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Showing posts from May, 2021

Low Levels of Omega-3 Associated With Higher Risk of Psychosis

Adolescents with higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood had a decreased risk of developing psychosis as they entered into early adulthood. At the age of 24, those with psychosis had lower levels of DHA than those without the disorder. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34vhqMK

Brain Activity Reveals When White Lies Are Selfish

White lies that are selfish in nature elicit increased activity in both the ventral and rostral medial prefrontal cortex. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3uG4A8S

Sometimes, Even 3-Year-Olds Just Want to Fit In With the Group

By the age of three, children are more likely to go along with what peers say in order to follow the crowd, rather than acting out of a desire to follow authority. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3p63rGD

Discovery May Point to Parkinson’s Disease Therapies

In Parkinson's disease, alpha-synuclein binds to LC3B. Normally, LC3B causes misfolded proteins to become degraded, but in the case of Parkinson's, LC3B becomes trapped in protein aggregates and becomes inactive. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3pcwEji

Tooth Loss May Affect Ability to Carry Out Everyday Tasks

Older adults with more natural teeth are better able to carry out simple everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning compared to those who have lost their teeth, a new study reports. Researchers found a causal link between tooth loss and functional capacity in older adults. Tooth loss was also associated with a decline in social activity. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2R6AYE5

Intermittent Fasting Improves Long Term Memory

Mouse study reveals intermittent fasting improves long-term memory retention and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis. The findings could help to slow cognitive decline in older adults. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3uvDAsB

Mouse Pups’ Cries Give Clues About Autism

Mouse pups with the autism-associated 16p11.2 deletion can not able to correctly perform a specific vocalization pattern to call for their mother when separated from her in the same way those without the deletion can, a new study reveals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Tl3cLU

Depressive Symptoms Linked to Rapid Kidney Function Decline

More frequent symptoms of depression were linked to a rapid decline in kidney function over four years in those who initially had healthy kidney function. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fyyNm5

Escape From Oblivion: How the Brain Reboots After Deep Anesthesia

Following deep anesthesia, consciousness and cognitive processes unfold over time. The prefrontal cortex is the first brain area to recover, with areas associated with reaction time and attention taking longer to return to pre-anesthesia states. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2RNHQXq

Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking May Improve Bowel Function in People With Spinal Cord Injury

Exoskeletons that help those with spinal cord injuries to walk may help to improve bowel function. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fU0iFD

Horror Films as a Reimagined Space for Healing

A new study reports certain horror movies, such as the Halloween series, focus on the cycles of trauma and how it connects to the experience of survivors. Researchers say how the movies deal with trauma is indicative of how trauma is treated in the real-world setting, where the experience is often not acknowledged by others and victims are provided limited support for healing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3i35eL5

Evidence for New Type of Memory

New research indicates the existence of an unconscious iconic memory store that supports predictions made by the global workspace theory of consciousness. It also shows that visual masking does not erase memory traces of masked stimuli but only limits conscious access. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3c1IwPP

The Robot Smiled Back

Applying AI technology, researchers teach a robot to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions. Scientists say this could help build trust between humans and the humanoid robots they interact with. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3p3z97w

Tiniest Of Moments Proves Key for Baby’s Healthy Brain

Study identifies a critical role a protein called Cep55 plays in brain development and abscission, the final step in cell division. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3g8EJS3

Blood Oxygen Levels Could Explain Why Memory Loss Is an Early Alzheimer’s Symptom

Decreased blood flow and blood oxygen levels to the hippocampus may explain symptoms of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers say increasing hippocampal blood flow could reverse or protect against symptoms of the neurodegenerative disorder. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3p3ryWy

Two Halves of the Hippocampus Have Different Gene Activity

Researchers have identified significant differences in gene activity between the anterior and posterior areas of the hippocampus. Genes associated with depression and other mood disorders are more active in the anterior hippocampus, while genes linked to cognitive disorders, such as ASD, are more active in the posterior hippocampus. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vw412F

Waking Just One Hour Earlier Cuts Depression Risk by Double Digits

Changing your sleep schedule by one hour has a significant impact on risk factors for major depression. Going to sleep and waking one hour earlier than usual was associated with a 23% decreased risk of developing depressive disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vyT68m

Why Is It so Hard to Withdraw From Some Antidepressants?

A new study reveals the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind why some people find it harder to stop using antidepressants than others with depression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vwwmpv

Changes in How Cholesterol Breaks Down in the Body May Accelerate Progression of Dementia

Disruptions in how the body converts cholesterol into bile acids may play a key role in the development of dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34qpLB6

Sleep Warning for Older Men: Sleep Changes May Signal Cognitive Decline

Changes in sleep patterns in older men have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fS4TZ2

A Deep Dive Into the Brain

Diffuse optical localization imaging (DOLI) is a newly developed fluorescence microscopy technique that allows for high-resolution imaging of microcirculation in a non-invasive manner. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Ts0LYh

Diet and Lifestyle Change Reverses Aging by Three Years in Eight Weeks

Simple dietary changes and adopting lifestyle alterations, including improved sleep schedules, taking probiotics, and exercising, can reduce signs of biological aging by three years in just eight weeks, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fpN3gM

Roots of Major Depression Revealed in All Its Genetic Complexity

A new, massive genome wide study has identified 178 genetic variants linked to major depressive disorder. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3chi30P

This Brain Circuit Signals When to Stop Eating; Could Regulating It Help With Obesity

Researchers have identified a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons in the caudal ventral tegmental area that appears to suppress food intake by triggering satiation in mice. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oR3tlE

Fundamental Roles of Glucosamine in Brain Revealed

Glucosamine is a major component of brain glycogen, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34hOcAS

Brain Tumors Caused by Normal Neuron Activity in Mice Predisposed to Such Tumors

Neural activity plays an underappreciated role in the development and growth of nervous system cancers, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fQn8xJ

Amazon Indigenous Group’s Lifestyle May Hold a Key to Slowing Down Aging

The Tsimane, an indigenous people from the Bolivian Amazon, have less brain atrophy than American aging adults, a new study reports. Additionally, the decrease in their brain volume associated with aging is 70% less than seen in older American adults. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fozu1l

Significant Otter Helps Couples Communicate From the Heart

Researchers have developed a smart-watch app they call Smart Otter, that allows couples to communicate with one another based on sensed heart rate. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2SsIbi0

Memory Details Fade Over Time, With Only the Main Gist Preserved

While memories become less vibrant and detailed over time, the central gist of the memory is preserved. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yGmUSE

Don’t Count on Caffeine to Fight Sleep Deprivation

A caffeine jolt may give you a little more energy following a restless night of sleep, but it doesn't necessarily help with boosting cognition. Researchers found that while caffeine helped sleep deprived students to perform better at some simple cognition tests, it had no effect on improving performance on more challenging tasks, like peacekeeping tests. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3uowlmg

Impaired Dopamine Transporters Contribute to Parkinson’s Disease-Like Symptoms

A rare genetic mutation interferes with dopamine transporters in the brain, causing Parkinson's-like symptoms in children. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vliaja

Aesthetically Appealing Art Increases Creative Inspiration

Viewing art you find aesthetically pleasing can help boost your personal creativity, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oMxtz2

How to Boost Muscle Regeneration and Rebuild Tissue

Compounds used by researchers in stem cell research increase the regeneration of muscles in mice with age-related muscle loss. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34jihji

Vitamin B6 Deficiency Enhances the Noradrenergic System, Leading to Behavioral Deficits

Study reveals vitamin B6 deficiency may contribute to the development of schizophrenia symptoms. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vmYprC

Narcissism Linked to Aggression in Review of 437 Studies

A comparative review of 324 global research papers concludes narcissism is a risk factor for aggression and violent behaviors. The results were similar, regardless of age, gender, education level, or country of residence. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3wByBYL

Flickering Lights and Sound Could Be New Weapon Against Alzheimer’s

A "flicker treatment" that uses flickering lights and sounds has been shown to be tolerable, safe, and effective in treating adults with mild cognitive impairment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fO8BTg

Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain

Study reveals a specific cell cluster in the brains of drosophila flies that are affected by acute cocaine exposure. The findings could help with the development of treatments to prevent addiction in humans. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3uuv8Kt

How the Brain Strengthens Memories During Sleep

The reactivation of learned material during slow oscillation/sleep spindle complexes, and the precision of SO-spindle coupling predicts how strong a memory will be reactivated in the brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fl5hjK

Parents Abused as Children May Pass on Emotional Issues

Adults who were mistreated as children often have a difficult time managing their emotions and find it hard to implement emotional regulation strategies. Their difficulties can, in turn, harm their own children's emotional development. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yD4rX5

Low Blood Flow in the Brain May Be an Early Sign of Parkinson’s Disease

A new study reveals a potential link between REM sleep behavior disorder and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers say the sleep disorder alters cerebral blood flow, leading to a lack of oxygen in brain tissue. This, in the long term, may increase Parkinson's risk. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oMOp8C

Non-Hallucinogenic Psychedelic Analog Reverses Effects of Stress in Mice

A single dose of tabernanthalog (TBG), a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog, corrects stress-induced behavioral deficits, including anxiety and cognitive inflexibility, in mouse models. Additionally, the compound promoted neurogenesis and restores neural circuits in brain areas damaged by stress. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vlcGVJ

AI Spots Neurons Better Than Human Experts

A new deep learning algorithm is superior to human experts in distinguishing between retinal ganglion cells in healthy patients and in those with glaucoma. The AI system could potentially help improve the diagnosis of both eye and brain diseases. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oQCXZB

‘Rejuvenating’ the Alzheimer’s Brain

MicroRNA-132 regulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus, according to both mouse and human tissue studies. Restoring levels of microRNA-132 in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease reduces neurogenetic deficits and restores cognitive abilities, researchers say. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3hSJUYD

Defective Gene Slows Down Brain Cells

Study reveals how the autism-associated Cullin 3 gene affects brain development in mouse models. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3wpqtKW

Simple Diagnostic Tool Predicts Individual Risk of Alzheimer’s

A new algorithm that uses data from memory tests and blood samples is able to accurately predict an individual's risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yzSBwW

Specialized Inhibitory Cluster Gates Plasticity in Fear Learning

The apical intercalated cell cluster (apITC), a specialized portion of inhibitory circuitry in the amygdala, has rich connectivity and plays a unique role in modulating synaptic plasticity. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3ugrHqr

A Natural Food Supplement May Relieve Anxiety

Beta-sitosterol, a natural plant-derived supplement, reduced anxiety in mouse models, both in stand-alone use and in combination with Prozac. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3hMT09i

Supersensitive Connection Causes Hatred of Noises

Increased connectivity between the auditory cortex and motor control areas related to the mouth, face, and throat, could be a key feature in identifying misophonia, a condition marked by extreme reactions to "trigger sounds", such as other people chewing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2SolfAq

Step-Closer to Nasal Spray Drug Delivery for Parkinson’s Disease

A new gel that contains levodopa can adhere to nasal tissue. The gel releases levodopa directly into the blood and brain. Researchers say the preliminary data reveals the gel has proven to be effective in animal models. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fLEH20

Full-Genome CRISPR Screen Reveals Surprising Ways Neurons Survive Oxidative Stress

CRISPR gene-editing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint specific neurons and mechanisms related to the effects of oxidative stress in the brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vhVi41

Myopia Link to Poor Sleep

People with myopia appear to have delayed circadian rhythms and lower production of melatonin in the brain compared to those without the visual problem. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oJYanU

Regular Physical Activity Linked to Better Organized Preteen Brains

Children who embark on regular exercise have marked differences in brain structure, flexibility, organization, and have more robust neural networks than those who exercise less frequently. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3umlRnj

The Brain Learns Faces Fastest In Person

In-person interactions strengthen neural signals related to facial recognition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3vhc43i

Thoughts Bring Prostheses to Life

Using virtual reality technology, researchers found the faulty alignment of prosthetics resulted in a measurable loss in performance for users. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3wtISX3

Childhood Disadvantage Affects Brain Connectivity

Functional connectivity was reduced within and between several brain networks in children raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers say a positive home and school environment can mitigate some of the effects. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2RE2uJa

Overcoming Long-Term Trauma Can Be Facilitated

Researchers facilitated the extinction of long-term traumatic memories in mice by enhancing activity in the nucleus reuniens. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fbycGR

Young Orangutans Have Sex-Specific Role Models

Young male orangutans seek out role models in immigrant adult males and female juveniles, while young female orangutans prefer their mothers or other local female adults as their role models. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3fFQgI2

Fly Brains Make Predictions, Possibly Using Universal Design Principles

Findings suggest prediction may be a general feature of animal nervous systems in supporting quick behavioral changes. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yvMEB8

Lithium Distribution Differs in Brains of Depressed People

A new technique allowed researchers to evaluate the distribution of lithium levels in the human brain. Findings revealed those without depression had significantly more lithium in the brain's white matter than in gray matter. By contrast, those with depression or suicidal ideations had more balanced distribution of lithium in both white and gray matter. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yFMlnx

Skin Itch Mechanisms Differ on Hairless Versus Hairy Skin

Researchers have identified significant differences in the mechanisms of chronic itch between hairy and non-hairy areas of the skin. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3wqjXDP

‘Sounding It Out’ Not so Easy for Children With Dyslexia

Neuroimaging study reveals a biological deficit in some children with dyslexia that impairs phonological decoding. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3hJSrgl

Sense of Touch Improves Control of Robotic Arm

Adding a BCI that evokes tactile sensations makes it easier for users to manipulate and use robotic arm prosthetics. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3veiq3t

A New Replication Crisis: Research That Is Less Likely to Be True Is Cited More

Researchers have uncovered another problem with a number of recent scientific research papers; citing data that is unable to be replicated. The study reveals non-replicable data is cited 153 times more because the findings they lay out are deemed more interesting. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yuCHnk

Infants Recognize Rapid Images, Just Like Adults

Infants take less than one second to completely process visual information. They also have the same temporal limitations in visual processing as adults. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3wocZ1X

Gene Signature for Plaque-Eating Microglia in Alzheimer’s Disease Discovered

Study identifies gene expression signatures that underlie microglia associated with amyloid plaque phagocytosis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3u3F39q

Brain’s Memory Center Stays Active During ‘Infantile Amnesia’

By three months, babies are already enlisting the hippocampus to help recognize and learn patterns, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3bIBW0e

New Research Could Lead to Better Treatment for Epilepsy

Alterations in the local network of specific brain regions can predict the progression of epilepsy, and determine whether surgery is a viable option for the patient. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3v8CdkH

Why Do We Hate the Sound of Our Own Voices?

The discomfort we feel when hearing our own voices played back to us is both a physiological and psychological response, researchers say. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3yqPMya

Emotional Support Animals Benefit Those With Chronic Mental Illness

Emotional support animals provide quantifiable benefits for people with mental health problems who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oB5vWN

How Injured Nerves Stop Themselves From Healing

At the site of injury, nerves release a protein called CXCL12 which attracts growing nerve fibers and keeps them trapped in place. This prevents the nerve fibers from growing in the correct direction to bridge the injury site. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3bHBnUo

Independent of IQ, “Decision Acuity” Predicts Broad Range of Decision-Making Abilities

Independent of IQ, decision acuity predicted performance in decision-making tasks. This factored higher in older adults and increased in light of parental education. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3u8ZAJE

Worrying About Your Heart Increases Risk for Mental Health Disorders

Heart-focused anxiety raises the risk for developing other mental health disorders, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3hINBjw

These Cognitive Exercises Help Young Children Boost Their Math Skills

Children show improved ability in their math skills when they are trained to practice visual working memory and reasoning tasks. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3hDnr1H

Alzheimer Protein App Regulates Learning and Social Behavior in the Healthy Brain

APP, a protein commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, plays a vital role in learning, memory, and social behavior in the developing brain, a new mouse study finds. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3u3s9bi

Commonly Used Drugs for Schizophrenia Linked to Greater Cognitive Impairment

Medications with anticholinergic properties given to help reduce physical and mental health symptoms associated with schizophrenia have a cumulative effect in reducing cognitive function in patients. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3u5FJuS

Body Chemistry Can Predict Severity of Depression After Death of Spouse

Bodily inflammation following the death of a spouse can predict future depression risk in the surviving spouse, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/342VckI

Different Physical Activity ‘Cocktails’ Have Similar Health Benefits

Including light-to-moderate exercise in your daily routine can help extend lifespan and have significant health benefits, even if you embark on daily vigorous exercise. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2RzbYpd