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Neuroscience

Neuroscience research articles are provided.

What is neuroscience? Neuroscience is the scientific study of nervous systems. Neuroscience can involve research from many branches of science including those involving neurology, brain science, neurobiology, psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, prosthetics, neuroimaging, engineering, medicine, physics, mathematics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, biology, robotics and technology.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·6 min read

Psychosis Risk Tied to Heavy Cannabis Use and Genetic Factors

Heavy cannabis use and genetic risk for schizophrenia independently contribute to the likelihood of developing psychosis. Researchers used two large datasets to analyze the relationship between cannabis use, schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS), and psychosis.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

What Drives Language Learning: Genes, Culture, or Geography?

A new study explores how cultural practices influence the transmission of native languages, showing that societal norms like matrilineal or patrilineal inheritance can affect linguistic and genetic evolution. The researchers found stronger links between maternal genetic inheritance and linguistic sounds in some matrilineal societies, particularly in Africa, but no consistent global pattern emerged. Using data from 130 populations, they analyzed how genes and languages evolve together as people migrate and how cultural norms shape these patterns.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

Why Do We Remember? Study Explores the ‘Why’ Behind Human Memory

A new review examines why people remember certain events, focusing on the emotional, personal, and contextual factors that shape memory. Researchers categorized memory into the "what, where, and when," highlighting how emotional resonance, location, and timing influence retention.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

Advanced Brain Mapping Unveils Behavioral Links

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to map brain activity, revealing how higher-order functions like thought and language emerge from complex interactions between multiple brain regions. Unlike traditional models focusing on paired brain connections, this new approach uses neuroimaging data to capture the intricate networks driving behavior.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·7 min read

Mapping the Brain’s Response to Social Rejection

A new study explores how the brain processes social acceptance and rejection, revealing how these experiences shape relationships and influence mental health. Using behavioral experiments and MRI imaging, researchers identified distinct brain regions activated during rewarding interactions and feelings of rejection. While acceptance triggers reward pathways, rejection activates areas tied to social value assessment, helping individuals gauge relational worth.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

How the Brain Sorts Noise from Signal to Maintain Stable Perception

New research reveals how the brain separates internally generated noise from sensory signals, ensuring stable perception. The study shows that in lower visual areas, spontaneous brain activity and stimulus-evoked responses are similar, but in higher cortical areas, they become increasingly independent, a process known as orthogonalization.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·7 min read

Targeted Immune Cells Destroy Brain Tumors

Researchers have created a "molecular GPS" to guide immune cells directly to the brain, enabling precise targeting of tumors like glioblastoma. These cells use a unique protein code to navigate and attack cancer while sparing healthy tissue, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments. In mice, this technology successfully cleared tumors, prevented recurrences, and reduced brain inflammation in models of multiple sclerosis.

This shows nerve growth factor receptor TrkA.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·December 6, 2024·7 min read

A Novel Pain Signaling Complex Discovered

Researchers identified a new receptor, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), which collaborates with a known receptor to regulate pain signaling from nerve growth factor. Unlike traditional signaling receptors, NRP1 acts as a co-receptor to enhance pain signals without directly transmitting them. The study showed how blocking NRP1 or disrupting its interaction with nerve growth factor could offer novel approaches to pain treatment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

Antipsychotics Worsen Behavior in Dementia

A study of 500,000 Canadian nursing home residents found antipsychotic medications significantly worsened behaviors in patients, with nearly 68% experiencing increased issues. Antipsychotics are often prescribed "off-label" for dementia-related symptoms, despite serious side effects like tremors and cognitive decline. Researchers advocate for person-centered care, emphasizing non-drug therapies like music, art, and exercise to address behavioral issues.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

Facial Expressions of Pain Are Linked to Distinct Brain Activity

Facial expressions triggered by pain are deeply tied to brain activity, revealing distinct neural mechanisms compared to verbal pain reports. Researchers developed a neurobiological model, using MRI and machine learning, to predict pain-induced facial expressions.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·6 min read

Gene Defect Linked Brain Size and Social Behavior in ASD, Schizophrenia

A new study reveals how genetic deficits, particularly in the Tbx1 gene, are linked to reduced brain volume and altered social behavior, findings relevant to autism and schizophrenia. Researchers observed smaller amygdala volumes in Tbx1-deficient mice, a brain region key to emotional regulation and social behavior. These mice displayed less interest in social interaction, relying more on non-social cues like bedding preferences.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 5, 2024·5 min read

Adult Neurogenesis Fuels Verbal Learning and Memory

Adult neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, supports verbal learning and memory. Using brain tissue from epilepsy patients, researchers discovered a direct link between fewer immature brain cells and cognitive decline, particularly in verbal learning and memory.