Some people find it hard to be in loud places. This could be a bustling restaurant, a lively party, or even a crowded subway. For them, focusing on conversations in such settings is a real challenge. The reason behind this struggle might finally be clear, thanks to recent findings. The brain has two important structures called insulae. These are located in the front...
Ever wondered why some people who struggle with drinking problems also have trouble avoiding pain? It turns out, there's a surprising link between the two. People who have issues with drinking often find it hard to learn from past experiences to avoid pain. This might be because their brain's reward system isn't working as it should. The brain's reward syste...
The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society has laid out some serious guidelines for a procedure called electrical stimulation mapping (ESM). This isn't your average brain surgery. It's a method used to map out the brain's functions and trigger seizures in a controlled way. The society has come up with these guidelines to make sure everything goes smoothly and safe...
Selenium, a trace element, is crucial for brain health. It's part of selenoproteins, which are proteins that contain selenium. These selenoproteins are essential for keeping the brain functioning properly. They do this by helping to maintain the balance of metals in the brain. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's ...
Ever felt a sense of peace after drinking tea? That could be thanks to L-theanine. This little-known amino acid, naturally found in tea, has been making headlines. Some people say it helps them relax and think better. But is there science to back this up? Your body can quickly absorb L-theanine, and it even reaches your brain. Scientists think it might boost the bra...
Neurotheology is a new area of study that looks at the connection between the brain and spiritual or religious experiences. In the world of psychiatry, this field is like a bridge that helps us understand how spirituality and religion can change how our brains work and how that might affect our mental health. Imagine you're having a spiritual experience. Your brain ...
Imagine you could peek inside a brain and watch water move from one cell to another. Scientists have done just that using a clever trick with magnets and chemicals. They looked at chicken embryo brains, which are still developing, so certain chemicals can slip through the brain's protective barrier. Water moves in and out of brain cells all the time, but what happen...
Have you ever thought about how what you eat affects your brain? Well, science is starting to find some interesting connections. One diet that's been getting a lot of attention is the Mediterranean diet, or Med Diet for short. This diet is big on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil. A recent study took a closer look at how this diet migh...
The cerebellum, a crucial part of the brain, plays a significant role in balance, gaze stability, and spatial orientation by processing various sensory signals and motor commands. Within this region, certain brain cells called unipolar brush cells (UBCs) are abundant. UBCs receive direct and indirect signals from the vestibular system, which is responsible for balanc...
Ever thought about tiny protein friends in our brain? Meet SASH1 and Caskin1. Caskin1 is a vital brain protein that loves to hang out in groups, known as "homopolymers. " Scientists were puzzled about how these groups were formed and broken down. Enter SASH1, the new friend that can bust up Caskin1's clusters. Scientists used a nifty trick called yeast two-hybrid sc...