brain

Rabies in urban possums signals health alarm in São Paulo

Rabies in urban possums signals health alarm in São Paulo

Female white-eared possum (Didelphis albiventris), found dead in 2021 in the Bosque dos Jequitibás park in the center of Campinas, one of the largest cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, died of rabies meningoencephalitis, according to a group of researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL), the …

Rabies in urban possums signals health alarm in São Paulo Read More »

Ancient viruses responsible for our big brains and bodies: a study Science & Technology

Ancient viruses responsible for our big brains and bodies: a study Science & Technology

Ancient viruses that infected vertebrates hundreds of millions of years ago played a key role in the evolution of our advanced brains and large bodies, a study said Thursday. The study, published in the journal Cell, examines the origins of myelin, an insulating layer of fatty tissue that forms around nerves and allows electrical impulses …

Ancient viruses responsible for our big brains and bodies: a study Science & Technology Read More »

Scientists discover how oxytocin affects memory in animals

Scientists discover how oxytocin affects memory in animals

Oxytocin (OXT) is a hormone known for its effects on psychological well-being and emotional bonding in animals. Interestingly, research shows that this natural brain chemical also plays a crucial role in other cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Scientists may now have discovered exactly how OXT affects memory in animals by studying “OXT neurons,” which …

Scientists discover how oxytocin affects memory in animals Read More »

The lasting impact of COVID-19 on olfaction and brain health has been revealed

The lasting impact of COVID-19 on olfaction and brain health has been revealed

In a recent study published in the journal Diagnosis, researchers are investigating the relationship between olfactory dysfunction associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subsequent neurocognitive disorders. study: A comprehensive review of COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction: Uncovering associations with neurocognitive impairment and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Image credit: Maria Boyko / Shutterstock.com Background Acute olfactory dysfunction …

The lasting impact of COVID-19 on olfaction and brain health has been revealed Read More »

Gut health linked to Alzheimer’s progression, study suggests diet as potential therapy

Gut health linked to Alzheimer’s progression, study suggests diet as potential therapy

In a recent study published in the journal nutrients, a team of researchers in Australia performed a review to understand the diversity of the gut microbiome at the species level and its role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. They also examined how confounders such as prebiotics and probiotics and diet affect the different stages …

Gut health linked to Alzheimer’s progression, study suggests diet as potential therapy Read More »

Exercise shapes our gut health, study finds

Exercise shapes our gut health, study finds

In a recent study published in the journal EBioMedicineteam of scientists investigated the relationship between physical activity levels and gut microbiota using accelerometer-based assessments of sedentary, moderate, and vigorous physical activity levels. Study: Accelerometer-based physical activity is associated with gut microbiota in 8416 individuals in SCAPIS. Image credit: Jeanne Mendel / Shutterstock Background A growing …

Exercise shapes our gut health, study finds Read More »

Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk doing them?

Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk doing them?

Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk to create brain-computer interfaces Costfoto/NurPhoto/Shutterstock What is Neuralink? Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk, who also runs SpaceX, Tesla and X, formerly Twitter, to create brain-computer interfaces: brain-connected devices that allow people to communicate with computers through thought alone. These devices can allow you to perform simple …

Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk doing them? Read More »

Fermented foods linked to mental health benefits through the gut-brain connection

Fermented foods linked to mental health benefits through the gut-brain connection

In a recent review published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, researchers from Ireland investigated a variety of fermented foods, their sources and fermentation techniques while investigating their ability to impact the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In addition, they identified knowledge gaps and challenges in studying the mental health benefits of specific fermented foods and proposed …

Fermented foods linked to mental health benefits through the gut-brain connection Read More »

Lifetime exposure to music is associated with better brain health in old age

Lifetime exposure to music is associated with better brain health in old age

Lifelong exposure to music is associated with better brain health in older age, according to new research published by experts at the University of Exeter. Scientists working on PROTECT, an online study open to people over 40, looked at data from more than a thousand adults over 40 to see the effect of playing a …

Lifetime exposure to music is associated with better brain health in old age Read More »

Mood interventions show promise for the management of IBD

Mood interventions show promise for the management of IBD

In a recent study published in eBioMedicineresearchers performed a meta-analysis to examine the impact of mood interventions on inflammatory disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Study: Do mood interventions improve inflammatory biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease?: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Image Credit: oneinchpunch/Shutterstock.com Background The activity and progression of IBD, a chronic autoimmune …

Mood interventions show promise for the management of IBD Read More »