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.

Research reveals link between concussions and erectile dysfunction in former NFL players

Former professional football players who have experienced concussion symptoms, including loss of consciousness, disorientation or nausea after a head injury, are more likely to report low testosterone and erectile dysfunction (ED), according to research published Aug. 26 in JAMA Neurology.

26 Aug 2019

Study exposes major gaps in understanding the full burden of ADRD/dementia

A new research review highlighting the hidden costs of dementia suggests that traditional measures only show the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of the cost impact on society.

26 Aug 2019

Strong memories formed by "teams" of neurons firing in synchrony

Almost everyone knows how it feels to remember things for decades on end – and also how it feels to forget where you left your car keys. The answer to this strange paradox could be simple, according to a new study from Caltech. The researchers found that that the brain recruits a higher number of neurons which fire impulses in a synchronized manner to form and store strong memories over long periods.

26 Aug 2019

Developing a blood test to spot subconcussive injuries as early as possible

In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers at Orlando Health are making new progress in finding ways to detect a traumatic yet sinister brain injury -- and getting closer to preventing further damage.

26 Aug 2019

Removing tumor's protective wall could help boost the effects of cancer treatments

Scientists may have found a way to pull down the protective wall that surrounds tumors, potentially re-exposing them to the killing power of the immune system and immunotherapy treatments, according to a study part funded by Cancer Research UK and published in EBioMedicine today (Monday).

26 Aug 2019

Scientists identify how nature builds with chitin

Writers know the power of the pen, but scientists are just discovering its secrets.

25 Aug 2019

Fruit fly develops a long-lasting body-size memory, shows research

In order to orient themselves and survive in their environment, animals must develop a concept of their own body size.

25 Aug 2019

Caltech researchers determine how memories form and fade

Why is it that you can remember the name of your childhood best friend that you haven't seen in years yet easily forget the name of a person you just met a moment ago? In other words, why are some memories stable over decades, while others fade within minutes?

25 Aug 2019

Astrocytes help the brain to establish long-lasting memories

Star-shaped cells called astrocytes help the brain establish long-lasting memories, Salk researchers have discovered.

25 Aug 2019

Caregivers of people with dementia experience accumulation of sleep loss

Caregivers of people with dementia lose between 2.5 to 3.5 hours of sleep weekly due to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep — a negative for themselves and potentially for those who receive their care, Baylor University researchers say.

23 Aug 2019

Adults carrying Alzheimer's risk gene have harder time accessing recently acquired knowledge

Adults carrying a gene associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease had a harder time accessing recently acquired knowledge, even though they didn't show any symptoms of memory problems, according to findings published in a joint Baycrest-University of Oxford study.

23 Aug 2019

New mechanisms to enable regeneration of injured nerve fibers

Injuries to nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves usually result in functional losses as the nerve fibers are unable to regenerate.

23 Aug 2019

Addiction clinics market pricey, unproven treatments to desperate patients

Jason was hallucinating. He was withdrawing from drugs at an addiction treatment center near Indianapolis, and he had hardly slept for several days.

23 Aug 2019

Living Cells Can Record and Track Genomic Events with New “Designer Cell” Computer Technology

Published in Molecular Cell, researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new technology that uses DNA to process and store information in living cells.

23 Aug 2019

Unraveling the secret itch pathway

Itching is among the most persistent of skin sensations, requiring an immediate response. However, scientists say it is a protective sensation that stimulates the individual to eliminate parasites and other irritating substances from the skin.

23 Aug 2019

Scientists identify unique way to treat incurable type of children's brain cancer

An international team of researchers led by Yale University, University of Iowa, and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, an affiliate of City of Hope, has discovered a new pathway that may improve success against an incurable type of children's brain cancer.

23 Aug 2019