Neuroscience News - AI, Neuroscience, Psychology Research

·November 22, 2023·4 min read

Long COVID’s Unique Neural Impact

A new study reveals distinct brain changes in long COVID patients compared to those fully recovered from COVID-19 and healthy controls. The research employed Diffusion Microstructure Imaging (DMI) to analyze brain microstructures in 89 long COVID patients, 38 recovered COVID-19 patients, and 46 healthy individuals.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·November 22, 2023·5 min read

Ear Sounds Reveal Eye Movements

Researchers discovered that the ear emits subtle sounds in response to eye movements, allowing them to pinpoint where someone is looking. The study demonstrates that these ear sounds, potentially caused by muscle contractions or hair cell activations, can reveal eye positions.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·November 22, 2023·5 min read

How Blind People Recognize Faces via Sound

A new study reveals that people who are blind can recognize faces using auditory patterns processed by the fusiform face area, a brain region crucial for face processing in sighted individuals. The study employed a sensory substitution device to translate images into sound, demonstrating that face recognition in the brain isn't solely dependent on visual experience.

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·November 21, 2023·5 min read

Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia

Researchers discovered that hearing loss in older adults is associated with specific brain changes, potentially increasing dementia risk. Using hearing tests and MRI, the study, identified microstructural differences in brain regions responsible for auditory processing, speech, and executive function in those with hearing impairment.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Genetic Links in Cannabis Use Disorder

Researchers analyzed over 1 million genomes, revealing insights into cannabis use disorder and its ties to psychiatric issues, other substance abuses, and lung cancer risks. The study, part of the Million Veteran Program, identified genetic variants linked to cannabis use disorder and its associated health and behavioral problems.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·5 min read

The Mystery of Memory Formation: How Our Brains Store Information

Memory formation occurs through the continuous creation of new connectivity patterns between specific engram cells in different brain regions. Engram cells are activated by experiences and change to hold information in our brains.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·7 min read

Brain Doesn’t Rewire Itself, but Enhances Existing Abilities

Contrary to popular belief, the brain does not completely rewire itself in response to injury, such as loss of sight or amputation. Researchers argue that the brain enhances or modifies its pre-existing architecture through learning and repetition rather than repurposing regions for new tasks.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Bilingual Brains Show Enhanced Attentional Control

Speaking two languages may improve attentional control and information filtering. Researchers examined how bilingual and monolingual individuals process incoming information.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·5 min read

Babies as Young as Four Months Show Self Awareness

Babies as young as four months old can sense how their bodies interact with the space around them, shedding light on early self-awareness development. In the study, babies were shown a moving ball on a screen, accompanied by tactile sensations when the ball was closest to them.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Emotions in Soccer Fans’ Brains: Exploring the Thrills and Agony

Soccer fans exhibit distinct patterns of brain activation while watching matches, triggering both positive and negative emotions and behaviors. The study, conducted with supporters of rival Chilean football teams, used functional MRI scans to examine brain activity during matches.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Midlife Visceral Fat Tied to Alzheimer’s Risk

Researchers reveal that higher amounts of visceral abdominal fat in midlife is associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Visceral fat, the fat surrounding internal organs, is linked to brain changes up to 15 years before Alzheimer's symptoms appear.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Used Coffee Grounds Hold Potential Key to Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers found that Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs) derived from used coffee grounds could protect brain cells from damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. CACQDs showed neuroprotective effects in various models, including Parkinson's caused by pesticide exposure. These CACQDs have the potential to address the underlying causes of neurodegenerative disorders, rather than just managing symptoms.