In the first episode of the Insight Stream, hosted by Akhandadhi das and featuring Hridayananda das Goswami, we explore the fascinating intersection of science and philosophy. Presented by the Bhaktivedanta Institute, this episode delves into the boundaries of empirical knowledge, the role of metaphysics, and the timeless relevance of philosophical inquiry. Join us in this engaging discussion that challenges the dominance of physicalism and offers fresh perspectives on free will, consciousness, and the search for deeper truths.
Researchers from the German Primate Center—Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have discovered two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. They have thus provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain.
The work has been published in Science Advances.
The results show that the two genes act in a finely tuned interplay: one ensures that the progenitor cells of the brain multiply more, while the other causes these cells to transform into a different type of progenitor cell—the cells that later form the nerve cells of the brain. In the course of evolution, this interplay has led to the human brain being unique in its size and complexity.
Everything the brain does—from storing memories to interpreting sights to regulating emotions—requires energy, all produced by cellular organelles called mitochondria.
However, surprisingly little is known about the distribution and diversity of the brain’s tiny energy processors and how they influence brain health. For instance, how many mitochondria does the brain have? Are they uniformly distributed across the whole brain? Are all brain mitochondria the same? Do changes in the brain’s mitochondria affect mood, cognition, and the development of neurological and psychiatric conditions?
To begin answering these and other questions, Columbia University researchers have created MitoBrainMap, the first-ever atlas of the brain’s mitochondria.
Changes in the heart might mean more than just cardiovascular risk – they could also signal early shifts in brain health.
A large meta-analysis found that even subtle heart problems, like issues with how the heart pumps or relaxes, are linked to smaller brain volumes, particularly in areas related to memory.
Heart Issues May Signal Early Dementia Risk.
A research team at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has uncovered a fundamental principle of how the brain prioritizes vision and hearing differently depending on whether we are still or in motion. The study, led by Dr. Lee Seung-Hee, Associate Director of the IBS Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions and Associate Professor at KAIST, provides new insights into how movement alters the brain’s sensory decision-making process.
In daily life, we constantly process visual (sight) and auditory (sound) information to navigate the world. For instance, when watching a movie, our brain seamlessly integrates images and sounds to create a complete experience. However, when moving—such as when walking on a busy street—our brain may prioritize visual information over sound.
Until now, it was unclear how the brain decides which sense to prioritize in different situations. This is particularly relevant for individuals with sensory processing disorders such as autism or schizophrenia, where the brain may struggle to integrate sensory information correctly. Understanding how the brain naturally shifts between sensory inputs could lead to better treatments for these conditions.