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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.

This shows ancient man fishing with dogs at his side.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·5 min read

Ancient Friendship: Humans and Dogs Bonded 12,000 Years Ago

Humans and canines in the Americas formed close relationships 12,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought. Archaeological findings in Alaska, including a 12,000-year-old canine tibia and an 8,100-year-old jawbone, indicate these animals relied on humans for food, such as salmon, rather than hunting independently.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 5, 2024·7 min read

Missing Genetic Link Uncovered in Idiopathic Autism

Researchers have uncovered a molecular mechanism linking alterations in the neuronal protein CPEB4 to idiopathic autism, which accounts for 80% of autism cases without a clear genetic cause. The study reveals that the absence of a specific microexon in CPEB4 disrupts the dynamics of molecular condensates in neurons, affecting the regulation of genes crucial for brain development. This disruption can lead to reduced protein production, impairing neuronal growth and function.

This shows a child, her parents and leaves.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·4 min read

Teens’ Views on Cannabis Tied to Perceptions of Parental Use

Teens who perceive their parents use cannabis are more likely to hold favorable views toward the drug and express intentions to try it. The impact of parental cannabis use perception varies by parent gender, with closeness to mothers and fathers influencing teens’ attitudes differently.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·6 min read

Most Teens Recover From Long Covid Within Two Years

A large study tracking young people with long Covid found that 70% of those affected had recovered within two years, though 30% continued to experience symptoms. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants, defining long Covid as experiencing multiple symptoms like fatigue and headaches alongside functional impairments.

This shows a brain and a bottle of herbicide.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·9 min read

Herbicide Exposure Linked to Long-Term Brain Inflammation, Alzheimer’s

New research reveals that glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, can cause lasting brain inflammation and accelerate Alzheimer’s-like pathology in mice. Even short-term exposure resulted in persistent inflammatory markers and neurological damage, including anxiety-like behaviors and premature death. The study found that glyphosate’s metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid, accumulates in brain tissue, raising concerns about its long-term safety for humans.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·4 min read

Sleep Apnea May Increase Risk of Wet Macular Degeneration

A new study has linked moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by low oxygen levels overnight, with an increased risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research suggests nocturnal hypoxia could affect the oxygen-sensitive retina, contributing to AMD progression.

This is an AI rendition of macrophages in muscle tissue.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Immune Cells Modulate Movement and Energy

Macrophages, immune cells typically known for fighting infections, have been discovered to play a vital role in controlling movement and linking neural activity with metabolic demands. Located in muscle spindles, these cells modulate neural activity using glutamate signaling, fine-tune muscle contractions, and optimize energy use during physical activity.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·6 min read

Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to Stress

Researchers identified a brain circuit involving the amygdala and hippocampus that predicts resilience to stress in mice. Mice with disrupted neural communication in this circuit struggled to seek rewards, but activating the neurons restored resilience and improved decision-making.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·4 min read

Your Heart’s Secret: It Has Its Own Nervous System

New research reveals the heart has its own complex nervous system, or "mini-brain," capable of regulating the heartbeat independently of the brain. Conducted on zebrafish, the study identified specialized neurons within the heart, including some with pacemaker properties, challenging traditional views of heartbeat control.

This shows gas pumps, a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·3 min read

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

This shows the change in the anger body map.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Angry Feet: How the Emotional Body Map Changed Over Time

Researchers analyzing 1 million Akkadian words from ancient Mesopotamian texts revealed unique insights into how emotions were experienced in the body. While many emotions align with modern perceptions, the ancients notably linked happiness to the liver and anger to the feet, contrasting with modern experiences in the chest and hands.

This shows a teen on a phone and one jogging.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Excessive Sedentary Time in Teens Linked to Social Media Use

A global study reveals adolescents spend 8-10 hours daily on sedentary activities, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s 2-3 hour recommendation. Social media accounts are significantly linked to increased screen time and overall sedentary behavior, raising concerns about its impact on physical health.