Latest

neurobiology

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

Cerebellum Plays Key Role in Social and Cognitive Abilities

The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor functions, also plays a vital role in social and cognitive abilities, according to new research. Abnormalities in this brain region not only impair movement but are linked to emotional and behavioral issues, particularly in autism.

This shows a brain and a network of images.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·5 min read

How AI is Reshaping Human Thought and Decision-Making

A new study introduces "System 0," a cognitive framework where artificial intelligence (AI) enhances human thinking by processing vast data, complementing our natural intuition (System 1) and analytical thinking (System 2). However, this external thinking system poses risks, such as over-reliance on AI and a potential loss of cognitive autonomy.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·6 min read

How Visual Clutter Disrupts Information Flow in the Brain

A new study reveals that visual clutter alters how information flows between neurons in the brain’s primary visual cortex, but not the order in which it's processed. Researchers found that the efficiency of information transfer changes depending on the location of clutter in the visual field.

This shows a drawing of people watching a movie.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·6 min read

Watching Docudramas Boosts Empathy

A new study shows that after watching a docudrama about a wrongfully convicted prisoner, participants became more empathetic toward formerly incarcerated individuals and more supportive of criminal justice reform. The research revealed that personal stories portrayed in media can shift attitudes, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of marginalized groups.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·4 min read

Loneliness Increases Dementia Risk by 31%

A large meta-analysis of over 600,000 people shows that experiencing loneliness significantly raises the risk of developing dementia by 31%. Researchers found that loneliness is a key factor in cognitive decline, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, regardless of age or sex.

This shows a chip with a neuron drawn on it.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·5 min read

New Neural Chip Boosts Efficiency and Safety in Brain Stimulation

Researchers have developed an 8-channel neural stimulation chip that delivers exponential waveforms with 98% power efficiency, marking a breakthrough for brain-machine interfaces and neural modulation. The chip addresses key challenges in neural stimulation, including charge imbalance and the need for high power efficiency, ensuring safer and more effective treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries.

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·4 min read

Exercise During Chemotherapy Boosts Cognitive Function

A recent clinical trial found that women who began an aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy for breast cancer reported improved cognitive function and quality of life compared to those who received standard care. Participants in the exercise group felt they could better concentrate and remember things, helping to reduce the effects of "chemo-brain."

This shows robotic hands using a keyboard.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

AI-Written Stories Rated Lower Due to Bias, Not Quality

New research shows that stories generated by AI, such as ChatGPT, are almost as good as those written by humans. However, when people are told a story is AI-generated, they rate it more negatively, revealing a bias against AI-created content.

This shows a child standing in the sunshine.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 21, 2024·4 min read

Vitamin D Deficiency in Childhood Linked to Higher Autoimmune Risk

A recent study found that vitamin D deficiency during childhood accelerates the aging of the thymus, a crucial organ in training immune cells. As the thymus ages, it becomes less effective at filtering out cells that could mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 21, 2024·6 min read

AI Uncovers DNA Variants Linked to Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers developed an AI algorithm, ARC-SV, to detect complex structural variants in the human genome that previous methods missed. Analyzing over 4,000 genomes, researchers discovered thousands of complex variants, many affecting brain-related genes and linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 21, 2024·6 min read

3D Brain Atlas Maps Key Stages of Brain Development

Researchers have created a 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, offering a dynamic, high-resolution view of brain structures during embryonic and post-natal stages. This new tool allows scientists to explore how brain cells, such as GABAergic neurons linked to neurological disorders, emerge and interact during development.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 21, 2024·5 min read

Viral DNA in Our Genome Linked to ALS and MS Susceptibility

A new study reveals that ancient viral DNA embedded in the human genome is associated with genetic risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found specific human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that influence susceptibility to these neurodegenerative diseases.