Crime films, action films, comedies, or documentaries? A person’s favourite film genre reveals a lot about how their brain works. This is the finding of a new study that compared data on film preferences with recordings of the brain activity of around 260 people.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neuroscientists have identified several regions of the brain that are responsible for processing language.

Certain regions of the brain show changes during the early stages after quitting drinking that may contribute to increased anxiety and relapse rates in people attempting recovery from alcohol use disorder, according to a recent study.

A research team has found evidence suggesting that minor brain injuries that occur early in life, may have health impacts later on.

Scientists have discovered a mutation in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, that plays a key role in its ability to infect the central nervous system. The findings may help scientists understand its neurological symptoms and the mystery of “long COVID,” and they could one day even lead to specific treatments to protect and clear the virus from the brain.

Scientists have identified how gene variations lead to brain changes associated with essential tremor, a common movement disorder affecting over 60 million people worldwide.

A new study reveals that non-cognitive skills like motivation and self-regulation are as crucial as intelligence in determining academic success. These skills, influenced by both genetics and environment, grow increasingly important throughout a child’s education.

Researchers have developed an innovative device that can diagnose glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in under an hour using a novel biochip.

A recent study investigates how the brain reacts to different types of love, ranging from parental to romantic, through sophisticated imaging methods. The findings indicate that the love for one’s children elicits the strongest brain response, particularly within the reward system.

Researchers have developed a system that detects genetic markers of autism in brain images with 89-95% accuracy, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

In a small pilot study, researchers used a new closed-loop system to measure the electrical brain patterns of individual patients and then stimulate those patterns with a weak electrical current, resulting in significantly improved symptoms of major depressive disorder.

A deeper understanding of the communication inside the body when someone is going through opioid withdrawal has led to a new clinical trial at the University of Calgary.

Researchers have developed a brain-inspired AI technique that utilizes neural networks to model the complex quantum states of molecules, which are essential for technologies such as solar panels and photocatalyst.

Finally this week, a new finding could open doors to new treatments for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders attributed to dysfunctions in specific dopamine pathways.

Ketamine: Lessons from the Death of Matthew Perry

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024Leave a comment

The entertainment world was recently shaken by the tragic passing of Matthew Perry, the beloved actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom “Friends.” Perry’s death, linked to a ketamine overdose, has cast a spotlight on this complex drug, its therapeutic potential, and its inherent dangers. In this post, we’ll explore ketamine’s effects on the brain, its promise in mental health treatment, and the critical need for responsible use and regulation.

Ketamine: A Brief Overview

Ketamine, first synthesized in 1962, has a long history as an anesthetic and analgesic. During the late 1960s, ketamine was marketed as the dissociative (out-of-body experience) anesthetic, under the name Ketalar and was used to treat soldiers in the Vietnam War. The abuse potential of ketamine was recognized in the early 1970s, but reports of ketamine abuse in human and veterinary medicine did not appear until the early 1980s in Australia and in the early 1990s in the United States. In recent years, it has gained significant attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine’s primary mechanism of action involves blocking the NMDA receptor for glutamate in the brain, leading to a dissociative state and a cascade of neurochemical changes.

Ketamine’s Impact on the Brain

Findings from my own laboratory in 1997 showed that repeated ketamine intake alters the balance between the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Ketamine’s interaction with the NMDA receptor for glutamate triggers a surge in glutamate, a neurotransmitter vital for learning and memory. This glutamate surge is thought to promote the growth of new synapses and neural connections, particularly in brain regions associated with mood regulation. Additionally, ketamine disrupts the default mode network (DMN), a brain network linked to rumination and self-referential thinking, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects. Research also suggests that ketamine may stimulate neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and promote neuroplasticity (changes in neural connections).

Ketamine’s Impact on the Mind

Ketamine’s psychological actions have been characterized as similar to temporary schizophrenia. Healthy volunteers receiving ketamine in an experiment have experienced sensations reminiscent of LSD. Ketamine can prompt people to feel like they are becoming transparent, blending into nearby individuals, or becoming an animal or object. Users may feel like their bodies are transforming into harder or softer substances. Persons may think they remember experiences from a past life. Some users take the drug to enter a semi-paralytic state described as similar to near-death experiences in which people perceive their consciousness as floating above their bodies, sometimes accompanied by meaningful hallucinations and by insights about the user’s life and its proper place in the cosmos.

The Promise of Ketamine in Mental Health

When administered at a therapeutic dose ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects have revolutionized the field of mental health treatment. Studies have shown that a single therapeutic dose of ketamine can alleviate depressive symptoms within hours, offering hope to individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. In fact, so effective is therapeutic ketamine that it has been proposed as a chemical replacement for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and it may eventually replace the need for ECT altogether. Beyond depression, ketamine is being investigated for its potential in treating anxiety disorders, PTSD, and addiction.

The Perils of Ketamine

While ketamine holds immense therapeutic promise, it is crucial to acknowledge its risks. Ketamine can cause dissociative effects, hallucinations, and other adverse reactions. Moreover, it has a potential for abuse and addiction, as tragically illustrated by Matthew Perry’s case. Long-term effects of ketamine use on brain function and cognition remain an area of ongoing research.

Lessons from the Death of Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of substance abuse, even with substances that have therapeutic potential. It underscores the critical need for responsible use, careful monitoring, and effective regulation of ketamine.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

July 19, 2024Leave a comment

*Credit: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2024).*

In a new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers used low-intensity ultrasound technology to noninvasively alter a brain region associated with activities such as daydreaming, recalling memories and envisioning the future. They found that the technique can ultimately enhance mindfulness, marking a major advancement in the field of neuroscience.

New research finds that semaglutide, known as Ozempic/Wegovy, does not negatively impact brain health and may reduce cognitive problems and nicotine dependence.

Exposure to parental smoking (ParS) is associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) in later life in certain populations, according to a study presented at EAN 2024, the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, held from June 29 to July 2 in Helsinki.

Researchers have identified a new mutation in the ARPP21 gene linked to ALS. This discovery could improve ALS diagnosis and open avenues for personalized therapies.

A new approach to improving uncertainty estimates in machine-learning models enhances prediction accuracy. The method uses the minimum description length principle to provide more reliable confidence measures for AI decisions, which is crucial in high-stakes settings like healthcare.

A recent study suggests that consciousness evolved not for individual survival, but for social purposes, helping humans communicate ideas and emotions.

Researchers have discovered a neural activity pattern that can accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of OCD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). This study highlights how this biomarker can guide DBS therapy, improving treatment outcomes for those with severe, treatment-resistant OCD.

New research could transform how we understand the way opioids affect the brain.

A new study has found how the protein CGRP affects the brain’s lymphatic system, contributing to migraine pain. Their study reveals that CGRP prevents cerebrospinal fluid from draining, influencing migraine attacks.

Researchers have developed a neural network that mimics human decision-making by incorporating elements of uncertainty and evidence accumulation.

Research published in Science Advances shows neurobiological underpinnings of sex and gender in children to better understand how sex (assigned at birth) and gender (identity and expression) influence the brain, and ultimately a person’s health.

A new study shows that by age three, children can understand others’ intentions using active mirror neurons.

For the first time, scientists have found that sleep can be detected by patterns of neuronal activity just milliseconds long, 1,000 times shorter than a second, revealing a new way to study and understand the basic brain wave patterns that govern consciousness. They also show that small regions of the brain can momentarily “flicker” awake while the rest of the brain remains asleep, and vice versa from wake to sleep.

A neuroimaging study of young people who exhibit a persistent pattern of disruptive, aggressive, and antisocial behavior, known as conduct disorder, has revealed extensive changes in brain structure.

Retired rugby players who have suffered multiple concussions have higher levels of certain proteins in their blood, which may make them more prone to developing diseases such as motor neuron disease (MND), according to a new study.

Researchers have used machine learning to define three subtypes of Parkinson’s disease based on the pace at which the disease progresses.

A new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, like daydreaming and memory. These changes persist for weeks, potentially making the brain more flexible and improving mental health. The findings could pave the way for psilocybin-based therapies for depression and PTSD. The research underscores the importance of using these drugs under medical supervision.

Scientists have established new criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults that specifically impacts the brain’s limbic system.

A recent study links sleep preferences to brain performance, finding that “night owls” often score higher on cognitive tests than “morning larks.” Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 people, highlighting that sleeping 7-9 hours a night optimizes brain function.

Finally this week, new research has demonstrated that activation of the brain’s reward system could boost recovery from a heart attack.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

June 14, 2024Leave a comment

Functional brain networks that are connected to the affective intensity and valence information. Left: The affective valence information is connected to the limbic and default mode networks, and the affective intensity information is connected to the ventral attention network. Right: The probability that the affective intensity and valence is connected to each of seven functional brain networks. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024).

Reading Pleasure and Pain from the Brain — Functional brain networks that are connected to the affective intensity and valence information. Left: The affective valence information is connected to the limbic and default mode networks, and the affective intensity information is connected to the ventral attention network. Right: The probability that the affective intensity and valence is connected to each of seven functional brain networks. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024).

A team of researchers has revealed how the brain processes emotional information of sustained pain and pleasure.

Scientists have uncovered the inner relay of a molecular switch that protects the brain against the development of Parkinson’s disease. The research provides new potential strategies to develop drugs that may benefit patients with Parkinson’s.

Brain-to-brain technology boosts brain-computer interface performance, a new study demonstrates.

Researchers have identified, for the first time, disease-specific reduction in emotional expressivity in Lewy body dementia by quantifying vocal expression of emotions using deep neural network techniques. This reduction in vocal emotional expressions was associated with cognitive impairment and specific brain region atrophy and could serve as a distinguishing factor for individuals with Lewy body dementia.

A new study finds the timing of brain waves shapes the words we hear.

New research has given a precise picture of young children’s developing brains, using a wearable brain scanner to map electrical brain activity. The work opens up new possibilities for tracking how critical developmental milestones, like walking and talking, are underpinned by changing brain function, and how neurodevelopmental conditions like autism emerge.

A new AI technique can identify seizure types, including rare forms of epilepsy.

A new study reveals that a poor quality diet may lead to brain changes associated with depression and anxiety. Researchers found that unhealthy eating habits reduce grey matter and alter neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Research sheds new light on the contribution of dopamine to reinforcement learning.

A new study uncovered neural mechanisms used in planning, revealing an interplay between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The study shows how the brain imagines future outcomes to guide decisions.

Losing the ability to smell properly—a common sensory deficit as people age—may help predict or even contribute to the development of heart failure, new research suggests.

A new study reveals that the main psychoactive component in cannabis or marijuana disrupts the normal connections and activity of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a region that is crucial for decision-making and self-control.

Finally this week, people tend to underutilize their visual working memory rather than maxing out its capabilities according to new research.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

June 7, 2024Leave a comment

*Credit: Radiological Society of North America*

Low-level light therapy appears to affect healing in the brains of people who suffered significant brain injuries, according to a study published in Radiology.

An international team of clinicians and neuroscientists has published a new perspective on the process of neurodegeneration. Their findings review evidence for a mechanism upstream of amyloid including the key neurochemical driving this process.

A new study reveals the brain mechanisms behind speech impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers designed and implanted a transparent window in the skull of a patient, then used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through the window. Their preliminary findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that this sensitive, non-invasive approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research, as well as broader studies of how the brain functions.

New research finds that reports of cognitive decline from patients and their partners are linked to the accumulation of tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study finds a link between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. This association was particularly pronounced among Black participants. While more research is needed, the findings highlight the potential impact of food processing on brain health.

New research has found a distinct relationship between sleep duration, social media usage, and brain activation across brain regions that are key for executive control and reward processing.

For patients with chronic migraine, nerve decompression surgery effectively reduces the number of headache days—the outcome measure preferred by neurologists—along with other measures including the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, reports a study in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

A new study uncovers a key biological process targeted by SSRIs, suggesting new clinical applications.

Researchers have reported that patients with Parkinson’s disease exhibiting sympathetic denervation in the major salivary glands and the heart tend to have more advanced non-motor symptoms as they age, suggesting that age plays an important role in disease progression.

An international study, published in Nature Communications, may facilitate the creation of new personalized treatments for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

A World Health Organization-commissioned systematic review finds that radio wave exposure from mobile phones does not affect learning, memory, attention span and other cognitive functions like coordination.

Researchers have leveraged the power of artificial intelligence analytical models to match a patient’s medical history to the most effective antidepressant, allowing patients to find symptom relief sooner.

A new study finds a strong association between teen cannabis use and a significantly increased risk of developing psychotic disorders. This risk appears to be age-dependent, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis on their developing brains. While further research is needed, these findings raise concerns about early cannabis use and highlight the importance of prevention strategies.

Does sleep clear more toxins from the brain than when we’re awake? The latest research casts doubt on the theory.

A new study finds that urolithin A, a substance found in pomegranates, can improve memory and may help treat Alzheimer’s disease. This natural compound works by removing damaged mitochondria from the brain, similar to the effects of NAD supplements. While dosage is still being determined, this discovery offers promising potential for treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Finally this week, 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.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

April 26, 2024Leave a comment

*Vertex-wise comparisons between ADHD (N = 60) and controls (N = 23), and between ADHD responders (N = 42) and non-responders (N = 18). Credit: Nature Mental Health (2024).*

New research has found that the effectiveness of ADHD medication may be associated with an individual’s neuroanatomy.

Although there are still some aspects pending confirmation for its use in the clinical setting, and its resolution needs to be improved slightly, a new study has shown that a method routinely used to carry out ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson’s patients.

Scientists have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems.

New research has identified a specific pattern of autoantibodies in the blood that precedes the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment. Their study found that 10% of MS patients displayed a unique set of autoantibodies against both human proteins and common pathogens like the Epstein-Barr Virus years before showing symptoms.

Researchers have identified a promising new approach to treating persistent neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

A new study investigates why everyday actions like locking a door are often forgotten. The study revealed that while emotionally charged or unique events are initially memorable, even these can fade within 24 hours, particularly positive experiences. This research provides insight into the selective nature of memory and suggests that our brains prioritize and even forget information to manage cognitive load.

Managing a stroke patient’s blood sugar levels after they receive powerful clot-busting drugs might help them survive their health crisis, a new trial finds.

Researchers have created a thin film that combines an electrode grid and LEDs that can both track and produce a visual representation of the brain’s activity in real time during surgery. The device is designed to provide neurosurgeons with visual information about a patient’s brain to monitor brain states during surgical interventions to remove brain lesions including tumors and epileptic tissue.

A new study identifies a new metric for diagnosing autism.

New research has found a significant association between participating in low to moderate intensity exercise and reduced rates of depression. However, this was not strongly observed for high-intensity exercise. Physical activity was also significantly associated with reduced risk of severe mental health conditions, including a reduction in psychosis/schizophrenia by 27%.

An international collaborative research team has discovered a novel mechanism underlying memory involving rapid changes in a specific DNA structure.

People who take acid-reducing drugs may have a higher risk of migraine and other severe headache than people who do not take these medications, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology Clinical Practice.

Finally this week, new research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

March 8, 2024Leave a comment

*Synergetic framework. Credit: Trends in Cognitive Sciences*

A new model for understanding the brain paves the way for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

For people with drug-resistant epilepsy, having a dog companion trained in detecting seizures and other epilepsy-related tasks may reduce the amount of seizures they have, according to new research published in Neurology.

New research shows that continued cocaine use disrupts communication between major brain networks.

Researchers are embarking on a pioneering study to uncover how genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) converge to affect brain neurons, particularly leading to heightened sound sensitivity. This research aims to identify common neural circuit mechanisms that may underlie the diverse genetic pathways contributing to ASD, focusing on auditory hypersensitivity, a condition that significantly impacts individuals’ lives.

Two new studies explore how closely attention and eye movements are linked and reveal how the brain coordinates the two processes.

A pioneering new study using virtual reality (VR) aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease through impaired spatial navigation in asymptomatic adults at risk. By testing 100 middle-aged adults with genetic, familial, or lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer’s, the study discovered that spatial navigation difficulties in VR environments precede traditional cognitive decline symptoms. Notably, this impairment was more pronounced in men than women, suggesting a gender-specific vulnerability

Mounting research shows that COVID-19 leaves its mark on the brain, including significant drops in IQ scores.

A daily fiber supplement improved brain function in people over 60 in just 12 weeks. The study, published recently in Nature Communications showed that this simple and cheap addition to diet can improve performance in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study has found mutations in key brain cells among individuals with chronic opioid use that could shift how we think about treatment strategies for opioid use disorder.

According to a Mayo Clinic study published in Nature Neuroscience, the cells that act as the central nervous system’s first line of defense against harm also play a role in helping the brain awaken from anesthesia. This discovery could help pave the way for innovative methods that address post-anesthesia complications.

Scientists have trained a bank of AI models to identify patterns of brain activity that signal memory formation.

People who experience sleep apnea may be more likely to also have memory or thinking problems, according to a preliminary study that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting taking place April 13–18, 2024.

Schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease events, with the association stronger in women, according to a new study.

New research delves into the genetic underpinnings of language development in early childhood and its implications for later cognitive abilities and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Interestingly, the research highlights a developmental shift in the genetic associations with ADHD symptoms, suggesting that the role of genetics in language development and its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes is complex and changes over time. This study underscores the importance of understanding the early linguistic journey as a window into a child’s future mental health and cognitive prowess.

Finally this week, a new neuroimaging study is the first to reveal how the brain gets to the creative flow state.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024Leave a comment

*Credit: Cell Stem Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009*

Researchers have developed the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that grows and behaves similarly to natural brain tissue, marking a significant leap forward for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorder research.

For patients with Parkinson disease differences in quality of life outcomes are seen with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), according to a recent study.

New findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience have shed light on a mysterious pathway between the reward center of the brain that is key to how we form habits, known as the basal ganglia, and another anatomically distinct region where nearly three-quarters of the brain’s neurons reside and assist in motor learning, known as the cerebellum.

Researchers have shown that a blood test can pinpoint the underlying cause of brain injury in newborns.

A new study suggests that high-intensity training (HIT), compared to conventional training, may improve walking ability in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). Possible secondary benefits may include improved aerobic capacity/efficiency and cognition.

A team of scientists has unveiled a potential game-changer in the fight against glioblastoma, the most common and currently incurable form of brain cancer.

Combining brain stimulation with intense physical rehabilitation helped stroke survivors recover movement in their arms and hands and maintain these improvements for one year, according to a study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024.

Psychologists have investigated the extent to which neuromodulation of the brain with ultrasound waves influences people’s behavior. The results can also be used as a basis for therapeutic purposes.

A preliminary study reveals that intravenous injections of ginkgo biloba components could significantly improve early cognitive recovery in ischemic stroke patients. Conducted across multiple centers in China, the research tested the effects of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM) on 3,163 stroke survivors, showing notable improvements in cognitive scores compared to a placebo group.

The brains and blood of people with a history of excessive drinking show cellular evidence of premature aging.

A new study gives insights into the underlying mechanisms of the formation of protein clumps in Alzheimer’s disease. The study could pave the way for new treatments for this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

Finally, this week, engaging in music throughout your life is associated with better brain health in older age, according to a new study.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

November 25, 2023November 25, 2023Leave a comment

Researchers have investigated the shared and unique neural processes that underlie different types of long-term memory: general semantic, personal semantic, and episodic memory, suggesting that these memory types all use the same network of the brain, rather than relying on different areas of the brain altogether. This questions a previous theory that characterizes general semantic and episodic memory as two distinct systems. Instead, the authors suggest that different long-term memory types could be viewed as a spectrum, where they rely on activating the same areas of the brain at differing magnitudes.

Scientists can now pinpoint where someone’s eyes are looking just by listening to their ears.

Using a specialized device that translates images into sound, neuroscientists have shown that people who are blind recognize basic faces using the part of the brain known as the fusiform face area, a region that is crucial for the processing of faces in sighted people.

People with long COVID exhibit patterns of changes in the brain that are different from fully recovered COVID-19 patients, according to new research.

What is the mechanism that allows our brains to incorporate new information about the world, and form memories? New work led by Dr. Tomás Ryan from Trinity College Dublin shows that learning occurs through the continuous formation of new connectivity patterns between specific engram cells in different regions of the brain.

New research indicates that acoustic stimulation of the brain may ease persistent symptoms in individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury in the past.

Scientists have discovered that Alzheimer’s-related changes in brain networks extend beyond memory and attention, impacting sensory and motor circuits. These findings challenge previous assumptions about Alzheimer’s effects.

A pivotal discovery in addiction science has found a correlation between microstructural deficits in the prefrontal cortex-habenula tract and the development and maintenance of addiction.

Researchers have unveiled a pioneering technique for charting the intricate conversations occurring within our brains. Such insights are key to decoding behavioral alterations in neurological disease patients. The innovative tool, CaMPARI, allows scientists to witness brain activity in real-time, marking active neurons red and inactive ones green. This breakthrough could offer pathways to better treatments and understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

A team of neuroscientists has found evidence suggesting that the neural development of babies still in the womb is impacted by the language they hear spoken by their mothers as they carry them.

A new study has discovered a link between a new gene pathway and structural brain anomalies in some people who stutter into adulthood, opening up promising research avenues to enhance the understanding of persistent developmental stuttering.

Finally this week, researchers have developed a tool that simplifies the identification of errors in neural networks used for image recognition.