Weekly Neuroscience Update

Functional connectivity with the rFP (green, left) defines a distributed brain circuit (right) that will encompass coordinates activated by creativity tasks. Credit: Brigham and Women’s Hospital

A new study suggests that different brain regions activated by creative tasks are part of one common brain circuit. By evaluating data from 857 participants across 36 fMRI studies, researchers identified a brain circuit for creativity and found people with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases that affect this circuit may have increased creativity.

New research has uncovered why males and females may experience stress differently, providing insights into how the brain’s molecular mechanisms adapt to acute challenges.

How can nerve pathways in the brain be visualized to improve the planning of complex surgeries? A research team has investigated an AI-powered method that makes these reconstructions more precise. The study, recently published in NeuroImage: Clinical, could ultimately help make neurosurgical procedures safer.

Three studies at the University of Zurich demonstrate that hypnosis alters activity in the large-scale functional networks of the brain. It also affects the neurochemical milieu of specific brain areas.

New research reveals that brain cells use a muscle-like signaling mechanism to relay information over long distances. Scientists discovered that dendrites, the branch-like extensions of neurons, contain a structured network of contact sites that amplify calcium signals—similar to how muscles contract. These contact sites regulate calcium release, activating key proteins involved in learning and memory.

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding the link between genetics and cognition.

A recent large-scale study published in Science Advances has revealed a connection between genetic variations associated with dyslexia and structural differences in the brain. These differences were found in areas involved in motor coordination, vision, and language. This provides new insights into the neurological underpinnings of this common learning difficulty.

According to a recent study, a diet low in vegetables and fruits and high in red meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks was associated with accelerated biological aging.

A new mathematical model sheds light on how the brain processes different cues, such as sights and sounds, during decision making. The findings may one day improve how brain circuits go awry in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, and could help artificial brains, like Alexa or self-driving car technology, more helpful.

New research has shown just one 20-minute session of moderate intensity aerobic exercise can improve an athlete’s executive function and concussion symptoms in the early stages of recovery.

A recent study using brain imaging technology discovered that experiencing beauty in music involves increased communication between brain areas associated with reward and visual processing, while listening to music considered less beautiful is linked to more activity in brain regions responsible for basic sensory processing. 

Finally this week, women with epilepsy may have offspring with decreased bone metabolism and lower birth weight, according to a study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.

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