Tag

Brain Networks

All articles tagged with #brain networks

Brains Build, Not Break: Development Extends into the 30s, Not a 25-Year Cutoff
science1 month ago

Brains Build, Not Break: Development Extends into the 30s, Not a 25-Year Cutoff

New neuroscience shows brain maturation continues into the early 30s as neural networks become more efficient; the classic 'finish at 25' myth arose from earlier gray-matter studies and datasets ending around age 20, but latest research on white matter reveals ongoing segregation and integration until about 32. There is no magic switch at 25—adulthood is a prolonged construction zone, and you can support brain health through aerobic exercise, learning new skills, and cognitively challenging activities while minimizing chronic stress.

Neuroscientists uncover rhythmic pattern guiding brain networks
science4 months ago

Neuroscientists uncover rhythmic pattern guiding brain networks

Neuroscientists have discovered a repeating, clock-like rhythm in the brain that organizes large-scale network activity, cycling through different cognitive functions every 300 to 1,000 milliseconds. This structured cycle may help coordinate mental processes such as attention, memory, and sensory processing, and varies with age, genetics, and behavior, offering new insights into brain organization and potential implications for cognitive health and disorders.

Revolutionary Ultrasound Helmet Enables Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
science-and-technology4 months ago

Revolutionary Ultrasound Helmet Enables Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation

Researchers have developed a novel ultrasound device capable of simultaneously stimulating multiple precise points in the brain non-invasively, using low-intensity ultrasound to reduce risks and enable visualization of brain activity, with potential applications for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.

"Psilocybin's Lasting Impact on Brain Networks"
neuroscience1 year ago

"Psilocybin's Lasting Impact on Brain Networks"

A study from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, with effects lasting for weeks. This increased brain flexibility could aid in treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, highlighting the potential for psilocybin-based therapies under medical supervision.

"Uncovering the Mechanisms of Sustained Attention in Brain Networks"
neuroscience1 year ago

"Uncovering the Mechanisms of Sustained Attention in Brain Networks"

A new study using fMRI investigates the brain's mechanisms behind deep focus, finding that certain brain networks synchronize and desynchronize, affecting an individual's ability to maintain attention. The research suggests that low-frequency fluctuations in brain networks play a key role in regulating sustained attention, providing potential insights for improving cognitive function. The study's findings could lead to better strategies for enhancing focus and attention in various cognitive tasks.

"The Neuroscience of Idle Minds: What Happens in Your Brain When You're Not Occupied"
neuroscience2 years ago

"The Neuroscience of Idle Minds: What Happens in Your Brain When You're Not Occupied"

Researchers have discovered the default mode network, a collection of brain areas that activate when the mind is at rest, offering insights into brain function outside of specific tasks. This network is involved in processes such as mind wandering, memory recall, envisioning the future, and processing language, and may contribute to constructing an internal narrative. Studies are exploring its interactions with other brain networks, such as the salience network, and its potential links to mental health disorders. The default mode network has prompted neuroscientists to consider the effects of interactions between brain networks and appreciate the brain's activity during inward-focused tasks.

Unveiling the Extensive Brain Effects of Alzheimer's
neuroscience2 years ago

Unveiling the Extensive Brain Effects of Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's-related changes in brain networks extend beyond memory and attention, impacting sensory and motor circuits. These findings challenge previous assumptions about Alzheimer's effects and suggest that early-stage Alzheimer's may exhibit broader cognitive impairment detectable during mild cognitive impairment, potentially offering new treatment targets. The research indicates that brain network dysfunction could be a valuable marker for Alzheimer's diagnosis and disease risk assessment.

Injection vs. Oral Drug Use: Unveiling the Unique Brain Network Activation
health2 years ago

Injection vs. Oral Drug Use: Unveiling the Unique Brain Network Activation

A new study conducted by researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) suggests that a group of brain regions known as the "salience network" is uniquely activated when drugs are taken intravenously, but not when taken orally. The study found that drugs that enter the brain quickly, such as through injection or smoking, are more addictive than when taken orally, and this difference may be due to the activation of the salience network. Understanding the brain mechanisms underlying addiction is crucial for developing new therapies for substance use disorders and addressing the overdose crisis.

Unveiling the Role of Electric Fields in Memory Formation
neuroscience2 years ago

Unveiling the Role of Electric Fields in Memory Formation

A new study published in Cerebral Cortex suggests that electric fields play a crucial role in coordinating brain circuits and networks involved in memory encoding. The study found that the electric field generated by the underlying electrical activity of neurons coordinated the information across key brain regions during working memory tasks. This electric field appeared to drive neural activity and influence the fluctuations of voltage across neurons' membranes. The findings could have implications for understanding brain-computer interfaces and developing treatments for mental health conditions by manipulating electrical fields to alter faulty circuits.