brain size

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brain size

·October 23, 2020·4 min read

Happiness and the Evolution of Brain Size

Study reveals a new role for serotonin in the development of the human neocortex. Serotonin acts cell-extrinsically as a growth factor for basal progenitors in the developing neocortex. Researchers report placenta-driven serotonin likely contributed to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex in humans. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 4, 2020·5 min read

The Length of the Neurogenic Period Is a Key Determinant for Brain Size

During pregnancy, the maternal environment has a dominant influence on the length of the neurogenic period and the number of upper-layer neurons produced. The study reveals a link between the maternal environment and embryonic cortical neurogenesis in-vitro. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2020·2 min read

Your Amygdala Gets Bigger If You’re Anxious and Depressed

Depression and anxiety have a profound effect on brain areas associated with memory and emotional processing. In people with depression and anxiety, researchers noted shrinkage to the hippocampus. By contrast, the amygdala increased in size. Read More

This shows a pink brain on top of a pile of white brains

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 16, 2020·4 min read

Are bigger brains better?

Greater hippocampal volume is not always a reliable predictor of learning and memory ability in older adults. Faster learning was only found in older adults who had both greater hippocampal volume and more uniform white matter connections to other parts of the brain. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 29, 2019·5 min read

Which came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?

Reduced gray matter volume in the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may represent a genetically conferred predispositional risk factor for alcohol use disorder. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·June 3, 2019·5 min read

Fathers aid development of larger brains

Reliable and stable paternal care is correlated with the evolution of larger brains in their offspring. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2019·4 min read

All Too Human: The Price We Pay for Our Advanced Brains May Be a Greater Tendency to Disorders

Researchers report the neural code of the prefrontal cortex is more efficient than the amygdala in both humans and primates. The lower resistance of the amygdala to errors in humans may play a role in exaggerated survival responses, such as those seen in anxiety and PTSD. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 21, 2019·4 min read

Genes with Large Effect on Head and Brain Size Discovered

Researchers report genetic influences on head circumference remain stable during development and are correlated with genetic factors which contribute to intracranial volume. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·January 9, 2019·3 min read

Excessive Body Fat Around Middle Linked to Smaller Brain Size

Researchers report obesity and excessive body fat around the middle is associated with lower grey matter volume in the brain. The study also found a link between obesity and shrinkage in specific brain areas. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Building a Bigger Brain

ARHGAP11B, a gene unique to humans and active in the cerebral cortex, causes enlargement of the ferret neocortex when introduced during development. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·December 1, 2018·7 min read

Bigger Brains Are Smarter, But Not By Much

Neuroimaging information reveals a small but significant positive association between brain volume and cognitive performance. Read More

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology

·October 29, 2018·4 min read

Bigger Brains Could Increase Cancer Risk

A new study reports bigger brain size could mean an increased risk of developing brain cancer. The reason, researchers say, is simple. Bigger brains have more brain cells, and thus a greater potential for cell mutations that lead to cancer. Read More

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