Neuroscience News - AI, Neuroscience, Psychology Research

·July 10, 2017·5 min read

On-Site Ecstasy Pill Testing Service May Reduce User Risks at Concerts and Raves

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that free ecstasy pill testing at raves and concerts could have a positive impact in preventing some people from using adulterated drugs. The study, researchers say, adds to critical evidence that on site pill testing is a valuable tool for public health and safety.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

More Evidence That Natural Plant Compound May Reduce Aging’s Cognitive Effects

Researchers from Salk Institute have found additional evidence that fisetin, a natural compound found in strawberries, could help to treat cognitive decline and memory loss associated with aging. They discovered the compound reduced memory loss in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Based on the findings, researchers report fisetin could help prevent other age related neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Psychology

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Purpose in Life by Day Linked to Better Sleep at Night

Researchers at Northwestern University report older adults who suffer from sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome might enjoy a better night's sleep by cultivating a purpose in life.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2017·7 min read

Brain Training Has No Effect on Cognitive Function or Decision Making

Over the past few years, brain training programs have grown in popularity with claims of helping to improve memory and cognitive function. However, a new study in the Journal of Neuroscience reports a popular commercial brain training system had no effect on cognitive function beyond practice effects on the training tasks. They system also had no effect on decision making.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Decoding Brain Evolution

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·3 min read

Chew On This: Reduced Mastication Impairs Memory and Learning Function

Researchers find changes in masticatory stimuli can modulate neurogenesis and hippocampal function. Published in the Journal of Dental Research, findings reveal reduced mastication impaired learning and memory function in mice.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 10, 2017·6 min read

Research Offers Hope For NF2 Neuro-Tumor Patients

Researchers from the University of Plymouth have discovered the tole PrPC plays in the development of neurofibromatosis 2 tumors. According to the study, the prion protein is overproduced in schwannomas, compared with healthy Schwann cells. This overproduction is a result of Merlin deficiency and contributed to tumor growth in NF2 patients.

Image shows an electron micrograph of HHV-6 also includes a labeled insert of the mature virus particle.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 10, 2017·5 min read

Hidden Herpes Virus May Play Role in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Brain Disorders

A new study in Scientific Reports concludes human herpesvirus 6 may impair the brain's ability to repair itself in demylination diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. HHV-6 is the most common human herpes virus, with an estimated 80% of people being exposed to infection during childhood. Researchers found the virus produces a protein that can impair the ability of brain cells to repair damaged myelin.

Image shows the location of the prencueus in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Bulimic Brains Respond Differently to Food Cues Following Stressful Events

According to a new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the brains of women with the eating disorder Bulimia Nervosa respond differently to images of sugary and high-fat foods following a stressful situation than those without the disorder. Brain scans reveal bulimic women have decreased blood flow to the precuneus, an area of the brain associated with self-criticism, when presented with images of food following a stressful math test. The findings provide support to current theories that binge eating may provide an alternative focus to negative self-reflections.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 9, 2017·4 min read

New Clues to How Memories Form in the Brain

A study recently published in Neuron may provide new insights into how memory forms in the brain. Researchers discovered acquired olfactory memory is associated with synaptic long term potentiation, which can last for at least two weeks.

Image shows a doctor looking at brain scans.

Featured Neurology

·July 9, 2017·5 min read

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

A common misconception is that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are the same thing. Alzheimer's disease is simply one form of dementia. Researchers from Texas A&M describe how Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia impact the lives of both patients and their families, and provide new insights into minimizing the risks of developing neurodegenerative conditions.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Obstructing the ‘Inner Eye’

A new study investigates how the brain makes hypnotic states possible. Using EEG, researchers were able to see how hypnosis influences specific regions of the brain while it receives visual stimuli.