Credit: PixabayNew research shows that childhood hardships can have long-term effects on the brain, with events like family conflict and poverty potentially impacting children's cognitive function for years.A team from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts conducted this study, focusing on white matter—the brain's deeper tissue composed of communication fibers that transmit information between...
Credit: DepositPhotosDespite being our most complex organ, the brain has traditionally been treated using fairly straightforward methods.In most cases, surgeons would intentionally damage a specific structure or pathway in the brain, hoping that this would "fix the imbalance" responsible for the disorder. The areas chosen for these procedures were often identified through trial and...
Researchers from UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco connect their subject Ann's brain implant to the voice synthesizer computerNoah Berger / UC RegentsResearchers from California have created an AI-driven system that enables paralyzed individuals to speak naturally in real time, using their own voices.The innovative technology developed by teams from the University of California,...
Credit: DepositphotosWhy do we have difficulty recalling specific events from the early years when our brains were working hard to learn so much? A new study from Yale reveals that babies do indeed form memories, but they may not be able to retrieve them.Infantile Amnesia and Its CausesWhen trying to recall your earliest memory,...
Credit: PixabayWhen you sleep and dream, your brain may undergo a "rinse cycle," clearing out toxic by-products to prepare for the next day. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have now mapped the flow of neurotransmitters, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid in mice, uncovering how this process works—and revealing that common sleep drugs like Ambien...
Credit: PixabayYour brain can still produce new neurons in adulthood, but how do these rare additions support cognitive function?Neurons, the cells responsible for brain function, are mostly formed before birth. While early life sees the bulk of brain development, certain regions continue generating neurons into adulthood, albeit at a slower pace. Scientists debate whether...
Credit: DepositphotosDo you favor Black Friday or Cyber Monday? The January sales or Amazon Prime Day? Or maybe you prefer waiting for a traditional clearance event with deep discounts.No matter your shopping preferences, it's likely that you enjoy the thrill of scoring a good deal.The weeks leading up to Black Friday showcase this eager...
Credit: PixabayIn 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: DepositphotosLife 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...
Consuming food with nutrient value triggers the release of a feel-good chemical by the brainDepositphotosResearchers 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...
