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Decoding the dictionary: Study suggests lexicon evolved to fit in the brain 
The latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary boasts 22,000 pages of definitions. While that may seem far from succinct, new research suggests the reference manual is meticulously organized to be as concise as possible — a format that mirrors the way our brains make sense of and categorize the countless words in our vast vocabulary.
The latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary boasts 22,000 pages of definitions. While that may seem far from succinct, new research suggests the reference manual is meticulously organized to be as concise as possible — a format that mirrors the way our brains make sense of and categorize the countless words in our vast vocabulary.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 10:12am
Rating: | Views: 1554 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 10:12am
Rating: | Views: 1554 | Comments: 0
It's a unisex brain with specific signals that trigger 'male' behavior
Research by Yale scientists shows that males and females have essentially unisex brains — at least in flies — according to a recent report in Cell designed to identify factors that are responsible for sex differences in behavior.
Research by Yale scientists shows that males and females have essentially unisex brains — at least in flies — according to a recent report in Cell designed to identify factors that are responsible for sex differences in behavior.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 9:29am
Rating: | Views: 1127 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 9:29am
Rating: | Views: 1127 | Comments: 0
Are you looking at me?
In humans, the eyes are said to be the ‘window to the soul’, conveying much about a person’s emotions and intentions. New research demonstrates for the first time that birds also respond to a human’s gaze.
In humans, the eyes are said to be the ‘window to the soul’, conveying much about a person’s emotions and intentions. New research demonstrates for the first time that birds also respond to a human’s gaze.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 8:52am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008, 8:52am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Imaging study provides glimpse of alcohol's effect on brain
New brain imaging research published this week shows that, after consuming alcohol, social drinkers had decreased sensitivity in brain regions involved in detecting threats, and increased activity in brain regions involved in reward.
New brain imaging research published this week shows that, after consuming alcohol, social drinkers had decreased sensitivity in brain regions involved in detecting threats, and increased activity in brain regions involved in reward.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 5:26pm
Rating: | Views: 5632 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 5:26pm
Rating: | Views: 5632 | Comments: 0
Memory Training Shown to Turn Up Brainpower
A new study has found that it may be possible to train people to be more intelligent, increasing the brainpower they had at birth.
A new study has found that it may be possible to train people to be more intelligent, increasing the brainpower they had at birth.
Neuroscience
Source: NYT
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1274 | Comments: 0
Source: NYT
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1274 | Comments: 0
Conquering Your Fears, One Synapse at a Time
An experiment with mice reveals a chemical pattern in the brain that may provide the key to overcoming fear—and preserving memories forever.
An experiment with mice reveals a chemical pattern in the brain that may provide the key to overcoming fear—and preserving memories forever.
Neuroscience
Source: Discover Magazine
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1366 | Comments: 0
Source: Discover Magazine
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1366 | Comments: 0
Scientists explore brain's reaction to potent hallucinogen Salvia
Brain-imaging studies performed in animals provide researchers with clues about why an increasingly popular recreational drug that causes hallucinations and motor-function impairment in humans is abused.
Brain-imaging studies performed in animals provide researchers with clues about why an increasingly popular recreational drug that causes hallucinations and motor-function impairment in humans is abused.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 11:26am
Rating: | Views: 3257 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 11:26am
Rating: | Views: 3257 | Comments: 0
Spinal cord injury research hampered by animal models, says new study
Research on traumatic spinal cord injuries is hampered by a reliance on animal experiments that don’t accurately predict human outcomes
Research on traumatic spinal cord injuries is hampered by a reliance on animal experiments that don’t accurately predict human outcomes
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 9:42am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 9:42am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Looking at neurons from all sides
A new technique that marries a fast-moving laser beam with a special microscope that look at tissues in different optical planes will enable scientists to get a three-dimensional view of neurons or nerve cells as they interact
A new technique that marries a fast-moving laser beam with a special microscope that look at tissues in different optical planes will enable scientists to get a three-dimensional view of neurons or nerve cells as they interact
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1332 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 28, 2008, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1332 | Comments: 0
Different processes govern sight, light detection
A Johns Hopkins University biologist, in research with implications for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and insomnia, has determined that the eye uses light to reset the biological clock through a mechanism separate from the ability to see.
A Johns Hopkins University biologist, in research with implications for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and insomnia, has determined that the eye uses light to reset the biological clock through a mechanism separate from the ability to see.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Friday, Apr 25, 2008, 9:11am
Rating: | Views: 1120 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Friday, Apr 25, 2008, 9:11am
Rating: | Views: 1120 | Comments: 0
Study breaks ground in revealing how neurons generate movement
When the eye tracks a bird’s flight across the sky, the visual experience is normally smooth, without interruption. But underlying this behavior is a complex coordination of neurons that has remained mysterious to scientists. Now, UCSF researchers have broken ground in understanding how the brain generates this tracking motion
When the eye tracks a bird’s flight across the sky, the visual experience is normally smooth, without interruption. But underlying this behavior is a complex coordination of neurons that has remained mysterious to scientists. Now, UCSF researchers have broken ground in understanding how the brain generates this tracking motion
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 24, 2008, 1:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 24, 2008, 1:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
New gene discovered for new form of intellectual disability
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has discovered a new form of intellectual disability involving mental retardation (MR) along with the eye defect retinitis pigmentosa (RP). CAMH also discovered the previously unidentified gene that causes this disorder, CC2D2A.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has discovered a new form of intellectual disability involving mental retardation (MR) along with the eye defect retinitis pigmentosa (RP). CAMH also discovered the previously unidentified gene that causes this disorder, CC2D2A.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 24, 2008, 9:02am
Rating: | Views: 1113 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 24, 2008, 9:02am
Rating: | Views: 1113 | Comments: 0
Psychologists demonstrate simplicity of working memory
A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but humans may have even less to work with than previously thought. University of Missouri researchers found that the average person can keep just three or four things in their “working memory” or conscious mind at one time.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but humans may have even less to work with than previously thought. University of Missouri researchers found that the average person can keep just three or four things in their “working memory” or conscious mind at one time.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008, 4:44pm
Rating: | Views: 2681 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008, 4:44pm
Rating: | Views: 2681 | Comments: 0
Pin1 is beneficial in Alzheimer's disease, detrimental to some forms of dementia
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and a relatively rare hereditary form of dementia, frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17, share a common pathology: Both are the result of an overaccumulation of tau proteins, which form tangled lesions in the brain’s neurons and eventually lead to the collapse of the brain cells responsible for memory.
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and a relatively rare hereditary form of dementia, frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17, share a common pathology: Both are the result of an overaccumulation of tau proteins, which form tangled lesions in the brain’s neurons and eventually lead to the collapse of the brain cells responsible for memory.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008, 5:04pm
Rating: | Views: 1180 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008, 5:04pm
Rating: | Views: 1180 | Comments: 0
Study suggests why teens get hooked on cocaine more easily than adults
New drug research suggests that teens may get addicted and relapse more easily than adults because developing brains are more powerfully motivated by drug-related cues. This conclusion has been reached by researchers who found that adolescent rats given cocaine – a powerfully addicting stimulant – were more likely than adults to prefer the place where they got it.
New drug research suggests that teens may get addicted and relapse more easily than adults because developing brains are more powerfully motivated by drug-related cues. This conclusion has been reached by researchers who found that adolescent rats given cocaine – a powerfully addicting stimulant – were more likely than adults to prefer the place where they got it.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 21, 2008, 1:14pm
Rating: | Views: 1360 | Comments: 2
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 21, 2008, 1:14pm
Rating: | Views: 1360 | Comments: 2
High anxiety?
Right now, about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety disorder don’t get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way to predict who will, and who won’t, benefit from each anti-anxiety prescription they write.
Right now, about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety disorder don’t get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way to predict who will, and who won’t, benefit from each anti-anxiety prescription they write.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Friday, Apr 18, 2008, 4:31pm
Rating: | Views: 1619 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Friday, Apr 18, 2008, 4:31pm
Rating: | Views: 1619 | Comments: 0
New details presented in outbreak in pork processing plant workers
Neurologists have identified the illness as a new disorder which causes symptoms ranging from a transverse myelitis syndrome, inflammation of the spinal cord, in one patient to mild weakness, fatigue, numbness and tingling in arms and legs.
Neurologists have identified the illness as a new disorder which causes symptoms ranging from a transverse myelitis syndrome, inflammation of the spinal cord, in one patient to mild weakness, fatigue, numbness and tingling in arms and legs.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 17, 2008, 8:57am
Rating: | Views: 1684 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 17, 2008, 8:57am
Rating: | Views: 1684 | Comments: 0
Intelligence and rhythmic accuracy go hand in hand
People who score high on intelligence tests are also good at keeping time, new Swedish research shows. The team that carried out the study also suspect that accuracy in timing is important to the brain processes responsible for problem solving and reasoning.
People who score high on intelligence tests are also good at keeping time, new Swedish research shows. The team that carried out the study also suspect that accuracy in timing is important to the brain processes responsible for problem solving and reasoning.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008, 9:44am
Rating: | Views: 1114 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008, 9:44am
Rating: | Views: 1114 | Comments: 0
Alzheimer's starts earlier for heavy drinkers, smokers
Heavy drinkers and heavy smokers develop Alzheimer’s disease years earlier than people with Alzheimer’s who do not drink or smoke heavily
Heavy drinkers and heavy smokers develop Alzheimer’s disease years earlier than people with Alzheimer’s who do not drink or smoke heavily
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008, 9:44am
Rating: | Views: 1131 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008, 9:44am
Rating: | Views: 1131 | Comments: 0
High blood pressure may protect against migraine
People with high blood pressure appear to be less likely to have migraine than those with low blood pressure. Researchers say stiff arteries associated with high blood pressure may play a role in protecting against migraine.
People with high blood pressure appear to be less likely to have migraine than those with low blood pressure. Researchers say stiff arteries associated with high blood pressure may play a role in protecting against migraine.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 14, 2008, 4:41pm
Rating: | Views: 1261 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 14, 2008, 4:41pm
Rating: | Views: 1261 | Comments: 0
Unconscious decisions in the brain
A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain unconsciously prepares our decisions.
A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain unconsciously prepares our decisions.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 14, 2008, 11:47am
Rating: | Views: 1127 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 14, 2008, 11:47am
Rating: | Views: 1127 | Comments: 0
Sharing the road
The neuromuscular circuitry that controls all bodily movements relies on constant sensory feedback from the periphery to fine-tune its commands to hundreds of muscles.
The neuromuscular circuitry that controls all bodily movements relies on constant sensory feedback from the periphery to fine-tune its commands to hundreds of muscles.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 10, 2008, 2:42pm
Rating: | Views: 1143 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 10, 2008, 2:42pm
Rating: | Views: 1143 | Comments: 0
Wine may protect against dementia
There may be constituents in wine that protect against dementia.
There may be constituents in wine that protect against dementia.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 10, 2008, 10:24am
Rating: | Views: 1198 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 10, 2008, 10:24am
Rating: | Views: 1198 | Comments: 0
Meth addiction mechanism discovered
Researchers have identified, for the first time, long-term changes in the brain circuitry of methamphetamine-addicted mice that can explain why the craving of addiction is so stubborn and long-lived. The research could lead to more effective treatments for addiction to methamphetamine and related drugs.
Researchers have identified, for the first time, long-term changes in the brain circuitry of methamphetamine-addicted mice that can explain why the craving of addiction is so stubborn and long-lived. The research could lead to more effective treatments for addiction to methamphetamine and related drugs.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008, 11:35am
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008, 11:35am
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
Dyslexic diversity
Chinese and English dyslexias stem from different brain abnormalities.
Chinese and English dyslexias stem from different brain abnormalities.
Neuroscience
Source: Nature
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 08, 2008, 9:51am
Rating: | Views: 1299 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 08, 2008, 9:51am
Rating: | Views: 1299 | Comments: 0
Identification of dopamine 'mother cells' could lead to future Parkinson's treatments
‘Mother cells’ which produce the neurons affected by Parkinson’s disease have been identified by scientists, according to new research published in the journal Glia.
‘Mother cells’ which produce the neurons affected by Parkinson’s disease have been identified by scientists, according to new research published in the journal Glia.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 07, 2008, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1106 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Apr 07, 2008, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1106 | Comments: 0
The influence of the irrelevant
Attractive women plus cool cars equal brisk sales for auto dealers as men snap up those cars, prompted - or so advertising theory goes - by the association. But is the human male really so easily swayed? Can the irrelevant image of an alluring female posing by the merchandise actually encourage a heterosexual man to purchase it?
Attractive women plus cool cars equal brisk sales for auto dealers as men snap up those cars, prompted - or so advertising theory goes - by the association. But is the human male really so easily swayed? Can the irrelevant image of an alluring female posing by the merchandise actually encourage a heterosexual man to purchase it?
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008, 9:32am
Rating: | Views: 1353 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008, 9:32am
Rating: | Views: 1353 | Comments: 0
Working memory has limited 'slots'
A new study by researchers at UC Davis shows how our very short-term "working memory," which allows the brain to stitch together sensory information, operates. The system retains a limited number of high-resolution images for a few seconds, rather than a wider range of fuzzier impressions.
A new study by researchers at UC Davis shows how our very short-term "working memory," which allows the brain to stitch together sensory information, operates. The system retains a limited number of high-resolution images for a few seconds, rather than a wider range of fuzzier impressions.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008, 9:32am
Rating: | Views: 1122 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008, 9:32am
Rating: | Views: 1122 | Comments: 0
Humans have more distinctive hearing than animals
Do humans hear better than animals? It is known that various species of land and water-based living creatures are capable of hearing some lower and higher frequencies than humans are capable of detecting.
Do humans hear better than animals? It is known that various species of land and water-based living creatures are capable of hearing some lower and higher frequencies than humans are capable of detecting.
Neuroscience
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1133 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1133 | Comments: 0
Babies have an eye for statistics
Babies have many talents — such as the ability to charm a roomful of adults. But statistical reasoning? It's not the first skill that springs to mind regarding a gurgling 8-month-old.
Babies have many talents — such as the ability to charm a roomful of adults. But statistical reasoning? It's not the first skill that springs to mind regarding a gurgling 8-month-old.
Neuroscience
Source: Nature
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1379 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1379 | Comments: 0
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