A new scientific review maps the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind memory formation, consolidation, generalization, and updating, revealing how memories are stored, altered, and even manipulated in the brain. Key breakthroughs allow scientists to visualize and activate specific neurons involved in memory, offering deeper insight into how learning occurs and how fear memories may become overgeneralized in disorders like PTSD.
New research reveals that chronic brain inflammation can directly lead to repetitive behaviors, often seen in conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study, conducted on mice with a mutated NLRP3 gene, found that inflammation activated microglia, leading to IL-1β release and overstimulation of NMDA glutamate receptors, resulting in anxiety and repetitive actions. FDA-approved drugs memantine and interleukin-1RA were shown to normalize brain activity and stop these behaviors.
An international study suggests our brains and bodies physically resonate with music, supporting Neural Resonance Theory (NRT). NRT proposes musical experiences arise from the brain's natural oscillations syncing with rhythm, melody, and harmony, influencing timing, pleasure, and movement. Potential applications include therapies for stroke, Parkinson's, and depression, emotionally intelligent AI, and new learning technologies.
This article explores the connection between strategic thinking in games like chess, the behaviors of manipulators (like drug dealers), and the neurological basis of 'theory of mind' – our ability to understand others' perspectives. A recent study suggests a link between forward-thinking and manipulation, with brain activity during negotiation mirroring that seen in chess players.
A new study reveals that people with lower self-awareness about their own decision accuracy show stronger brain responses to morally charged political issues, potentially explaining why some political beliefs are so rigid.
We measured both undirected FC (correlation in the time domain, coherence in the frequency domain) and directed FC (Granger causality, in both time and frequency domains) on the same data.
