Brain

A new study from Caltech calculates that our brains process information at the extremely slow speed of just 10 bits per second. This leisurely pace may have long evolutionary roots, despite our sensory systems gathering data 100 million times faster.

While electroencephalography (EEG) can provide a lot of information on the electrical activity of an individual's brain, that person is required to wear a clumsy skull cap. Such caps could soon be replaced, however, with inkjet-printed scalp tattoos.

Two patients with spinal injuries have seen improvements in their ability to walk again, thanks to deep brain stimulation. Intriguingly, the therapy targets a region of the brain that normally isn’t associated with motor skills.

While scientists seem to love giving cocaine to rats, 27 rodents getting high (for the first time) on the lab's supply uncovers intriguing insights into how some individuals appear wired for addiction, where 'averse cues' fail to deter drug use.

Researchers found that soccer players who use their head to control the ball show abnormalities in their brains similar to CTE – what we used to call "punch drunk" syndrome in boxers.

Binge-drinking in early adult years fundamentally changes how brain neurons communicate, in what scientists equate to a faulty gas pedal in a car that needs more pressure applied to "go." This type of dysfunction is also seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have developed an AI model that can spot bits of brain tumors that surgeons may miss while removing them from patients. It can detect these remaining tissues in as little as 10 seconds, and help prevent post-procedure complications.

Fascinating new findings uncover how clusters of 'brain stars' retain our learnings – and it changes what we previously understood about how memories are held and retrieved in our minds. The medical implications of this are vast.

Spanning nearly 100 laboratories in 45 countries, a landmark study has, for the first time, shown an association between genetic brain shape and size and the prevalence of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and ADHD.

A laser-led device that shoots light into the brain to test blood flow and volume can offer instant feedback on a patient's stroke risk and and provide a portable, affordable and non-invasive way for clinicians to make life-saving interventions.

An innovative start-up is out to change how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is managed, with non-invasive light electrical brain stimulation delivered by a headband worn for just 20 minutes a day that aims to improve poor executive function.

Synchron has announced that a trial participant has used its brain-computer interface to turn on the lights in his home, see who is at the door, and choose what to watch on the TV – hands-free and without even a voice command.