All articles tagged with #brain structure
Recent scientific evidence suggests that psychopathy is more likely to be innate, linked to structural differences in the brain and genetic factors, rather than solely caused by environmental influences, although both may play a role.
Research from the University of Virginia suggests that the breakdown of perineuronal nets around neurons in the brain contributes to social memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. In mice, preventing the degradation of these nets with MMP inhibitors preserved social memory, independent of amyloid pathology, indicating a new potential therapeutic target for the disease.
A large international study found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to structural differences in the brain, which may promote overeating and unhealthy eating behaviors, highlighting the need for regulatory and dietary changes.
Scientists have discovered that psychopaths have a 10% larger striatum in the brain, which is linked to impulsivity and a craving for stimulation, providing insights into the neurobiological basis of antisocial behavior and its developmental roots.
New research shows that child maltreatment causes lasting biological scars on DNA and brain structure, especially involving the FOXP1 gene, which affects emotional and social brain regions. These epigenetic changes can serve as biomarkers for early detection and intervention, highlighting the biological impact of childhood trauma.
A large-scale study found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for major depression, measured by polygenic risk scores, tend to have smaller brain volumes and surface areas in specific regions such as the hippocampus, thalamus, and orbitofrontal cortex, with potential implications for early intervention and personalized treatment.
A study demonstrates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can lead to structural changes in the brain, specifically increasing gray matter volume in areas associated with emotion processing, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, in patients with depression.
Research on 'SuperAgers'—people over 80 with memory performance comparable to much younger individuals—reveals they have thicker brain cortices, unique neurons, and resistance or resilience to Alzheimer's pathology, offering insights into maintaining cognitive health into old age.
A study using MRI scans of children under 13 with restrictive eating disorders found structural brain differences, such as thinner cortex and reduced brain volume, which may be linked to behaviors and other neurodevelopmental conditions like OCD and autism, highlighting the importance of treating these disorders as distinct but related conditions.
A fossil of Mollisonia symmetrica, an ancient arthropod, reveals a backward brain similar to modern spiders, suggesting that spider ancestors may have evolved in the ocean rather than on land, challenging previous beliefs about arachnid origins.
A 500-million-year-old fossil of Mollisonia suggests that the brains of spiders and related arachnids may have evolved in the oceans before transitioning to land, challenging traditional views on their terrestrial origins and indicating a marine ancestry for these creatures.
Recent neuroimaging research reveals that individuals with psychopathy exhibit significant reductions in brain volume in regions responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making, and social behavior, providing a biological basis for their antisocial tendencies. The study highlights the complexity of psychopathy, with some traits showing less consistent neural correlations, and paves the way for targeted interventions based on neural differences.
A study comparing brain scans of psychopaths and non-psychopaths found that individuals with psychopathic traits have structural differences in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and behavioral control, including smaller overall brain size and specific regional reductions, which could inform future treatments and understanding of psychopathy.
Preliminary research indicates that working excessively long hours may cause structural changes in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and executive functions, potentially impacting cognitive and emotional health. The study highlights the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern, though further research is needed to confirm causality.
Recent research identifies the fusiform gyrus as key to distinguishing reality from imagination, while conservation efforts using dehorning have significantly reduced rhino poaching. Additionally, a new mathematical model supports the 'big bounce' theory, challenging the traditional Big Bang concept.