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Showing posts from May, 2023

Meditation Diminishes Bias Toward Negative Information

A new study reveals that daily mindfulness meditation can help reduce individuals' tendency to avoid negative information. The practice of regular mindfulness meditation allows people to better process uncomfortable emotions, thus enabling them to handle negative information more objectively. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/S3aAeYH

AI Can Predict Preterm Birth at 31 Weeks of Gestation

Researchers are improving the prediction of preterm birth by studying electrical activity during pregnancy. A deep learning model developed by the team can predict preterm births as early as 31 weeks of gestation using electrohysterogram measurements and clinical data. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/37WAmGo

Middle Age Sexual Satisfaction: A Potential Early Sign of Cognitive Decline

Researchers found lower sexual satisfaction in middle age may be a warning sign of future cognitive decline. The study examined associations between erectile function, sexual satisfaction, and cognition in hundreds of middle-aged men, discovering a correlation between declines in sexual satisfaction and future memory loss. This study tracks sexual satisfaction, sexual health, and cognition over time, revealing a novel potential risk factor for cognitive decline. While the causality remains uncertain, this relationship suggests that improving sexual satisfaction might positively affect memory function.Researchers found lower sexual satisfaction in middle age may be a warning sign of future cognitive decline. The study examined associations between erectile function, sexual satisfaction, and cognition in hundreds of middle-aged men, discovering a correlation between declines in sexual satisfaction and future memory loss. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RgJiPbm

Memory Boosting Power of Flavanols in Aging Adults

A new study establishes the critical role of flavanols, nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, in mitigating age-related memory loss. The research shows a correlation between flavanol intake and scores on memory tests among older adults. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dFQhy02

Inhale, Exhale, Remember: Uncovering the Breath-Memory Connection

Intricate links between breathing and memory recall have been unraveled by recent scientific research, painting a more complex picture of our cognitive processes. Studies reveal that the rhythm of our breathing can influence neural activity, impacting cognitive functions such as emotional processing and memory recall. The most compelling evidence highlights that inhalation, particularly through the nose, can improve memory function. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/iKm3YuV

Top 5 Neuroscience News Stories of the Week

This week, Neuroscience News brought us remarkable findings from the field of neuroscience. Discoveries ranged from unraveling how Botox breaches neurons, to a study finding 'Superagers' with Alzheimer's-like pathology but superior cognition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/URpeCrP

The DNA of Decision-Making

A novel study uncovers a peculiar pattern of decision-making in mice, influenced by a specific gene named Arc. While searching for food, mice repeatedly visited an empty location instead of staying at a site abundant in food. However, mice lacking the Arc gene demonstrated a more practical approach, sticking with the food-rich site, thereby consuming more calories overall. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/wIPsWdm

BigNeuron: Revolutionizing Neuron Reconstruction with AI

Researchers published a research paper detailing their project, BigNeuron. This initiative seeks to establish standard methods for the accurate and swift automated reconstruction of neurons, using deep learning algorithms. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/g84a6tw

Vitamin D’s Crucial Role in Dopamine Function and Schizophrenia

Neuroscientists discovered how vitamin D deficiency impacts the development of neurons, contributing to disorders such as schizophrenia. Using innovative technology, they were able to observe that a lack of vitamin D not only changes neuron growth but also affects the brain's dopamine release mechanism. They found dopamine release was enhanced in cells grown in the presence of vitamin D, compared to a control. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/4WhjXEC

Gene Therapy Reverses Age-Related Hearing Loss

Researchers successfully demonstrated the efficacy of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in reversing genetic hearing loss in aged animal models. The scientists developed a mature mouse model with a mutation similar to the human TMPRSS3 gene defect, which typically results in progressive hearing loss. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/XgJlGh3

Step Up for Brain Health: Walking Boosts Brain Networks, Combats Alzheimer’s

Walking can enhance connections within and between three critical brain networks, one of which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research, involving older adults with normal cognitive function and those with mild cognitive impairment, showcased an improvement in memory recollection abilities after a 12-week walking exercise regimen. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/FoDMh1s

Stem Cell Transplants May Cure HIV

Researchers reveal two nonhuman primates were cured of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), the monkey form of HIV, after a stem cell transplant. The team identified two circumstances that must coincide for a cure to occur and tracked the sequence in which HIV is cleared from the body. The insights may help develop a widespread cure for HIV, which affects around 38 million people globally. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Dloyds8

Sugar and Fat Energize Unique Immune Cells Against Viruses and Bacteria

Researchers discovered two subtypes of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in mouse lungs. Each subtype has a distinct role: MAIT1 cells battle viruses using sugar for fuel, while MAIT17 cells fight bacteria using fat. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bcQDper

Rights or Rites? Reimagining Robots’ Moral Status through Confucian Lens

As robots become more pervasive in our society, the question of whether they should be granted rights is a subject of increasing debate. A new analysis challenges this view. Instead of rights, researchers propose we view robots as 'rites bearers', drawing on principles from Confucianism that emphasize social harmony and role obligations. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/feIl0rb

Novel Treatment for Violent Dreaming in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A new potential treatment for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder has been identified. The study established a new model detailing the disorder's progression due to neurodegeneration linked with tau protein accumulation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/a08xYfD

Loosely Wrapped Myelin Marks Early Stages of Multiple Sclerosis, Even Before Inflammation

Structural abnormalities in white matter, even before the onset of inflammation, may serve as a new therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, focusing on 'normal-appearing white matter', identified early changes in myelin, an insulating substance around nerve fibers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/zcGLXP6

Wireless Brain-Spine Interface: A Leap Towards Reversing Paralysis

In a pioneering study, researchers designed a wireless brain-spine interface enabling a paralyzed man to walk naturally again. The 'digital bridge' comprises two electronic implants — one on the brain and another on the spinal cord — that decode brain signals and stimulate the spinal cord to activate leg muscles. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/d5yVzOj

Navigating the Brain’s Glucose Map

Researchers located specific brain regions responsive to changes in blood sugar levels. Over 13 years, the team, using detailed microscopic analysis, identified glucose-sensitive cell populations in the brain and meticulously charted their locations in an open-source brain atlas. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/D8sKNet

Virtual Village Shields Vulnerable People from Pandemic Isolation

Researchers developed a virtual village to combat heightened isolation among older people living with HIV (OPLH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This online environment provides access to health, community, and personal resources for OPLH aged 50 and above. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/A0u65GE

Inducing Self-Destruction in Glioblastoma Brain Cancer

Researchers discovered a method to induce self-destruction in glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer. By introducing a specially developed molecule that inhibits the hijacked adaptive mechanisms cancer cells use to manage stress, the researchers triggered the cancer cells to self-destruct. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/TaYCMmb

Placebo Effect: AI Augmentation Belief Spurs Risk-Taking

The belief in AI enhancement can lead to increased risk-taking behavior. In the study, participants were informed that an AI application would enhance their cognitive abilities during a virtual card game. Despite the absence of actual AI assistance, participants displayed higher risk-taking, indicating a potential placebo effect in technological applications. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/16rwX9l

Multivitamins Linked to Better Memory and Slower Cognitive Aging

A new study suggests daily multivitamin supplementation could improve memory among older adults. The study tested the impact of multivitamins on cognitive function. Compared to a placebo group, participants taking daily multivitamins showed significantly better memory performance over a three-year period. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/NGV7B1c

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an urgent advisory addressing the potential dangers of social media on the mental health of young people. Despite the potential benefits, the advisory highlights the risks social media poses to children and adolescents, with nearly 95% of 13-17-year-olds reporting usage. Acknowledging the ongoing youth mental health crisis, the Surgeon General calls for immediate action from policymakers, tech companies, researchers, and families to better understand and mitigate the effects of social media. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/t0WZfa5

The Neuroscience of Sharing: Personal Relevance of News Fuels Social Media Engagement

New research reveals people are more likely to share social media posts they find personally relevant or valuable to their relationships. The study found that prompting users to consider the value of a post increased activity in brain areas linked to sharing decisions, boosting their motivation to share. Participants were more likely to share health-related articles when they thought about how the information could help someone else or shape a positive self-presentation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/jksWgwX

Basal Ganglia Pathway Key to Learning, Not Motor Control

In a radical shift from the past 30 years of neuroscience, researchers have discovered that the basal ganglia, a crucial part of the brain involved in motor control and learning, plays a more significant role in learning than previously thought. Contradicting long-standing beliefs, the study shows that the "indirect pathway" in the basal ganglia drives learning rather than motor control. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/gwl0VqH

Reduced Oxygen Intake Linked to Extended Lifespan

Researchers revealed a correlation between reduced oxygen intake, or 'oxygen restriction,' and extended lifespan in lab mice. The study found that mice in an oxygen-restricted environment lived about 50% longer than those in normal oxygen levels. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/CiwY5xM

Revisiting the Invisible Gorilla: Fast-Moving Unexpected Objects Capture Attention

A study challenges the long-held belief that our ability to spot unexpected objects is compromised when focused on a separate task. The team showed that individuals are surprisingly good at noticing fast-moving objects entering their field of vision, even when concentrating elsewhere. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dTUxoig

Charismatic Robot Voices: A Boost for Team Creativity?

Robotic voices with a charismatic tone can positively influence the creative performance of teams. Researchers designed a social robot's speech to sound charismatic, employing a confident, passionate tone and tested its effects on students during a creativity task. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/p3Dyzv4

Viewing Food Images Multiple Times Curbs Appetite

Viewing images of the same food item multiple times can lead to a feeling of fullness. The study found that when participants viewed the same food picture 30 times, they subsequently chose smaller portion sizes compared to those who saw the image just three times. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/YBj71hn

Neuroscience vs Victim Blaming: Unraveling Fear-Induced Immobility in Court

A new perspective challenges the traditional victim-blaming narrative in sexual assault cases. The researchers discuss neuroscientific evidence which supports the notion of victims becoming 'frozen' due to fear and threat. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/TxV7Pwg

AI Unlocks Enzyme Secrets

Researchers used artificial intelligence to predict how enzymes interact with various substrates. The team developed an AI model that can accurately predict whether an enzyme can work with a particular molecule. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/UXsGuxR

Regular Exercise Diminishes Stroke-Induced Bleeding

Regular physical activity can reduce bleeding in individuals with intracerebral hemorrhage. Analyzing data from 686 patients, researchers found that those who reported regular physical activity had significantly smaller hemorrhages than inactive individuals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/j47DJeG

Brain Activity Reveals Chronic Pain Signatures

Researchers successfully recorded data directly from the brains of individuals suffering from chronic pain caused by stroke or amputation. This milestone, accomplished using machine learning tools, identified specific brain regions and biomarkers associated with chronic pain. The findings mark a significant stride towards devising novel methods for monitoring and treating chronic pain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/o0RPOdD

Unexpected Genetic Influence of Fathers in Autism

Researchers provide new insight into the genetic origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study suggests that, contrary to long-standing beliefs, siblings with ASD may share more of their father's genome. The investigation involved analysis of over 6,000 volunteer families' genomes, revealing a potential new source of ASD. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/gFb8jYM

Engineered Virus and Immunotherapy: New Hope for Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Patients

A new study details the safe and promising use of an engineered oncolytic virus (DNX-2401) alongside immunotherapy in treating recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Despite not meeting its primary efficacy endpoint, the study achieved a significant 12-month survival rate, exceeding the prespecified efficacy threshold. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/DwAtlGJ

Top Five Neuroscience Articles of the Week

This week in neuroscience has been nothing short of astounding. We're here to recap the top Neuroscience News articles that made a splash. If these escaped your radar, it's the perfect time to plunge into the ocean of knowledge and uncover the most recent, groundbreaking strides that are shaping our grasp of the brain's intricate workings. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/NiOrAYk

Shared Genetics for Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers discovered shared genetic underpinnings for cannabis use and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Employing advanced statistical modelling, the study revealed a complex interplay of genetic variants increasing or decreasing risk factors for these conditions. These findings may contribute to personalized preventive measures and interventional strategies. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JwtyHK9

Unlocking the Mind: The Neuroscience Behind Our Conscious Reality

The neuroscience of consciousness explores the fundamental aspect of wakefulness and the higher-level cognitive perceptions, such as thinking and understanding. Various theories, like the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory and the Integrated Information Theory, attempt to provide an explanatory framework for the conscious experience. The advent of technologies like fMRI and EEG has further enabled us to identify neural correlates of consciousness, enhancing our understanding of this complex phenomenon. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JPEcYZS

Unraveling the Mystery of Ice Cream Headaches: The ‘Brain Freeze’ Phenomenon

Summer treats can often lead to the dreaded 'brain freeze'. Researchers say this sudden pain is the brain's reaction to a rapid cooling inside the head. It triggers an increase in blood flow to warm the area back up, and the resulting sudden expansion of blood vessels is interpreted as pain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/9zincd7

Exercise Heightens Brain’s Food Cue Reactivity

Exercise appears to amplify the brain's response to food cues, a new study reports. The researchers observed that running increased the reactivity of certain brain regions linked to attention, anticipation of reward, and memory. These changes occurred independently of overall alterations in brain blood flow. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ZUiFSLw

Taking Strides: Why Walking Is Not So Popular in the U.S

Walking is less popular and more perilous in the U.S. than in other countries, according to a new study. Comparing U.S. statistics to European counterparts like the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands, the study reveals that Americans take fewer walking trips and face higher fatality rates. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/VKtMxOZ

Unraveling Sex-Specific Alzheimer’s Factors with AI

A new study employs 'Evolutionary Action Machine Learning' (EAML) to explore sex-specific genes that contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Researchers discovered 98 genes associated with AD, some of which were found to affect disease progression differently in men and women. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/YcFV47C

Left-Side Bias: Brain Responds Strongly to Positive Sounds from Left

Positive human vocalizations, like laughter, coming from the listener's left side trigger stronger activity in the brain's auditory cortex. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor the brain's response to different types of sounds from varying directions in right-handed participants. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/CJX8DYf

Potential New Treatment for a Leading Cause of Autism

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment method for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading cause of autism spectrum disorders. The method involves contracting the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene, thereby restoring the essential FMRP protein expression necessary for brain development. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Fp0Hd7U

Good Vibrations: Tactile Stimulation May Aid Alzheimer’s Treatment

Researchers discovered tactile stimulation at a frequency of 40 Hz can help in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology and symptoms. The study, conducted on Alzheimer's model mice, demonstrated improved brain health and motor function with daily exposure to such stimulation for a few weeks. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/uhVATpF

Hand Movements and Visual Attention: A Dance of Separate Rhythms

A new study sheds light on the intricate relationship between our hand movements and the attention they command. While it's well known that hand movements influence how we process visual stimuli, this study reveals the surprising independence between the goal of a hand movement and our self-directed, or 'endogenous', attention. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ux2GJ8Y

How the Brain Forgets: When Memory Lapses Become Fatal

A new study looked at how and why caregivers sometimes forget their children in cars, leading to fatal heatstroke. Researchers discovered this form of prospective memory lapse can occur when environmental cues fail to trigger the memory of an intention at the right moment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/MCILZ5V

Brain Connectivity a Potential Indicator of Suicide Risk

Researchers have identified a potential marker in the brain that might indicate an increased risk of suicide. They observed that veterans with a history of suicide attempts demonstrated distinct functional connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/v9WctSm

Boosting Brain Plasticity: A New Pathway for PTSD Therapy?

Researchers discovered that through temporary increases in brain malleability and simultaneous desensitization to fear memories, they could control fear responses in mice. This was achieved by inhibiting the Acan gene, thereby decreasing the presence of the protein Aggrecan, which solidifies and reduces malleability in the brain. The findings point towards potential new avenues for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/YoOC7am

A Lot to Swallow: New SimulScan Technology Enhances Dysphagia Research

Researchers are developing an innovative imaging tool called SimulScan to enhance the understanding of brain's control over swallowing. This imaging tool will help study the neural activity associated with swallowing, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders, known as dysphagia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Gcn27XN

Regular Exercise Linked to Lower Parkinson’s Risk

Regular physical activity, from cycling and walking to gardening and household chores, may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study found that women who exercised the most had a 25% lower rate of Parkinson’s disease compared to those who exercised the least. This study does not establish that exercise directly lowers the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but it does show a significant association. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/G5mxZ1Y

Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Progression

Researchers have discovered a new link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Their study revealed that certain antibodies, originally aimed at fighting EBV, can mistakenly target proteins in the brain and spinal cord, leading to MS symptoms. This antibody misdirection was found in roughly 23% of MS patients studied. The findings highlight the need for personalized therapies to combat MS. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/HOyqipW

The Power of Friendship Counters Early Life Stress

A new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced early in life. These hardships, similar to human experiences of growing up in a tumultuous environment, can shorten their lifespan. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bcBuJ0S

Harnessing Psychedelics for Mental Health

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the prescription of MDMA and psilocybin by authorized psychiatrists for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. This decision, a first worldwide, has sparked a debate among experts. While some hail it as a breakthrough for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies, others express concerns about its implementation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bFzXvfl

Perception is Not Only a Matter of Now: Our Past Influences What We See

Our past experiences influence our current perceptions. The brain's visual bias merges past and present stimuli, resulting in a perception that is often a distorted representation of reality. This phenomenon, explored with the help of EEG signals, demonstrates that the occipital cortex retains traces of past images, intensifying perceptual bias. This research underlines the brain's role not only as a receptor but also a constructor of reality. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/NgyoCmk

Ultrasound Technique Boosts Brain’s Waste Disposal, Aiding Disease Research

Researchers developed a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical method to enhance the glymphatic transport in the brain. The technique, known as focused ultrasound combined with circulating microbubbles (FUSMB), amplifies the effects of ultrasound waves on blood vessels, facilitating the removal of metabolic waste and distribution of nutrients. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/5AwmfFx

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Depression Risk

A new study has found a correlation between diets high in ultra-processed foods and a heightened risk of depression. The study revealed the risk of depression significantly increased among individuals consuming over 30% of their daily diet as ultra-processed food. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/RcLpUD5

Visual Neighborhood Model Predicts Human Crowd Dynamics Best

A new study suggests that human crowd behavior is best predicted by a visual neighborhood model, based on the visual fields of each person in the crowd. Researchers experiments with real and virtual crowds, finding that this model offered a more accurate prediction of crowd dynamics than other mathematical models. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/wp7Suoy

AI Breakthrough Detects Alzheimer’s Early With Smartphones

Researchers are developing a machine learning model aimed at early detection of Alzheimer's dementia. This model, potentially accessible via smartphones, can distinguish between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals with 70-75% accuracy. By focusing on speech patterns rather than content, the tool could offer invaluable early indicators, potentially initiating earlier treatment and slowing disease progression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ixLpTB7

Dream to Create: Sleep Onset Boosts Creativity

Researchers discovered targeted dream incubation during the sleep onset phase may enhance creativity. The study found that participants given a specific topic to dream about during this phase performed more creatively in tasks related to that topic. This 'targeted dream incubation' led to the generation of more creative stories compared to those who napped without a specific prompt or stayed awake. The study suggests that the brain makes wider connections between disparate concepts during this dream state, enhancing creative performance. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/kN1MUA8

Spontaneous Coordinated Group Movement Behavior Brain Circuit Discovered

A new study identified a brain circuit responsible for rapid, unified response to threats in animals, a phenomenon observed in fish schools and mammal herds. The research, focused on synchronized immobility in pairs of mice, paves the way for improved understanding of social communication in general, which is often compromised in neuropsychiatric disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/sIc1RJZ

Oxytocin’s Role in Learning Birdsong Revealed

The study offers insights into the neurochemistry of social learning and draws parallels with language acquisition in humans. The researchers suggest these findings might contribute to understanding autism, as they shed light on the neurochemistry of early social bonds during language learning. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Tzwb3JU

Two Types of Neurons in Cerebellum Influence Motor and Social Behaviors

Researchers reveal distinct roles for two types of neurons in the cerebellum. The study offers compelling in vivo evidence that a specific group of excitatory glutamatergic neurons plays a key role in acquiring motor and sensory/emotional behaviors. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/KCm9DWl