Researchers have discovered a mechanistic link between zinc, autism risk genes and abnormal neuronal connections associated with autism spectrum disorders FRONTIERS The emergence of autism in children has not only been linked to genes encoding synaptic proteins – among others – but also environmental insults such as zinc deficiency. Although it is unclear whether zinc deficiency...
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Scientists solve century-old neuroscience mystery; answers may lead to epilepsy treatment
Scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have solved a 125-year-old mystery of the brain, and, in the process, uncovered a potential treatment for acquired epilepsy. Since 1893, scientists have known about enigmatic structures called perineuronal nets wrapped around neurons, but the function of the nets remained elusive. IMAGE: A RESEARCH TEAM LED BY HARALD SONTHEIMER...
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New Study Explains How Coffee Protects The Brain From Disease
Can coffee protect drinkers from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? A new study finds an evidence that certain types of coffee could prevent mental decline later in life. Plenty has been said about the benefits and risks of coffee, a common beverage that a large portion of the population consumes on a regular basis. In the United...
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A New Treatment for Menopause May Be on the Way
Researchers say a new type of drug that blocks a receptor in the brain could provide relief for women going through menopause. There’s good news for women going through menopause if you can wait three years or so. Credit: Getty Images Researchers say they’ve discovered that an experimental class of drugs that blocks a key...
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Hairy Coating Keeps Nanoparticles Safe from Immune System, Liver
Nanoparticles are seemingly a great way to treat tumors, but they’re so rapidly washed out by the bloodstream that few of the nanoparticles actually reach their targets. Researchers at Drexel University have now developed a surface treatment that gives nanoparticles a significant advantage to overcome the body’s filtration system and therefore make nanotherapies much more...
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What to know about focal (partial) seizures
Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, occur in only one part of the brain. There are two types of focal seizure: Partial and complex. In this article, we look at the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of focal seizures. What is a focal seizure? The human brain contains neurons, or brain cells, that use electrical...
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Five food mistakes to avoid if you’re trying to lose weight
Many people wonder why they’re not losing weight when they follow a strict diet and exercise routine. One possible reason is that what looks like healthy options aren’t what they seem. Many foods and drinks contain hidden fats, sugars or salt, each of which will curb your weight loss efforts. In addition to the kilojoules,...
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Neuroscientists identify a surprising low-tech fix to the problem of sleep-deprived teens
Harris/Unsplash, CC BYHealthy sleep leads to healthy brains. Neuroscientists have gotten that message out. But parents, doctors and educators alike have struggled to identify what to do to improve sleep. Some have called for delaying school start times or limiting screentime before bed to achieve academic, health and even economic gains. A good night’s sleep comes down...
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3 things to know about cholesterol
With the release of new guidelines for treating and managing cholesterol, there may be questions not only about the changes in the update but about cholesterol itself. Most people know that high cholesterol is bad. But there’s a bigger picture involved when determining what’s considered too high. Put another way, the same number could be...
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Gunshot wound first aid can save a life. Here’s what to do.
Twelve people died this week after a gunman opened fire in a bar in Thousand Oaks, California. More than 20 others were injured. Two weeks ago, a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg. Mass shootings in public places have become more and more common over the past few decades....