Researchers identified a small group of dopamine neurons in the striatum that play a crucial role in balancing essential brain functions such as reward, cognition, and movement. This discovery opens the door to new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders like schizophrenia, addiction, and Parkinson’s disease. These neurons help regulate the brain’s dopamine pathways, preventing […]
What Your Movie Preferences Reveal About Your Brain’s Emotions
A new study reveals that your favorite film genre may indicate how your brain processes emotions. Action and comedy lovers show strong brain reactions to negative stimuli, while those preferring crime films, thrillers, or documentaries exhibit weaker emotional responses. Researchers used fMRI scans on 257 participants to uncover this link, offering insights into the connection […]
Blood Sample Allows for Rapid Detection of Brain Cancer
Researchers have developed an innovative device that can diagnose glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in under an hour using a novel biochip. The chip leverages electrokinetic technology to detect active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs) in extracellular vesicles from a small blood sample. This method offers high sensitivity and selectivity, minimizing interference and potentially improving […]
COVID’s Inflammation Linked to Long-Term Brain Effects
New research uncovers how COVID-19 may cause neuroinflammation, leading to persistent neurological symptoms even after recovery. The study found elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and significant changes in cerebrospinal fluid among hospitalized patients, highlighting the brain’s vulnerability to the virus.
Children’s Curiosity or Memory Gaps? Why Kids Over-Explore Tasks
Children often gather more information than needed to complete a task, even when they know the solution. A new study suggests this “over-exploration” might stem from either natural curiosity or underdeveloped working memory. Researchers found that kids, unlike adults, continue to explore irrelevant information due to uncertainty in their memory retention.
Miniaturized Brain-Machine Interface Translates Thoughts Into Text
Researchers developed a compact, low-power brain-machine interface (BMI) called MiBMI, designed to enhance communication for individuals with severe motor impairments. The device translates neural activity into text with 91% accuracy, using a highly miniaturized system that processes data in real-time. This innovation opens the door to practical, implantable BMIs, promising significant improvements in quality of […]