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The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. Enclosed in the cranium, it has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but is over three times as large as the brain of a typical mammal with an equivalent body size.

Further Reading

Better understanding of olfactory system

Better understanding of olfactory system

Duke University Medical Center researchers have discovered how the brain creates a scent symphony from signals sent by the nose.

18 Jun 2006

Altered activity in receptor pair points to further complexity in schizophrenia pathology

Altered activity in receptor pair points to further complexity in schizophrenia pathology

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in collaboration with scientists at the City University of New York, have identified a striking dysregulation in neuronal receptor activity in the postmortem brain tissue from patients with schizophrenia.

18 Jun 2006

Central nervous system can sometimes send out signals that invite hostile immune system attacks

Central nervous system can sometimes send out signals that invite hostile immune system attacks

It may sound like a case of blame the victim, but researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that cells in the central nervous system can sometimes send out signals that invite hostile immune system attacks.

18 Jun 2006

New roles for growth factors

New roles for growth factors

During embryonic development, nerve cells hesitantly extend tentacle-like protrusions called axons that sniff their way through a labyrinth of attractive and repulsive chemical cues that guide them to their target.

18 Jun 2006

From DNA to RNA to protein

From DNA to RNA to protein

Of the thousands of proteins produced in our cells, few are as important as the enzyme RNA polymerase (RNAP), which has the unique ability to faithfully copy genetic information from DNA.

18 Jun 2006

Scientists find sleep hormone melatonin in red wine grapes

Scientists find sleep hormone melatonin in red wine grapes

Scientists in Italy say they have discovered that the grapes used to make some of the most popular red wines contain high levels of the sleep hormone melatonin.

18 Jun 2006

Fly research sheds light on sleep regulation and its role in memory

Fly research sheds light on sleep regulation and its role in memory

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that a brain region previously known for its role in learning and memory also serves as the location of sleep regulation in fruit flies.

18 Jun 2006

Researchers identify mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell

Researchers identify mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell.

18 Jun 2006

Discovery of gene behind iron accumulation in brain has implications for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's

Discovery of gene behind iron accumulation in brain has implications for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's

Oregon Health & Science University researchers have identified the gene behind a group of rare, progressive childhood disorders caused by an abnormal buildup of iron in the brain.

18 Jun 2006

Burkitt lymphoma gene expression signature identified

Burkitt lymphoma gene expression signature identified

An international research study involving the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the National Cancer Institute and 10 other institutions has successfully identified the gene expression signature for Burkitt lymphoma.

14 Jun 2006

Hierarchical control of dopamine neuron-firing patterns by nicotinic receptors

Hierarchical control of dopamine neuron-firing patterns by nicotinic receptors

Understanding what makes people crave the high of nicotine is a key to developing treatment for this highly addictive drug.

14 Jun 2006

Broca's area and the hierarchical organization of human behavior

Broca's area and the hierarchical organization of human behavior

Researchers have discovered that Broca's area in the brain - best known as the region that evolved to manage speech production - is a major "executive" center in the brain for organizing hierarchies of behaviors.

14 Jun 2006

Scientists reveal two paths of neurodegeneration

Scientists reveal two paths of neurodegeneration

Wiring the developing brain is like creating a topiary garden. Shrubs don't automatically assume the shape of ornamental elephants, and neither do immature nerve cells immediately recognize the "right" target cell.

14 Jun 2006

Brain chemistry finding suggests new target for addiction treatments

Brain chemistry finding suggests new target for addiction treatments

Ask anyone who has been addicted to drugs and they'll tell you that the mere sight of someone using their drug of choice - or even people, places, or objects associated with drug use - can trigger an intense desire for the drug.

14 Jun 2006

Stem cell breakthrough

Stem cell breakthrough

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin can create neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease.

14 Jun 2006

Restricting carbohydrates may prevent Alzheimer's disease

Restricting carbohydrates may prevent Alzheimer's disease

A recent study directed by Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggests that experimental dietary regimens might calm or even reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

14 Jun 2006

New drug will treat those winter blues

New drug will treat those winter blues

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given it's approval for a drug to treat a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

14 Jun 2006

Vaccine to treat Alzheimer's effective and safe

Vaccine to treat Alzheimer's effective and safe

According to researchers in Japan they have developed a DNA vaccine that reduces the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice without causing side-effects.

13 Jun 2006

Japanese researchers using PET imaging detect the beginnings of atherosclerosis

Japanese researchers using PET imaging detect the beginnings of atherosclerosis

Using positron emission tomography (PET), the medical isotope 15O-water and cold pressor tests, Japanese researchers were able to detect the beginnings of atherosclerosis - before the disease became clinically evident.

9 Jun 2006

Syphilis on the rise in L.A. County

Syphilis on the rise in L.A. County

Following a level off in 2004, early syphilis cases (infections contracted within the past year) in L.A. County climbed steeply in 2005.

9 Jun 2006

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