Memory storage and retrieval may be able to be targeted thanks to new discoveryBaylor College of Medicine Recent research into how "brain stars" (astrocytes) store memories has reshaped our understanding of memory retention in the brain. Previous Beliefs About Memory and Neurons Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have been examining the role of astrocytes, star-shaped cells...
Credit: Pixabay In a study on fruit fly larvae, researchers uncovered how swallowing triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, shedding light on the connection between eating and pleasure in animals. If similar mechanisms exist in humans, this could offer valuable insights into our own drive to eat and drink. By mapping the fruit fly's...
Credit: Depositphotos Life often resembles a novel, brimming with romance, mystery, and a hint of fantasy. It’s no surprise, then, that our brains categorize narratives into distinct segments, much like chapters in a book. A recent study by Columbia University researchers expands our understanding of this 'chapterization' process. It confirms that transitions between different places or...
Credit: Depositphotos A case in Kentucky, where a man woke up just before his organs were set to be harvested, has raised concerns about the protocols used by US hospitals and organ donation networks to confirm death. Whistleblower Nyckoletta Martin detailed this disturbing incident in a letter to the US House Energy and Commerce Committee during...
Consuming food with nutrient value triggers the release of a feel-good chemical by the brainDepositphotos Researchers have uncovered an intriguing connection between the gut and brain: consuming nutritious food triggers the release of the feel-good chemical serotonin. This discovery paves the way for potential new treatments for eating disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the significant link...
No part of the body is immune to microplastic contamination.Image credit: SIVStockStudio/Komsan Loonprom/Shutterstock.com; modified by IFLScience Microplastics are omnipresent, wreaking havoc on the environment and infiltrating our bodies, including the brain. A new preprint study, not yet peer-reviewed, raises concerns about the extent of microplastics in the human brain and potential health risks. The study analyzed...
Credit: Pixabay A systematic review commissioned by the World Health Organization and published in Environment International today found no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer. The Safety of Mobile Phones and Radio Waves Mobile phones, which are often held close to the head during use, emit radio waves, a type of non-ionizing radiation. This has...
A concussion can cause long-term changes to brain structure and behavior. Credit: Pixabay New research reveals that even a mild concussion from years ago can have lasting impacts on brain function and behavior in otherwise healthy individuals. This study enhances our understanding of traumatic brain injury and has implications for the evolving legal framework concerning...
Some parts of the brain tend to atrophy and deform in concert with other regions. Credit: Zephyr/SPL A comprehensive analysis of nearly 50,000 brain scans has identified five unique patterns of brain atrophy linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The study also connected these patterns to lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as...
This generative image illustrates the discovery that the brain stores memories in three parallel copies Similar to a computer system with built-in redundancies, a study has discovered that the brain uses three distinct sets of neurons to store a single memory. This finding might eventually aid in alleviating painful memories for those who have experienced...
