The activity of the human brain is known to be closely connected to other physiological signals, such as heart rate and breathing. A study by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and other institutes reveals that a global...
Neuroscience
How choroid plexus apocrine secretion shapes fetal brain development
The human brain, like the brain of other mammals, is known to start developing before birth, via a coordinated sequence of molecular and cellular processes. Neuroscience studies have found that the choroid plexus (ChP), a specialized brain structure that regulates the...
Neurosteroids identified as potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression
Depression, characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, is one of the most common mental health disorders. Recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that approximately 5% of the...
The protein TMEM63B allows mammals to feel thirsty, study finds
Thirst is a crucial physiological signal that contributes to the survival of humans and other animals, by allowing them to detect when they are dehydrated so that they can drink. Drinking is essential for survival and for maintaining the balance of fluids in the body,...
Sleep disorders and hearing loss share common biological mechanisms, review finds
Sleep is known to be central to various physiological and mental processes, including the consolidation of memories, supporting various cognitive functions, helping to clear the brain of neurotoxins, balancing hormones and promoting cardiovascular health. Some recent...
Machine learning finds combined biological and psychosocial data improve chronic pain prediction
Chronic pain conditions, long-lasting medical conditions characterized by persistent pain in specific areas of the body, are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Understanding the biological markers (i.e., genes and brain patterns), psychological characteristics and...
Flexible implant detects pain levels and delivers targeted electrical stimulation wirelessly
Chronic pain conditions, characterized by persistent or recurrent pain in specific parts of the body, can be highly debilitating and often significantly reduce the quality of life of the individuals experiencing them. Statistics suggest that approximately 20.9% of...
Reactivation of specific memories can indirectly strengthen related ones, study finds
Most humans can recall specific events and past experiences for long periods of time. This capability, referred to as episodic memory, is known to be in great part supported by the activity of neurons in the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe.
Glial cells may play key role in managing sleep and metabolism, fruit fly study suggests
Homeostasis is the ability of living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature, hydration and blood sugar levels, irrespective of any changes in their surroundings. Homeostatic mechanisms also regulate behaviors that are central to the...
Psilocybin better preserves depressed patients’ emotional response to music than standard drug, study finds
Depression is among the most widespread mental health disorders worldwide, typically characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in daily activities and dysregulated sleep and/or eating habits. There are now a wide range of pharmacological...