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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

The image shows a brain made up of colorful gears.

·June 11, 2013·2 min read

Fetal Neuromaturation Associated with Mother’s Exposure to DDT and Other Environmental Contaminants

Researchers discover a mother's higher exposure to some common environmental contaminants are associated with more vigorous and frequent motor activity. The results show the fetus is susceptible to environmental exposure and this can be detected by measuring fetal neurobehavior.

The illustration shows a lightening bolt hitting the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 11, 2013·3 min read

New Therapy Target for Kids’ Fever-Induced Seizures

Researchers have identified a new key factor in the generation of febrile seizures. The findings could lead to new therapeutic treatments for fever induced seizures.

The image shows an fMRI of a participant with a stroke viewed performing actions mentioned in the research.

Featured Neurology

·June 11, 2013·3 min read

Study Charts Exercise for Stroke Patients’ Brains

Using neuroimaging, researchers discover that stroke patients' brains show strong cortical motor activity when watching others perform physical tasks. The findings offer new insight into potential stroke rehabilitation therapy.

The image shows a football player going to 'header' a ball during a Poland versus US friendly soccer game.

Featured Neurology

·June 11, 2013·3 min read

Frequent Soccer Ball ‘Heading’ May Lead to Brain Injury

Researchers discover soccer players who frequently 'head' the ball have white matter abnormalities consistent with concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.

The image shows the location of the cerebral cortex.

Featured Neurology

·June 10, 2013·3 min read

3-D Map of Blood Vessels in Cerebral Cortex Holds Suprises

A new study describes the vascular architecture within the cerebral cortex, exploring what the structure means for neuroimaging and the onset of dementia.

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

Featured Neurology

·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.