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EPFL

·December 5, 2023·3 min read

AI Revolutionizes Neuron Tracking in Moving Animals

Researchers developed an AI-based method to track neurons in moving and deforming animals, a significant advancement in neuroscience research. This convolutional neural network (CNN) method overcomes the challenge of tracking brain activity in organisms like worms, whose bodies constantly change shape.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 7, 2023·5 min read

Cortisol’s Role in PTSD Vulnerability

Researchers discovered how stress-induced hormones like cortisol influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Using a rat model with a blunted hormonal response to stress, they observed impaired fear extinction, reduced hippocampal volume, and sleep disturbances, all traits associated with PTSD.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 2, 2023·4 min read

Taming the Flame of Aging: Key Pathway for Chronic Inflammation Revealed

Researchers have unveiled the key role of the cGAS/STING molecular signaling pathway in driving chronic inflammation and functional decline during aging. The team discovered that blocking the STING protein suppressed inflammatory responses in aging cells and tissues, leading to improved function.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 30, 2023·5 min read

Early Hallucinations in Parkinson’s Tied to Faster Cognitive Decline

Early hallucinations in Parkinson's disease patients might signal a faster cognitive decline. Through comprehensive neuropsychological interviews and electroencephalography measurements, researchers were able to link minor hallucinations, typically underreported, to more rapid deterioration of frontal executive function in subsequent years.

This shows an AI generated image of a BCI.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 24, 2023·5 min read

Wireless Brain-Spine Interface: A Leap Towards Reversing Paralysis

In a pioneering study, researchers designed a wireless brain-spine interface enabling a paralyzed man to walk naturally again. The 'digital bridge' comprises two electronic implants — one on the brain and another on the spinal cord — that decode brain signals and stimulate the spinal cord to activate leg muscles.

This shows a glowing, blue, transparent hand.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 21, 2023·6 min read

Amputees Sense Temperature in Missing Limbs

A new study reveals amputees can feel temperature in their phantom limbs using thermal electrodes placed on their residual arms. Participants in the study reported feeling heat or cold, and discerning material types, such as copper, plastic, or glass.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 4, 2023·5 min read

Machine-Learning Algorithm Predicts What Mice See From Brain Data

EPFL researchers have developed a novel machine learning algorithm called CEBRA, which can predict what mice see based on decoding their neural activity. The algorithm maps brain activity to specific frames and can predict unseen movie frames directly from brain signals alone after an initial training period. CEBRA can also be used to predict movements of the arm in primates and to reconstruct the positions of rats as they move around an arena, suggesting potential clinical applications.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 15, 2023·6 min read

New Release of Blue Brain Project Atlas Sheds Light on Neuron Types

The Blue Brain Project has released a new and enriched 3D digital cell atlas containing more neuron types than the previous version.

This shows the RNA sequence of the spinal cord

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 10, 2022·4 min read

Neurons That Restore Walking After Paralysis Identified

Vsx2 neurons are vital and sufficient for spinal cord stimulation therapies to be effective to restore motor function in those with spinal cord injury and for nerve fiber reorganization.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 7, 2022·5 min read

Motivation Is Affected by Oxidative Stress, but Nutrition Can Help

Higher levels of glutathione in the nucleus accumbens correlated with better and more steady performance in motivation-based tasks. Findings suggest improvements in accumbal anti-oxidant function that can be acquired via diet or supplementation may be a feasible approach to help boost motivation.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·October 28, 2022·6 min read

A New Device for Early Diagnosis of Degenerative Eye Disorders

Researchers have developed a new ophthalmological device that can detect degenerative visual problems such as age-related macular degeneration long before the onset of the first symptoms.