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).
Sugar can be addictive, Princeton scientist says. Animal studies show sugar dependence. – Sugar can be an addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab animals in a manner similar to many drugs of abuse, revealed by researchers at the Princeton University, USA.
Researchers have identified a molecule that tells your brain your stomach is full ? signaling that it’s time to say no to a second piece of pumpkin pie and push back from the Thanksgiving table. – In the battle against obesity, Yale University researchers may have discovered a new weapon – a naturally occurring molecule secreted by the gut that makes rats and mice less hungry after fatty meals.
Gasping helps cardiac arrest victims survive. Gasping should not be mistaken for breathing and CPR should be initiated. – People who witness an individual collapse suddenly and unexpectedly should perform uninterrupted chest compressions even if the patient gasps or breathes in a funny way, research from the Resuscitation Research Group at The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center shows.
Uncertainty can be more stressful than clear negative feedback, revealed by researchers. – We are faced with uncertainty every day. Will our investments pay off? Will we get the promotions we are hoping for? When faced with the unknown, most people experience some degree of anxiety and discomfort.
Impact of buggies on parent-infant interaction investigated in new research. – A groundbreaking study being presented on 22nd November at the British Psychological Society Scotland’s Annual Conference suggests the orientation of a baby’s buggy impacts on mother-baby interaction, infant stress levels and ultimately child development.
Yeast could be used to develop a rapid screening process for identifying compounds which inhibit Alzheimer’s disease. – CSIRO scientists have developed a new system to screen for compounds that can inhibit one of the processes that takes place during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Marijuana could help reduce memory loss in old age and fight Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, revealed by researchers. – The more research they do, the more evidence Ohio State University scientists find that specific elements of marijuana can be good for the aging brain by reducing inflammation there and possibly even stimulating the formation of new brain cells.
Ginkgo biloba does not reduce dementia or Alzheimer’s disease risk according to Pitt-led study in JAMA. – The medicinal herb Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease development in either the healthy elderly or those with mild cognitive impairment, according to a large multicenter trial led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
‘Super’ aged brains reveal first secrets of sharp memory in old age. Super aged brains had many fewer fiber-like tangles than the brains of those who had aged normally. – Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine wondered if the brains of the elderly with still laser sharp memory — called “super aged” — were somehow different than everyone else’s.
Millions of people infected with HIV may hope for healing promises, as a patient who has had undetectable HIV viral loads for almost two years after bone marrow transplant. – An HIV-positive person, who underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat leukemia, has had undetectable HIV viral loads for almost two years. HIV-positive man was ill from leukemia and had underwent treatment by the team led by Prof. Eckhard Thiel, director of the Medical Clinic with a focus on hematology and oncology.
Brain imaging study supports the ‘cognitive reserve’ hypothesis. Greater education has been associated with better cognitive function during life. – Individuals with higher education levels appear to score higher on cognitive tests despite having evidence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers discover hydrogen sulfide – a gas generated by bacteria living in the human colon – is a major regulator of blood pressure. – Anyone with a nose knows the rotten-egg odor of hydrogen sulfide, a gas generated by bacteria living in the human colon. Now an international team of scientists has discovered that cells inside the blood vessels of mice – as well as in people, no doubt – naturally make the gassy stuff, and that it controls blood pressure.
