BRAIN FUNCTION

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Jan 25 2025HEALTH

The Calming Power of L-theanine: A Closer Look

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, an

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Jan 04 2025HEALTH

Brain and Belief: How Spirituality Affects Mental Health

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 ment

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Dec 25 2024SCIENCE

Water Movement in the Brain: A New Way to Watch

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.

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Dec 23 2024HEALTH

Med Diet and Brain Connectivity: A Hidden Link?

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 li

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Dec 19 2024SCIENCE

How Brain Cells Affect Balance in Aged Mice

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 indirec

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Dec 17 2024SCIENCE

SASH1: The Cluster Buster in Your Brain

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'

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Dec 15 2024HEALTH

How Smoking Can Boost Brain Struggles for Those with Heart Rhythm Problems

Imagine trying to assemble a puzzle while your friend keeps shaking the table. That's kind of what happens to your brain when you have atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm issue that makes your heart beat irregularly and quickly. Blood flow to your brain gets messy, and that's not good. Now, add smok

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

The Frontal Brain: How Planning & Guessing Affect Our Social Smarts

Scientists are curious about how the front part of our brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, influences our grasp of other people's feelings and thoughts. This ability is called "theory of mind" (ToM). Some studies have different results about how crucial the prefrontal cortex is for this skill. Re

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Nov 26 2024HEALTH

Does Missing a Meal Affect Your Brain?

You might think that skipping a meal could make you feel dizzy and less sharp. But what does science say? A study divided people into three groups: those who went without food for 3 hours, those who fasted for 12 hours, and a group that got a protein shake right after. Afterward, everyone took a bra

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Nov 20 2024HEALTH

Gum Disease and Brain Function: A Surprising Connection

Did you know that periodontitis, a common gum disease, might affect your brain? A study explored how this oral health issue impacts brain function in middle-aged and older folks with normal brain power. Researchers wanted to understand how gum disease alters brain connections. They discovered that e

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