Neuroscience

Olfactory Dysfunction Predicts Long-COVID: Fatigue & Cognitive Impairment After 1-Year (2024 Study)

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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 …

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Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation Increases Alpha Brain Waves & Alters Sleep (2024 Study)

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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; …

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Bupropion (Zyban) & Antidepressants for Smoking Cessation: The Latest Research

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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 …

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Fasting Increases Dopamine Signaling in Reward Center of Brain (Mouse Study)

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Researchers have uncovered new insights into how fasting alters dopamine signaling in the brain’s reward circuitry. Their findings, published in the Journal of Neurophysiology, suggest that fasted mice exhibit enhanced dopamine release in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain compared to fed mice. This may help explain fasting’s impact on motivation and reward-seeking …

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Neural Activity in Brain-Machine Interface Manual Reaching Task (Rhesus Monkey Study)

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Researchers have gained new understanding of how the brain controls movement using both overt motor control and brain-machine interface (BMI) control. Their findings provide insight into the distinct neural processes involved in BMI control compared to natural movement. Key Facts: Rhesus monkeys were trained to control a cursor using either overt arm movements or a …

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Advances in Electrical Neural Interfaces for Brain Augmentation & Neuroscience Research

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Electrical neural interfaces are unlocking new possibilities for studying, restoring, and augmenting brain functions. These devices provide direct communication pathways to connect the nervous system with the external world. Recent innovations in neural electrode design, electronics, wireless transmission, integration of electrical and optical modalities, and neural data processing are rapidly advancing the capabilities of electrical …

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Empathy Differences in Liberals vs. Conservatives: Brain Scans Reveal (Study)

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A new study reveals that people who identify as liberal or left-leaning politically exhibit greater neural empathy responses compared to conservatives. The findings provide novel neuroscientific evidence that ideological differences extend to brain function during empathy. Key Facts: Researchers used MEG brain imaging to measure neural empathy responses in 55 participants as they observed others’ …

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Neurobiological Correlates of Human Intelligence (IQ): Genetics, Brain Regions, Cellular Structures

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Human intelligence is a complex cognitive trait that has fascinated scientists and philosophers for centuries. New research is shedding light on the neurobiological underpinnings of intelligence, from genes to cells to brain networks. Key Facts: Intelligence is one of the most heritable human behavioral traits, with genetics explaining 50-80% of variability between individuals. Over 1000 …

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Neuroanatomy of Intelligence (IQ): Correlates from MRI Research

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Human intelligence has long fascinated scientists. With modern neuroimaging methods like MRI, we now have an unprecedented ability to examine the biological basis of intelligence in the living brain. Key Facts: Larger brain size predicts greater intelligence, but regional brain volumes matter more than total size. More intelligent individuals tend to have greater volumes in …

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Binaural Beats & Brainwave Entrainment: Effective or Placebo? Current Evidence (2023)

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Binaural beats are an auditory illusion that occurs when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. Some claim that binaural beats can synchronize and entrain brainwaves to match the difference frequency. But does scientific evidence support these alleged “brainwave entrainment” effects? A new systematic review published in PLOS ONE analyzed the …

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