THEPSYCHOLOGYTURKEY

New research sheds light on how individual neurons in the hippocampus of rats stabilize and tune spatial representations during periods of rest following the animals' first time running a maze, offering first proof of neuroplasticity during sleep. http://dlvr.it/T7gkP2

With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) transforming the social interaction landscape in recent years, large language models (LLMs), which use deep-learning algorithms to train GenAI platforms to process language, have been put in the spotlight. A recent study found that LLMs perform more like the human brain when being trained in more similar ways as humans process language, which has brought important insights to brain studies and the development of AI models. http://dlvr.it/T7gX87

Researchers have successfully tested a novel technique for probing deep into the human brain, without surgery, for potential therapeutic purposes. In the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience, non-invasive brain stimulation is a new hope for understanding and treating a myriad of neurological and psychiatric conditions without surgical intervention or implants. http://dlvr.it/T7ZmYQ

Our willingness to help others is governed by a specific brain region pinpointed by researchers in a study of patients with brain damage to that region. http://dlvr.it/T7ZYfs

Researchers have found that a specific pattern of brain activity, known as 'sharp-wave ripples,' is associated with thoughts that wander from the present situation. This activity begins in the hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory formation and recall, and is linked to more vivid and less desirable thoughts. A better understanding of the relationship between sharp-wave ripples and these kinds of thoughts might be helpful for treating related conditions. http://dlvr.it/T7ZJFX

Regular high caffeine consumption affects dopamine function in patients with Parkinson's disease, shows a new international study. Caffeine consumption before undergoing diagnostic brain dopamine imaging may also affect the imaging results. http://dlvr.it/T7YYdq

A baby's exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The study examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution. http://dlvr.it/T7XCrW

At least 5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, in part because scientists do not yet have a full understanding of what causes the disease. But a new study is shedding light on the molecular drivers that could contribute to Alzheimer's progression. http://dlvr.it/T7RKFc

Researchers analyzed multi-omic data from 231 people with PTSD or depression to uncover distinct molecular differences that might affect systems such as the nervous and immune systems, to contribute to these mental health conditions. http://dlvr.it/T7MkvJ

A new analysis has revealed detailed information about genetic variation in brain cells that could open new avenues for the targeted treatment of diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. http://dlvr.it/T7Mklf

A study has found distinct brain connectivity patterns in six-week-old infants at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). http://dlvr.it/T7MY15

A new study finds key differences in the development of the cortex between autistic boys and girls ages 2-13. The study found sex-specific changes in the thickness of the outer layer of the brain, called the cortex. http://dlvr.it/T7MKbj

Researcher leads a new clinical trial testing her flicker technology on patients with epilepsy. http://dlvr.it/T7M2Hk

New research offers a possible explanation for how the brain learns to identify both color and black-and-white images. The researchers found evidence that early in life, when the retina is unable to process color information, the brain learns to distinguish objects based on luminance, rather than color. http://dlvr.it/T7JpkM

New research provides a map for how the genes known to increase risk of schizophrenia affect specific cells within the brain -- information researchers hope can drive the development of new, effective treatments. http://dlvr.it/T7JpQt

New research addresses a gap in understanding how ketamine's impact on individual neurons leads to pervasive and profound changes in brain network function. http://dlvr.it/T7HkGp

Researchers have investigated how highly organized patterns of neural activity emerge during development. http://dlvr.it/T7HjqB

New research has found that thousands of DNA sequences originating from ancient viral infections are expressed in the brain, with some contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. http://dlvr.it/T7GhdP

The brain is often referred to as a 'black box'-- one that's difficult to peer inside and determine what's happening at any given moment. This is part of the reason why it's difficult to understand the complex interplay of molecules, cells and genes that underlie neurological disorders. But a new CRISPR screen method has the potential to uncover new therapeutic targets and treatments for these conditions. http://dlvr.it/T7CLXh

Researchers have found that increased neuron formation and the subsequent rewiring of neural circuits in the hippocampus through exercise or genetic manipulation helps mice forget traumatic or drug-associated memories. The findings could offer a new approach to treating mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or drug addiction. http://dlvr.it/T7BYMv