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Category: neuroscience – Page 254

How a former navy mechanic defied the genetic odds of inherited Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have conducted a longitudinal study on an individual carrying the presenilin 2 (PSEN2) p. Asn141Ile mutation, a genetic variant known to cause dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD). The high risk individual, despite being 18 years past the expected age of clinical onset, has remained cognitively intact. Researchers investigated genetic, neuroimaging, and biomarker data to understand potential protective mechanisms.

Unlike typical DIAD progression, in this case was confined to the occipital lobe without spreading, suggesting a possible explanation for the lack of cognitive decline.

DIAD results from highly penetrant mutations in (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), or PSEN2, which lead to abnormal amyloid-β processing and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) was established to track DIAD mutation carriers and assess clinical, cognitive, and biomarker changes over time.

Mapping the human brain’s default mode network: Anatomical study suggests it has widespread influence

The default mode network (DMN) is a set of interconnected brain regions known to be most active when humans are awake but not engaged in physical activities, such as relaxing, resting or daydreaming. This brain network has been found to support a variety of mental functions, including introspection, memories of past experiences and the ability to understand others (i.e., social cognitions).

The DMN includes four main brain regions: the (mPFC), the (PCC), the angular gyrus and the hippocampus. While several studies have explored the function of this network, its anatomical structure and contribution to information processing are not fully understood.

Researchers at McGill University, Forschungszentrum Jülich and other institutes recently carried out a study aimed at better understanding the anatomy of the DMN, specifically examining the organization of neurons in the tissue of its connected brain regions, which is known as cytoarchitecture. Their findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, offer new indications that the DMN has a widespread influence on the human brain and its associated cognitive (i.e., mental) functions.

Stress Alters How the Brain Processes Sound

Source: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Chronic stress changes the way our brain processes sounds, according to new research conducted on mice at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. For instance, sounds need to be louder during chronic stress to trigger similar responses.

Chronic stress is known to impact learning and decision-making, but could it also affect how we hear?

Adeno-associated viral vectors for functional intravenous gene transfer throughout the non-human primate brain

Crossing the blood–brain barrier in primates is a major obstacle to gene delivery in the brain. Here an adeno-associated virus variant (AAV.CAP-Mac) is identified and demonstrated for crossing the blood–brain barrier and delivering gene sequences to the brain of different non-human primates species.

The Quantum Mind Hypothesis: Bridging Physics and Consciousness

Can our thoughts, our very essence of being, be explained by the enigmatic laws governing the subatomic world? The Quantum Mind theory proposes just that — a radical idea suggesting that consciousness isn’t just a product of neurons firing, but intricately woven into the fabric of quantum physics. This isn’t the plot of a science fiction novel, but a burgeoning field of study captivating scientists and philosophers alike.

While seemingly disparate, the realms of quantum physics and human consciousness share a curious connection. Quantum mechanics, the study of the universe’s tiniest constituents, reveals a reality vastly different from our everyday experience, a world of probabilities and interconnectedness. Could this be the missing piece in understanding our own inner world, the subjective experience of being conscious?

This essay explores the fascinating intersection of these two fields, examining how the peculiar characteristics of the quantum realm might hold the key to unlocking the secrets of consciousness.

Elon Musk Reveals Tesla Robotaxi Cybercab Coming in June! Price, All Features & Latest Upgrades!

01:06 How much is a Tesla Cybercab?
11:22 How have the features and upgrades of the Tesla Cybercab been enhanced?
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What do you think of a car that can drive itself from the factory straight to your home? A car that will automatically head to the police station if someone tries to steal it or take you to the hospital if you lose consciousness while driving. Or simply, it allows you to enjoy a deep, restful sleep after work and wake up right at your doorstep.
Recently, Elon Musk and his team confidently announced that this vehicle would be available to consumers at just one-fifth the ticket price of Waymo, an incredible deal for two passengers! And you can rest assured about safety, as it has been verified to be 8.5 times safer than a traditional human-driven car.
In today’s episode, we’ll compile all the latest updates on its performance, impressive specifications, final pricing, and a detailed breakdown of its production process, all packed into this 19 minutes. Welcome to Tesla Car World!
As Tesla said the new Cybercab could cost Tesla only half as much to manufacture as a Model Y. This means ticket prices could be significantly lower compared to Waymo, which charges nearly five times the price of a Robotaxi and incurs much higher operating costs due to extensive mapping requirements. This presents a massive profit opportunity for Tesla while offering an incredibly affordable fare for up to two passengers!
Moreover, for the price of a bus ticket—which isn’t always the most pleasant experience—you get a private space, your own cabin. You can relax, sleep, work, entertain yourself, watch a great movie, and travel in the most comfortable and efficient way possible aboard Tesla’s Cybercab.
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#888999evs #teslacarworld #teslacar #888999 #teslarobotaxi #cybercab #teslacybercab.
subcribe: https://bit.ly/3i7gILj

Study reveals direct gut-brain communication via vagus nerve

A recent study in an animal model provides direct evidence for the role of the vagus nerve in gut microbiome-brain communication, addressing a critical gap in the field.

The research—led by Kelly G. Jameson, as a Ph.D. student in the Hsiao Lab at UCLA—demonstrates a clear causal relationship between and vagal nerve activity. The work is published in the journal iScience.

While the has long been thought to facilitate communication between the gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in the intestines—and the brain, direct evidence for this process has been limited. Researchers led by Jameson observed that mice raised without any gut bacteria, known as , exhibited significantly lower activity in their vagus nerve compared to mice with a normal gut microbiome. Notably, when these germ-free mice were introduced to gut bacteria from normal mice, their vagal nerve activity increased to normal levels.

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