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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

·April 24, 2023·4 min read

Antiviral Pathway a Potential New Target for Alzheimer’s Treatment

Inhibiting cGAS, an innate immune system enzyme allows neurons to become more resilient to tau fibrils. The new finding may serve in the development of new therapies to help treat Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, two neurodegenerative disorders associated with tau build-up in the brain.

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·April 24, 2023·3 min read

Monkey See, Monkey Think: Groundbreaking Study Reveals Primate’s Ability for Complex Decision-Making

Move over humans, monkeys can think deeply too! A novel study has shown that monkeys are capable of careful decision-making by considering costs, consequences, and constraints. Findings reveal our primate cousins are capable of making optimal choices instead of impulsive decisions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2023·5 min read

A Helping Hand: Small Acts of Kindness Occur Every Two Minutes

In a study of people from different countries and cultural backgrounds, researchers found people tend to ask for assistance with small tasks on average every two minutes. Across cultures, people tend to positively respond to the requests of others more often than they deny assistance. The findings suggest all cultures may have more similar cooperative behaviors than prior research has established.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2023·5 min read

Disrupted Synaptic Pruning a Key Factor in Teen Mental Health at Risk

According to research, problems with the brain's ability to prune itself of unnecessary connections may be behind a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. This could explain why people are often affected by more than one disorder. The discovery of a characteristic pattern of brain activity called the "neuropsychopathological factor" (NP factor) could help identify those at greatest risk of mental health problems and facilitate earlier interventions to reduce the risk.

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·April 24, 2023·3 min read

Classical Conditioning Through Brain Stimulation

Brain activity can be conditioned through external brain stimulation, researchers discovered. The findings have implications for using TMS as a therapeutic approach, potentially leading to more straightforward treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and depression.

This shows a genetically engineered worm

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·April 23, 2023·6 min read

Worm Model Weeds Out New Insight Into Endocannabinoid System

A new study of worms brings new insight into the workings of the endocannabinoid system and helps answer the question of why cannabis consumption enhances mood and gives people "the munchies". Researchers found cannabis consumption activates the endocannabinoid system and evokes cravings for higher calorie foods.

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·April 23, 2023·6 min read

Understanding the Importance of “Brain Age”

Researchers from Monash University are investigating the age of the brain, which may not always match the age of its host. Their work aims to unravel this mystery from different perspectives.

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·April 23, 2023·3 min read

Advance in Intelligent Neuroprosthetics May Benefit Those With Motor Diseases

It may be possible to optimize the stimulation parameters of brain implants in animals without human intervention. The study highlights the potential for autonomous optimization of prostheses implanted in the brain. The advance may prove to be beneficial for those with spinal cord injury and diseases that affect movement.

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·April 22, 2023·5 min read

500 Days of Solitude: One Woman’s Experience of Extreme Social Isolation Sheds Light on Time Perception

A woman who recently emerged from a cave after 500 days of isolation reported she rapidly lost her perception of time. Researchers explore how social isolation impacts time perception and the neurobiological mechanisms that may explain this phenomenon.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 22, 2023·3 min read

Early Indicators of Autism May Be Identified in Fetal Brain Scans

A study by King's College researchers has identified a link between autism traits and isolated fetal ventriculomegaly - a common antenatal brain abnormality. Using MRI brain scans, the study supports the need for early identification and intervention for families and could improve the long-term support of those affected.

This shows a drawing of a person holding a brain aloft

Featured Neuroscience

·April 22, 2023·5 min read

Mental Block: The Brain Often Stops Us From Learning From Mistakes

Researchers investigate why our brains often allow us to repeat mistakes and how we can apply cognitive control to self-correct when It comes to error-making.

Featured Neurology Pain

·April 22, 2023·5 min read

Alcohol Fuels Pain: Study Reveals Link Between Drinking and Chronic Pain

Chronic alcohol consumption can increase sensitivity to pain through two molecular mechanisms. Researchers also identified potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-related chronic pain. Over half of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from persistent pain, including alcoholic neuropathy. The study found that alcohol withdrawal could result in neuropathy that was not reversed by re-exposure to alcohol.