Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes are so closely related that drugs currently used to control glucose levels in diabetes may also alleviate the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from the University of Aberdeen. This is also the first study of its kind to show that Alzheimer’s disease can lead…
Blood Thinners Vs. Aspirin In Atrial Fibrillation
More than 30% of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at intermediate to high risk for stroke are treated with aspirin alone, despite previous data showing this therapy to be inferior to blood thinners, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine report. The study examined…
Inability To Delay Gratification Linked To ADHD, Obesity
People diagnosed with ADHD or obesity are more likely to choose smaller immediate rewards over larger future rewards, according to two new studies led by researchers at McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. This reduced capacity to delay gratification in many individuals diagnosed with ADHD or obesity may lead to new approaches for the…
Neural Stem Cells Grafted Into Both Young And Aged Hippocampi
Grafting has been practiced in horticulture for thousands of years. Now, a new technique prepares donor neural stem cells and grafts them into an older brain. Researchers implanted neural stem cells into rats’ hippocampi, enabling them to regenerate tissue. The work1 suggests the possibility of replacing aged brain cells and restoring memory. We chose the hippocampus…
Neurons Break Their Own DNA to Enable Memory Formation
Every time you learn something new, your brain cells fracture their DNA, creating deterioration that the neurons must immediately repair, according to a new study by researchers at MIT. It might seem that damaging your DNA is not a good thing, but this study flips that notion around, with the finding that this process is…
Ultra-fast Fear Responses Seen In Human Amygdala
The amygdala of the human brain is able to detect possible threats in the visual environment at ultra-fast time scales, an international team lead by researchers from Campus de Excelencia Internacional Moncloa (UCM-UPM) has shown. The amygdala is a brain structure that is part of the limbic system and plays a key role in emotional…
Oxytocin Plays A Role In Facial Mimicry
Whether functioning as a hormone or a neurotransmitter, oxytocin is involved in a series of important physiological and psychological functions. For example, it may promote maternal attachment, lactation, pair bonding and group cohesion. But the picture is actually more complex; in some circumstances it can even lead to aggressive behavior. Experimental results have also shown…
Evidence For Dendrites Active Role In Cortical Processing
Strong evidence that the arrangement of synaptic connections within the dendritic field supports an active role for dendrites in cortical processing has been found by scientists at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. These dendritic computations may shape how neurons encode visual information, according to the findings. Dendrites are tree-like extensions from neurons that…
Vitamin D, Riboflavin, Coenzyme Q10 Deficiencies Linked To Migraine Headaches
Although there was no causal link proven, vitamin deficiencies have been found in a high percentage of children, teens and young adults with migraines, according to new research from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The study draws from a database which included patients with migraines who, according to Cincinnati Children’s Headache Center practice, had…