Latest

brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

This shows a picture of the CET reconstruction over a model of a neanderthal

·September 19, 2019·4 min read

Did a common childhood illness take down the Neanderthals?

First anatomical reconstruction of the Neanderthal cartilaginous Eustachian tube (CET) indicates the tubal morphology may have predisposed them to high rates of otitis media, a common childhood ear infection. The susceptibility to ear infections may have compromised their fitness and ability to compete within their niche. This may have contributed to their rapid extinction.

This shows the researcher and a participant wearing headphones

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 19, 2019·7 min read

Perception of musical pitch varies across cultures

How people interpret musical notes depends on the type of music they are culturally accustomed to.

This shows a lot of orange and yellow lines

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2019·5 min read

The brain may actively forget during dream sleep

REM sleep has previously been linked to memory formation. A new study reveals this sleep period may also be critical for us to forget certain memories, preventing information overload. Researchers identified a mechanism involving MCH neurons which causes us to forget information during sleep.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 19, 2019·5 min read

How people with psychopathic traits control their ‘dark impulses’

Neuroimaging reveals 'successful' psychopaths (those who can control their antisocial tendencies) have greater levels of gray matter density between the left and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is implicated in self-regulatory processes, including reactive emotions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 19, 2019·4 min read

Autoantibodies in pregnancy: A cause of behavioral disorders in the child?

Embryonic damage caused by autoantibodies is implicated in a range of behavioral and psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD.

This shows an older man walking on a beach

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2019·5 min read

Microbiome may be involved in mechanisms related to muscle strength in older adults

Study adds to the growing body of evidence that the microbiome may impact muscle mass and physical function. In high-functioning older adults and mouse models, researchers identified higher levels of good bacteria in the microbiome than in their lower-functioning peers.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2019·3 min read

CBD may alleviate seizures and benefit behaviors in people with neurodevelopmental conditions

CBD, which is a major phytocannabinoid constituent of cannabis, has already shown to have anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic effects. The image is in the public domain.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·September 18, 2019·5 min read

Low-cost blood pressure drug improves brain function in individuals with autism

Propranolol, a common 'beta-blocker' drug used to control blood pressure, could be a promising new treatment for those on the autism spectrum. The medication improved cognitive performance and positively altered the frontal-parietal control network, an area of the brain associated with word and information processing, in those with ASD.

This shows a male and female toilet sign

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 18, 2019·4 min read

Obesity associated with abnormal bowel habits, not diet

Study reveals a link between obesity and chronic diarrhea, independent of lifestyle, diet, and other medical conditions. Those who are obese are 60% more likely to experience bouts of chronic diarrhea. A possible explanation could be the link between obesity and low-grade inflammation, which may trigger diarrhea more frequently.

This shows a child coloring with crayons

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 18, 2019·4 min read

Brain imaging shows how nonverbal children with autism have slower response to sounds

Nonverbal children on the autism spectrum have a slower response to auditory stimulation. The longer response times were associated with poor communication skills. Brain imaging of the auditory cortex could serve as a biomarker for measuring the likelihood of language impairment in those with ASD.

This shows a group of ladies in India learning to read

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·September 18, 2019·3 min read

Learning to read boosts the visual brain

Learning to read enhances responses to other visual input in early visual areas of the brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2019·5 min read

How sleepless nights compromise the health of your gut

Study reveals the function of specific immune cells, well documented as playing a significant role in gut health, is directly controlled by our circadian clock.