Our brains are obsessed with being social even when we are not in social situations. A Dartmouth-led study finds that the brain may tune towards social learning even when it is at rest. The findings published in an advance article of Cerebral Cortex, demonstrate empirically for the first time how two regions of the brain experience increased connectivity during rest after encoding new social information. Continue reading “Our brains are obsessed with being social”
Decision-making is shaped by individual differences in the functional brain connectome
Each day brings with it a host of decisions to be made, and each person approaches those decisions differently. A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that these individual differences are associated with variation in specific brain networks — particularly those related to executive, social and perceptual processes. Continue reading “Decision-making is shaped by individual differences in the functional brain connectome”
Neanderthals mated with modern humans much earlier than previously thought, study finds
Using several different methods of DNA analysis, an international research team has found what they consider to be strong evidence of an interbreeding event between Neanderthals and modern humans that occurred tens of thousands of years earlier than any other such event previously documented. Continue reading “Neanderthals mated with modern humans much earlier than previously thought, study finds”
Worldwide study triples number of known genetic risk factors for stroke
A landmark international study of DNA samples from 520,000 individuals worldwide — including 67,000 affected individuals — identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke. Sudha Seshadri, M.D., of UT Health San Antonio, is senior co-author of this largest genetic study of stroke to date. Nature Genetics published the results online today [March 12/2018]. Continue reading “Worldwide study triples number of known genetic risk factors for stroke”
Study sheds light on how ‘dopamine neurons’ contribute to memory formation in humans
Research from Cedars-Sinai sheds light on how the human brain rapidly forms new memories, providing insights into potential new treatments for memory disorders. Continue reading “Study sheds light on how ‘dopamine neurons’ contribute to memory formation in humans”
Try exercise to improve memory and thinking, new guideline urges
For patients with mild cognitive impairment, don’t be surprised if your health care provider prescribes exercise rather than medication. A new guideline for medical practitioners says they should recommend twice-weekly exercise to people with mild cognitive impairment to improve memory and thinking. Continue reading “Try exercise to improve memory and thinking, new guideline urges”
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