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Showing posts from June, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Patients at Higher Risk for Immune Deficiency

Patients recovering from severe spinal cord injuries are more susceptible to immune deficiencies. Such deficiencies, known as spinal cord injury-induced immune deficiency syndrome, may expose patients to life-threatening infections. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/cbWlzps

Early Hallucinations in Parkinsons Tied to Faster Cognitive Decline

Early hallucinations in Parkinson's disease patients might signal a faster cognitive decline. Through comprehensive neuropsychological interviews and electroencephalography measurements, researchers were able to link minor hallucinations, typically underreported, to more rapid deterioration of frontal executive function in subsequent years. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/GmUMVQC

Genetic Variant Linked to Faster Progression of Multiple Sclerosis Found

A new study involving over 22,000 people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has identified a genetic variant associated with the disease's faster progression. The research discovered a genetic variant that significantly affects disease severity. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/XuYRV50

In Dreams of Color: Octopuses Exhibit REM-Like Sleep Patterns

Octopuses, despite their completely different brain structures, display sleep cycles akin to humans. The research reveals octopuses enter an active sleep phase similar to REM sleep in humans, suggesting the existence of this sleep stage in complex cognition across species. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/dXelyUC

Cognitive Flexibility: Neural Connection Key to Adapting to Change Unearthed

A recent discovery identified a specific type of neuronal connection in the prefrontal cortex responsible for updating our understanding of the world and its rules. The connection, formed by inhibitory neurons, communicates with neurons located far away in the opposite hemisphere of the prefrontal cortex. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/xrAq1Gl

Key Brain Activity Absent in Borderline Personality Disorder

Researchers have identified a brain region, the rostro-medial prefrontal cortex, which reacts differently to social rejection in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This region, typically more active during episodes of rejection, remains inactive in individuals with BPD, characterized by heightened sensitivity to rejection and emotional instability. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/jpmQ2wR

Obesity Alters Brains Response to Food Cues

New research using molecular imaging with 18F-flubatine PET/MRI shows a distinct response to food cues in the brains of obese individuals compared to those of normal-weight individuals. The study sheds light on the biological mechanisms of obesity and opens the door to potential targeted treatments. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3qOaAFl

Neuronal Secrets of Number Processing

Researchers developed an innovative method to measure human brain activity at the cellular level, unveiling how our brain processes numbers. Utilizing microelectrodes during “awake” brain surgery, the researchers found that individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, becoming especially active when their "preferred" number is presented. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/icPdHU3

Brain Imaging Unveils Multiple Subtypes of Major Depressive Disorder

A recent study identified multiple subtypes of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) using brain imaging. Over 2,000 participants were involved in the study, which analyzed functional connectivity in the brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/EryUu0j

Sense of Purpose May Shield Against Loneliness

A sense of purpose in life, irrespective of its nature, can be a robust defense against loneliness. A new study, involving over 2,300 Swiss adults, found fewer instances of loneliness among individuals who led a purposeful life. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/Jnel4tI

Gut Instincts: Microbiomes Role in Autism Revealed

A new study provides novel insights into the relationship between the human microbiome and autism. Using an innovative computational approach, researchers reanalyzed previous data sets, finding a unique microbial signature in autistic individuals that could help distinguish them from neurotypical individuals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/YJECl4Q

A Power Nap a Day May Keep Brain Aging at Bay

Habitual daytime napping could help preserve brain health and slow down the brain shrinkage that comes with aging. Using Mendelian randomisation and examining DNA snippets, researchers linked napping to larger total brain volume, a known indicator of brain health and dementia risk reduction. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/KeCDwlg

This Weeks Top Neuroscience News Discoveries: June 25 2023

Explore this week's remarkable neuroscience advancements, including potential new effective treatments for tinnitus and the identification of a brain region associated with self awareness. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/htlHbrM

Adolescent Stress Shapes Motherly Behavior

Stress during adolescence alters brain functions, influencing postpartum social behavior in mammals. The research utilizes optogenetics and calcium imaging techniques to understand neuronal communication in mice that experienced psychosocial stress during adolescence. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/F2I1sVS

Force Not Frequency Key to CTE Onset

Researchers redefined the leading factor contributing to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe neurological disorder. Traditionally, CTE was believed to stem from frequent head hits, regardless of concussions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/NYFxHSd

Cognitive Biotype: A Novel Depression Subcategory Defying Conventional Treatments Identified

Researchers discovered a new depression subtype, the 'cognitive biotype,' affecting 27% of patients who respond poorly to typically prescribed antidepressants. These patients struggle with planning, self-control, sustained focus, and suppressing inappropriate behavior, with brain scans revealing reduced activity in the regions responsible for these tasks. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/f5FD3I4

Neuroscience Artificial Intelligence and Our Fears: A Journey of Understanding and Acceptance

As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves, its intersection with neuroscience stirs both anticipation and apprehension. Fears related to AI - loss of control, privacy, and human value - stem from our neural responses to unfamiliar and potentially threatening situations. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ivqcsMa

Early Life Loss Impacting Immune System in Later Life

Losing a parent or caregiver early in life can adversely affect immune health in later life. They investigated how such losses impact the body's response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that reactivates under stress and can strain the immune system. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/JIo1R2A

Stress Neurons Mapped the Brain Exposing Estrogen Link

Researchers pinpointed a specific group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that play a role in negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which were mapped using a variety of advanced techniques, were found to possess estrogen receptors. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/G8gj5sA

Sense of Self: The Brain Structure That Holds Key to I

Researchers identified a small structure in the brain, the anterior precuneus or aPCu, as a crucial component in establishing our physical self or "I". from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OucdlTo

Pay Attention: Kids Distraction Helps Them Outshine Adults in Data Retention

Children’s perceived lack of attention may, in fact, make them more efficient than adults in absorbing and retaining information they are instructed to ignore. Researchers discovered children encode secondary information from a given task into their brains, in contrast to adults who focus strictly on the assigned task. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/W6lBx2b

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Potential Ally in Slowing ALS Progression

Summary: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may aid in slowing disease progression in ALS patients. Researchers found higher blood levels of ALA correlated with a slower disease progression and decreased risk of death among ALS sufferers. The researchers studied 449 ALS patients, grouping them according to omega-3 fatty acid levels in their blood, and observed disease progression and survival rates over 18 months. Results indicated those with higher ALA levels had a 50% reduced risk of […] from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/GBzLFl7

Low-Level Laser Therapy Effective for Tinnitus Treatment

In the hunt for effective treatments for tinnitus, a debilitating condition affecting approximately 750 million people worldwide, researchers found that low-level laser therapy outshines other therapies. The study demonstrated superior outcomes from laser acupuncture alone and transmeatal low-power laser stimulation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/40au3Ch

Laughter as Medicine: Humor Therapy Reduces Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

Humor therapy might alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The comprehensive study comprised 29 diverse studies from nine countries, involving 2,964 participants with depression, anxiety, or both. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OCLAe7Q

Heart Beats and Minds Meet: Your Heart Influences Your Gut Instinct

Our hearts play a surprising role in shaping how suggestible we are to others' opinions. The research indicates that evaluating an event during a heartbeat might lead individuals to doubt their own judgment and be more influenced by others. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/bkVUGFW

Social Isolations Health Implications: Unmasking the Mortality Risks of Loneliness

A comprehensive study underscores the alarming link between social isolation, loneliness, and heightened mortality risks. The meta-analysis, involving over two million participants, found a significant increase in all-cause mortality rates for socially isolated and lonely individuals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/rgitUYa

Our Unique Pain Fingerprints: Diverse Brain Responses to Pain Revealed

Everyone's brain has a unique 'pain fingerprint'. Using brain scans, researchers found significant differences in the timing, frequency, and location of gamma oscillations - brain waves linked to pain perception. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/6lWBDiO

Probiotics May Be Unexpected Heroes in Detoxifying Mercury in Gut

Gut microbes could be leveraged to block absorption of toxic metals, such as mercury, while promoting absorption of beneficial ones, like iron. The scientists focused on genes that enable bacteria to convert dangerous mercury into less toxic forms. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SpRgW4L

Thyroid Hormones and Blood Sugar Linked to Major Depressive Disorder Severity

A new study provides crucial insights into the potential relationship between thyroid hormones, blood sugar, lipid levels, and their effects on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Researchers explored the intricate roles of these biological markers on MDD prognosis, the probability of suicidal behavior, and potential treatments. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/zAEoGr6

Deciphering the Brains Traffic Lights: A Receptor Map Unveiled

Researchers unveiled key organizational principles in the brain, thanks to an intricate mapping of neurotransmitter receptors. The team, studying macaque brains, provided a deeper understanding of how our brain differentiates between internally and externally stimulated thoughts and emotions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/6i0hcaW

Top 5 Breakthroughs From Neuroscience News This Week: June 18 2023

Dive into this week's hottest neuroscience discoveries from Neuroscience News. Uncover how our survival influences visual perception, delve into the role of interoception in self-awareness, and see how an antihistamine offers hope for myelin repair in Multiple Sclerosis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/zcigSBw

Adversity Borderline Personality Disorder and Evolution: The Reproductive Trade-off Theory

A new study examines the association of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with early life adversity and its potential influence on immediate reproductive strategies over somatic health. Using a sample of over 30,000 adults, the study finds that the risk of developing BPD was significantly influenced by a trade-off favoring immediate reproduction over long-term health. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/u7QJYHD

Interfacing Minds and Machines: An Exploration of Neural Implants and Brain-Computer Interfaces

Neural implants and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have revolutionized our understanding of the brain and its interaction with technology. By translating neural activity into computational commands, they enable communication and control for individuals with motor disabilities, and open up new avenues for cognitive enhancement and neuroprosthetic applications. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/QmqVeN2

Alterations in Alcohol Consumption Echo Depression Symptom Changes

A new study uncovers a correlation between changes in alcohol consumption and the ebb and flow of depression symptoms. People reporting lower alcohol use simultaneously noted reductions in depressive symptoms, while an increase in alcohol consumption was paired with a rise in depression, irrespective of the drinking levels. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/P24qEfQ

Pregnancy Hormone Estriol May Reverse Myelin Damage in Multiple Sclerosis

Treating a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) with the pregnancy hormone estriol could reverse myelin breakdown in the brain's cortex, a primary area affected in MS. MS results in inflammation that damages the myelin coating around nerve fibers in the brain's cortex, leading to disability worsening. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/QltG2AX

Neurodevelopment and Dementia: Could Prolonged Human Neurogenesis Lead to Alzheimers?

Researchers delved into the prolonged neurogenesis process in humans, investigating the amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP's fragmentation leads to amyloid peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/ou7AFhK

AI Revolution: Simulating Human Behavior for Groundbreaking Social Science

A team of researchers predicts artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), could redefine social science research. They believe LLMs, trained on vast amounts of text data, can mimic human responses to aid in extensive and rapid human behavior studies. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/LHiCRnB

Night Owls Lifespan Less Linked to Sleep Patterns More to Lifestyle Choices

Recent research refutes the idea that 'night owls' face a shorter lifespan due to their late-night tendencies, emphasizing lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking as the more significant contributors. The study involved almost 23,000 twins from Finland, tracked over a period of 37 years. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/hZWkdry

How Our Genes Contribute to Allergy Susceptibility

New research reveals how small genetic differences affecting the ETS1 protein can influence an individual's susceptibility to allergies. These small genetic changes can alter the production of ETS1, which plays a vital role in controlling immune cells known as CD4+ T helper cells, crucial orchestrators in allergic reactions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/d3YGvW4

Heavy Drinkers Misjudge Impairment Levels: A Risky Perception

Heavy drinkers' belief that they can 'hold their liquor' better than light drinkers has been challenged by a new study, revealing that this perceived tolerance may lead to risky decisions. The research showed that after consuming equivalent amounts of alcohol, heavy drinkers felt less impaired than their lighter-drinking counterparts. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/wP0WLnA

Interoception: A Gateway to the Neuroscience of Self-Awareness

Interoception, our ability to perceive internal bodily states, is a fundamental part of our conscious experiences and has been a focal point in neuroscience research in recent years. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/erwdfBj

Age of Autism Diagnosis Doesnt Dictate Life Quality

Researchers explored whether the age of autism diagnosis impacts the quality of life in a recent study. They surveyed 300 autistic adults about their life experiences and factors such as household income, age, and additional mental health conditions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/SWzn21e

Probiotics Enhance Antidepressant Efficacy for Major Depressive Disorder

A probiotic blend comprising 14 strains of bacteria can enhance the treatment of major depressive disorder when used alongside antidepressants. This pilot study highlights the potential of probiotics in promoting improvements in mood over an eight-week period. It is a pioneering exploration into how gut health, improved via probiotics, could pave the way for a novel approach to bolster mood and mental health. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/HKUbCEB

Video Game Algorithm Unlocks Molecular Mysteries of Brain Cells

Researchers leveraged a tracking algorithm from video games to study molecules' behavior within live brain cells. They adapted the fast and accurate algorithm used to track bullets in combat games for use in super-resolution microscopy. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/OWz85NV

AI Unlocks Mysteries of Brain Fluid Flow: A Leap Forward in Alzheimers Research

Researchers harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to measure the fluid flow around the brain's blood vessels, a major breakthrough with far-reaching implications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's. The team developed innovative AI velocimetry measurements to calculate this fluid flow accurately. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/8eWZtrL

Unmasking COVID-19s Impact on the Brain

A revolutionary MRI technique, known as Correlated Diffusion Imaging (CDI), has been utilized to uncover previously unseen changes in the brain caused by COVID-19. The study revealed distinct changes in the diffusion of water molecules within the brain's white matter. These findings not only reinforce the fact that COVID-19 affects the brain but also suggest the cerebellum might be particularly vulnerable. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3m8ksJe

Antihistamine Sparks Hope for Myelin Repair in Multiple Sclerosis

A new study paves the way for potential treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by identifying the OTC antihistamine, clemastine, as an effective drug for brain repair. Utilizing a newly-developed MRI scan technique, scientists were able to observe and measure the impact of clemastine on brain myelin levels. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/BUkGxWj

Gut-Brain Connection Illuminated

Researchers unlocked new aspects of the complex gut-brain connection using a vibrating capsule ingested by participants. This unique methodology allowed researchers to directly measure neural responses during gastrointestinal stimulation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/kWSiagJ

The Link Between Contraceptive Pills and Depression

A new study exploring the potential impacts of contraceptive pills on mental health reveals an alarming connection to depression, especially in teenage users. The research, which analyzed data from over a quarter of a million women from the UK Biobank, found that teens initiating contraceptive pill use had a 130% higher incidence of depression symptoms. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KSOqz6

The Adaptive Eye: Survival Dictates Our Visual Perception

Our perception of the world isn't necessarily the most accurate, but rather the most beneficial for our survival. By manipulating the context and rewards of visual tasks, researchers found that our visual perception, even at the retinal level, changes to maximize personal benefits. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/pX8YTwR