Brain tunes itself to criticality, maximizing information processing
Criticality in the brain was linked to inhibitory neurons imposing and organizing the computational dynamics.... Read More...
electrophysiology
Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed
Inhibitory inputs to the neural circuit between the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increase when a person is in chronic pain. This alteration is mediated by enhanced corticotropin-releasing factor signaling within the dlBNST, leading to suppression of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The result is depressive mood and anhedonia associated with chronic pain.... Read More...
Neurological signals from the spinal cord surprise scientists
A new study challenges existing theories about spinal cord neurons. New findings suggest neurological signals originate from a major, scattered network of cells that send signals to only a few other neurons. ... Read More...
Diverse linguistic environment boosts brain sensitivity to new learning
Living in a linguistically diverse environment helps promote more effective learning of new languages for monolingual people.... Read More...
Scientists advance search for memory’s molecular roots
A new study sheds light on the molecular basis of memory. The study details how the binding sites of CamKII act to align actin fragments, creating bundles that support skeletons of dendritic spines.... Read More...
New method classifies brain cells based on electrical signals
Researchers distinguish between four distinct classes of neurons based on their spiking information.... Read More...
How the brain finds order amidst chaos
Amidst noise and chaos, cortical neurons work in a team to communicate and allow the brain to find order.... Read More...
The way a single neuron processes information is never the same
When a neuron receives information, dendrites functionally work together to adjust for the complexity of the input.... Read More...
The fractal brain, from a single neuron’s perspective
Researchers say measuring signals from a single neuron may be as good as capturing information from many neurons at once.... Read More...
Neurons’ “antennae” are unexpectedly active in neural computation
When the soma of specific neurons is active, the dendrites of the same neuron are also active, even when animals are not engaged in a cognitively demanding task. ... Read More...
New microscopy technique peers deep into the brain
A new microscopy technique integrates existing and novel approaches to build a clearer picture of the workings of neurons in the brain. The technique captures cellular activity across large tissue volumes in greater detail than previous techniques have allowed for.... Read More...
Advances in deep brain stimulation could lead to new treatments
Researchers discuss the potential of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, OCD, Tourette syndrome and other disorders.... Read More...