Neuroscience News - AI, Neuroscience, Psychology Research

·April 30, 2023·6 min read

Uncovering the Human Genome’s Secrets: 240 Mammalian Species Shed Light on What Makes Us Unique

Researchers analyzed the DNA sequences from 240 mammalian species, showing how comparative genomics can shed light on how certain species achieve extraordinary feats and help scientists better understand the functional parts of the human genome. By identifying regions of the genomes that are most conserved across mammalian species, they pinpointed the genetic basis for uncommon mammalian traits, such as the ability to hibernate or detect faint scents from miles away. They also found genetic variants that are more likely to play causal roles in rare and common human diseases.

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·April 30, 2023·5 min read

Using Artificial Intelligence to Speed up Discovery of New Drugs

Experts see a bright future in the complementary use of artificial intelligence (AI) and structure-based drug discovery for drug discovery. Researchers explain how computational methods will streamline drug discovery by predicting which drug molecules are most likely to bind with the target receptor. The structure-based and AI-based approaches complement each other and can save time and money while yielding better results than traditional trial-and-error methods.

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·April 30, 2023·3 min read

Fight-Or-Flight Neurotransmitter Octopamine’s Role in Neurodegeneration

Octopamine, the major neurotransmitter responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response in invertebrates, can communicate with mammalian brain cells to prevent cell death. By introducing octopamine to cultures of astrocytes, the scientists found that it prompts the production of lactate, which promotes cell survival, and this discovery could lead to future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The study also raises questions about the role of octopamine in healthy brains and its impact on learning, memory, and aging.

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·April 30, 2023·4 min read

Revolutionary MRI Imaging Technique Reveals Brain Glucose Metabolism Without Radiation Exposure

A new MRI imaging technique has been developed by a research team at MedUni Vienna that can map brain glucose metabolism without the use of radioactive substances. The non-invasive procedure uses a harmless glucose solution and can be used with common MRI scanners, offering reliable results for diagnosing metabolic disorders.

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·April 30, 2023·4 min read

Brain Drain: Measuring the Energy Consumption of Our Thinking Minds

Our brain consumes a significant amount of energy, accounting for about 20% of the body's total energy consumption. Most of this energy is used for information processing. While research shows that increased mental activity does lead to slightly higher energy consumption, this increase is minimal, region-specific, and often offset by energy decreases in other areas. Feeling exhausted after mental activity is likely due to mental stress rather than actual energy depletion. Pacing yourself can help avoid mental overload, stress, and fatigue.

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·April 29, 2023·5 min read

Focusing on Mental Imagery Helps Teens Break Free From Negativity

Negative rumination can be improved by using mental imagery for teens, a new study reports. Mental imagery appears to improve negative affect and helps regulate the nervous system, the researchers reported. While researchers were unable to answer why mental imagery was so effective, they hypothesised imagery is more immersive and requires greater effort, creating a greater emotional response and thus a larger distraction.

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·April 29, 2023·5 min read

New Pill Regulates Appetite by Modulating Ghrelin Release

A new pill, called FLASH, has been developed to regulate appetite without drugs or invasive procedures. Researchers designed the pill to deliver electrical impulses to the stomach lining, modulating hunger-related gut hormones. The pill has been shown to affect the release of appetite hormone ghrelin in pig trials. FLASH could potentially treat various disorders related to metabolism and eating without pharmaceuticals or surgery. The researchers are now conducting additional preclinical testing and aim to start human trials within five years.

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·April 29, 2023·4 min read

Schizophrenia Identified in 60 Seconds via Visual Fixation

Researchers have identified spatial and temporal abnormalities in spontaneous fixational saccades as a potential biomarker for cognitive and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Researchers combined patient data of fixational eye movement recorded over 60 seconds with machine learning technology, which was able to determine schizophrenia with 85% accuracy. This discovery suggests that fixational saccades could serve as an easily obtainable complementary diagnostic tool for the condition.

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·April 29, 2023·5 min read

Cognitive Flexibility: How the Brain Learns New Rules to Navigate the Changing World

In everyday life, our brains adapt to new situations using the prefrontal cortex. A team of neuroscientists discovered a special class of neurons in the prefrontal cortex that enable flexible behavior, and when malfunctioning, may contribute to conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These long-range inhibitory connections synchronize gamma oscillations across the left and right prefrontal cortex, allowing the brain to change its behavior at the right moment. This research could lead to new treatments for psychiatric conditions by targeting these long-range inhibitory connections.

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·April 29, 2023·5 min read

Social Connections Combat Dementia and Prolong Lifespan

Spending time with family and friends not only gives us a positive psychological boost, it can also reduce dementia risks and improve longevity, a new study reports. Researchers found those with strong social connections have a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and death. The study reports improving social connections and frequently taking time to spend with others has positive implications for health and cognition.

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·April 29, 2023·7 min read

Accelerated Aging: Study Turns Young Mice Old in a Matter of Weeks

Researchers inhibited somatostatin interneurons in a subregion of the hippocampus, inducing aging-related cellular and behavioral changes. This study establishes a causal link between reduced interneuron function and cognitive decline, offering a new model for studying age-related cognitive disorders.

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·April 29, 2023·3 min read

Stimulation of the Cerebellum Improves Episodic Memory in Older People

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right cerebellum improved episodic memory in elderly people, a new study reports. The findings open the door to developing new, non-invasive therapies to treat age-related memory and cognitive problems.