Articles tagged with Neuropsychology
A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that unconscious 'crossmodal' associations with our sense of smell can distort perception of colors. Participants adjusted sliders to change the color of a square, but their choices were influenced by the odor they smelled, such as perceiving coffee as a reddish-brown color instead of neutral grey.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
A new review highlights the current state of the art in autism research, using genetically modified mice to analyze the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind autism. The insular cortex is found to be crucial for emotions, empathy, and motivation in both mice and humans.
Researchers found that natural forgetting can be reversed in certain circumstances, with memories stored in engram cells still intact but inaccessible. Competition between engrams affects recall, and forgotten memory traces can be reactivated by cues or updated with new information.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences successfully reversed hearing loss in mice by activating a defective gene. The researchers found that introducing a special enzyme at a young age significantly improved hearing, with positive effects becoming less potent with time.
Researchers found that mice with Alzheimer's Disease lacked TLR4 in their central nervous system, leading to reduced joint inflammation and immune cell response. This study suggests potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain treatment and raises awareness about underreported pain in AD patients.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.
Adolescent neurostimulation of dopamine circuitry may reverse genetic deficits in frontal cortex function, rescuing structural and behavioral deficits caused by disorders. Researchers identified critical windows in brain development where interventions can target and change the course of diseases.
Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex responds strongly to positive human sounds coming from the left, but not from the right or front. This bias may have an evolutionary advantage, as it could help detect potential threats or predators.
A pilot study found that remote aerobic walking exercise training improved cognitive processing speed in fully ambulatory persons with MS. The study, which showed high adherence rates, supports the design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial.
More than half of stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment within a year, with 1 in 3 at risk for dementia. Early screening and comprehensive care are advised to support stroke survivors with cognitive impairment.
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.
The Octapharma USA grant supports the Immunoglobulin National Society's breakfast symposium on PANS/PANDAS, a subset of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with strep. The program will focus on diagnosis criteria, pathogenic mechanisms, and current treatment options for challenging cases.
A study of over 350 former NFL players found that those who reported concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in episodic memory and sustained attention. Cognitive decline was not associated with diagnosed concussions or age, but rather with the presence of concussion symptoms.
Research found that patients with poorer memory, concentration, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after a stroke are more likely to be fatigued and sleepy. This study highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive and emotional issues in stroke patients to prevent long-term fatigue and improved diagnostics and treatment.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
A new study finds epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV. Participants showed accelerated biological age and different brain activity patterns compared to controls, suggesting a link between biological aging and neural function in PWH.
A virtual reality game called EPELI has been developed to assess ADHD symptoms in children by simulating everyday situations. The game uses eye tracking and machine learning to detect differences in eye movements, which can indicate attention deficits.
Researchers discovered that eye movements can reveal valuable information about how humans make decisions. The study found that the speed and vigor of eye movements increased as participants considered their options before making a choice.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying stress-related behaviors, revealing that glutamate cells in the ventral tegmental area play a critical role. The research found that mice exposed to uncontrollable stressors exhibited more pronounced anxiety-like behavior, whereas those with c...
A new Hikikomori Questionnaire has been developed to identify individuals with pathological social withdrawal at an earlier stage. The questionnaire evaluates socialization, isolation, and emotional support on a scale of 0-4, providing a tool for early detection and treatment of hikikomori.
Research in rats suggests that hormonal contraceptives may alter the developing prefrontal cortex, increasing stress hormone production and disrupting signal transmission. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of birth control on teenage behavior and mood.
A study by Ural Federal University found that daytime naps and wakefulness both reinforce the formation of fear memories in response to emotional trauma. This research has significant implications for developing strategies for rehabilitating individuals with anxiety disorders.
Researchers at Princeton University found that mice who displayed defensive behaviors after a stressful event were more resilient. They also discovered that activating dopamine while fighting back reinforced resilience, a finding that could potentially inform strategies for building human resilience.
A large meta-analysis of over 500 measures from 350,000 participants found that women have a small but consistent advantage in finding and remembering words. The female advantage is also influenced by the sex/gender of the leading scientist, with female scientists reporting a larger advantage.
A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.
Researchers found that experiencing reward enhances connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and the ventral striatum. This effect was specific to the DMN and correlated with personality characteristics related to openness. The study used data from the Human Connectome Project, a database of healthy participants.
Despite previous assumptions, researchers found no correlation between highly superior autobiographical memory and enhanced creative thinking. Instead, they suggest that these individuals may be overly focused on consolidating autobiographical events, potentially hindering creative processes.
A study found that increased prism adaptation treatment sessions improve spatial neglect symptoms, while more frequent sessions lead to greater rehabilitation gains. The authors recommend starting PAT early for optimal dosing.
Researchers found that smells can enhance or hinder our ability to recognize emotions in others' faces. The study used a spectrum of emotions, from extreme joy to neutral, and measured participants' response times.
A study by Durham University found that people's ability to recognize emotions in others is not affected when their whole body is visible. However, they were less accurate at recognizing happiness in masked faces. The researchers used images of full bodies with and without face masks to test participants' emotion recognition skills.
A comprehensive online survey of people with multiple sclerosis found that improving social integration and reducing social isolation can promote and maintain health and wellbeing. The study suggests that these social factors significantly predict health and wellbeing, even when accounting for demographic factors.
A research team developed a model that mimics human judgment to distinguish between reflective and transparent materials. The model outperformed humans in accuracy but struggled to identify image clues.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant improvement in processing speed among individuals with MS after a five-week training intervention. The treatment effect was maintained six months later, with dosage correlating with improved outcomes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
Research presents a promising path forward for early identification and intervention of Alzheimer's disease through the study of executive function and biomarkers. A link to genetics research is also being explored to better understand genetic and environmental factors that influence cognitive and brain aging.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers used WCNs with increasing n values to find features of language that cannot be analyzed using existing WCNs. They found important features in networks with more than three co-occurrences, independent of text data.
Post-surgery patients exhibit moderate speech disorders affecting all language processing aspects, whereas post-stroke patients display specific phonological deficits. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
A team of researchers from McGill University and other institutions analyzed 6,850 testimonials from psychedelic users, creating a 3D map of brain receptors linked to subjective experiences. The study found associations between serotonin receptors and ego-dissolution, suggesting potential new treatments for psychiatric conditions.
Researchers will test the effectiveness of WeCAN, a group-based treatment designed to teach long-lasting management skills to individuals with traumatic brain injury and dementia. The study aims to identify behavioral, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers that correlate with treatment efficacy.
A new study on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) has found that group-level scores lack significance on an individual level. The normative study recommends a higher cut-off score for SDMT to accurately assess changes over time and predict disease progression.
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
Researchers analyzed fMRI studies on healthy individuals and stroke survivors to understand the neural mechanisms underlying prism adaptation therapy. The study found differences in brain activity patterns between healthy individuals and those with spatial neglect, suggesting a shift in spatial processing to the left hemisphere.
Researchers aim to expand an existing spinal cord injury intervention to improve self-efficacy, coping, and well-being in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study will conduct focus groups and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the adapted intervention.
Researchers have uncovered how the brain processes sensory information, revealing new insights into perception and cognition. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding neurological disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and stroke, as well as targeted treatments and interventions.
A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.
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.
A new study suggests that the brain uses a mechanism called 'repulsion' to differentiate between similar environments. Researchers found that when participants were asked about stores shared between two cities, their brains showed surprisingly different patterns of activity, indicating that they were treating these familiar locations a...
Researchers at Mount Sinai found that people used forward thinking when trying to influence others, regardless of controllability. This neural activity was linked to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a decision-making center involved in strategic thinking.
A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.
Researchers at University of Toronto found that the brain's prefrontal cortex generalizes perceptual experiences from different senses, producing sensations even without direct experience. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging and massage stones to capture neural activity patterns in the brain.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
Research finds approximately one-third of the population experience sensitivities when seeing others fidget, leading to emotional and social impacts. Individuals with misokinesia report difficulty in social situations, work environments, and learning spaces, with impacts increasing with age.
Researchers reviewed 79 studies on neurocognitive impairments and brain abnormalities associated with nonfatal opioid overdoses in humans. The findings suggest a link between overdose, cognitive impairment, and brain changes, which could influence attention span, memory, and executive function.
A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers discovered that certain neurons in the brain's decision-making centers monitor body-state dynamics and hijack the decision-making process during intense states of arousal. This suggests that changes in heart rate and other bodily responses can impact the brain's ability to make rational decisions.
Researchers discovered that a brain area traditionally thought to specialize in old habits also plays a role in learning new actions. The study found that the dorsolateral striatum is involved in consolidating action learning immediately after the new action has been learned.
Researchers have developed an observational tool to assess children up to 5 years old with a concussion. The new tool catalogues known symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, and irritability, and allows for tracking of physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes over time.
Researchers discovered that passion and grit are strongly correlated in young people, especially boys, but this correlation fades with age. To maintain motivation, individuals must actively seek out meaningful activities and interests, and recognize the connections between passion, grit, and a positive mindset.