Lifeboat Foundation

How and to what degree we respond emotionally to the real world is handled by a region at the back of the brain called the occipital temporal cortex.

Scientists reveal how brain activity predicts a person’s response — normal or abnormal — to an emotionally charged image

By Robert Sanders

Continue reading “New study shows how the brain reacts emotionally to the real world” »

A neuroimaging study of young people who exhibit a persistent pattern of disruptive, aggressive, and antisocial behavior, known as conduct disorder, has revealed extensive changes in brain structure.

NIH-funded study of conduct disorder identifies new brain areas associated with the disorder, offering future directions for research efforts and clinical practice.

Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that high-intensity interval training significantly enhances brain function in older adults, with cognitive improvements lasting up to five years. This study, led by Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett and Dr. Daniel Blackmore, confirms that such exercise can not only improve but sustain cognition in aging populations, potentially reducing the risks and costs associated with dementia.

Researchers from the University of Queensland have conducted a longitudinal study demonstrating that high-intensity interval exercise can enhance brain function in older adults for up to five years. Led by Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett and Dr. Daniel Blackmore of UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, the study involved participants engaging in physical exercise and undergoing brain scans.

Continue reading “New Study Reveals Exercise Brain Boost Can Last for Years” »

This is a special talk & discussion with Prof Matthew Larkum at Monash University. Members in the Tsuchiya lab discussed with Matthew on Gidon A, Aru J, Larku…

A fast-onset, in vivo CRISPR screening platform that facilitates functional genomics with single-cell resolution in embryonic and adult animal brains as well as in peripheral nervous systems is presented.

I have recently read the report from Sharad Agarwal, and here are my outcomes by adding some examples:

Transhumanism is the concept of transcending humanity’s fundamental limitations through advances in science and technology. This intellectual movement advocates for enhancing human physical, cognitive, and ethical capabilities, foreseeing a future where technological advancements will profoundly modify and improve human biology.

Consider transhumanism to be a kind of upgrade to your smartphone. Transhumanism, like updating our phones with the latest software to improve their capabilities and fix problems, seeks to use technological breakthroughs to increase human capacities. This could include strengthening our physical capacities to make us stronger or more resilient, improving our cognitive capabilities to improve memory or intelligence, or even fine-tuning moral judgments. Transhumanism, like phone upgrades, aspires to maximize efficiency and effectiveness by elevating the human condition beyond its inherent bounds.

Summary: A recent study suggests that consciousness evolved not for individual survival, but for social purposes, helping humans communicate ideas and emotions. Researchers argue that intuition heavily influences our understanding of consciousness, complicating scientific explanations.

The study emphasizes that while subjective awareness lacks causal influence, it remains crucial in social contexts. This perspective challenges traditional views, suggesting that consciousness benefits the species as a whole through social interactions.

Despite great progress, we lack even the beginning of an explanation of how the brain produces our inner world of colors, sounds, smells and tastes. A thought experiment with “pain-pleasure” zombies illustrates that the mystery is deeper than we thought.

By Philip Goff

Continue reading “The Mystery of Consciousness Is Deeper Than We Thought” »

A study led by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has revealed a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The researchers found a reduction in the gut bacteria of genes responsible for synthesizing the essential B vitamins B2 and B7. They also identified a relationship between the lack of these genes and low levels of agents that help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This barrier prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream, which causes the inflammation seen in PD. Their findings, published in npj Parkinson’s Disease, suggest that treatment with B vitamins to address these deficiencies can be used to treat PD.

PD is characterized by a variety of physical symptoms that hinder daily activities and mobility, such as shaking, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems. While the frequency of PD may vary between different populations, it is estimated to affect approximately 1–2% of individuals aged 55 years or older.

Various physiological processes are heavily influenced by the microorganisms found in the gut, which are collectively known as gut microbiota. In ideal conditions, gut microbiota produce SCFAs and polyamines, which maintain the intestinal barrier that prevents toxins entering the bloodstream. Toxins in the blood can be carried to the brain where they cause inflammation and affect neurotransmission processes that are critical for maintaining mental health.