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brain mapping

The FMRI image shows regions of activation including primary visual cortex (V1, BA17), extrastriate visual cortex and lateral geniculate body.

·February 3, 2013·3 min read

Pioneering Research Helps to Unravel the Brain’s Vision Secrets

A new study has identified the two areas of the brain responsible for our perception of orientation and shape. Research found that the two neighbouring areas, known as human visual field maps, process the different types of visual information independently.

The image shows a number of brain scans.

Featured Psychology

·February 1, 2013·2 min read

Brain Activity Study Lends Insight into Schizophrenia

Researchers discover four spectral features in the brain signals of schizophrenia patients that changed with age compared to healthy control subjects, suggesting that schizophrenia affects the way in which brain activity evolves with age.

The image shows the atlas activity of the forebrain. The caption describes the image best.

Featured Genetics

·January 31, 2013·5 min read

Genome-Wide Atlas of Gene Enhancers in the Brain On-line

Future research into the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia, should greatly benefit from a first-of-its-kind atlas of gene-enhancers in the cerebrum (telencephalon). This new atlas identifies and locates thousands of gene-regulating elements in a region of the brain that is of critical importance for cognition, motor functions and emotion.

The image is a pencil drawing of a head with a colorized computer component brain area.

Featured

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

Engineers Solve a Biological Mystery and Boost Artificial Intelligence

Simulating 25,000 generations of evolution within computers, researchers discover why biological networks tend to be organized as modules, a finding that will lead to a deeper understanding of the evolution of complexity.

Brain image with the basal ganglia and other brain areas.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

NIH Study Advances Understanding of Movement Control

Voluntary movements involve the coordinated activation of two brain pathways that connect parts of deep brain structures called the basal ganglia, according to a study in mice.

The image shows Seth Tomchik, Ph.D, the lead researcher of this study.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 29, 2013·2 min read

Study Shows how Brain Cells Shape Temperature Preferences

A new study shows a complex set of overlapping neuronal circuits works in concert to drive temperature preferences in the fruit fly Drosophila by affecting a single target, a heavy bundle of neurons within the fly brain known as the mushroom body. These nerve bundles play critical roles in learning and memory.

The image shows Dr Tandon operating on a patient to place electrodes on the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 29, 2013·3 min read

In-Brain Monitoring Shows Memory Network

Working with patients with electrodes implanted in their brains, researchers show that areas of the brain work simultaneously to recall memories. The approach promises new insights into how we remember details of time and place.

Sphingolipids are shown and described in caption.

Electrophysiology Featured

·January 28, 2013·4 min read

New Look at Cell Membrane Reveals Surprising Organization

A new way of looking at a cell's surface reveals the distribution of small molecules in the cell membrane, changing the understanding of its organization.

Amygdala is shown and the image is explained well in the caption

Featured Neuroscience

·January 28, 2013·4 min read

Neuroscientists Pinpoint Location of Fear Memory in Amygdala

Researchers examine the how fear responses are learned, controlled, and memorized. They show that a particular class of neurons in a subdivision of the amygdala plays an active role in these processes.

The image shows an expertly crafted brain made from sugar paste for a cake topper.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 28, 2013·2 min read

When Food Porn Holds No Allure: The Science Behind Satiety

New research sheds light on why images of enticing food affect us less when we are full.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 23, 2013·3 min read

New Brain Circuit Sheds Light on Development of Voluntary Movements

A research team describes the entire network of brain cells that are connected to specific motor neurons controlling whisker muscles in newborn mice. A better understanding of such motor control circuits could help inform how human brains develop, potentially leading to new ways of restoring movement in people who suffer paralysis from brain injuries, or to the development of better prosthetics for limb replacement.

This image is of Aron Barbey and his brain scans.

Featured Psychology

·January 22, 2013·3 min read

Researchers Map Emotional Intelligence in the Brain

New research involving Vietnam veterans with combat related brain injuries offers the first detailed map of the brain regions which contribute to emotional intelligence.