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University of Alberta

·November 28, 2018·3 min read

Wriggly, Giggle, Puffball: What Makes Some Words Funny?

Researchers identify the top ten funniest words in the English language and determine there are two main kinds of predictors for the funniness of the words; those related to the form and those related to the word's meaning.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 15, 2023·4 min read

AI Breakthrough Detects Alzheimer’s Early With Smartphones

Researchers are developing a machine learning model aimed at early detection of Alzheimer's dementia. This model, potentially accessible via smartphones, can distinguish between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals with 70-75% accuracy. By focusing on speech patterns rather than content, the tool could offer invaluable early indicators, potentially initiating earlier treatment and slowing disease progression.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 1, 2020·4 min read

Antiviral used to treat cat coronavirus could hold key to COVID-19

A drug used to treat feline infectious peritonitis, an often fatal coronavirus infection in cats, may hold the key for developing a treatment for human COVID-19.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology Visual Neuroscience

·February 28, 2020·3 min read

How sound and visual effects on slot machines increase the allure of gambling

People prefer to play virtual slot machines that provide casino-related cues, such as the sound of coins dropping or symbols of dollar signs. Cues associated with money and winning makes virtual slot machines more attractive and bigger wins more memorable.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2020·2 min read

Researchers flag similarities between COVID-19 deaths and severe rheumatic illnesses

After natural killer immune cells kill virus-infected cells, T and B immune cells produce cytokines. This makes the immune reaction stronger and results in the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2020·5 min read

Chemical messenger in brain could point to better treatments for anxiety

Corticotropin-releasing factor and neuropeptide Y work in synchronized opposition to each other to remodel and rewire neurons in the amygdala as a response to stress. The process, researchers say, can be manually reversed to help relieve anxiety.

This is a drawing of a hand holding a head with an exposed brain

Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 13, 2019·3 min read

How a protein in your brain could protect against Alzheimer’s disease

White blood cells in the brain are regulated by the CD33 protein. CD33 decreases the likelihood that a person will develop Alzheimer's disease.

This shows an older man and woman talking on a street

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 10, 2019·3 min read

Aging gracefully: Study identifies factors for healthy memory at any age

Older adults who have higher levels of education, embark on more social activities and stay cognitively active have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who engage in less self-maintenance and social activities.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 16, 2017·4 min read

Solving the Puzzle of Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study reports a compound by the name of AC253 may inhibit amyloid beta.

Featured Psychology

·July 12, 2018·4 min read

Machine Learning Helps Predict Treatment Outcomes in Schizophrenia

A machine learning algorithm is able to successfully identify, with 78% accuracy, schizophrenia in patients based on brain scans of the superior temporal cortex. The algorithm is also 82% accurate in predicting whether or not a patient will respond positively to a specific antipsychotic medication.