Researchers say hedonic value isn't simply a biological and psychological mechanism, it's also vital for our survival. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/qWFta7T
Autopsy tissue samples of 44 people who died of COVID-19 showed SAR-CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus, spread throughout the body and to the brain, with traces of the virus lingering for 8 months. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/aVdSIRh
2022 has been a fantastic year for neuroscience and brain science research. Here, we take a look back over some of the most popular neuroscience research articles of the year. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/UOSHfc9
By inhibiting NMDA receptors, ketamine increases noise to gamma frequencies in one layer of the thalamic nucleus and one lay of the somatosensory cortex. Findings suggest psychosis may be triggered by an increase in background noise impairing thalamocortical neurons which may be caused by a malfunction in NMDA receptors affecting the balance of inhibition and excitation in the brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bkUw5fi
Researchers used innovative recording technology to show human brain organoids transplanted into mice establish functional connectivity in the cortex and respond to visual stimuli. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/5jAp7za
Findings support modern thought that neural networks store information by making short-term alterations to the synapses. The study sheds new light on short-term synaptic plasticity in recent memory storage. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/83slzLi
Researchers have identified and mapped regions of the brain associated with fluid memory, or the human ability to solve problems without prior experience. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/8TrEhPH
Researchers have developed a new treatment that could potentially be used to treat patients with the Phelan-McDermid syndrome autism subtype. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/xGL59os
A new study reveals the spontaneous, random movements babies make aid in the development of the sensorimotor system. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/9GeTt25
A new study of over 300,000 people that spans 57 countries reveals women are, on average, more empathetic than males. Consistent across all age groups and most nationalities, women tend to score higher on tests of cognitive empathy, or "theory of mind" than males. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/AQ7cPDJ
Older mice were less capable than younger mice at "turning off" certain actively firing neurons when exposed to ambient noise. The result causes a fuzzy soundscape that makes it difficult for the brain to focus on one type of sound and filter out other surrounding sounds. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OzBYn3U
Researchers study the positive effects icaros, a type of traditional Peruvian music, in combination with psychotherapy and the psychedelic drug Ayahuasca has on treating addiction. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/GrbgjEM
OpenAI's ChatGPT program can identify clues from spontaneous speech that are 80% accurate in predicting the early stages of dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/hesfRHy
A new model of vertical microbiome transmission between mother and child has been reported. Researchers say microbes in the maternal gut share genes with those in the infant's gut during the perinatal period directly following birth up to a few weeks postbirth. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/54VAUQK
Researchers identified 20 drug candidates that reduce C4 immune protein secretion from astrocytes. The discovery could pave the way to treating schizophrenia and other disorders associated with C4 dysregulation in astrocytes. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/1YoZbmp
Middle-aged smokers are more likely to report memory problems and cognitive decline than those who do not smoke. The likelihood of cognitive decline is lower for those who have quit smoking, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/au9oZpA
Despite common belief, a new study reveals a child's body weight has little impact on mood or behavioral disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3eDUMLz
MEF2C, a gene critical for brain development and regulating circuit formation in the brain also plays a significant role in inner ear development. Mutations of MEF2C have previously been linked to ASD. Researchers found mice with only one copy of the MEF2C gene had reduced activity in the auditory nerve. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/QYeB9Es
In PV cells, axons with myelin contain more mitochondria. When myelin is decreased in PV cells, mitochondria also decrease. However, mitochondria increase when myelin is lost in excitatory cells. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/fV9IuSh
Aesthetic experience is not just limited to the visual features of a piece of art, but also the moment at which it is viewed. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/5RBs2AQ
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114, a non-commercial probiotic reduces neurodegeneration and has neuroprotective effects in lab models of ALS. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RNpkdeO
Researchers have identified neural biomarkers associated with food and drug cravings. The findings could help pave the way for new treatments for addiction. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/uxAwzbO
Study reveals how various brain regions and neural networks contribute to a person's problem-solving abilities and general intelligence. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/zHTt0hX
Researchers question, when free snacks and hot drinks are offered, how much is it reasonable to take before it becomes "excessive"? from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/wb8EP5A
Researchers have developed a soft, implantable brain probe that can monitor serotonin and dopamine activity in real-time. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OEp2ekx
A new study of the recently discovered brain's lymphatic system may shed new light on various brain diseases and how fluid drainage may play a role. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/tqr0AP5
Researchers found the brains of three species of stranded dolphins had classic biomarkers associated with human Alzheimer's disease. The findings add weight to the "sick leader" theory, where a group of healthy dolphins finds themselves in dangerously shallow waters after following a group leader showing signs of confusion. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/sMjoO7L
The basics of visual perception, such as object orientation, are largely independent of cultural variation and apply broadly across human populations. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JYm7qU4
Findings support the theory that microRNAs are essential for the development and evolution of intelligent life. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/UNLwt1v
Insulin binding receptors are predominantly located in the microvessels within the blood-brain barrier. In patients with Alzheimer's, the abundance of these receptors is decreased. This decrease could lead to the loss of insulin response in the Alzheimer's brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ecv4P5h
By the age of two, most children are able to embark on pretend play and adopt a perspective that does not fit reality. This enables children to develop the ability to attribute perspective to others that they don't share. Findings suggest the ability to adopt perspectives, an important aspect of developing social cognition and the attribution of mental state, is already present in young children. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/r1PpRLv
Walnut consumption was associated with increased improvements in self-reported mental health and stress. It was also linked to improved sleep quality and metabolic biomarkers. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, and other vitamins and nutrients associated with mental and gut health. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/sxTaKfi
Following microbiota transfer therapy, researchers found improvements in microbial taxa and genes implicated in microbial pathways associated with improved behavioral and physical symptoms of ASD. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/iOJNSMg
Transcranial direct current stimulation can help improve reading for those with age-related macular degeneration. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/AJ4YV35
Researchers have identified two gut bacterial species that produce fatty acid amides, stimulating CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in the gut which causes an increase in dopamine in the ventral striatum during exercise. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/IN2qkYo
Deep brain stimulation at the intersection of two fiber bundles linked to memory formation appears to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/XDAYvdw
Study reveals people with treatment-resistant depression have a 23% higher risk of death than those without the condition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/HNsywLR
Researchers have identified four genes, ESR1, DCC, DRD2, and TRAF3, that are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ogJnMtI
Alzheimer's disease onset may be accelerated by viruses that inflame and disrupt signals from the olfactory system to the hippocampus, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/N1wanWF
Perception in virtual reality is more strongly influenced by expectations than visual information, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/sPQBaGu
While exercise and mindfulness help older adults stay physically fit and mentally well, they may not have such a strong beneficial impact on cognition as previously believed. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SfRCNAe
In patients with cognitive decline, the cerebral spinal immune system is dramatically altered. The findings shed light on how inflammation and the immune system play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/blIWFKv
A single psychedelic experience increases beliefs about consciousness, meaning, purpose, and a range of nonphysicalist beliefs. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dxo54nJ
Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), a form of CAR-T therapy appears to be safe and has encouraging signs of efficacy in treating both lymphoma of the brain and spinal cord injury. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dfeHsvj
The formation of plaques can cause the accumulation of spheroid-shaped swellings along axons near the amyloid plaque deposits. The swellings are caused by lysosomes, which digest cellular waste. As the swelling enlarges, it can block the transmission of signals from one area of the brain to another. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/7GpeQ6w
Visual snow, or visual static is a rare disease in which people see a type of "TV static" in their vision. The condition affects around 2% of the population. While the disorder itself can not be treated, it is possible to treat symptoms associated with the disorder. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/kl7ry9o
Constant push notifications on smartphones may affect cognition by decreasing concentration and increasing distraction. Researchers found heavy smartphone use was associated with poor concentration recovery following a notification and alterations in brain activity that made people more sensitive to push notifications. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/XTPwESz
Researchers have developed a new mixed reality game that can help children on the autism spectrum to develop better motor skills. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/zw4c5YZ
Brain-computer interfaces are currently being used to assist those with neuromuscular disorders in regaining everyday functions such as mobility and communication. The military is developing BCI technology to aid members in rapid response to threats. Researchers investigate the ethical questions of using neurotech such as BCI on the battle field. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/QglPvDG
Researchers have identified a protein that could be leveraged to help microglia in the brain stave off Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/v0yYKdz
Those on the autism spectrum are more likely to consider the body and mind to be one, while those not on the autism spectrum are more likely to believe the body and the mind are separate entities. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/qpCU3eE
Tracking eye movements as a person views an image of a face in different lights provides vital clues about visual perception and consciousness overall. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/In4ormX
The anti-aging drug Rapamycin only prolongs the lifespan of females according to research using fruit fly and mouse models. Rapamycin increased autophagy in female intestinal cells, but not in males. Findings suggest biological sex may be a crucial factor in the effectiveness of anti-aging drugs. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ygpvsJ7
Persistent pain, which is common in those over the age of 65, was linked to meaningful declines in physical function and well-being. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/FYxz7H6
Previous research has linked oral bacteria and poor dental hygiene to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Now, researchers have discovered a link between Streptococcus anginosus, a bacteria found in oral abscesses, and an increased risk of brain abscesses. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/q96Jpby
Study identified three new genes that appear to be involved in the pathologies associated with multiple sclerosis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/r3Q2BML
Older adults with cognitive decline who have higher levels of vitamin D in their brains had better cognitive function than their peers with lower levels of vitamin D. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/n4TwKeH
Gene usage in the brains of those who suffered severe COVID-19 infections was similar to that observed in the aging brain. Researchers say COVID-19 is associated with molecular signatures of brain aging. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/tfcJmiF
In those with hearing loss, using hearing aids or cochlear implants was associated with a long-term reduction of cognitive decline by 19% and a 3% improvement in cognitive test scores. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/B98vP46
Twins who were more physically active had lower signs of metabolic disease and epigenetic markers linked to decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Findings suggest metabolic diseases are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment as opposed to just their inherited genetics. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SwjuXql
Despite media claims that suicide rates increase dramatically over the holiday period, researchers report the average daily suicide rate during the holidays remain among the lowest rate of any period of the year. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OcCZLS9
Since 2000, marijuana use in young adults has increased by 245%, while alcohol use in adolescents has seen a steady decline. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Yr1c0ta
Study reveals after healing, minor facial scars have little to no effect on ratings of attractiveness. In fact, some facial scars may be considered to make a person appear more attractive to others. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/lLC5Obw
A new hybrid of biomaterial nanoparticles in conjunction with existing methods of tissue regeneration was successfully synthesized to promote and regenerate tissue following spinal cord injury. The new method has the potential to treat spinal cord injuries. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/4nr7vgT
Researchers find significant changes in fathers' brains between the prenatal and the postpartum period. The main changes occurred in cortical areas associated with visual processing, attention, and empathy toward their baby. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/xGD45pw
Kinase enzymes are essential for neurons to perform autophagy. Researchers found deleting genes that encode kinase NDR1 and NDR2 impairs neuron health and spurs neurodegeneration in both young and old mice. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/5JenGkK
A newly developed "e-tattoo" monitors electrodermal activity, revealing when a person is experiencing elevated stress levels. The "tattoo" attaches to the user's palm and connects to a smartwatch. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/A7uSqb3
Women who experience postpartum mood disorders including PTSD, depression, and anxiety two to three years after giving birth had irregular immune system responses, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/iaybDCV
Beginners who took piano lessons for one hour a week over the course of 11 weeks showed improvements in audio and visual processing. Additionally, musical training helped to boost mood and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/hzCeH4a
Empathy is induced by synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain, a new mouse study reveals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/LzUuOVf