Hello, kitty: Cats recognize their own names
Domestic cats are able to discriminate the content of human speech, including recognizing their names, based upon phonemic differences.... Read More...
neurobiology
Marijuana users weigh less, defying the munchies
On average, cannabis users weight 2 pounds less, and have a lower BMI, than those who do not consume marijuana. The findings contradict the popular belief that those who get the munchies after using the substance gain more weight.... Read More...
Metabolite may play a role in nicotine addiction
The metabolite cotinine may be amplifying, or contributing to, the addictive properties of nicotine, researchers report.... Read More...
High-risk genes for schizophrenia discovered
Study identifies 104 high-risk genes for schizophrenia. One gene considered high-risk is also suspected in the development of autism.... Read More...
Skin discovery may help explain why women get autoimmune diseases far more often than men
Skin cells may hold the key to explaining why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus than men. Researchers found women have more VGLL3 in their skin cells than men. VGLL3 pushes the immune system into overdrive, resulting in the 'self-attacking' autoimmune response, the mouse study revealed. Findings strongly implicate VGLL3 as a pivotal catalyst in sex-based autoimmunity.... Read More...
Research provides important insight on the brain-body connection
Neurons in the motor cortex of rats fall into two categories, those that are externally focused and relay information to other parts of the body, and those that are internally focused. When inhibition is increased, the externally focused neurons switch to internally focused cells.... Read More...
Light, physical activity reduces brain aging
Light physical activity has positive benefits for brain health as we age. Spending an hour participating in light intensity physical activity was associated with the equivalent of 1.1 years less brain aging. Every additional hour spent exercising was linked to higher brain volume.... Read More...
Behavioral disorders in kids with autism linked to reduced brain connectivity
Reduced connectivity between the amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex has been identified in children on the autism spectrum who exhibit disruptive behaviors, compared to those on the spectrum who do not. Findings suggest this distinct brain network could be independent of core autism symptoms.... Read More...
Fish are accumulating certain antidepressants, antibiotics and sun cream components
Antidepressants, such as the SSRI amitriptyline, antibiotics associated with developmental problems and sun cream components are contaminating water, and are being accumulated in fish. Exposure to the medications has effects on the molecular level to the fish. Researchers say this poses a problem as consumption of gilt-head bream is on the rise, and there could be a risk of the contaminants reaching humans via diet.... Read More...
The brain’s imperfect execution of mathematically optimal perception
Perception is founded on Bayesian principles, even though the brain's execution of strategies appears to be imperfect. Researchers say the view perception is an imperfect Bayesian inference can provide a middle ground between traditional and anti-Bayesian models.... Read More...
Blood pressure drug shows promise for treating Parkinson’s and dementia in animal study
Felodipine, a common hypertension medication, induces autophagy and clears aggregate-prone proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals the drug clears mutant alpha-synuclein in the brains of mice at plasma concentrations to those seen in humans taking the medication. Felodipine appears to have some neuroprotective properties in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases.... Read More...
General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out
Study reveals anesthesia activated neurons have been discovered in the hypothalamus. Activation of AANs promotes slow-wave sleep, extending the effects of anesthesia, while inhibition of AANs shortens the duration of general anesthetics and disrupts natural sleep.... Read More...