Signal transduction is the process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly protein phosphorylation catalysed by protein kinases, which ultimately results in a cellular response. Proteins responsible for detecting stimuli are generally termed receptors, although in some cases the term sensor is…
Self-Generated Movements with Unexpected Sensory Consequences
Babies learn about their limbs and how to use them from twitches they make during REM sleep, movements that are very different from those made while awake. According to psychology graduate student Alexandre Tiriac, of University of Iowa, and first author of the study: “Every time we move while awake, there is a mechanism in…
Compassion For Self Is Foremost For Positive Body Image
Regardless of their body mass index (BMI), women who accept and tolerate their imperfections appear to have a more positive body image. They also seem to be better able to handle personal disappointments and setbacks in their daily lives. This self-compassion, research out from the University of Waterloo found, could be an important way to…
What Is The Cerebral Cortex?
The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain in humans and other mammals. It is separated into two cortices, by the longitudinal fissure that divides the cerebrum into the left and right cerebral hemispheres. The two hemispheres are joined beneath the cortex by the corpus callosum. The…
Top 15 Massage Types For Releasing Stress
While there are many strategies to help you relax, massages are amongst those that are expressly designed to release stress. Massage uses various types of techniques to release tension pent up in the muscles of the body through a scientifically backed method of therapeutic touch and the massage therapist’s healing hands. There are many different…
Brain Chemical Possible New Hope For Control Of Tourette Syndrome Tics
A chemical in the brain has a key role in controlling the involuntary movements and vocal tics seen in Tourette Syndrome (TS), a new study has shown. The research, from psychologists at The University of Nottingham, could offer a potential new target for the development of more effective treatments to suppress these unwanted symptoms. The…
How Neuroscience Can Teach Children About Mental Health
At a recent talk I gave as a Sheffield NeuroGirl, a group of three female PhD students who aim to bring interesting and exciting research on the brain to the public, I carried out a little experiment. I asked everyone to get to their feet and then for everyone who either had, or knew someone…
Deep Breathing Strategies to Conquer Anxiety
Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety? If so, it’s good to know that there are ways to relieve your suffering. It is possible to learn tactics for taking charge of your nervousness and experience the serenity you deserve. You can learn to control your anxiety with simple deep breathing techniques. When you breathe deeply…
Do Different Meditation Types have Different Effects on the Brain?
Buddhism is now one of the fastest growing religions in the world, and there are many forms of meditation taught within the different lineages. So among all those meditation types, do some affect the brain in different ways, from a physiological point of view? It turns out that different types of meditation do have qualitatively…