After a series of studies, researchers at Lund University in Sweden, together with colleagues in Italy, have shown that not only one part but most parts of the brain can involve in processing the signals that arise from touch. The results open the way for a new approach to how the brain’s network of neurons…
The olfactory bulb is a neural structure of the vertebrate forebrain involving in olfaction; the sense of smell. It sends olfactory information to be further processed in the amygdala; the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the hippocampus where it plays a role in emotion, memory, and learning. The bulb is dividing into two distinct structures: the…
A special focus on rogue proteins may hold future promise in stopping the progression of nerve cell destruction in people who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); or frontotemporal dementia. ALS, a rare but devastating disorder that’s also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; attacks the body’s nerve cells, resulting in progressive muscle weakness as the neurons…
Researchers can now see how the two sides of the living brain mirror; each other thanks to a new combination-imaging technique. The method dubbed “opto-OISI” takes advantage of rapidly developing high-resolution optical technologies; to help make sense of the trillions of connections in the brain. The study allows us to see how living monkey brains…
Progress in understanding the genetic mutation responsible for Huntington’s disease (HD); at least some molecular underpinnings of the disease has resulted in a new era of clinical testing of potential treatments. How best to design clinical trials in which HD patients are willing to participate and comply is a question faced by researchers. For that…
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as motor neuron disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a specific disease that causes the death of neurons controlling voluntary muscles. Some also use the term motor neuron disease for a group of conditions of which ALS is the most common. ALS is by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size. It may begin…
Neurofeedback (NFB) also called neurotherapy or neurobiofeedback; is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity most commonly electroencephalography (EEG) in an attempt to teach self-regulation of brain function. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity, with measurements displayed using video displays or sound. Less than one hour of brain training with neurofeedback leads…
They experience affect (i.e., emotions and mood) not only during wakefulness but also during sleep; especially during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep dreaming. While considerable effort has devoted to understanding the neural basis of dreaming; little is about the neural processes underlying dream effect. Dreaming refers to the presence of subjective experiences during sleep and…
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease of the central nervous system. In most cases, ALS is fatal within a short period following diagnosis. However, people sometimes live with the disease for decades; as did the astrophysicist Steven Hawking. What happens in the body of an ALS patient?. During the course of the disease,…
In a study of healthy volunteers, National Institutes of Health researchers found that our brains may solidify the memories of new skills they just practiced a few seconds earlier by taking a short rest. The results highlight the critically important role rest may play in learning. “Everyone thinks you need to ‘practice, practice, practice’ when…
University of Alberta neuroscientists have identified different factors for maintaining healthy memory; for avoiding memory decline in those over age 55, according to a new study. The results have implications for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease through targeted early intervention efforts. Memory decline is one of the first signs of cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases; such…
Leading an active lifestyle may increase the likelihood of damaged nerves regenerating after a spinal cord injury. The early-stage findings, come from studies with spinal cord injuries; in which scientists uncovered a mechanism for nerve fibers repairing after they had damaged. The providing rodents with more space, an exercise wheel, toys, and company before an…