FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 6, 2025·3 min readLipid Anchors Hold Key to Preventing Protein Aggregation in Prion DiseasesA lipid anchor on nerve cell membranes stabilizes prion proteins (PrPC) and prevents their pathological aggregation into forms linked to prion diseases. Researchers developed new in vitro and cell models to study how membrane anchoring inhibits these harmful transformations.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 11, 2024·5 min readFrom Face to Feeling: Context Shapes Emotion RecognitionEmotion recognition extends far beyond facial expressions, involving a rich interplay of context, physical attributes, and background knowledge. Researchers propose that recognizing emotion is part of forming an overall impression of a person, shaped by cues like clothing, perceived social roles, and personal history. For instance, a facial expression of fear might be interpreted as anger if background context suggests it.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 21, 2024·5 min readSerotonin Receptor Dampens Visual Input to Enhance Internal ProcessesThe 5-HT2A receptor in the brain reduces incoming visual information, allowing more space for internal thought processes. Researchers found that this receptor, when overactivated, suppresses sensory input, potentially explaining the effects of hallucinations from drugs like LSD.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 3, 2024·5 min readHow Your Brain Remembers: How Episodic Memories FormResearchers developed a computer model that mimics how the hippocampus stores new episodic memories without erasing old ones. This model demonstrates that the CA3 region of the hippocampus serves as an anchor point for memories, allowing efficient storage in surrounding regions.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 25, 2024·4 min read“Eureka Moments” Shed Light on ConsciousnessA new study proposes a novel approach to studying consciousness through behavioral observations and learning curves. The study highlights that learning often occurs in sudden leaps, suggesting these "eureka moments" are preceded by conscious cognitive processes.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 19, 2024·5 min readConsciousness in AI: Distinguishing Reality from SimulationA new study examines the possibility of consciousness in artificial systems, focusing on ruling out scenarios where AI appears conscious without actually being so. Using the free energy principle, the study highlights that while some information processes of living organisms can be simulated by computers, the causal structure differences between brains and computers may be crucial for consciousness. This approach aims to prevent the inadvertent creation of artificial consciousness and mitigate deception by seemingly conscious AI.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 28, 2024·5 min readImpulsivity Influences Choices Between Food and MoneyImpulsivity affects decision-making between primary rewards like food and secondary rewards like money. The team found that individuals are more likely to choose immediate food rewards over delayed ones, while they prefer to wait for a larger sum of money.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·December 4, 2023·4 min readThe Role of Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative DiseasesNeurodegenerative diseases share a common factor: protein misfolding and deposits in the brain. Misfolded proteins can lead to toxic activity or the loss of the protein's physiological function, causing damage to neurons.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 14, 2023·5 min readPhantom Touch: VR Reveals New Insights in Human PerceptionResearchers discovered a 'phantom touch illusion' in virtual reality (VR), where users feel sensations without physical contact. This study, involving 36 volunteers, demonstrated that participants experienced a tingling sensation when virtually touching their bodies.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 10, 2023·4 min readASMR: Relaxation or Irritation?ASMR, a phenomenon enjoyed by many for its calming effects, has been scientifically shown to positively alter mood and physiological responses like heart rate and blood pressure in 25-30% of people. Researchers, after reviewing over 1,000 scientific articles, confirmed ASMR's consistent description and experience across individuals, noting changes in delta brain waves and activation in specific brain regions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 19, 2023·4 min readJourney of Joy: Tracing Emotional Highs and Lows Over a LifetimeSubjective well-being varies significantly across different stages of life, reveals a comprehensive study examining 460,902 participants. Life satisfaction dips during teenage years, peaks in the 70s, and drops off again by age 96.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 16, 2023·4 min readTracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive FlexibilityA new study provides insights into the evolutionary origins of cognitive flexibility, an essential skill for adaptation and survival. Participants were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while learning a sensorimotor task, the findings of which showed the importance of sensory brain regions in decision-making.Read More
