A study in adaptability: Why do we change our beliefs?
(Medical Xpress)—The human brain likes to make predictions about how the world works. Imagine, for example, that you move to a new town. At first, you don't know where to go for dinner. But after weeks of trying different ...
Neuroscience
Oct 09, 2012 |
3.5 / 5 (2) |
0
|
Study identifies biological mechanism that plays key role in early-onset dementia
Using animal models, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered how a protein deficiency may be linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD)—a form of early-onset dementia that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. ...
Neuroscience
Oct 08, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
|
Study illuminates roles of novel epigenetic chemical in the brain
Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have identified a new role of a chemical involved in controlling the genes underlying memory and learning.
Genetics
Sep 17, 2012 |
5 / 5 (1) |
2
|
Scientists show protein linked to hunger also implicated in alcoholism
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have found new links between a protein that controls our urge to eat and brain cells involved in the development of alcoholism. The discovery points to new possibilities for designing ...
Psychology & Psychiatry
Sep 14, 2012 |
5 / 5 (3) |
0
|
Epigenetics emerges powerfully as a clinical tool
A study coordinated by Manel Esteller, published in Nature Reviews Genetics, highlights the success of this area of research to predict the behavior and weaknesses of tumors.
Genetics
Sep 12, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
Cocaine withdrawal: Emotional 'brakes' stay on after cocaine wears off
Washington State University researchers have found a cellular mechanism that contributes to the lack of motivation and negative emotions of a cocaine addict going through withdrawal. Their discovery, published in the latest ...
Medical research
Sep 10, 2012 |
3 / 5 (2) |
1
Study finds how BPA affects gene expression, anxiety; Soy mitigates effects
New research led by researchers at North Carolina State University shows that exposure to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) early in life results in high levels of anxiety by causing significant gene expression changes in a ...
Medical research
Sep 07, 2012 |
5 / 5 (4) |
0
|
Study: Rest periods crucial to allow soldiers' brains to heal from trauma
Soldiers should be given regular periods of respite to recover from combat exposure, experts argue, following the findings of a Dutch study of NATO soldiers returning from deployment in Afghanistan.
Psychology & Psychiatry
Sep 04, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
|
Long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in brain
Long-term methadone treatment can cause changes in the brain, according to recent studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The results show that treatment may affect the nerve cells in the brain. The studies ...
Medications
Aug 15, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
'Harmless' condition shown to alter brain function in elderly
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say a common condition called leukoaraiosis, made up of tiny areas in the brain that have been deprived of oxygen and appear as bright white dots on MRI scans, is not a harmless part of the ...
Neuroscience
Aug 13, 2012 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
|
Smelling a skunk after a cold: Brain changes after a stuffed nose protect the sense of smell
Has a summer cold or mold allergy stuffed up your nose and dampened your sense of smell? We take it for granted that once our nostrils clear, our sniffers will dependably rebound and alert us to a lurking ...
Neuroscience
Aug 12, 2012 |
4.3 / 5 (6) |
2
|
Study shows gene defect's role in autism-like behavior
Scientists affiliated with the UC Davis MIND Institute have discovered how a defective gene causes brain changes that lead to the atypical social behavior characteristic of autism. The research offers a potential target for ...
Autism spectrum disorders
Aug 10, 2012 |
5 / 5 (4) |
3
|
Astrocytes: More than just glue
Epileptic fits are like thunderstorms raging in the brain: Nerve cells excite each other in an uncontrolled way so that strong, rhythmic electrical discharges sweep over whole brain regions. In the wake of ...
Neuroscience
Aug 07, 2012 |
4.5 / 5 (2) |
0
The scientific side of steroid use and abuse
Leslie Henderson investigates the cellular basis for behavioral changes seen with the abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids. In her laboratory work, Henderson has looked at three major behavioral systems typically ...
Addiction
Aug 06, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
Fruit flies on methamphetamine die largely as a result of anorexia
A new study finds that fruit flies exposed to methamphetamine drastically reduce their food intake and increase their physical activity, just as humans do. The study, which tracked metabolic and behavioral ...
Addiction
Aug 01, 2012 |
not rated yet |
0
|