Which Comes First: Smartphone Dependency or Depression?
A person's dependency on their smartphone predicts greater loneliness and depressive symptoms, and not the other way around.... Read More...
University of Arizona
Brain may not need body movements to learn virtual spaces
Vision appears to play a more dominant role than motor movements when it comes to encoding memory of large-scale spaces. The findings address a long-standing debate as to whether or not body movements aid the learning of physical spaces.... Read More...
ALS patients may benefit from more glucose
Using fruit fly models of ALS, researchers discover neurons given glucose transform the power source into energy, enabling them to survive longer and function better. ... Read More...
These neurons affect how much you do, or don’t, want to eat
Neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) appear to regulate food intake. The neurons appear to form part of a network that controls appetite loss in mice.... Read More...
Detecting dementia’s damaging effects before it’s too late
Using MEG neuroimaging, researchers identify abnormalities in functional activity in brain regions which look structurally normal on conventional MRI scans. The findings could help with early detection of primary progressive aphasia.... Read More...
Autism symptoms reduced nearly 50% two years after fecal transplant
Arizona State University researchers claim microbiota transfer therapy reduces symptoms associated with autism and gastrointestinal problems for two years post-treatment. The study suggests MTT may be a promising option for helping to treat children with ASD who also have GI problems. The researchers stress further research, including double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials with a larger cohort be carried out. ... Read More...
How the brain finds meaning in metaphor
EEG study reveals the use of metaphors elicits bigger N400s in the brain than abstract verbs. ... Read More...
Feeling Stressed? Having a Partner Present, Even in Your Mind, May Keep Blood Pressure Down
According to researchers, thinking about your romantic partner when you are under a stressful situation can help to lower your blood pressure and heart rate.... Read More...
Controlling Neurons with Light, But Without Wires or Batteries
Researchers have developed a new, wireless optogenetic device which is able to control neurons in the brain. The device could help turn off pain receptors and reduce the effects of some neurological disorders.... Read More...
Daytime Naps May Hinder Learning in Children with Down Syndrome
A new study reports that while an afternoon naps are beneficial for memory and learning in typically developing children, in those with Down syndrome, napping may increase memory loss.... Read More...
Testing Autobiographical Memory for Early Alzheimer’s Detection
Researchers report administering an autobiographical memory test to those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's may determine who will develop the disease. The study found those with the APOE e4 mutation describe autobiographical memories in much less detail than those without the mutation. ... Read More...
CMV Virus May Boost Our Immune System
Researchers report the cytomegalovirus may actually boost, not weaken, our immune systems.... Read More...