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evolutionary neuroscience

·December 4, 2023·4 min read

Human Brain Development: Growth After Birth Challenges Previous Assumptions

A new study challenges the belief that human newborns have significantly less developed brains compared to other primates. The research reveals that human infants are born with brains typical of similar primate species, but their brains grow larger and more complex post-birth, giving the impression of underdevelopment.

This shows a brain that looks like a tree.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 29, 2023·5 min read

The Cerebellum’s Role in Human Cognitive Evolution

New research reveals the cerebellum's significant role in the evolution of human cognitive functions. The study mapped the genetic development of cerebellar cells in humans, mice, and opossums, uncovering both ancestral and unique cellular characteristics.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 8, 2023·6 min read

Dino’s Subterranean Senses: Unveiling Thescelosaurus’ Traits

New CT scans of the Thescelosaurus neglectus, known as Willo, suggest it may have spent time underground, contrasting with its previously dull reputation. Researchers found Willo had a limited hearing range but a powerful sense of smell and balance, similar to modern burrowing animals.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 16, 2023·7 min read

Unveiling Nature’s Missing Law: Evolution Beyond Biology

Scientists from top institutions describe a groundbreaking discovery: the "missing law of nature". This law reveals that evolution isn't limited to living entities but extends to all complex natural systems, from atoms and stars to minerals.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 26, 2023·5 min read

Worms Illuminate Ancient Emotional Mechanisms

Researchers uncover that the humble roundworm may hold insights into basic emotional mechanisms. When subjected to electric shocks, these worms displayed behavior consistent with a primitive form of emotion, prioritizing danger over food.

Neuroscience

·September 19, 2023·7 min read

Tiny Sea Creatures Provide Evolution’s Clue to Neuron Origins

Researchers investigated the tiny marine animals called placozoans, revealing unexpected links to the evolution of neurons. These ancient creatures have specialized secretory cells that might have been precursors to neurons in advanced animals.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 14, 2023·3 min read

Genetic Origins of Learning and Memory Traced Back 650 Million Years

Researchers have uncovered genes essential for learning, memory, aggression, and other complex behaviors originated around 650 million years ago. The study utilized computational methods to trace the evolutionary history of these genes involved in the production, modulation, and reception of monoamines like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 27, 2023·4 min read

Orangutans Simultaneously Produce Dual Sounds: A Clue to Human Speech Evolution

Orangutans are capable of simultaneously producing two different sounds, akin to human beatboxers or songbirds. Through observations of vocalising orangutan populations in Borneo and Sumatra, researchers discovered this shared vocal phenomenon.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 17, 2023·6 min read

Adversity, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Evolution: The Reproductive Trade-off Theory

A new study examines the association of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with early life adversity and its potential influence on immediate reproductive strategies over somatic health. Using a sample of over 30,000 adults, the study finds that the risk of developing BPD was significantly influenced by a trade-off favoring immediate reproduction over long-term health.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 16, 2023·4 min read

Tracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Flexibility

A new study provides insights into the evolutionary origins of cognitive flexibility, an essential skill for adaptation and survival. Participants were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while learning a sensorimotor task, the findings of which showed the importance of sensory brain regions in decision-making.

This shows a colorful outline of a dog's head.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2023·7 min read

Canine Brain Atlas Sheds Light on Evolution of Human Brain Function

A recent study using a novel canine brain atlas has led to significant insights about the evolution of the human brain. By investigating brain activity in dogs through fMRI, researchers revealed the critical role of the cingulate cortex and the lateral frontal lobes in problem-solving and task-switching. The research also highlighted how brain areas function in synchrony to form task-specific networks.

This shows a woman sitting on a couch with her dogs.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 12, 2023·7 min read

Urbanization Boosts Brain Size in Modern Dog Breeds

Modern dog breeds, which are genetically farther from wolves, have relatively larger brain sizes compared to ancient breeds. The increase in brain size is not related to the specific roles or life history characteristics of the breeds, indicating that it's likely influenced by domestication and a more complex social environment.

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evolutionary neuroscience

Human Brain Development: Growth After Birth Challenges Previous Assumptions

The Cerebellum’s Role in Human Cognitive Evolution

Dino’s Subterranean Senses: Unveiling Thescelosaurus’ Traits

Unveiling Nature’s Missing Law: Evolution Beyond Biology

Worms Illuminate Ancient Emotional Mechanisms

Tiny Sea Creatures Provide Evolution’s Clue to Neuron Origins

Genetic Origins of Learning and Memory Traced Back 650 Million Years

Orangutans Simultaneously Produce Dual Sounds: A Clue to Human Speech Evolution

Adversity, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Evolution: The Reproductive Trade-off Theory

Tracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Flexibility

Canine Brain Atlas Sheds Light on Evolution of Human Brain Function

Urbanization Boosts Brain Size in Modern Dog Breeds

AI Vulnerabilities Exposed: Adversarial Attacks More Common and Dangerous Than Expected

Implant Shows Promise in Restoring Cognitive Function After Brain Injury

The Role of Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Link Between High Blood Pressure, Immune System, and Cognitive Decline Revealed

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