Pain signaling in humans more rapid than previously known
Pain signaling occurs much faster than previously believed. Researchers report thickly myelinated nerves contribute to pain processing speeds. ... Read More...
Linköping University
Dogs mirror owner’s stress
Researchers identify an interspecies correlation between hair cortisol concentrations in humans and dogs during summer and winter months. The cortisol levels were not affected by the amount of activity the dog had during these periods. The study reveals a seasonal effect in higher cortisol levels between humans and animals, and human personality traits significantly affected the dog's level of stress. Findings suggest that dogs often mirror the stress levels of their owners.... Read More...
Newly discovered mechanism reveals how Parkinson’s disease can spread between brain cells
Connexins play a critical role in the uptake and transfer of Parkinson's related proteins from one cell to another. The findings may help with the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease.... Read More...
Learning Transistor Mimics the Brain
Researchers have developed an evolvable electrochemical transistor which has the ability to learn. The transistor is equipped with the ability for both long and short term memory. The new technology is a major step towards machine learning that utilizes organic electronics, the researchers report. ... Read More...
How Our Brains Distinguish Between Self Touch and the Touch of Others
A new neuroimaging study reveals brain activity is reduced when we experience self touch, as opposed to the touch of another person. The findings shed light on how the brain is able to distinguish between tactile sensations generated by the touch of another and personal touch.... Read More...
Reward and Unease Are Closely Linked in the Brain
Researchers say melanocortin 4 receptors may play a role in unease and reward. The study reports dopamine levels fell in the reward system of mice when the animal experienced something unpleasant. However, in mice lacking the melanocortin 4 receptor, dopamine levels increased slightly following a negative experience.... Read More...
Mechanisms Behind Choosing Alcohol Over Healthy Rewards Identified
Researchers reveal how molecular alterations in the brain are linked to behaviors central to addiction.... Read More...
New Mechanism by Which Alzheimer’s Spreads Through the Brain
According to researchers, exosomes can transport toxic aggregates of amyloid beta to new neurons in the brain.... Read More...
Alzheimer’s Plaque Affects Different Brain Cells Differently
Alzheimer's linked protein, amyloid beta, appears to do very little harm to glial cells, at least in fruit flies, researchers report.... Read More...
Dogs’ Social Skills Linked to Oxytocin Sensitivity
A new study reports genetic variations in sensitivity to oxytocin allows dogs to be more sociable and seek out contact with their owners.... Read More...