Latest

Featured

·November 18, 2024·5 min read

Robots Help Unlock the Mystery of Human Sense of Self

A new study explores how robots can model and test aspects of the human sense of self, offering new insights into this complex phenomenon. Robots can simulate processes like body ownership and agency, or be used in experiments to study how humans perceive robots as social entities.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 18, 2024·4 min read

Unique Brain Plaques Linked to Alzheimer’s Mutation Decoded

Researchers have identified the structure of amyloid beta fibrils linked to a rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease caused by the Arctic mutation. Using cryo-electron microscopy and NMR, they revealed a W-shaped fibril structure that explains the formation of cottonwool plaques—large, spherical brain structures unique to this mutation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 18, 2024·5 min read

Body Image Impacts Motor Skill Learning

Self-consciousness about one’s body affects the ability to learn and perform movement tasks, according to new research. Participants recalling body-related embarrassment performed worse on motor tasks compared to those recalling pride, with the negative impact being stronger in men than women.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 18, 2024·5 min read

Dual-Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Hearing and Vision Loss

Researchers have developed a dual-gene therapy approach to treat Usher syndrome type 1F, a rare condition causing deafness and progressive blindness. By splitting the large PCDH15 gene into two halves, delivering them via adeno-associated viruses, and reassembling them in cells, the therapy restored hearing and balance in mice. Tests in human retinal organoids and primate retinas showed increased levels of protocadherin-15 in light-sensing cells, offering hope for vision preservation.

This shows AI generated representations of astrocytes.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 18, 2024·5 min read

Astrocyte Transplantations Offer Hope for Treating Brain Disorders

Astrocytes, critical brain cells, are often lost in neurodegenerative diseases, but recent research highlights the promise of astrocyte transplantation to restore brain function. These transplanted cells integrate into the host brain, forming normal synaptic connections and promoting regeneration, though factors like donor cell type and transplantation timing influence success.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 18, 2024·3 min read

Study Debunks Heart Rate Variability as Predictor of Aggression

New research has found no evidence linking heart rate variability (HRV) to reactive aggression, overturning previous theories. HRV measures the variation between heartbeats and has been associated with stress resilience, but this study shows it is not a reliable biomarker for aggression.

This shows a diagram of HACE gene editing.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 17, 2024·6 min read

New Gene-Editing Tool Targets Mutations with Unmatched Precision

A breakthrough tool called Helicase-Assisted Continuous Editing (HACE) allows scientists to create precise genetic mutations in specific genes without affecting the rest of the genome. By combining helicase enzymes with CRISPR technology, HACE introduces mutations into targeted DNA sequences, advancing our ability to study gene functions and disease mechanisms. The tool has already identified drug resistance mutations in cancer-related genes and splicing defects in blood cancers, showcasing its potential for therapeutic discovery.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 16, 2024·8 min read

Alzheimer’s Linked to Key Proteins via Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Using cerebrospinal fluid from living patients, researchers have identified specific proteins and genetic pathways involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This proteomic analysis revealed 38 proteins likely to play causal roles in Alzheimer’s, 15 of which are potential drug targets.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 16, 2024·3 min read

How Depression Alters Stress, Health, and Lifespan

Depression disrupts the body's stress systems, causing physical health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and reducing life expectancy by 7-10 years. The condition triggers brain structure changes, such as a 40% reduction in subgenual prefrontal cortex volume, and disrupts hormone systems involving CRH, norepinephrine, and cortisol.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·6 min read

Cannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer Risk

Research indicates that cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors by disrupting mitochondria and damaging DNA. This genotoxicity can result in mutations, accelerated aging, and birth defects, with potential to be passed on to future generations through egg and sperm. Insights from broader mitochondrial research provide a mechanistic understanding of how cannabis affects genetic stability.

This shows a pregnant woman and a brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·5 min read

Antiseizure Drugs in Pregnancy Linked to Neurodevelopmental Risks

Research suggests that certain antiseizure medications taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions in children. Drugs like valproate, topiramate, and carbamazepine were associated with specific risks, including autism and intellectual disability, while lamotrigine was found to pose little to no additional risk.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·5 min read

Cannabis Compound Found to Improve Sleep

Researchers have demonstrated that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in aged cannabis, improves sleep in rats. The study revealed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to more total sleep time with effects comparable to zolpidem, a common sleep medication.

1 … 197 198 199 200 201 … 2,156

Featured

Robots Help Unlock the Mystery of Human Sense of Self

Unique Brain Plaques Linked to Alzheimer’s Mutation Decoded

Body Image Impacts Motor Skill Learning

Dual-Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Hearing and Vision Loss

Astrocyte Transplantations Offer Hope for Treating Brain Disorders

Study Debunks Heart Rate Variability as Predictor of Aggression

New Gene-Editing Tool Targets Mutations with Unmatched Precision

Alzheimer’s Linked to Key Proteins via Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

How Depression Alters Stress, Health, and Lifespan

Cannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer Risk

Antiseizure Drugs in Pregnancy Linked to Neurodevelopmental Risks

Cannabis Compound Found to Improve Sleep

High Cognitive Scores Might Predict Depressive Relapse

The Neural Shortcut to Language

Brain Performance Can Improve at Any Age

Psilocybin Rebuilds the Brain’s Physical Wiring

Subscribe