A simple act such as rubbing your temples when you have a headache can help to alleviate pain. Researchers say this is because pain-responsive neurons in the brain quiet down when these neurons also receive touch input.
Combining electrical stimulation with sounds that activate the somatosensory cortex could help bring relief to those suffering from chronic pain and other neurological conditions.
A new map of the human brain reveals cells, receptors, and gene activity change along the same boundaries.
The primary motor and primary somatosensory areas of the brain are involved in controlling immediate motor movements in real-time, while the premotor area appears to control planned, sequential movements as well as reacting to and adjusting the sequence when faced with unexpected changes.
Study sheds light on how various types of pulsations in the brain change while a person sleeps.
The precise location within the somatosensory cortex varies from woman to woman in relation to the effects of genital stimulation. Researchers found the thickness of the genital field within the brain corresponded to the frequency of sexual activity in women.
A study of people learning to read braille reveals how white matter reorganizes itself across different brain regions and timeframes to meet the brain's needs.
A newly developed robotic thumb imprints how the hand is represented in the brain. Using the robotic thumb, researchers reported improvements in conducting dexterity tasks, such as building with blocks. Additionally, those who trained to use the additional thumb began to feel as though the digit was a part of their body.
Our concepts of people, objects, and events are composed of sensory impressions and actions associated with them, in addition to abstract symbol-like features.
Using transcranial alternating current stimulation, researchers were able to influence the activity of specific brain areas and manipulate the abilities processed by them. Findings suggest tACS could be used to improve, direct, and attenuate the flow of information in the brain.
Repeatedly administered tactile simulation over a sustained period of time alters neural processing of the hand area in the brain. The observable changes over time illustrate neuroplasticity and shed new light on the process of learning.
Neural activity patterns for limb movements remain stable over time. Researchers were able to record, decode, and reconstruct activity patterns from common movement skills. The findings could have immediate implications for the development of neuroprosthetics that can bypass brain injuries by inferring intended motor actions from a person's brain.
