Key Brain Gateway to Conscious Perception Identified
Updated: 2025-04-03 22:19:16
Key Brain Gateway to Conscious Perception Identified Featured Neuroscience April 3, 2025 Summary : A new study using intracranial recordings in humans reveals that the thalamus , particularly its higher-order regions , plays a central role in triggering conscious perception . By monitoring brain activity during a visual task , researchers found that the intralaminar and medial thalamic nuclei activated before the prefrontal cortex , suggesting the thalamus initiates conscious . awareness This thalamus-to-cortex signal synchronization challenges the traditional view that cortical regions alone are the seat of perception . These findings deepen our understanding of how brain circuits give rise to consciousness and highlight a vital role for subcortical . structures Key : Facts Early :
Study Reveals Brain Circuits That Drive Political Passion and Intensity Featured Neuroscience Psychology April 3, 2025 Summary : A new study has identified specific brain networks that regulate the intensity of political engagement , regardless of ideology . By analyzing Vietnam War veterans with localized brain injuries , researchers found that damage to the prefrontal cortex increased political fervor , while damage to the amygdala reduced . it These findings highlight how emotional and cognitive control regions of the brain shape how strongly we feel about political issues . The study has implications for promoting healthier political discourse and improving neuropsychiatric . assessments Key : Facts Prefrontal Cortex : Damage Increases political intensity by reducing cognitive .
Heavy Alcohol Use Causes Long-Term Brain Damage Featured Neuroscience April 2, 2025 Summary : For the first time , scientists have shown how heavy alcohol use leads to long-term cognitive impairments by damaging brain circuits responsible for decision-making . In a rat model , animals exposed to high alcohol levels performed significantly worse on a complex , shifting-reward task , even after nearly three months of . sobriety These decision-making deficits were linked to weakened neural activity in the dorsomedial striatum , a brain region crucial for evaluating choices . The findings suggest that alcohol-induced brain changes may underlie poor judgment and relapse in people with alcohol use . disorder Key : Facts Persistent : Damage Alcohol-exposed rats showed impaired decision-making
Pregnant Women Face Lower Odds of Long COVID Featured Neurology Neuroscience April 2, 2025 Summary : A large study of over 72,000 pregnant women found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were less likely to develop Long COVID than non-pregnant peers . Using data from two national databases , researchers found consistent results : about 16 of pregnant women developed Long COVID symptoms versus 19 of matched non-pregnant . women While pregnancy appears to offer some protection , certain subgroupsâsuch as women with obesity , older maternal age , or who identify as Blackâwere at higher risk . The findings point to a potential protective role of immune changes during and after pregnancy and highlight the need for more focused Long COVID research in pregnant . populations
Weight Training May Slow Cognitive Decline and Protect Aging Brains Featured Neurology Neuroscience April 2, 2025 Summary : A new study shows that weight training not only boosts physical strength but also protects the brains of older adults with mild cognitive impairment . After six months of twice-weekly resistance training , participants showed memory improvements and protection against brain atrophy in regions linked to Alzheimerâ s . disease MRI scans revealed preserved white matter integrity and better brain health , while the control group showed decline . These findings suggest that weight training could be a low-cost , non-pharmacological strategy to slow or even reverse early cognitive . decline Key : Facts Brain : Protection Weight training preserved hippocampus and precuneus
, Screen Time in Bed Linked to Less Sleep , Higher Insomnia Risk Featured Neuroscience April 2, 2025 Summary : A new study of over 45,000 young adults found that using screens in bed increases the risk of insomnia by 59 and cuts sleep by 24 minutes . Surprisingly , the type of activityâwhether social media , movies , or studyingâdidnâ t make a difference it was the screen time itself that mattered . most Researchers believe this is due to âtime displacement,â where screens delay sleep by taking up rest time . The study suggests turning off screens at least 30â60 minutes before bed to protect sleep . quality Key : Facts 59 Insomnia : Risk One extra hour of screen time after bedtime raises insomnia odds by 59 Time , Not : Type All screen activities disrupt sleep equally ,
Maternal Inflammation May Disrupt Infant Brain Wiring Featured Neuroscience April 1, 2025 Summary : A new study reveals that inflammation during pregnancy may impair neurodevelopment in infants by reducing CD11c-positive microgliaâkey immune cells that support brain myelination . These cells produce IGF-1, a protein critical for forming the myelin sheath that helps nerve signals travel . efficiently In both mice and preterm infants exposed to maternal inflammation , researchers found decreased levels of IGF-1 and delayed myelination on MRI scans . The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target to protect infant brain development and reduce the long-term effects of prenatal . inflammation Key : Facts Critical Cells : Affected Maternal inflammation reduces CD11c-positive microglia
Protein Imbalance Triggers Autism-Like Behavior Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles April 1, 2025 Summary : A new study reveals that autism-like symptoms in mice emerge when two nerve proteinsâMDGA2 and BDNFâfall out of balance . MDGA2 typically keeps BDNF TrkB signaling in check , but when MDGA2 levels drop , heightened neuronal activity and social impairments . occur Mice with reduced MDGA2 showed behaviors resembling autism , including repetitive grooming and social withdrawal . Treatment with a peptide that mimics MDGA2 restored balance and eased symptoms , suggesting a potential pathway for future autism . therapies Key : Facts Protein : Imbalance Low MDGA2 disrupts BDNF TrkB signaling , triggering ASD-like . symptoms Behavioral : Changes Affected mice