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...
Tag: <span>neuroscience</span>
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Brain wave device enhances memory function
The entrainment of theta brain waves with a commercially available device not only enhances theta wave activity but also boosts memory performance. That’s according to new research from the Center for Neuroscience at the University of California, Davis, published recently in the journal Cognitive Neuroscience. Image: The device uses light and sounds to stimulate theta brain waves. Credit: UC...
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To see what’s right in front of you, your brain may need some rewiring
Life-changing moments are also brain-changing moments: everything from a first kiss to the last goodbye modifies cells within the skull. The capacity to learn and remember, however, extends beyond the profound experiences that we lament or treasure. In fact, a new study led by Rockefeller scientist Charles D. Gilbert suggests that even when we’re not...
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Yes, your pet can tell time
A new study finds ‘timing cells’ in the brain may underlie an animal’s inner clock NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY EVANSTON, Ill. — Are you taking your time when feeding your pet? Fluffy and Fido are on to you — and they can tell when you are dawdling. A new study from Northwestern University has found some of...
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Scientists examine how neuropathic pain responds to Metformin
Scientists seeking an effective treatment for one type of chronic pain believe a ubiquitous, generic diabetes medication might solve both the discomfort and the mental deficits that go with the pain. Image: UT Dallas doctoral student Stephanie Shiers led a recent study with Dr. Sven Kroener (left) and Dr. Ted Price, both of the School...
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FDA approves magnetic brain-zapping helmet to treat OCD sufferers who don’t respond to therapy or drugs
Over two percent of the population develops obsessive-compulsive disorder at some point over the course of their lives Repetitive thoughts, compulsions, and behaviors can disrupt these peoples’ lives and isolate them OCD is characterized by an overly-active brain circuit Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses magnetic pulses to disrupt the electrical activity in this circuit A similar...
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Surprise finding in neurons
UNIVERSITY OF WÜRZBURG Purkinje cells are a central part of the human cerebellum, the part of the brain that plays an important role in motor learning, fine motor control of the muscle, equilibrium and posture but also influences emotions, perception, memory and language. IMAGE: IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE IMAGE FROM THE CEREBELLAR CORTEX REGION OF BIPOLAR PATIENTS THAT SHOWS...
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Aggression neurons identified
High activity in a relatively poorly studied group of brain cells can be linked to aggressive behaviour in mice, a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows. Using optogenetic techniques, the researchers were able to control aggression in mice by stimulating or inhibiting these cells. The results, which are published in the scientific journal Nature Neuroscience, contribute...
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Thync Relax: 10 days with the new “neuroscience” wearable
We take Thync’s second-gen product, Thync Relax, for a test-drive The original Thync was one of the most eyebrow-raising wearables of 2015. Sending electrical currents through your head to essentially zap your brain into either a calmer or more-energized mood, we saw it as a potential preview of a future where tech can replace drugs. While the...