In animals, the brain (enkephale) (Greek for “in the skull”), is the control center of the central nervous system, responsible for behavior. The brain is located in the head, protected by the skull and close to the primary sensory apparatus of vision, hearing, equilibrioception (balance), sense of taste, and olfaction (smell).
Can bacteria make you smarter? — Exposure to bacteria can increase learning behavior. – Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior according to research presented today at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego.
Blood flows differently through the brains of schizophrenic patients – Researchers in Germany have used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) to map cerebral blood flow patterns in schizophrenic patients quickly and without using radiation or contrast agents. Their findings appear in the online edition and July printed issue of the journal Radiology.
Newly discovered gene variants lead to autism and mental retardation — Inner structure of nerve synapses defective in patients; human geneticists from Heidelberg publish in Nature Genetics – Researchers working with Professor Gudrun Rappold, Director of the Department of Molecular Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital, have discovered previously unknown mutations in autistic and mentally impaired patients in what is known as the SHANK2 gene, a gene that is partially responsible for linking nerve cells. However, a single gene mutation is not always enough to trigger the illness.
Protein regulates enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s disease – Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have zeroed in on a protein that may play a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The team found that increasing levels of the protein (called GGA3) prevented the accumulation of an enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s.
World leaders focus on stroke prevention, care as Stroke journal turns 40 – On the 40th anniversary of the journal Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, stroke leaders from around the world celebrated stroke research accomplishments and set an agenda for the future, according to a special report in the journal.
Mount Sinai identifies first drug to demonstrate therapeutic effect in a type of autism – Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified a drug that improves communication between nerve cells in a mouse model of Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMS). Behavioral symptoms of PMS fall under the autism spectrum disorder category.
Abdominal fat at middle age associated with greater risk of dementia — Study confirms that obesity is associated with lower total brain volume – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine determined that excess abdominal fat places otherwise healthy, middle-aged people at risk for dementia later in life. Preliminary findings suggest a relationship between obesity and dementia that could lead to promising prevention strategies in the future.
Obesity remains an economic issue, Seattle obesity study finds — UW researchers look at who buys what foods, why, where and at what cost – Ensuring access to healthy, affordable foods is a top priority in tackling the obesity epidemic in the United States. Over the course of the last six months, the Institute of Medicine, United States Department of Agriculture, The White House and First Lady Michelle Obama have taken an interest in improving access to affordable and nutritious foods.
Alcohol consumption may protect against risk of AD, particularly in female nonsmokers — According to new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease – A new study published this month in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests a protective effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in women who do not smoke.
MSU researchers testing vaccine to help people quit smoking — Novel approach blocks ‘pleasure sensation’ – In a unique twist to a decades-old health crisis, Michigan State University researchers are testing a new vaccine to help people quit smoking and avoid relapses.
Study finds Alzheimer’s disease link in eyes of children with Down syndrome — Findings may lead to eye tests for brain disease in Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome – Researchers are going to develop an innovative eye test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. As they discovered the protein that forms plaques in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease also accumulates in the eyes of people with Down syndrome.
Cardiac procedure significantly reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, researchers find – Researchers found that ablation treatment can eliminate serious risks associated with atrial fibrillation. New research was presented at National Heart Rhythm Society.
