Neuroscience

Scientists Discovered and Deactivated a Brain Fear Switch

Credit: PixaobayThe sensation of hairs standing on end, the cold sensation in the stomach, the rapid heartbeat triggered by a sudden movement in the shadows—these experiences evoke fear. Fear, while capable of causing distress and discomfort, can also be oddly exhilarating. However, it serves a crucial purpose as an instinctual reaction to danger, potentially...

Particle Accelerator Tech from CERN now Treats Brain Tumors

Timepix3 was originally designed for particle detection for giant accelerators like the one at CERNCERNTransitioning from colossal 26 km (16 miles) particle accelerators to operating rooms for brain surgeries, a particle detector initially engineered by physicists at CERN is now employed by researchers in Germany to enhance the precision and safety of brain tumor...

Sleep Boosts Memory for Complex Events

Credit: DepositphotosSleep aids in solidifying our memory of complex associations, thereby facilitating the recollection of entire event sequences.For a while, researchers have been aware that sleep plays a role in consolidating our memories of facts and episodic events.However, previous research has primarily focused on straightforward associations, such as those formed when learning new vocabulary.Understanding...

The Science of Love

Science offers insights into various aspects of romantic love, shedding light on the physiological, psychological, and social dimensions of this complex phenomenon. Here are some key findings:Brain Chemistry: Studies have shown that falling in love triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, which are associated with pleasure, bonding, and happiness.Attachment...

Viagra use Tied to 18% Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Men

Scientists found a surprising link between erectile dysfunction medication use and Alzheimer's risk DepositphotosPhosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like Viagra are primarily recognized for their efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction. However, a study involving close to 270,000 men has contributed to the increasing evidence suggesting that these medications could also reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's...

A study Confirms that ADHD Affects Overall Brain Connectivity

Assessing connectivity across the entire brain could help identify likely ADHD developmentDepositphotosAnalyzing neuroimaging data from almost 12,000 participants, researchers have verified the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing the entire brain for the diagnosis, research, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Earlier research has concentrated on specific brain regions or networks. However, scientists...

Using Generative AI to Uncover Human Memory and Imagination

Credit: DepositphotosUCL research employing AI models enhances our comprehension of memory by revealing the brain's process of reconstructing past events and envisioning novel scenarios.UCL researchers find that recent progress in generative AI sheds light on how memories facilitate learning about the world, reliving past experiences, and creating entirely new scenarios for imagination and planning.AI...

Caltech’s Leading Role in Ultrasound Brain–Machine Interface Advancement

The latest advancements in Brain-Machine Interfaces feature functional ultrasound (fUS), a non-invasive technique for reading brain activity. This innovation has shown promising results in controlling devices with minimal delay and without the need for frequent recalibration. Credit: SciTechDaily.comFunctional ultrasound (fUS) represents a significant advancement in Brain-Machine Interface technology, providing a less invasive way to...

Study Provides First Evidence for Why we Sleep

A new study has provided the first direct evidence to explain the function of sleepDepositphotosScientists have integrated physics and biology in a study that offers the initial direct evidence elucidating the purpose of sleep. By likening the brain to a biological computer depleted of resources during wakefulness, they showed that sleep acts as a...

How the Brain Decodes Speech: Special Neurons Process Specific Sounds

Credit: PixaobayDelicate probes, as thin as wires, inserted into the brains of living individuals reveal the functions performed by individual neurons.An unparalleled degree of insight into how humans comprehend speech has been made possible by recordings from hundreds of individual neurons while patients undergoing brain surgery listened to this and 199 other sentences. The...