Scientists have long been divided over whether neurogenesis—a process involving the growth of new neurons—continues into adulthood. Last year, a controversial study published in the journal Nature posited that humans stop generating new cells in the learning- and memory-centered hippocampus region long before reaching adolescence. Now, research published in Nature Medicine shifts the debate back in favor of late-in-life neurogenesis: As Sharon Begley reports for STAT, the latest findings suggest humans are actually capable of producing fresh cells well into their 90s. Continue reading The Brain May Actually Keep Generating New Cells Well Into Old Age
Tag Archives: brain
Women’s Metabolic Brain Age Is Around Three Years Younger Than Men’s
New research suggests women have the competitive edge over men—at least when it comes to the brain’s relative youthfulness, as represented by a measure called metabolic brain age. Continue reading Women’s Metabolic Brain Age Is Around Three Years Younger Than Men’s
Why don’t I have to think about breathing?
If you’ve ever gone for a run you probably know the feeling of exhaustion that comes with trying to catch your breath. Maybe your nostrils burn and your heart races as your lungs beg for air, but none of these body parts is responsible for controlling your breathing. In fact, it’s your brain that’s telling your body to breathe all the time, even though you may only notice when your breathing becomes heavy after exercising. Continue reading Why don’t I have to think about breathing?
Could This Brain Implant Stop Epilepsy Seizures?
For many people who suffer from neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, there are no viable treatment options. In our latest research, we developed an implantable device that may one day offer relief. We show that the implant can treat problems in the brain, such as epileptic seizures, by delivering brain chemicals – known as neurotransmitters – directly to the cells in the brain that cause the problem. Continue reading Could This Brain Implant Stop Epilepsy Seizures?
Unraveling the Genetics Behind Why Some People “See” Sound and “Hear” Color
It’s difficult to imagine for many people, but for a certain percentage of the human population, music may evoke colors, words stir up flavors or sounds may even curl into shapes. This mash-up of senses is known as synesthesia and has baffled scientists for decades. Now, reports Michael Price at Science, researchers have identified some of the genes that may be responsible for these unusual experiences.
Continue reading Unraveling the Genetics Behind Why Some People “See” Sound and “Hear” Color
The 4 Brain Superpowers You Need to Be a Successful Leader, According to Neuroscience
Kevin Chin wants his executives to limber up their brains.
Continue reading The 4 Brain Superpowers You Need to Be a Successful Leader, According to Neuroscience
FDA Approves Blood Test That Can Detect Concussions
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new blood test that can quickly detect concussions, which may in turn help reduce patients’ exposure to radiation from brain scans.
Continue reading FDA Approves Blood Test That Can Detect Concussions