Anesthesia sends neurons down the wrong path in unborn rat babies
In utero exposure to anesthesia appears to disrupt the migration of neurons to developing brain areas critical to language and cognition in rats. ... Read More...
somatosensory cortex
New role for sensory signals in the brain
Optogenetic stimulation causes signals in the sensory cortex to halt actions during a behavioral task, while altering signals in the motor cortex to cause mice to act more impulsively. ... Read More...
How our body ‘listens’ to vibrations
Neurons in the somatosensory cortex encode vibration frequency in a similar manner to the way in which sound pitch is encoded in the auditory cortex. ... Read More...
Unexpected Place for Learning and Memory in the Brain
A new study reveals the somatosensory cortex plays a complex role in memory and reward learning. ... Read More...
How the Brain Responds to Texture
A new study reports neurons in the somatosensory cortex respond differently to various features of a surface, creating a high dimensional representation of texture in the brain. The findings could help develop neuroprosthetics capable of identifying textures in greater detail.... Read More...
Sleep Loss Heightens Pain Sensitivity and Dulls Brain’s Painkilling Response
Researchers report sleep deprivation intensifies and prolongs pain. ... Read More...
Stimulating the Brain to Treat Chronic Pain
A new study reports transcranial alternating current stimulation could help treat chronic back pain. Researchers report tACs enhances alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, reducing pain significantly. ... Read More...
How LSD Changes Perception
Researchers report LSD triggers a reduction in functional connection between areas of the brain that govern cognitive processes, while increasing connectivity in brain networks associated with sensory functions. ... Read More...
Sci-Fi Fans Enthusiastic For Digitizing the Brain
Researchers report science fiction fans are positive about the potential to upload consciousness, neurotech and digitizing the brain. ... Read More...
Pucker Up Baby! Lips Take Center Stage in Infants’ Brains
At 60 days old, the infant brain shows greater neurological activity associated with the lips than any other part of the body, a new study reveals. ... Read More...
The Neuroscience of Prosocial Behavior
A new study reveals the role the somatosensory cortex plays in prosocial behavior. ... Read More...
Brain Structure Linked to Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
A new study implicates structural changes in the somatosensory cortex as a cause of restless leg syndrome.... Read More...