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Neuroscience news

Neuroscience

Open-source software reveals complete 3D architecture of brain cells

The neurons in our brain that underlie thought connect to each other using tiny branch-like structures on their surfaces known as dendritic spines. Now scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and their colleagues have ...

Neuroscience

How the brain's activity, energy use and blood flow change as people fall asleep

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham has used next-generation imaging technology to discover that when the brain is falling asleep, it shows a coordinated shift in activity.

Neuroscience

Scientists find ways to boost memory in aging brains

Memory loss may not simply be a symptom of getting older. New research from Virginia Tech shows that it's tied to specific molecular changes in the brain and that adjusting those processes can improve memory.

Neuroscience

When we dream, does our brain wake up?

An international consortium of researchers has created the largest-ever database compiling records of brain activity during sleep and dream reports. One of the first analyses of the database confirmed that dreams do not occur ...

Neuroscience

Scientists have been wrong about phantom limbs for decades

Inside every human brain lies a detailed map of the body, with different regions dedicated to different body parts—the hands, lips, feet and more. But what happens to this map when a body part is removed?

Neuroscience

Immune cells in the brain help shape adolescent neural circuits

Making a smoothie, going for an evening walk, or having empathy for a loved one are all examples of executive functions that are controlled by the brain's frontal cortex. This area of the brain goes through profound change ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Mouse neurons that identify friends in need and friends indeed

A special set of neurons directs mice's attention to or away from their peers, depending on the situation. The Kobe University discovery has implications for finding causes for neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum ...

Neuroscience

How cloves might help relieve pain and inflammation

Cloves have long been a staple in kitchens and traditional medicine cabinets. Known for their warm, spicy flavor, they're typically found whole or ground, and as clove oil or extract. But beyond their culinary charm, cloves ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Neural activity linked to self-preoccupied thinking

People tend to be self-preoccupied. Self-interest is good when it ensures that one's needs are met, but it can also be maladaptive; research shows that the tendency to self-focus promotes the occurrence of depression and ...