Brain News and Research

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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.

Study explains the origin of brain mapping diversity for ocular dominance

The human visual brain devotes most of its neuronal resources to process the part of the visual scene that we see with both eyes.

11 Nov 2019

Findings could lead to potential new therapies for tumor-causing disorder

University of Cincinnati researchers have found additional ways to target the molecular processes involved in activating a certain protein complex to potentially develop new therapies for a tumor-causing disorder.

11 Nov 2019

Study sheds new light on the brain's spatial map

An important aspect of human memory is our ability to conjure specific moments from the vast array of experiences that have occurred in any given setting. For example, if asked to recommend a tourist itinerary for a city you have visited many times, your brain somehow enables you to selectively recall and distinguish specific memories from your different trips to provide an answer.

11 Nov 2019

Researchers generate reliable maps for transmission risk of Zika virus

The spread of infectious diseases such as Zika depends on many different factors. Environmental factors play a role, as do socioeconomic factors. Recently, several attempts have be made to predict the transmission risk of the Zika virus at a global and local level, but the spatial and temporal patterns of transmission are still not well understood.

11 Nov 2019

Compound that may help delay onset of Alzheimer’s can be produced in baker’s yeast

Scientists prove that ergothioneine, an important compound that may be used to delay the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, can be produced in baker’s yeast.

11 Nov 2019

Improved biosensor technology may lead to safe stem cell therapies for treating neurological disorders

A Rutgers-led team has created better biosensor technology that may help lead to safe stem cell therapies for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and other neurological disorders.

11 Nov 2019

Zika virus causes altered immune responses and brain abnormalities in healthy pig offspring

Zika virus infection in the womb produces altered immune responses and sex-specific brain abnormalities in apparently healthy pig offspring, according to a study published November 14 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Uladzimir Karniychuk of the University of Saskatchewan, and colleagues.

From PLOS ONE 11 Nov 2019

New light on the essential reproductive role of the clitoris

A new study focuses on the role of the clitoris in females, showing that when it is stimulated, it triggers a wave of changes within the rest of the reproductive tract. The outcome of these changes confers on the clitoris not only recreative but also reproductive importance, according to the studies.

10 Nov 2019

Atmospheric and environmental changes linked to organ-specific lupus flares

New research findings presented at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting found a strong association between changes in atmospheric and environmental variables 10 days before a clinic visit and organ-specific lupus flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

10 Nov 2019

Children with Down syndrome at greater risk of an associated form of arthritis

A new study finds that children with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of an associated form of arthritis.

10 Nov 2019

Sustainable neurosurgery programs can be created in poor, remote locations

Low- and middle-income countries in remote locations with little access to care can create sustainable neurosurgical programs by recruiting and training young, local doctors, according to a Rutgers study.

10 Nov 2019

Study of young boys and girls finds no gender difference in brain function or math ability

In 1992, Teen Talk Barbie was released with the controversial voice fragment, "Math class is hard." While the toy's release met with public backlash, this underlying assumption persists, propagating the myth that women do not thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematic fields due to biological deficiencies in math aptitude.

10 Nov 2019

Preclinical data on new drug combination to treat neuroblastoma published

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer outside of the brain in infants and young children and often fails to respond to therapy. Though it can appear in several areas of the body, it commonly develops as a solid tumor most frequently found in or adjacent to the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys.

10 Nov 2019

Simulation-based approach to target epilepsy enters into clinical trial

In what represents a major milestone on the path to clinical application, a novel method to improve outcomes of Epilepsy surgery has now received approval for clinical testing in 13 French hospitals.

9 Nov 2019

Researchers determine ways to assess social communication difficulties in children with TBI

Kessler Foundation researchers conducted a pilot study to determine ways to assess social communication difficulties in children with impaired social functioning caused by moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

8 Nov 2019

Game-changing diagnostic test for prion diseases

Researchers have developed an effective way of testing for prion diseases, a group of fatal neurodegenerative illnesses caused by abnormally folded proteins.

8 Nov 2019

First device-based, non-drug therapy for treating ADHD in children

Deciding how to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children can be a difficult decision for parents. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD treatments - and are considered to be the most effective.

8 Nov 2019

Could improving the brain’s waste disposal system help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s?

A new partnership between two leading medical research charities has launched today to explore how improving the brain’s waste disposal system could be the key to preventing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

8 Nov 2019

Musical pleasure linked to right combination of uncertainty and surprise

Why is it that people find songs such as James Taylor's "Country Roads," UB40's "Red, Red Wine," or The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" so irresistibly enjoyable? In a study reported in the journal Current Biology on November 7, researchers analyze 80,000 chords in 745 classic U.S. Billboard pop songs--including those three--and find that musical pleasure comes from the right combination of uncertainty and surprise.

8 Nov 2019

Scientists identify a novel method for treating chronic pain

Watching immersive 360 videos of icy Arctic scenes helps to relieve intense burning pain and could hold hope for treating chronic pain, a small study has found.

8 Nov 2019