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·June 20, 2019·4 min read

Pigs help scientists understand human brain

Using resting state fMRI, researchers discover pig brains may be better models for studying human neurological conditions than previously thought.

This shows brain scans from teen cannabis users

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 20, 2019·4 min read

Early-and-regular cannabis use by youth is associated with alteration in brain circuits that support cognitive control

Compared to peers who do not use cannabis, teens and young adults with significant marijuana use history have reduced activation in brain areas that support cognitive control and conflict resolution.

This shows a woman wiht her head in her hands

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·June 18, 2019·3 min read

Antidepressants can reduce ’empathic empathy’

Antidepressants for major depressive disorder reduce the aversive response triggered by exposure to the suffering of others. Findings suggest antidepressants may lead to impaired empathy of pain perception.

This shows the brain scans from the terrorists

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2019·15 min read

The neuroscience of terrorism: How researchers convinced a group of radicals to let them scan their brain

A new neuroimaging study provides an insight into the neurobiology of those willing to commit terrorist acts. Researchers consider the psychological and social factors which also contribute to radicalization, and discuss how inclusive societies could help in the fight against political violence.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 12, 2019·7 min read

Using gene editing, neuroscientists develop a new model for autism

Using CRISPR gene editing, researchers introduce the SHANK3 gene variant into macaque monkeys. SHANK3 has previously been linked to autism in humans. The monkeys with the SHANK3 mutations exhibited behavioral traits and brain activity patterns similar to those seen in humans on the autism spectrum, Researchers hope the new model will facilitate new avenues of research for ASD.

This shows a young woman looking out of a window

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·June 11, 2019·3 min read

Brain activation provides individual-level prediction of bipolar disorder risk

Combining neuroimaging data with machine learning, researchers have identified patterns of brain activation during reward anticipation, associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder. The patterns of neural activation predict the severity of mania symptoms in young adults who have not yet developed the disorder.

The auditory cortex is highlighted in this brain scan

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·June 10, 2019·4 min read

Our brains appear uniquely tuned for musical pitch

Study of macaque monkeys reveals speech and music may have shaped the human brain's auditory networks. Researchers found specific areas of the human brain have a stronger preference for pitch than that of primates, raising the possibility certain sounds, which are embedded in music and speech, may have shaped the organization of our brains.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·June 4, 2019·4 min read

Brains of children with epilepsy able to re-map after surgery to retain visual perception

Following surgery, the brains of children with epilepsy are able to remap and compensate for damaged areas of the visual cortex. The findings shed light on brain plasticity.

This shows brain scans with the lack of anterior cingulate cortex activity

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·May 29, 2019·4 min read

Seeing disfigured faces prompts negative brain and behavior responses

Neuroimaging reveals people experience a diminished neural response in the anterior cingulate cortex when shown images of others with facial disfigurements. A similar response is also seen when people view other stigmatized people, such as those who are homeless. The diminished activity may explain why people are less empathetic toward those who have facial disfigurements and may help explain the underlying neural mechanism for dehumanization.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 28, 2019·5 min read

As plaque deposits increase in the aging brain, money management falters

Older adults who experience problems completing simple financial tasks, such as calculating their change, may be at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Problems with financial management have often been associated with later stage dementia. A new study reveals this could be one of the earliest signs of dementia and may be correlated with a build-up of amyloid plaque deposits.

This shows a preterm baby listening to music

Featured Neuroscience

·May 28, 2019·4 min read

Music helps to build the brains of very premature babies

Music specially composed for preterm babies helps strengthen the development of neural networks and may help to limit neurodevelopmental delays often experienced by those born prematurely.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 27, 2019·4 min read

Altered Brain Activity in Antisocial Teenagers

Neuroimaging reveals lower activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and angular gyrus in teenage girls with conduct disorder. Findings suggest that a reduction in prefrontal brain regions and functional connectivity during effortful emotional regulations contribute to behaviors associated with antisocial behavior in teenage girls.