FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·December 22, 2020·5 min readNeuroscientists Isolate Promising Mini Antibodies Against COVID-19 From a LlamaResearchers have isolated a set of antibodies from a llama which show promise for the treatment of COVID-19. The NIH-CoVnB-112 nanoantibody bound to ACE2 receptors up to ten times stronger than other lab-produced antibodies. The nanoantibody stuck directly to the ACE2 receptor binding portion of the SARS_CoV-2 spike protein. The protein could be effective in preventing coronavirus infection.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·December 21, 2020·4 min readExposure to Metals Can Impact PregnancyPrenatal exposure to metals including lead, nickel, and cobalt, may disrupt the endocrine system. The disruptions may contribute to health and disease risks for the offspring later in life.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 21, 2020·5 min readWhy Some Multiple Sclerosis Patients Experience SeizuresStudy identifies a pathway involving astrocytes that help explain why some with multiple sclerosis experience seizures.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 21, 2020·3 min readBlood Alcohol Levels Much Lower Than the Legal Limit Impair Hand-Eye CoordinationHand-eye coordination is impaired by 20% when blood alcohol levels are as low as 0.015%.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·December 21, 2020·4 min readBrain Tissue Yields Clues to Causes of PTSDGene expression patterns in four regions of the prefrontal cortex are distinctly different in those who have been diagnosed with PTSD compared to those who have not. Major differences were seen in interneurons, which inhibit the immune system and microglia in the central nervous system. Findings shed light on why women are more likely to experience PTSD and compound a link between post-traumatic stress and a dampening of the immune system.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 21, 2020·3 min readTargeted Brain Stimulation Dulls Social PainCombining brain stimulation directed at areas of the prefrontal cortex and emotional regulation strategies helps to improve emotional response in those with psychiatric disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 21, 2020·6 min readDifference in Blood Pressure Between Arms Linked to Greater Death RiskThe difference in blood pressure between a person's arms is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and ultimately death.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychologyVisual Neuroscience·December 21, 2020·4 min readDo I Know You? Researchers Evaluate How Masks Disrupt Facial PerceptionIt may be harder to recognize familiar faces when they wear a surgical mask to protect against COVID-19, a new study reports. Researchers noted a 15% drop in the ability for people to recognize faces when they were masked.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience·December 20, 2020·5 min readHow the Brain Distinguishes Speech From NoiseStudy reports a pervasive neuromodulation system strongly influences sound processing in a key auditory region of the brain. Findings suggest acetylcholine may assist in the brain's ability to distinguish speech from other noise.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceVisual Neuroscience·December 20, 2020·5 min readVisual Illusion That May Help Explain ConsciousnessA new visual illusion sheds light on redundancy masking and how we perceive our visual environment. The findings provide new insight into human consciousness.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 19, 2020·4 min readWhy People Make Healthy Claims but Indulge in Unhealthy BehaviorsWhen asked questions about sensitive behaviors, such as alcohol consumption or over-eating, people tend to respond in ways they consider socially correct, while downplaying their personal negative behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 18, 2020·4 min readResearchers Identify Bacteria That Promote Metabolic and Mental HealthB. longum APC1472 reduces blood glucose levels and reduces weight gain in mouse models. The bacteria also keep ghrelin, a hormone associated with hunger, and the stress hormone cortisol in check.Read More