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neurobiology

The image shows pencil drawings of sea lampreys by Alexander Francis Lydon.

·February 25, 2013·3 min read

Scientists Find Genes Linked to Human Neurological Disorders in Sea Lamprey Genome

Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey. The lamprey has large, identified neurons in its brain and spinal cord, making it an excellent model to study regeneration at the single cell-level.

The image shows the chemical structure of bisphenol A.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 25, 2013·3 min read

BPA May Affect the Developing Brain by Disrupting Gene Regulation

New research suggests environmental exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics and resins, could suppress a gene critical to nerve cell function and the development of the central nervous system. Exposure to BPA could predispose humans to a number of neurodevelopmental and other health disorders.

The image shows a diagram of the third ventricle from Gray's Anatomy.

Autism Featured

·February 25, 2013·2 min read

Ultrasound Reveals Autism Risk at Birth

Low birth weight babies with ventricular enlargement are at greater risk for developing autism, a new study suggests.

The image shows a close up of blood cells, some of which have evidence of increased levels of lead.

Autism Featured

·February 25, 2013·2 min read

Higher Levels of Several Toxic Metals Found in Children With Autism

In a recent study, researchers report children with autism had higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typical children.

the image shows different fmri scans of the cerebral cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 22, 2013·2 min read

Has Evolution Given Humans Unique Brain Structures?

Comparing fMRI scans of human brains and those of rhesus monkeys, researchers believe they have new evidence which proves humans have unique cortical brain networks.

The image shows pencil drawings of common household roaches.

Featured

·February 22, 2013·4 min read

Lessons From Cockroaches Could Inform Robotics

New insight obtained by studying the gait of cockroaches could provide valuable information on how biological systems stabilize. The research could help to develop more stable robots and provide doctors with better understanding on human gait abnormalities.

The image shows a chalk outline of a human head surrounded by question marks.

Brain Cancer Featured

·February 21, 2013·2 min read

Neuroscientist Sheds Light on Cause for ‘Chemo Brain’

A new study argues that prolonged chemotherapy decreases the development of new brain cells, and disrupts ongoing brain rhythms in the part of the brain responsible for making new memories.

This is a pencil drawing of a cardinal singing.

Featured Psychology

·February 21, 2013·5 min read

How Human Language Could Have Evolved from Birdsong

Linguistics and biology researchers propose a new theory on the deep roots of human speech. A new study suggests human language is a grafting of two communication forms found elsewhere in the animal kingdom: first, the elaborate songs of birds, and second, the more utilitarian, information-bearing types of expression seen in a diversity of other animals.

The image shows the robotic bat wing and a real bat.

Featured

·February 21, 2013·5 min read

Researchers Build Robotic Bat Wing

Building a robotic bat wing, researchers have uncovered flight secrets of real bats: the function of ligaments, the elasticity of skin, the structural support of musculature, skeletal flexibility, upstroke and downstroke.

The image is a drawing of Leonardo da Vinci. named proportions of the head.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 21, 2013·2 min read

Where Does Our Head Come From?

New research has shed light on the evolutionary origin of the head.Researchers showed that in a simple, brainless sea anemone, the same genes that control head development in higher animals regulate the development of the front end of the swimming larvae.

The image is a model of the L! protein. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Genetics

·February 20, 2013·4 min read

Signaling Pathway Linked to Fetal Alcohol Risk

Research have identified a signaling pathway that might determine genetic susceptibility for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The image is a computerized illustration of a brain in a human head, set to look like an x-ray.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 20, 2013·4 min read

Secrets of Human Speech Uncovered

A new study has uncovered the neurological basis of speech motor control, the complex coordinated activity of tiny brain regions that controls our lips, jaw, tongue and larynx as we speak.