Neuroscience

How the brain focuses on what's in mind

Working memory, that handy ability to consciously hold and manipulate new information in mind, takes work. In particular, participating neurons in the prefrontal cortex have to work together in synchrony to focus our thoughts, ...

Genetics

What makes the human brain different? Study reveals clues

What makes the human brain distinct from that of all other animals—including even our closest primate relatives? In an analysis of cell types in the prefrontal cortex of four primate species, Yale researchers identified ...

Medical research

Why thinking hard makes you tired

It's no surprise that hard physical labor wears you out, but what about hard mental labor? Sitting around thinking hard for hours makes one feel worn out, too. Now, researchers have new evidence to explain why this is, and, ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Cells that control hunger affect brain structure and function

The prefrontal cortex region of the human brain is responsible for a range of complex functions from decision-making to certain types of memory. When something goes wrong in this part of the brain, it can be very detrimental ...

Neuroscience

New study reveals where memory fragments are stored

After an unforgettable dinner at a restaurant, it's not just the food that leaves a trace in your mind. The odors, the decor, the sound of the band playing, the conversations, and many other features combine to form a distinctive ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism

Discovery of molecular pathway through which stress affects lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects all the organ systems of the body. This chronic disease includes periods of illness, called flare ups, and periods of remission, when symptoms are few. ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Mindfulness meditation reduces pain by separating it from the self

For centuries, people have been using mindfulness meditation to try to relieve their pain, but neuroscientists have only recently been able to test if and how this actually works. In the latest of these efforts, researchers ...

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