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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

The image highlights the location of the corpus callosum in the brain.

·June 10, 2013·3 min read

Reduced Brain Volume in Kids with Low Birth Weight Tied to Academic Struggles

Analysing recent MRI data of adolescents who were born with low birth weight, researchers tie smaller brain volumes to poor academic achievement.

The image shows an obese mouse next to a mouse of normal weight.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 10, 2013·4 min read

Brain Circuit Links Obsessive Compulsive Behavior and Obesity

New research suggests brain circuits which control obsessive compulsive behavior are intertwined with circuits which control food intake and body weight. The findings could have implications for treating obsessive compulsive disorder.

The image shows Arc immunohistochemical staining of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) dentate gyrus..

Featured Neuroscience

·June 10, 2013·4 min read

Scientists Map Process by Which Brain Cells Form Long-Term Memories

Researchers have discovered how the Arc protein regulates neuronal activity, providing clues into the brain's ability to form long-term memories.

The image shows the location of the nucleus accumbens in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 7, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Focus on a Brain Protein and an Antibiotic to Block Cocaine Craving

A new study shows that the GLT1 protein plays a critical role in the craving for cocaine which develops after only a few days of cocaine use. However, exposure to ceftriaxone, an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, decreases cocaine cravings.

Autism Featured Genetics

·June 7, 2013·4 min read

Over Produced Autism Gene Alters Synapses, Affects Learning and Behavior in Mice

When manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice, neuroligin 1, a gene linked to ASD, produced mature adults with irreversible defects which affected either learning or social interaction. The findings could have implications for potential gene therapies for autism.

The image is an illustration of an activated NMDA receptor.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 7, 2013·2 min read

Neurochemical Traffic Signals May Open New Avenues for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Researchers uncover clues about the biochemical pathway in the brain which could expand treatment options for schizophrenia.

This is a photo of the sea slug used in this research, Pleurobranchaea californica.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 7, 2013·3 min read

By Trying it All, Predatory Sea Slug Learns What Not to Eat

Researchers discover Pleurobranchaea californica, a predatory sea slug which normally isn't a picky eater, has more cognitive abilities than previously believed; allowing them to lean the warning cues of dangerous pray and avoiding them in the future.

The image shows a light beam shining onto a neuron.

Featured Psychology

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Compulsive No More

Researchers use optogenetics to control compulsive behavior in mice. The results could help to develop new treatments such as OCD and Tourette's syndrome.

Images shows new medium spiny neurons (in green) integrating into brain's existing networks

Featured Genetics

·June 6, 2013·5 min read

Scientists Coax Brain to Regenerate Cells Lost in Huntington’s Disease

Researchers mobilize the brain's native stem cells to replenish medium spiny neurons which are lost in Huntington's disease.

The image shows the differences in the brain scans between the breast fed and formula fed babies.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Breastfeeding Benefits Babies’ Brains

Using MRI brain imaging, researchers discover babies which are only breastfed have improved brain development over those who are fed with a combination of formula and breast milk, or those formula fed alone.

The image shows a human head with a dna double helix inside.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Discover How Brain Circuits Can Become Miswired During Development

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism which guides the wiring of neural circuits in a developing brain.

The image shows the location of the dentate gyrus, marked as DG, in the hippocampal region.

Featured Neurology

·June 5, 2013·3 min read

Study Expands Concerns About Anesthesia’s Impact on the Brain

Using laboratory mice, researchers show anesthesia's neurotoxic effects depend upon the age of the neurons in the brain and not the age of the animal undergoing anesthesia.