enabled by inorganic-based laser lift-off

A breakthrough in flexible electronics has been achieved using Inorganic-based Laser Lift-off (ILLO), which overcomes material and processing limitations. ILLO allows for the fabrication of ultrathin inorganic electronic devices on flexible substrates, enabling high temperature processes previously restricted by polymer materials.

Memories of errors foster faster learning

Scientists discovered that people learn new motor tasks faster when they recall the errors made during the first attempt. The brain uses this information to fine-tune its performance and adapt to future similar tasks. This study sheds light on how our brains learn from mistakes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

A common hypertension treatment may reduce PTSD symptoms

Researchers at Emory University discovered that individuals diagnosed with PTSD treated with ARBs or ACE inhibitors exhibited fewer PTSD-like symptoms. The study found that the medication losartan enhanced fear memory extinction, a process disrupted in individuals with PTSD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 2014

Shining a light on memory

Scientists have confirmed that strengthened connections between neurons, known as long-term potentiation (LTP), underlie memory formation. The study used optogenetics to strengthen and weaken these connections in genetically engineered rats, successfully forming, removing, and reactivating a memory.

Simplicity is key to co-operative robots

Researchers have created a system of extremely simple robots that can cluster together without requiring complex computation. This development enables the creation of large numbers of robots to perform tasks collectively, with potential applications in precision farming and healthcare technologies. The robots use minimal information an...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateApr 16, 2014

Forgetting is actively regulated

A team of scientists has found a molecule that actively regulates memory loss, revealing the process of forgetting is not passive but rather an active process. The discovery could lead to new treatments for mental disorders such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·DateMar 13, 2014

New technology detect cellular memory

Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, have developed a new technology that can isolate histones and follow dynamic duplication processes in cells. The technology has identified 100 new molecular components involved in chromatin duplication and maintenance of cell memory.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 23, 2014

What makes memories last?

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a protein that is essential for creating and maintaining long-term memories. The protein, Orb2A, must be tightly regulated to form only in specific neural circuits, and its conversion into a prion-like state can be triggered by nerve cell stimulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 11, 2014

Protein clumps as memory

ETH Zurich researchers discovered a mechanism that enables yeast cells to memorise 'bad experiences' during reproduction by forming protein aggregates. These aggregates make future mating attempts more difficult, conserving energy and preventing unproductive reproduction. The system appears to be universal and relatively old in evolution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2013

To live and learn: Making memories has to be a speedy business

A new study from McGill University has discovered that nerve cells have a special mechanism, known as the 'pre-assembly' technique, which enables rapid protein production at synapses. This allows the brain to quickly form memories and adapt to new experiences, with potential implications for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2013

Forensic sciences are 'fraught with error'

Classic psychological research on expectancy and observer effects reveals flaws in forensic science, including the influence of human examiners and flawed evidence. The study proposes best practice recommendations to reduce confirmation biases and improve the quality of the judicial system.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateApr 22, 2013