UCL Research Articles - Neuroscience News

This shows a brain scan of a person with RRMS

AI used to detect brain’s response to multiple sclerosis treatment

Neuroscience NewsJune 12, 2019

Combining artificial intelligence technology with MRI brain scans, researchers are able to detect the brain's response to Natalizumab treatment for those with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.... Read More...

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Sleeping for too little or too long linked to poorer memory

Neuroscience NewsJune 5, 2019

Sleep duration can have a negative impact on memory skills and reaction time. While the effects of sleep deprivation are well documented, researchers report sleeping for longer than the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night is associated with more errors in memory recall and slower reaction times, with each additional hour of sleep impacting performance more.... Read More...

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Gene mutation evolved to cope with modern high-sugar diets

Neuroscience NewsJune 4, 2019

A variant of the CHC22 gene evolved to help people adapt to the modern, higher sugar diet. However, many people still retain the older version of the genetic variant, which does not allow for correct metabolism of modern diets and may be linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes.... Read More...

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Prior eating disorders linked to long-term depression risk for mothers

Neuroscience NewsMay 14, 2019

Women who suffered from eating disorders are at increased risk of developing depression during pregnancy and up until 18 years after the birth of their child.... Read More...

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Statins’ potential to treat MS unrelated to lowering cholesterol

Neuroscience NewsMay 10, 2019

The common statin drug Simvastatin reduces brain atrophy and slows the progression of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). The effects appear to be independent of the drug's cholesterol-lowering effects.... Read More...

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Cannabis addiction influenced by genetic make-up

Neuroscience NewsApril 25, 2019

People with the specific genotype of the Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene may be more prone to cannabis use disorder. Researchers report those with FAAH rs324420 A continue to want more marijuana following use and are more drawn to cannabis-related imagery while under the influence of the drug.... Read More...

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CBD reduces impairment caused by cannabis

Neuroscience NewsApril 24, 2019

Cannabidiol may buffer the effects of THC on the brain for those who use marijuana. Marijuana with a higher CBD content restores disruptions to the salience network caused by THC exposure.... Read More...

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This shows the retrosplenial cortex's location in the brain and maps between UCL and Imperial College London.

Key brain region for navigating familiar places identified

Neuroscience NewsApril 1, 2019

The posterior hippocampus tracks distance to a newly learned location, as well as familiar environments. By contrast, when navigating a familiar location, the retrosplenial cortex takes over responsibility for tracking distance. The findings shed light on how the brain navigates and encodes spatial information.... Read More...

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Three people are shown in the picture with a building in the background.

Woman with novel gene mutation lives almost pain-free

Neuroscience NewsMarch 29, 2019

A rare genetic mutation has been associated with pain insensitivity. The findings could further research into new treatments to target pain.... Read More...

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Genetic Variant Implicated in Schizophrenia Development

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 18, 2019

Researchers report a genetic variant that prevents correct functioning of the NMDAR receptor may play a role in the development of schizophrenia. ... Read More...

FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology4 min read

an older adult and child walking in the woods

Meaningful Life Tied to Healthy Aging

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 11, 2019

According to researchers, older adults who engage in activities perceived to be worthwhile, such as supporting grandchildren or completing a project, have better sleep, walking speeds and experience less chronic pain.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology6 min read

Statins May Help Treat Serious Mental Illness

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 9, 2019

A new study reveals statins, biguanides and other drugs that help treat physical conditions may have significant benefits for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology6 min read

News

The fractal brain, from a single neuron’s perspective

Puppy love: Why puppy dog eyes evolved to benefit communication with humans

3D model shows how ‘face identity information’ is stored in the brain

Neuroscience

The fractal brain, from a single neuron’s perspective

Puppy love: Why puppy dog eyes evolved to benefit communication with humans

3D model shows how ‘face identity information’ is stored in the brain

Neurology

Stem cells reprogrammed into neurons could reveal drugs harmful to pregnancy

Immune system can slow degenerative eye disease: Mouse study

Sleep history predicts late-life Alzheimer’s pathology

AI

3D model shows how ‘face identity information’ is stored in the brain

The whisper of schizophrenia: Machine learning finds ‘sound’ words predict psychosis

AI used to detect brain’s response to multiple sclerosis treatment

Robotics

Research moves closer to brain-machine interface autonomy

Six fingers per hand: Polydactyly equals extra motor ability

Dog-like robot made by students jumps, flips and trots

Psychology

Puppy love: Why puppy dog eyes evolved to benefit communication with humans

Researchers link gene to cannabis abuse

Adolescence is the game-changer for schizophrenia

UCL

AI used to detect brain’s response to multiple sclerosis treatment

Sleeping for too little or too long linked to poorer memory

Gene mutation evolved to cope with modern high-sugar diets

Prior eating disorders linked to long-term depression risk for mothers

Statins’ potential to treat MS unrelated to lowering cholesterol

Cannabis addiction influenced by genetic make-up

CBD reduces impairment caused by cannabis

Key brain region for navigating familiar places identified

Woman with novel gene mutation lives almost pain-free

Genetic Variant Implicated in Schizophrenia Development

Meaningful Life Tied to Healthy Aging

Statins May Help Treat Serious Mental Illness