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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.

Weight loss reduces risky decisions and boosts mood in highly obese individuals, study finds

Researchers examine how significant weight loss in highly obese individuals influences their metabolism, psychological state, and decision-making processes.

21 Jul 2024

Marshall University receives $3.3 million grant to examine genetic mechanisms behind fentanyl addiction

Marshall University was awarded a $3.3 million grant (#R01DA057931) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to examine the genetic mechanisms that underlie fentanyl addiction.

19 Jul 2024

New microscopy technique unveils dynamic structure of amyloid-beta

Amyloid-beta (A-beta) aggregates are tangles of proteins most notably associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

19 Jul 2024

How maternal scent enhances face perception in infants aged 4-12 months

Humans see the world through the five senses, but how and when the ability to integrate across the senses arises is debated.

19 Jul 2024

Study examines brain activity and time perception over minutes and hours

Ever hear the old adage that time flies when you're having fun? A new study by a team of UNLV researchers suggests that there's a lot of truth to the trope.

19 Jul 2024

Psilocybin reconfigures brain networks, showing potential for lasting therapeutic effects

Researchers found that high-dose psilocybin significantly disrupts brain functional connectivity, particularly in the default mode network, with lasting effects linked to therapeutic benefits.

18 Jul 2024

Brain activity patterns can foreshadow 24-hour seizure risk

UCSF team discovers brain activity patterns that foreshadow seizures up to 24 hours before they occur.

18 Jul 2024

Exploring the expanding horizons of GLP-1 therapies beyond diabetes and obesity

In a Perspective, Daniel Drucker highlights the growing body of evidence that hints at the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medications in treating conditions other than diabetes and obesity, including cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

18 Jul 2024

Psilocybin and undisclosed ingredients found in popular mushroom gummies

Mushroom gummies being sold to promote brain function may contain the illegal hallucinogen psylocibin and other harmful ingredients not listed on the label, UVA Health experts are warning after five people – including a 3-year-old child – were sickened.

18 Jul 2024

New drugs show promise in shrinking breast cancer brain metastases

Researchers from Drexel's College of Medicine have identified new drugs that show early success in shrinking breast cancer tumors that have metastasized in the brain.

18 Jul 2024

Study uncovers how OTX2 drives aggressive childhood brain cancer

In a report published in Nature Cell Biology, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, the University of Manitoba and collaborating institutions revealed an unexpected way in which the protein OTX2 drives the progression of medulloblastoma – the most common aggressive childhood brain cancer.

18 Jul 2024

Type 1 diabetes in children linked to increased risk of mental health problems

Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are at significantly higher risk of a number of mental health issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, a study from a team in the UK and the Czech Republic has found.

18 Jul 2024

Understanding astrocyte-neuron interplay in learning deficits

In the brain, synaptic plasticity - the ability to change neuronal connections over time - is fundamental to learning and memory.

18 Jul 2024

Visual cortex's impact on motor skill acquisition

You join a swing dance class, and at first you're all left feet. But – slowly, eyes glued to the teacher – you pick up a step or two and start to feel the rhythm of the big band beat. A good start.

18 Jul 2024

Acute gastroenteritis linked to higher rates of irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia

Researchers examine the prevalence of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and post-infectious function dyspepsia following acute gastroenteritis.

18 Jul 2024

Novel insights into how exercise functions as an antidepressant

Researchers from University College London propose a novel framework linking reduced inflammation and boosted dopamine transmission through exercise to alleviate depressive symptoms.

18 Jul 2024

Study links circadian rhythm disruption to obesity and diabetes

Disruption of circadian rhythms and clock gene expression is linked to adverse metabolic health outcomes, including obesity and diabetes. Further research is needed to understand these relationships and their implications for treatment and prevention.

17 Jul 2024