A study found that REM sleep deprivation significantly impacts brain connectivity, particularly within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and other brain networks, highlighting the importance of REM sleep for maintaining optimal brain function. Highlights: Connectivity Patterns: REM sleep deprivation resulted in stronger connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and between …
Oleacein, a compound found in extra virgin olive oil, shows potential as a natural treatment for depression and anxiety by reducing inflammation and boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Highlights: Oleacein & BDNF: Oleacein significantly increases BDNF expression, which is essential for brain health and neuroplasticity, both in human neuroblastoma cells and in the brains of …
Water pollution poses serious risks to human brain health, leading to neurological damage and increased risk of neuropsychiatric diseases. Highlights: Sources of Pollution: Water sources are contaminated by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban waste, introducing harmful chemicals like pesticides, inorganic salts, and organic compounds into drinking water. Neurological Impact: Chemicals such as acrylamide in …
A study used a 7-Tesla MRI to discover that major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to lower intracortical myelination, particularly in brain regions associated with negative emotions. Highlights: Advanced MRI: The study used Ultra-High Field MRI at 7.0 Tesla to gain detailed insights into brain microstructures in MDD patients. Brain Regions: Researchers focused on the …
A study identified a panel of eight plasma biomarkers that can predict Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before motor symptoms appear. Highlights: Biomarker Panel: The study validated a panel of 8 proteins, including Granulin precursor and Complement C3, using mass spectrometry, which can differentiate Parkinson’s patients from healthy controls and identify pre-motor individuals with …
Expert chess players use chunk memory to make better decisions, showing unique brain connectivity that helps them perform well even against tougher opponents. Highlights: Consistent Performance: Expert chess players perform equally well regardless of the difficulty level, unlike beginners whose performance drops with increased difficulty. Stronger Brain Connections: Experts show stronger connections in specific brain …
TLDR: Patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) exhibit significant changes in the white matter (WM) microstructure of their brains, particularly affecting the auditory and language pathways. Highlights: A study compared 122 patients with varying degrees of NIHL and 84 healthy controls. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed significant differences in the white matter microstructure, particularly in …
TLDR: Objective olfactory dysfunction 1-3 months after COVID-19 predicts post-COVID condition (PCC) and reduced quality of life after one year, while subjective symptoms do not. Highlights: Individuals with objectively measured olfactory dysfunction shortly after COVID-19 are more likely to develop long-term health issues and reduced quality of life a year later. Those with post-COVID condition …
TLDR: A new method using sound to influence brain waves can help manage brain activity and affect how we fall asleep. Highlights: How It Works: This method, called Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation (αCLAS), uses sound pulses timed precisely to brain waves to change brain activity. Phase Matters: The timing of the sound pulses is crucial; …
Antidepressant medications like bupropion (Zyban) show potential to help people quit smoking long-term. However, the evidence is complex with both benefits and risks to consider carefully. Key facts: The antidepressant bupropion (brand name Zyban) aids quitting smoking versus no medication. Almost 50% more people successfully quit long-term with bupropion. However, bupropion also increases risks of …
