Harvard Archives - Neuroscience News

Mind Flex: Neurons Involved in Memory and Learning Less Stable and More Flexible Than Thought

Neuroscience NewsAugust 17, 2017

Harvard researchers reveal neurons associated with memory formation may be far more flexible than previously believed. They report their findings point to plasticity in neural networks that help with the integration of new information.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscience8 min read

Study Reveals Contrast in How Groups of Neurons Function During Decision Making

Neuroscience NewsJuly 19, 2017

A new study published in Nature sheds light on how populations of neurons work together during working memory and decision making tasks. Researchers report individual neurons are briefly active, but populations of neurons working together carry information for longer periods of time by being active at different times.... Read More...

ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience7 min read

Individual Insight into Brain Networks

Neuroscience NewsJuly 19, 2017

Harvard researchers have identified two key brain networks that could play a key role in imagination and memory.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles7 min read

Image shows a diagram of the visual system in the brain.

Blueprint For Adult Visual System Present at Birth

Neuroscience NewsJuly 18, 2017

A new study from Harvard researchers reveals that in primates, the blueprint for adult visual organization is in place a few days after birth and 'fills in' with experience. Researchers believe that, as the organization is present so early on in life, it is likely present before birth as a genetically programmed mechanism, and later modified due to experience.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articlesvisual neuroscience7 min read

Decoding Brain Evolution

Neuroscience NewsJuly 10, 2017

A new center headed by neurobiologists at Harvard is looking to unravel some long standing mysteries of the human brain. Researchers, backed by a $10 million grant, hope to shed light on brain development, evolution and human behavior. The funding will allow researchers to use ancient DNA to track frequency of genetic changes and provide a better understanding of the nature of human adaptation.... Read More...

FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience5 min read

Probing Psychopathic Brains

Neuroscience NewsJuly 5, 2017

Taking a mobile neuroimaging system on the road to prisons, researchers look at the brain activity of those considered to be psychopaths and discover their brains are wired in a way that leads them to over-value immediate rewards while neglecting future consequences.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology7 min read

Image shows a brain with lots of images overlaid.

Visual Images Often Intrude on Verbal Thinking

Neuroscience NewsMay 14, 2017

When prompted to use verbal thinking, people create visual images to accompany their speech, implying visual thinking could be hardwired into our brains, a new study reports.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurosciencevisual neuroscience8 min read

Surprising Role Omega-3 Fatty Acids Play in Keeping Blood-Brain Barrier Closed

Neuroscience NewsMay 5, 2017

Researchers discover that, in addition to their other health benefits, Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience7 min read