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Showing posts from January, 2023

Infants Exposed to Excessive Screen Time Show Differences in Brain Function Beyond Eight Years of Age

Greater exposure to screen time during infancy was linked to poor self-regulation and brain immaturity at age eight. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/7FLscd9

Ultra-Processed Foods May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Cancer

High consumption of ultra-processed foods, including soda, chips, and some white bread products, was associated with an increased risk of developing and dying from certain kinds of cancer, including brain cancer. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/kAfjTZJ

Tuning Into Brainwave Rhythms Speeds up Learning in Adults

Tuning into a person's brain wave cycle before they perform a learning task can dramatically improve the speed at which cognitive skills improve. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/fAEizsH

Moderate and Intense Physical Activity Favors Good Sleep

Physical activity improves sleep quality, especially for women, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/nFz3fN5

Obesity-Related Neurodegeneration Mimics Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers discovered a correlation between obesity-related neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Losing weight, they say, can slow age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SxfhLOg

Political Orientation Could Be Predicted by Differences in Brain Activation and Synchronization

Neuroimaging reveals partisanship-dependent differences in brain stimulation when people are exposed to political messaging from either their own or opposing political sides. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/BwtZknC

How Our Brains Turn Into Smarter Disease Fighters

CRISPR gene editing created the G795A amino acid which was introduced to microglia derived from human stem cells. Researchers were able to transplant the donor microglia immune cells into humanized rodent models while administering an FDA-approved cancer drug called pexidartinib. The inclusion of the amino acid cause the donated microglia to thrive and resist the drug, while the host microglia died. The findings open the door for new methods of using microglia to treat a range of neurodegenerative disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Qgw1DFl

Depression and Poor Mental Health Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risks Among Young Adults

Study reveals an association between depression and other mental health problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in younger people. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/AWkG8mY

Experimental Anti-depression Drug May Also Be Useful in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

MAP4343, an experimental antidepressant compound reversed alcohol intake in rat models of alcohol use disorder. The findings pave the way for utilizing the compound for the treatment of AUD in humans. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/KZRpeEk

Brain’s ‘Wakeful Rest’ Network May Be Key to Alzheimer’s Risk

In women, parts of the default mode network responsible for memory retrieval and recollection, and spatial cognition were more likely to be connected to the overall DMN network. The patterns of connectivity correlated with brain structures associated with short-term memory problems resembled alterations seen in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/cPT0Ekw

Antioxidants From Mitochondria Protect Cells From Dying

The STARD7 enzyme helps transport the antioxidant coenzyme Q from the mitochondria to the cell surface. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/foP1BUA

Coffee With Milk May Have an Anti-inflammatory Effect

Adding a splash of milk to your cup of coffee can have anti-inflammatory effects, a new study reports. Researchers say the combination of polyphenols and proteins doubles anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/iRcbfyr

Is Brain Learning Weaker Than Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial neural networks based on human brain dynamics can outperform current deep learning models in learning capabilities. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SDJEClL

Fear of Public Places Is Common in Adults With Epilepsy

Phobic and agoraphobic symptoms are common in those with epilepsy and result in a poorer quality of life. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/20uerc8

People With Autism Experience Pain at a Higher Intensity

People with autism experience pain at a higher intensity than those not on the autism spectrum and are less adaptable to the sensation. This revelation contradicts the prevailing belief that those with ASD tend to be indifferent to pain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Jq6Hk2N

More Thankful, Less Stressed?

The state of gratitude lowers systolic blood pressure response through stress-testing experiences, demonstrating that gratitude has a unique buffering effect against both reactions to and recovery from psychological stress. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/nHGmkZW

Measles Virus ‘Cooperates’ With Itself to Cause Fatal Encephalitis

Measles virus that persists in the body can develop mutations in the F protein, which controls how the virus infects cells. The mutated protein can interact with its normal form, making it capable of infecting the brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ogsXuvH

Non-invasive Neurotechnology Reduces Symptoms of Insomnia and Improves Autonomic Nervous System Function

A new closed-loop, acoustic stimulation technique significantly improves sleep quality and autonomic immune system function, and reduces symptoms of insomnia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/BVoOYxA

Reducing the Temptation to Cheat in Relationships

Perspective-taking and empathy not only reduce the temptation to cheat on a partner, but they also help protect against other relationship-destroying behaviors. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/fGK7Sqt

Poor Literacy Linked to Worse Mental Health Worldwide

Poor literacy skills or being illiterate is associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression, researchers say. Additionally, poor literacy is also linked to increased feelings of loneliness. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RGvYZwa

Even Simple Motions Make Ripples Across Brain

A simple motion like a push of a button can send ripples of activity across neurons spanning the entire brain, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/9YeiInN

New Technology May Help Inform Brain Stimulation

A new technique that uses ultrafast fMRI is able to capture brain activity at sub-second levels. The technique allows for real-time monitoring of the brain under stimulation conditions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/m12p3tL

Fresh Questions About Oxytocin as the ‘Love Hormone’ Behind Pair Bonding

The "love hormone" oxytocin may not play as critical a role in bonding as previously believed. Removing the oxytocin receptor in animal models still resulted in monogamous mating, attachment, and parental bonding behaviors, although females without the receptor produced milk in smaller quantities. Findings reveal parenting and bonding aren't purely dictated by oxytocin receptors. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/TXMdU87

A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?

Laughter doesn't only help bring people together, it can be great therapy for those suffering from depression, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JXK0Ahd

Protein Plaques Associated With Disease Are Stickier Than Thought

Study provides experimental evidence of an alternative binding site on amyloid-beta aggregates. The discovery opens the door to the development of new therapies for Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/6AeZVSJ

A Five-Fold Increase in Autism in New York-New Jersey Region

Between 2000 and 2016, documented cases of ASD increased as much as 500% in the New York - New Jersey metro region. The highest increase was in children without intellectual disabilities. Researchers say as many as 2 out of 3 children diagnosed with autism have no intellectual disabilities at all. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OEzDKZH

Events Serve as “Stepping Stones” en Route to Retrieved Memories

People use event boundaries as "stepping stones" to scan their memories when attempting to recall specific facts or pieces of information. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/vXahNbO

A New Collection of Human Brain Atlases That Chart Postnatal Development

Researchers have created a collection of month-to-month infant brain maps that capture the fine detail of changes in the early developing brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ajWKuif

Legalizing Recreational Cannabis Does Not Increase Substance Abuse

State-level legalization of recreational cannabis does not increase substance use disorder or encourage the use of other illicit drugs, a new study of twins reveals. Additionally, legalized recreational cannabis can reduce alcohol consumption. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/fdXO4G9

Mechanical Forces in the Nervous System Play a Corrective Role

Synaptic pruning occurs as a result of mechanical tearing, a new study reveals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Ga5qn09

Sleep Disorders in Parents and Children Associated With More Parental Stress

Parental stress is higher in parents who suffer from sleep disorders or have children with disordered sleeping. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Ox4rJTf

Using Running to Escape Everyday Stresses May Lead To Exercise Dependence Instead of Mental Well-being

Running can help some escape from their everyday stresses, however, some recreational runners show signs of exercise dependence. Exercise dependence could be the result of maladaptive escapism where one self-suppresses to avoid negative experiences. This can be detrimental to overall well-being. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RZswcLa

Movement Information Offers Critical Visual Cues

The brain uses motion cues to decipher how we see objects, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dIvhD5K

Could a Viral Illness Increase Chances of Developing Alzheimer’s or Other Neurodegenerative Disease?

Study reveals a significant association between certain viral illnesses, including viral encephalitis and pneumonia-causing flu with an increased risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder later in life. Researchers say existing vaccines against the viruses may reduce the chances of developing neurodegeneration. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/YU6TrMd

Poor Co-parenting Linked to Depression in Dads

Men who have poor co-parenting relationships with their partners in the months following the birth of their child are more likely to be depressed by the time their children are toddlers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/IzSoDj1

Common Panic Response Can Desensitize Body to Temperature Changes

Panic-induced hyperventilation can reduce our ability to respond to environmental threats as it desensitizes body temperature to change. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ZGBH5ad

Neurons That “Learn” to Smell a Threat

Researchers reveal how the olfactory system aids in threat assessment and have identified neurons that learn whether a specific smell represents a threat. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/6PMyBau

New Clues About the Development of Epilepsy

The activation of dentate granule cells in the hippocampus plays a key role in alterations that occur during the development of post-traumatic epilepsy. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/D5AZpjN

How a Brain Molecule Could Halt Multiple Sclerosis

Injecting the brain molecule into mouse models of multiple sclerosis increased the number of oligodendrocytes. The findings suggest fractalkine may help to slow the progression, or potentially halt multiple sclerosis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ZfQIFA7

Childhood Trauma Linked to Civic Environmental Engagement and Green Behavior

People who experience trauma and abuse during childhood are more likely to engage in civic environmental activities and green behaviors later in life, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/hBVGI6f

Pop-up Electrode Device Could Help With 3D Mapping of the Brain

A newly developed pop-up electrode device can assist with 3D brain mapping by gathering in-depth information about individual neurons and their interactions while limiting the potential of damaging brain tissue. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/gJPhwRz

Chicory, Surrogate and Roasted Coffee Provide New Insights Into Mechanisms of Taste Perception

The bitter compounds of chicory exhibit a receptor activation profile that overlaps with roasted coffee compounds, resulting in a similar taste profile. However, the impact on three taste receptors differs between the substances. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/rvdyoFh

Head Injury Is Associated With Doubled Mortality Rate Long-Term

People who suffered from head injuries had a two times higher mortality rate than those who did not suffer a TBI. For those who suffered a moderate to severe head injury, the mortality rate was three times higher. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/GB1skjy

Study Explains Emotional ‘Blunting’ Caused by Common Antidepressants

SSRI antidepressants can make users less sensitive to rewards, resulting in emotional blunting many users experience. The findings provide new evidence for the role serotonin plays in reinforcement learning. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/uy6PZz7

Origins of Pleasurable Touch Traced From Skin to Brain

Study reveals a skin-to-brain neural circuit that responds to rewarding forms of social touch. Researchers say the findings could provide an avenue for harnessing the power of touch to assist in treating social and emotional disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bfVI5DK

In the Wake of a Wildfire, Embers of Change in Cognition and Brain Function Linger

People exposed to the Camp Fire California wildfire in 2018 showed significant brain and cognitive function changes many months after the event. Findings add to the growing body of evidence that supports a growing phenomenon known as "climate trauma". from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/075UOWc

Wearable Tech and AI Combine to Track Progression of Movement Disorders

Combining new wearable technology and artificial intelligence, researchers are better able to track motion and monitor the progression of movement disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SoCG1te

Premature Birth Linked to Poorer School Grades in Adolescence

Children born at or before 34 weeks of gestation tended to have lower scores in tests for mathematics, language, and IQ as teenagers compared to those born at full term. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/MhcI5Uv

Procrastination Is Linked to Poor Mental and Physical Health

Procrastination is linked to increased anxiety, stress, pain, unhealthier lifestyles, and delays in seeking assistance for general health problems. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/VbXsaUF

Novel mRNA Delivery Method Induces Collagen Repair and Could Replace Fillers for Skin Wrinkles

A novel mRNA delivery method that uses extracellular vesicles initiates collagen replacement in photoaged skin. A single injection increased collagen production and reduced wrinkle formation in targeted areas for two months. Researchers say the new delivery method could be used to treat a number of disorders including ones associated with protein loss associated with aging and hereditary disorders where genes and proteins are missing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/WYZE8cX