New Atlas

Biology Audio available

Converting cells into new neurons could lead to a pill that repairs brain damage

Michael Irving February 10, 2019

Researchers at Penn State may have found a way to boost the brain’s regenerative abilities, using certain molecules to convert neighboring cells into new neurons. The technique could eventually lead to pills that treat brain injuries, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.

New neurons, four months after being converted from glial cells thanks to a chemical formula developed ...

Medical Audio available

Neuroscientists close in on the brain signature for consciousness

Rich Haridy February 7, 2019

A new study has scanned the brains of different patients, from healthy individuals to those in vegetative states, and identified four different neural activity patterns that span consciousness to unconsciousness.

A new study has revealed that one of the key facets of consciousness seems to be ...

Biology Audio available

Neuroscientists zap patient’s brain to induce laughter ... during surgery

Michael Irving February 4, 2019

Neuroscientists discovered that electrically stimulating the cingulum brain region creates a mild euphoria complete with laughter, and used it to calm down a patient undergoing a brain surgery where she needed to stay awake. It could be used as a treatment for anxiety, depression or chronic pain.

An illustration highlighting the cingulum in the brain, and how the electrode was implanted there in ...

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

New evidence links specific gut bacteria to depression

Rich Haridy February 4, 2019

A new study into the correlation between gut bacteria and depression has revealed an intriguing association between low levels of specific bacteria and increased rates of depression.

Examining over 1,000 people, a new study revealed two bacteria in particular as being strongly associated ...

Science

Potential advantages in attention for babies in bilingual households

Rich Haridy January 30, 2019

A new study has demonstrated that six-month-old babies raised in a bilingual environment tend to display better attentional control than their monolingual exposed counterparts. The results suggest cognitive benefits from bilingual exposure can manifest before infants are even capable of speech.

New research suggests babies exposed to more than one language display attentional improvements as early as ...

Science Audio available

Brain imaging reveals how sleep deprivation makes pain feel worse

Rich Haridy January 28, 2019

A new study has homed in on the relationship between sleep and pain using brain imaging to identify the differences in neural activity while processing pain. The results revealed sleep deprivation seems to block the parts of the brain that release natural analgesics in relation to pain sensitivity.

Sleep deprivation seems to block the parts of the brain that release natural analgesics in relation ...

Space Audio available

Astronaut scans reveal rapid white matter changes and brains that float higher

Nick Lavars January 24, 2019

How the space environment impacts the human body is the source of much intrigue for scientists at NASA and beyond. A fascinating new study has sought to provide answers, uncovering some thought-provoking changes in the brains of astronauts before and after missions into space.

How does spending long periods in space impact the human body?

Medical Audio available

More evidence lack of sleep drives Alzheimer's progression

Rich Haridy January 24, 2019

A new study has revealed further evidence into how sleep deprivation can drive the spread of toxic Alzheimer’s-inducing proteins throughout the brain. The study bolsters the growing hypothesis suggesting sleep disruption plays a major role in the progression of neurodegenerative disease.

A new study solidifies the link between sleep disruption and an increase in the toxic proteins ...

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Scientists conclude a causal link between more exercise and less depression

Rich Haridy January 23, 2019

A rigorous new study has confidently suggested a strong causal connection between higher levels of physical activity and reduced risk of depression. The novel and comprehensive genetic study is the first to empirically suggest that exercise can actively prevent, or reduce, symptoms of depression.

Using a novel research method, a new study confidently concludes physical activity can reduce the risk ...

Health & Wellbeing

Cambridge-developed brain-training app claimed to improve attention and concentration

Rich Haridy January 21, 2019

A new brain-training app has been shown to improve attention and concentration after just one month of use. The smartphone game, developed by scientists from the University of Cambridge, is now commercially available, but not all experts are convinced of the app’s purported beneficial effects.

The Decoder brain-training app is currently available for Apple devices through a developer called Peak