Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. They come in all shapes and sizes, each breed unique in its abilities. Scientists are now digging deeper to understand what makes different dogs tick. This isn't just about pets; it's about service dogs that help people with disabilities. Imagine a world where these dogs are even better at their jobs. That's...
Big things are happening in the world of brain research! Four universities have just launched some serious new projects, all thanks to some generous donations. These initiatives are super important because brain diseases like Alzheimer's are becoming more common, and they're causing big problems for people and the economy. First up, the University of California San ...
Ever wondered why some people in their 80s have memories as sharp as those in their 50s? It turns out, not everyone's brain ages the same way. A group of folks, dubbed "SuperAgers, " are defying the odds, and scientists are eager to find out why. These SuperAgers, aged 80 and above, perform exceptionally well on memory tests, scoring at least nine out of 15 on a del...
Teens who had tough starts in life often struggle with managing their emotions. Their brains work differently, especially in areas that help them understand and control their feelings. A recent study explored if mindfulness, combined with brain training, could help these teens. The study involved two groups: teens who faced early adversity and those who didn't. They...
Scientists have developed a set of versatile gene delivery systems that can precisely target different types of cells in the human brain and spinal cord. This advancement is a significant leap forward in the field of gene therapy, offering a more accurate and controlled approach to treating neurological disorders. Currently, most therapies for brain conditions only a...
Brain research often depends on many labs working together to get the same results. But how often do these results match up? This question is especially important when it comes to measuring brain activity in mice during learning tasks. A group of 10 labs decided to find out. They used the same tools and methods to record brain signals in mice as they made decisions. ...
A mouse's brain is tiny, but it's packed with intricate details. Tiny sections of brain tissue, about the size of a grain of sand, can contain hundreds of thousands of cells. These cells are linked together by miles of wiring. This complexity has always been a challenge for scientists. In the late 1970s, a famous scientist named Francis Crick thought that understandi...
Neurodegenerative diseases are like intricate puzzles that scientists are working hard to solve. They affect both small components (like molecules and cells) and large aspects (such as physiology) of the brain. Traditional tools aren't doing the job well, but a new technology called microfluidics might be the key to unlocking these mysteries. This tech helps scientis...