NEURO

Researchers analyzed the DNA sequences from 240 mammalian species, showing how comparative genomics can shed light on how certain species achieve extraordinary feats and help scientists better understand the functional parts of the human genome. By identifying regions of the genomes that are most conserved across mammalian species, they pinpointed the genetic basis for uncommon mammalian traits, such as the ability to hibernate or detect faint scents from miles away. They also found genetic variants that are more likely to play causal roles in rare and common human diseases. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/eNEI3Dy

Octopamine, the major neurotransmitter responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response in invertebrates, can communicate with mammalian brain cells to prevent cell death. By introducing octopamine to cultures of astrocytes, the scientists found that it prompts the production of lactate, which promotes cell survival, and this discovery could lead to future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The study also raises questions about the role of octopamine in healthy brains and its impact on learning, memory, and aging. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/KkqXu1T

A new MRI imaging technique has been developed by a research team at MedUni Vienna that can map brain glucose metabolism without the use of radioactive substances. The non-invasive procedure uses a harmless glucose solution and can be used with common MRI scanners, offering reliable results for diagnosing metabolic disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/GIV3AOP

Our brain consumes a significant amount of energy, accounting for about 20% of the body's total energy consumption. Most of this energy is used for information processing. While research shows that increased mental activity does lead to slightly higher energy consumption, this increase is minimal, region-specific, and often offset by energy decreases in other areas. Feeling exhausted after mental activity is likely due to mental stress rather than actual energy depletion. Pacing yourself can help avoid mental overload, stress, and fatigue. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/m3w71KO

A new pill, called FLASH, has been developed to regulate appetite without drugs or invasive procedures. Researchers designed the pill to deliver electrical impulses to the stomach lining, modulating hunger-related gut hormones. The pill has been shown to affect the release of appetite hormone ghrelin in pig trials. FLASH could potentially treat various disorders related to metabolism and eating without pharmaceuticals or surgery. The researchers are now conducting additional preclinical testing and aim to start human trials within five years. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/p2LQvRO

In everyday life, our brains adapt to new situations using the prefrontal cortex. A team of neuroscientists discovered a special class of neurons in the prefrontal cortex that enable flexible behavior, and when malfunctioning, may contribute to conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These long-range inhibitory connections synchronize gamma oscillations across the left and right prefrontal cortex, allowing the brain to change its behavior at the right moment. This research could lead to new treatments for psychiatric conditions by targeting these long-range inhibitory connections. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/KviJXYt

Researchers inhibited somatostatin interneurons in a subregion of the hippocampus, inducing aging-related cellular and behavioral changes. This study establishes a causal link between reduced interneuron function and cognitive decline, offering a new model for studying age-related cognitive disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/BFtUyMk

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right cerebellum improved episodic memory in elderly people, a new study reports. The findings open the door to developing new, non-invasive therapies to treat age-related memory and cognitive problems. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/0V4uQYj

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Researchers have developed a deep learning AI tool that can automate the diagnostics of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness. The tool was found to be as effective as senior pediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness, and the researchers hope it will improve access to care in underserved areas and prevent blindness in thousands of newborns worldwide. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Gn5Vcmi

Researchers identified DNA methylation markers that may indicate the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life in newborns. This breakthrough discovery could allow for early detection and intervention to reduce the impact of the disease. By studying blood samples collected at birth, the team was able to identify unique methylation differences in cell types that could become potential clinical biomarkers for future early detection of schizophrenia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/N5Xli4Y

During the COVID-19 pandemic, US dog and cat owners became closer to their pets, though pet ownership did not consistently alleviate stress and loneliness. The relationship between mental health and pet ownership was complex, with dog owners experiencing a greater reduction in stress and loneliness compared to cat owners and non-pet owners. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bqEUw85

A groundbreaking gene therapy proven successful in treating an inherited, blinding eye disease in dogs is now poised for clinical trials in humans with the rare condition retinitis pigmentosa. The therapy, which halts vision loss by introducing a normal copy of the CNGB1 gene, could potentially benefit around 2 million people affected worldwide. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/MKsre7E

Researchers identified 29 sources of potential bias in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) models used in medical imaging, ranging from data collection to model deployment. The report provides insights into the limitations of AI/ML in medical imaging and suggests possible ways for their mitigation, paving the way for a more equitable and just deployment of medical imaging AI/ML models in the future. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/lexKS4O

A new study reveals that prosody - rhythm, melodic stress, pitch, pauses - plays a fundamental role in babies' language acquisition and cognitive development, improving their ability to identify distant grammatical regularities. The study highlights the crucial impact of subtle pitch changes in processing statistical information in early childhood and sheds light on the role of prosody in language acquisition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/A4gJKWU

A new study shows that musical training can improve audiovisual speech perception in aging adults by preserving and compensating for youthful neural patterns. The research reveals two mechanisms that older musicians use to counteract age-related decline: functional preservation and functional compensation, providing hope for targeted interventions to promote healthy aging. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Dc6gVAx

A new study has found that shyness is characterized by fear and nervousness in response to social novelty and/or social evaluation. Researchers identified that temperamental shyness may exist in a distinct group of children over time, while a larger subset of children may experience shyness as an emotional state in some situations. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JuLF8CP

Rhythmic brain activity plays a key role in temporarily storing important information in memory. By coordinating bursts of activity over time, overlapping populations of neurons can store different pieces of information simultaneously, potentially helping people stay focused while multitasking. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/tB8YWH1

According to a recent study, background classical music has no effect on learning levels in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to high-arousal music may have a positive impact on individuals who use music as an emotional regulator, suggesting the need for further research. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Oq9EQFX

Researchers studied the brain activity of healthy participants under the influence of nitrous oxide, comparing it to data from studies with ketamine and LSD to see whether the neurobiology of the psychedelic experience was similar. They found that the patterns of activity associated with the different substances overlapped, indicating common underlying biology, which could inform future research on the therapeutic use of psychedelics. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/oVpRIvj

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In utero and early life exposure to high-fat diets result in a preference for foods that are higher in salt later in life, a new study reports. Researchers say high-fat diets increase the expression of the AT1 protein in the taste buds. This occurs as early as three weeks of age. AT1 is associated with a preference for salty tastes and researchers suggest AT1 affects salty taste preference by increasing sodium intake in taste bud cells. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/gD9dhUA

A new study finds that chimpanzees with more aggressive personalities and less conscientiousness are more successful at climbing the social ladder and siring offspring than their more passive counterparts. However, the researchers also find it puzzling that not every chimpanzee has the same personality traits, suggesting that there may be other factors at play that determine the diversity of personalities in chimpanzees. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/EopLJzw

Move over humans, monkeys can think deeply too! A novel study has shown that monkeys are capable of careful decision-making by considering costs, consequences, and constraints. Findings reveal our primate cousins are capable of making optimal choices instead of impulsive decisions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/6LkfUnx

According to research, problems with the brain's ability to prune itself of unnecessary connections may be behind a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. This could explain why people are often affected by more than one disorder. The discovery of a characteristic pattern of brain activity called the "neuropsychopathological factor" (NP factor) could help identify those at greatest risk of mental health problems and facilitate earlier interventions to reduce the risk. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/FLXmScH

Brain activity can be conditioned through external brain stimulation, researchers discovered. The findings have implications for using TMS as a therapeutic approach, potentially leading to more straightforward treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and depression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/sMvqyDO

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Researchers from Monash University are investigating the age of the brain, which may not always match the age of its host. Their work aims to unravel this mystery from different perspectives. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/LXBN69u

It may be possible to optimize the stimulation parameters of brain implants in animals without human intervention. The study highlights the potential for autonomous optimization of prostheses implanted in the brain. The advance may prove to be beneficial for those with spinal cord injury and diseases that affect movement. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/z6Bckqw

A study by King's College researchers has identified a link between autism traits and isolated fetal ventriculomegaly - a common antenatal brain abnormality. Using MRI brain scans, the study supports the need for early identification and intervention for families and could improve the long-term support of those affected. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Z0VkMjP

Chronic alcohol consumption can increase sensitivity to pain through two molecular mechanisms. Researchers also identified potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-related chronic pain. Over half of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from persistent pain, including alcoholic neuropathy. The study found that alcohol withdrawal could result in neuropathy that was not reversed by re-exposure to alcohol. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/8UMJiLb

Up to 90% of patients report experiencing a diminished sense of smell, even prior to the onset of other symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A new study reveals the mechanism behind smell loss associated with Parkinson's, reporting mouse models with olfactory impairments had severe pathology in projection neurons of the olfactory pathway. The mice also had reduced neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/R4ENvlG

The protein Yap1 plays a key role in the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. However, tight regulation of Yap1 activity is essential as dysregulation causes the disruption of tissue seen in glioblastoma brain cancer. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RH5AY7V

Early intervention with the multiple sclerosis treatment Teriflunomide delays the preliminary symptoms of the autoimmune disease, a new study reports. Those who took teriflunomide had a 72% lower risk of experiencing the initial symptoms of MS than those who took a placebo. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ZB94om0

Analyzing data from the popular music streaming service Spotify, researchers found the music we listen to while studying and the songs we prefer while falling asleep share more similarities than music in general. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/jTLDeU7

CCommon infections, including the chickenpox virus and herpes simplex virus type 1, can worsen cognitive performance and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged and older adults, a new study reports. The findings add to the growing body of evidence linking common infections to poor brain health associated with aging. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/U1lnL90

A new study reveals astrocyte dysfunction may be a driver of cognitive decline and memory loss in those with dementia. This may be caused by a protein build-up in the astrocytes that appears to trigger abnormal antiviral activity that results in memory loss. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2QSir9b

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Regardless of affiliation, religious people were more likely to act in a generous manner toward strangers when asked to think about their God. The level of giving increased equally regardless of whether the stranger was a member of the same religious group or not. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/svyGZqE

Parkinson's disease does not generally reduce cognitive function within the first five years, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/BueM7mZ

A new imaging probe revealed an increase in iron redox in brain areas where amyloid plaques occur in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bS46F5s

Stimulating glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus may improve walking recovery in those with spinal cord injury. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Y8PWMyO

Brain areas that control movement are plugged into networks that orchestrate thinking and planning, and control involuntary bodily functions. The findings provide a link between the body and the "mind" in the brain's structure. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/pBuQrJM

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Study finds one in five cases of child abuse is perpetrated by both parents. Researchers investigate the risk factors for child mistreatment where both parents are involved. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/7MwcrkH

Chemical signals released by muscles during exercise promote neural development in the brain, researchers report. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/hxHkMNr

Study reveals how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in mouse brains. The new understanding opens the door for the development of novel therapies for a range of neurodegenerative disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/4BjY8a3

Different people have similar neural activity when processing social information. Researchers reveal the occipital and temporal lobes are important hubs for social information processing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/XWPYJZy

Anosmia, or the loss of the sense of smell caused by long COVID is linked to changes in the brain that prevents correct olfactory processing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/CsNyZBm

Bipolar patients who received emotion-focused therapy showed increased connectivity and activation in the amygdala post-intervention compared to those who received cognitive behavioral therapy. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/y0ASQVG

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For those with chronic pain, it may be possible to retrain your brain to help manage or reduce your symptoms when you become over-sensitized to other treatment methods. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dReh7B9

Hippocampal activity was profoundly impaired in rodent models of long-term steroid exposure, leading to memory deficits. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/q9yOPHD

A novel imaging technique is capable of showing reactive astrocyte-neuron interactions. The technique sheds new light on Alzheimer's pathologies and offers a potential breakthrough for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ghi5wk4

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Unconscious mechanisms that occur as a result of neural activity set us up for actions we are going to take. This happens before we are consciously aware of the decisions we wish to pursue. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/9otYgFb

Probiotics have recently attracted increasing interest for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers tested the ability of probiotics to contrast oxidative stress and inflammation induced by sleep loss. Findings concluded that probiotic supplementation could be a positive strategy to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by sleep loss. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/39gOzJU