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Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 10, 2017·6 min read

Research Offers Hope For NF2 Neuro-Tumor Patients

Researchers from the University of Plymouth have discovered the tole PrPC plays in the development of neurofibromatosis 2 tumors. According to the study, the prion protein is overproduced in schwannomas, compared with healthy Schwann cells. This overproduction is a result of Merlin deficiency and contributed to tumor growth in NF2 patients.

Image shows an electron micrograph of HHV-6 also includes a labeled insert of the mature virus particle.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 10, 2017·5 min read

Hidden Herpes Virus May Play Role in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Brain Disorders

A new study in Scientific Reports concludes human herpesvirus 6 may impair the brain's ability to repair itself in demylination diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. HHV-6 is the most common human herpes virus, with an estimated 80% of people being exposed to infection during childhood. Researchers found the virus produces a protein that can impair the ability of brain cells to repair damaged myelin.

Image shows the location of the prencueus in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Bulimic Brains Respond Differently to Food Cues Following Stressful Events

According to a new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the brains of women with the eating disorder Bulimia Nervosa respond differently to images of sugary and high-fat foods following a stressful situation than those without the disorder. Brain scans reveal bulimic women have decreased blood flow to the precuneus, an area of the brain associated with self-criticism, when presented with images of food following a stressful math test. The findings provide support to current theories that binge eating may provide an alternative focus to negative self-reflections.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 9, 2017·4 min read

New Clues to How Memories Form in the Brain

A study recently published in Neuron may provide new insights into how memory forms in the brain. Researchers discovered acquired olfactory memory is associated with synaptic long term potentiation, which can last for at least two weeks.

Image shows a doctor looking at brain scans.

Featured Neurology

·July 9, 2017·5 min read

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

A common misconception is that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are the same thing. Alzheimer's disease is simply one form of dementia. Researchers from Texas A&M describe how Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia impact the lives of both patients and their families, and provide new insights into minimizing the risks of developing neurodegenerative conditions.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Obstructing the ‘Inner Eye’

A new study investigates how the brain makes hypnotic states possible. Using EEG, researchers were able to see how hypnosis influences specific regions of the brain while it receives visual stimuli.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Your Hands May Reveal the Struggle to Maintain Self Control

A new study reports your hands could reveal whether you are disciplined or lack self control before a physical decision is made. The findings could shed new light on how our cognitive processes unfold to allow us to resist temptation.

Image shows desk items such as pens, pins and clips, all in straight line.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Changes in Brain Regions May Explain Why Some Prefer Certainty and Order

Changes in the orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala may help explain a person's preference for uncertain outcomes, as well as a preference for order and certainty, a new study reports.

$Image shows a child writing math equations.$

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 6, 2017·5 min read

Brain Stimulation May Help Children With Learning Difficulties

An exploratory study reveals a brain stimulation method previously suggested to help adults learn math may also help children with mathematical learning difficulties.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 6, 2017·3 min read

Drug Restores Cells and Memories in Alzheimer’s: Mouse Study

A new drug has proven effective at restoring memories and neural connections in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The new drug was originally developed as a treatment for Schizophrenia. While the drug does not destroy amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's, it does allow the plaques to co-exist with neurons.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 6, 2017·6 min read

Controlling Memory By Triggering Specific Brain Waves During Sleep

Using optogenetics, researchers manipulated pulses of neural activity during non REM sleep that made mice either remember of forget things they had learned. This novel study demonstrated that altering sleep spindle oscillations during sleep has an impact on memory formation and retention.

Featured Neurology

·July 6, 2017·3 min read

Sleep Problems May Be An Early Sign of Alzheimer’s

A new study links sleep problems with increased biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered those who report low sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and other sleep problems had elevated levels of Alzheimer's related biomarkers in their spinal fluid than those who reported no sleep problems. However, no abnormalities were found in the spinal fluid of people with obstructive sleep apnea.