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Yale

·September 8, 2024·5 min read

Brain Activity in Craving Shown to Vary Rapidly

Researchers have developed a dynamic method to track rapid brain activity changes, especially related to craving. Unlike traditional neuroimaging, which captures only a snapshot of brain activity, this approach provides a real-time view of how craving fluctuates.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 28, 2024·4 min read

Increase in Protein Linked to Salt Intake Implicated in Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers have uncovered that increased levels of the protein PRDM1-S, triggered by high salt intake, disrupt immune regulation and contribute to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). This discovery reveals how environmental factors, such as diet, can influence genetic mechanisms, leading to T cell dysfunction. The findings suggest that targeting PRDM1-S could lead to new treatments for a range of autoimmune disorders.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 16, 2024·7 min read

Neurons Wire Together in Early Brain Development Through Spontaneous Activity

Researchers discovered that spontaneous brain activity during early development drives neural wiring before sensory experiences shape the brain. This spontaneous activity in neurons strengthens connections, following Hebb's rule, where "cells that fire together wire together."

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2024·6 min read

Study Links Brain Region to Paranoia

Researchers discovered that a specific brain region, the mediodorsal thalamus, may provoke feelings of paranoia. By aligning data from studies on monkeys and humans, they found that lesions in this brain region led to erratic behavior and increased perceptions of environmental volatility.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·June 3, 2024·4 min read

Brain Regions Key to Social Gaze Identified

Researchers discovered two brain regions crucial for social gaze in primates. Stimulating the orbitofrontal cortex increased eye contact duration and responsiveness, while the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex influenced long-term gaze patterns. These findings can inform therapies for social behavior challenges in disorders like autism.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 2, 2024·10 min read

Long COVID Brain Fog: Impact and Coping Strategies

Long COVID, affecting 7% of U.S. adults, often includes debilitating brain fog. Symptoms like forgetfulness and difficulty focusing affect daily life and work. A new study highlights that while brain fog often resolves, it significantly impacts mental function. Effective coping strategies and treatments are crucial for managing this condition.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·May 26, 2024·3 min read

Why Are Some Images Are More Memorable Than Others?

A new study reveals that the brain prioritizes remembering images that are harder to explain. Researchers used a computational model and behavioral experiments to show that scenes difficult for the model to reconstruct were more memorable to participants.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 13, 2024·3 min read

Why Some Memories Stick

Researchers developed a computational model revealing why certain experiences become memorable while others are forgotten. Their study suggests that our brains are more likely to remember experiences that are difficult to explain or interpret.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 6, 2024·6 min read

Sex-Specific Brain Responses to Alcohol Craving

A new study utilizes fMRI scans to examine how men and women with alcohol use disorder respond differently to stress and alcohol-related cues. The study found that while alcohol cues triggered stronger cravings in men, stress cues had a similar impact on women, suggesting the need for sex-specific treatment strategies.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2024·4 min read

Sleep’s Role in Brain Health

A new study reveals how sleep duration impacts brain health, specifically relating to stroke and dementia risks. Analyzing brain images of nearly 40,000 middle-aged participants, the study found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with negative changes in brain structure.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 20, 2024·6 min read

Rethinking Personalized Medicine: AI’s Limits in Clinical Trials

A new study reveals limitations in the current use of mathematical models for personalized medicine, particularly in schizophrenia treatment. Although these models can predict patient outcomes in specific clinical trials, they fail when applied to different trials, challenging the reliability of AI-driven algorithms in diverse settings.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 26, 2023·4 min read

Global Genetic Insights into Problematic Alcohol Use

A new study uncovers a shared genetic basis for problematic alcohol use (PAU) across diverse ancestries. This research broadens our understanding of PAU's genetic architecture and its consequences, including its role as a major cause of health problems and death.