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UCL

·May 30, 2021·5 min read

Tooth Loss May Affect Ability to Carry Out Everyday Tasks

Older adults with more natural teeth are better able to carry out simple everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning compared to those who have lost their teeth, a new study reports. Researchers found a causal link between tooth loss and functional capacity in older adults. Tooth loss was also associated with a decline in social activity.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 19, 2021·6 min read

New Insight Into Protein Production in Brain Could Help Tackle Dementia

Researchers have identified a layer of genetic material involved in controlling the production of tau in the brain. The material is part of a larger family of non-coding genes that regulate and control other brain proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and PSP. The findings could lead to the development of new therapeutics to treat a range of neurodegenerative disorders.

This shows the researcher with the thumb prosthetic on her hand

Featured Neuroscience Neurotech Robotics

·May 19, 2021·6 min read

Robotic ‘Third Thumb’ Use Can Alter Brain Representation of the Hand

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 8, 2021·4 min read

Learning on the Fly

Fruit flies may use dopamine to learn in similar ways to humans.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 6, 2021·4 min read

Aggressive Brain Tumors Can Mimic Normal Brain Repair Processes

Glioblastoma can mimic the normal repair of white matter in the brain, causing the tumor to become less malignant. Additionally, a drug commonly prescribed for asthma can help suppress glioblastoma growth in mouse models.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 26, 2021·5 min read

Substance Use and Depression More Closely Linked for Gen Z Teens

The association between alcohol use, smoking, antisocial behavior, and depression was stronger in Gen Z teens than millennials during their teenage years.

This shows the outline of a head and a woman's face

Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning Featured Machine Learning Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 6, 2021·6 min read

New Multiple Sclerosis Subtypes Identified Using Artificial Intelligence

Combining artificial intelligence technology with brain scan data, researchers have identified three novel subtypes of multiple sclerosis.

This shows a cartoon of the space invader game

Featured Psychology

·March 28, 2021·4 min read

Teens Ignore Advice, but Only When They Know Better

Teens are more likely to ignore advice than younger children, but only when the advice offered is bad. This is because teens are better at judging their own decisions, researchers say. The findings reveal the development of metacognition may be a key driver of developing independence during teenage years.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 13, 2021·6 min read

Being Born Small Doesn’t Tend to Disadvantage IVF Babies’ Cognitive Development

Lower birth weight in medically assisted reproduction babies does not appear to hamper cognitive development to the same degree that it does in naturally conceived children with lower weight at birth.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·February 28, 2021·4 min read

Genetic Treatment Extends Fruit Fly Lifespan and Prevents Alzheimer’s Damage

Modifying the levels of two different proteins active in two different brain cells extended the life of fruit flies by 7-9%. The treatment also reduced the buildup of Alzheimer's related amyloid plaques within the brain.