FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·November 22, 2021·4 min readInadequate Sleep Is Bad for Preteens’ BrainsInadequate sleep can harm brain organization in early adolescence, researchers report. The disorganization can have an impact on cognitive processes, including attention, memory, emotional regulation, and controlling behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 15, 2021·4 min readAs We Develop, the Brain Connects Lessons Learned DifferentlyWhile adults build integrated memories based on existing inferences, children can separate memories they later compare to make inferences as they go.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 13, 2021·3 min readA New Neural-Optic System Can Manipulate MemoriesA new neuro-optics technique can manipulate memory consolidation in mouse models by hindering long-term potentiation. Researchers say eliminating local LTP in the hippocampus erased memories. The method could be used to isolate memory formation at the cellular level.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 10, 2021·4 min readHow Do We Learn to Learn?Cognitive control training that focuses on important factors while ignoring distractions enhances information processing and enables the ability to "learn to learn".Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 9, 2021·2 min readExploring Differences in Mitochondria of Memory Cells in the BrainA new NIH grant will allow Virginia Tech researchers to explore the mechanisms of social memory in the hippocampus.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·November 9, 2021·4 min readHow Are Epilepsy and Autism Linked?A common underlying defect in the formation of neural circuitry may contribute to the development of both autism and epilepsy, researchers report.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience·October 28, 2021·3 min readHow Nicotine Influences Hippocampal Dependent CognitionNicotine exposure significantly altered the metabolism and secretion of serotonin, acetylcholine, kynurenic acid, and choline in HT22 hippocampal cells. Findings suggest nicotine could have neuroprotective properties and provide cognitive enhancement.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 28, 2021·5 min readThe Goal in Mind: Brain’s Internal Goal Map Helps Animals Precisely Navigate to Chosen DestinationStudy reveals a specific neural code for spatial goals, providing evidence for the brain's goal map that guides us to a remote location over space and time.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 22, 2021·5 min readVR Experiment With Rats Offers New Insights About How Neurons Enable LearningStudying rats in a virtual reality maze, researchers discover certain hippocampal neurons play a vital role in a specific mechanism of navigation.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 22, 2021·4 min readFat Cells Found to Play a Central Role in Cognitive Decline and NeurodegenerationA new study reveals how adipocytes, or fat cells, play a role in cognitive decline and increased neurodegeneration risks. Using genetically modified mouse models, researchers found oxidative stress through exposure to a Western diet increased the production of inflammatory cytokines confined to adipocytes and altered protein markers of memory and cognition in the hippocampus.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 19, 2021·3 min readBrain Activation in Sleeping Toddlers Shows Memory for WordsScanning the brains of sleeping toddlers, researchers found the hippocampus is activated as memories for new words are formed. The findings suggest the hippocampus plays an important role in the formation of new word memories.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 18, 2021·8 min readSerotonin Stabilizes Social MemoriesSerotonin-producing neurons in the brainstem release serotonin throughout the brain during moments of novel social encounters. The release of serotonin stimulates neurons in the medial septum via a subtype of serotonin-sensitive receptor molecules. Blocking the release of this receptor molecule prevents the formation of new social memories.Read More
