How expectation influences perception
Brain activity patterns in the frontal cortex encode beliefs and affect how we perceive the world around us.... Read More...
frontal cortex
How we make complex decisions
When making complex decisions, the brain performs two computations using distributed network areas in the frontal cortex. ... Read More...
When is Alzheimer’s not Alzheimer’s? Researchers characterize a different form of dementia
LATE, a form of dementia that appears in the oldest-old is often mistaken for Alzheimer's disease, but the brain pathology is very different. The protein TDP-43 appears to play a significant role in the development of LATE. The neurodegenerative disease may progress more gradually than Alzheimer's, but when combined with Alzheimer's disease (a common combination), appears to cause a more rapid decline than either would alone.... Read More...
Research shows impact of poverty on children’s brain activity
Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and whose mothers have lower levels of education, have weaker brain activity in areas of the brain associated with working memory and are more likely to experience attention problems.... Read More...
Brain stimulation improves depression symptoms, restores brain waves in clinical study
Transcranial alternating current brain stimulation (tACS) significantly reduced symptoms in people diagnosed with major depressive disorder in a pilot clinical trial.... Read More...
Smoking and Alcohol: Double Trouble for the Brain
A new study reports those with alcohol addiction who also smoke may be at an increased risk of neural damage. The study revealed higher levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and a a decrease in neurotrophic factor in the striatum and frontal cortex in rats exposed to both alcohol and tobacco.... Read More...
Brain Discovery Explains A Great Mystery of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Researchers may have solved one of the great mysteries of neuroscience; namely, why neurons in the temporal lobe are the first to die in Alzheimer's disease, and why dopaminergic neurons are damaged first in Parkinson's. ... Read More...
How the Brain Makes Choices
From decision making to action, researchers explore how the brain allows us to make choices.... Read More...
Making Moves and Memories: Are They Connected?
Researchers have identified a new role for the cerebellum. Rather than just helping to control muscle activity, the cerebellum may also play a critical role in cognitive functions. ... Read More...
Unique Patterns of Neural Communications Discovered in Brains of Autistic Children
A new study reveals unique connections within brain networks in children on the autism spectrum. Researchers say, in ASD, the amygdala shows marked differences in connection with the occipital cortex than in typically developing children.... Read More...
Discovery of First Genetic Variants Associated with Meaning of Life
Researchers have identified two genetic variants for meaning in life and six genetic variants for happiness. ... Read More...
Painting a Nuanced Picture of Brain System Regulation Moods and Movements
A new study reports the serotonin system is made up of multiple parallel pathways that affect the brain in different, and sometimes opposing, ways.... Read More...