#brainawarenessweek

[davidwfloydart]

my twisted brain is simply an apartment complex and various fictional characters are my silly little tenants… #braingames #brainawarenessweek #brainteaser #apartmentliving #apartmentdesign #fictionalcharacters #sillyshit #sillygoose (at Catalina Foothills, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-gxkEJtHNttF0Es-TPyzDeRe50NvHUlF6Sto0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[neurosciencenews]

Negative emotions can reduce our capacity to trust

https://neurosciencenews.com/negative-emotions-trust-10901/

The activity of the temporoparietal junction becomes significantly suppressed during trust decisions when people feel threatened, a new study reports.

(image: The connectivity between the TPJ and the amygdala was also significantly suppressed by negative affect. The image is credited to credited to John A Beal. )

Original Research: Open access J.B. Engelmann, F. Meyer, C.C. Ruff, CC, E. Fehr. “The Neural Circuitry of Emotion-Induced Distortions of Trust”. Science Advances. 13 March 2019. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aau3413

[medschooltutors]

Celebrating the brain this week and all the ways it brings us to life.  #BrainAwarenessWeek #BrainWeek #MondayMotivation

https://www.medschooltutors.com/blog/get-inspired

[neurosciencenews]

Eating mushrooms may reduce the risk of cognitive decline

Seniors who eat more than 300 grams of cooked mushrooms per week have reduced odds of developing mild cognitive impairment.

https://neurosciencenews.com/cognitive-decline-mushrooms-10885/

“This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline,” said Assistant Professor Lei Feng, who is from the NUS Department of Psychological Medicine, and the lead author of this work.

The image is credited to National University of Singapore.

[neurosciencenews]

Guardians of the Synapse: A New Role For Schwann Cells Identified

https://neurosciencenews.com/schwann-cell-neurodegeneration-10898/

Salk researchers have found, for the first time, that a blood-clotting protein can, unexpectedly, degrade nerves–and how nerve-supporting glial cells, including Schwann cells, provide protection.

“This is the first study to show that a molecule typically associated with blood clotting, thrombin, has a biological function outside of the liver system and plays an important role in nerve degeneration,” says Salk Professor Kuo-Fen Lee, senior author of the paper. “We further showed that Schwann cells can protect nerves against thrombin. The results were a complete surprise and raise intriguing questions about how synapses are formed and maintained in both health and disease.”

The study will appear in PLOS Genetics.

(image:  Left: Mouse nerves show tight bundling and orderly patterning facilitated by normal Schwann cells. Middle: Nerves without Schwann cells but with acetylcholine experience degeneration from the blood-clotting protein thrombin. Right: Nerves lacking both Schwann cells and acetylcholine are unable to individually bundle axons but do not undergo axon degeneration. The image is credited to Salk Institute.)

[neurosciencenews]

New Cell Subtypes Classified in Mouse Brain

https://neurosciencenews.com/aac-cell-subtypes-10886/

(image: Pictured is an axo-axonic cell (AAC) found in the cortex of a mouse brain. Huang and his colleagues discovered that there are multiple subtypes of AACs. Each is distinguished by the arrangement of important connections the chandelier-shaped cells form with neighboring neurons. The image is credited to Wang et al. Cell Reports 2019. )

A new process for classifying neurons in the brains of mice has been outlined by researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The platform pairs microscopy with genetic labeling at single neuron resolution, allowing researchers to reconstruct the brain, by providing information on every neuronal type’s location.

[neurosciencenews]

Using an anti-smoking drug to control neurons

https://neurosciencenews.com/neurons-anti-smoking-drug-10899/

An anti-smoking drug now has a new job – as a chemical switch to turn select neurons on or off.

(image: A neuron in the mouse brain expressing a chemogenetic receptor (red) surrounded by neurons (blue) that lack the receptor. The image is credited to C. J. Magnus et al./Science 2019. )

The drug latches on to designer proteins, called ion channels, that control whether or not a neuron will send a message. By putting those proteins only in certain groups of neurons, scientists can target modulation of specific cells while leaving other neurons unaffected.

The system, developed by Scott Sternson, a group leader at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus, is already helping researchers untangle brain circuits in mice and primates. Someday, it might lead to more targeted treatments in humans for conditions such as epilepsy or pain, Sternson and his colleagues report March 14, 2019, in the journal Science.

[gabatelepsychiatry-blog]

Tips for a Healthy Brain

Lifelong learning, stress reduction, regular exercise, and adequate sleep all contribute to a healthy brain.

A sharp and functional brain is about more than just intelligence. It is necessary for movement, decision-making, memory, and emotions. Like the rest of the body, your brain needs to be properly cared for in order to perform at its best. Simple daily routines can increase focus, sharpen the mind, and lower the risk of memory problems as you age.

This Brain Awareness Week, let us examine easy yet powerful ways to maintain the health of our brains. These techniques will help you give your brain the time and attention it requires.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Getting at least seven hours of restful sleep every night is critical for brain health. Sleep aids in memory consolidation, toxin removal, and mental energy restoration. To enhance cognitive function, abstain from alcohol and caffeine right before bed and make an effort to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Stay Active

Exercise benefits more than just your physical health. It is also very important for your brain. Blood flow is increased by physical activity, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen while also triggering chemicals that enhance learning and memory. Movement, whether it's a daily walk, dancing, or strength training, helps keep your mind sharp.

Keep Your Mind Engaged

The brain thrives on stimulation. Learn a new skill, enroll in a class, or read on a regular basis to challenge yourself. Brain connections are strengthened and cognitive flexibility is increased through creative or problem-solving activities.

Eat Brain-boosting foods

What you eat has a direct impact on brain function. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and seeds contains the nutrients your brain requires. Cutting back on processed foods and salt can also lower the chance of cognitive decline.

Stay Connected

Social interactions are extremely important in maintaining mental health. Spending time with friends, volunteering, or joining a book club can all help to reduce stress and improve mental health. Meaningful relationships provide emotional support while also keeping the mind engaged.

Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can have long-term effects on brain health. Instead of allowing daily frustrations to take control, practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation. Another way to relax is to stay away from stressful situations, such as aggressive driving.

Protect Your Head

Cognitive functioning may be impacted for some time after a head injury. Whether riding a motorcycle, skiing, or bicycling, always wear a helmet. Buckle up in your car to lessen the chance of injuries.

Embrace New Experiences

Getting out of your comfort zone is good for cognitive flexibility. Try a new exercise class, experiment with a new hobby, or see a play. New experiences stimulate the brain and promote cognitive development.

Maintaining your general health also entails maintaining your brain. Brain function is closely related to anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Consulting with qualified neurologists can be beneficial if you or a loved one is having cognitive issues. Visit https://gabapsychiatrist.com/neurologist-near-me/ to learn more about neurological well-being, or give [phone] a call to schedule your initial consultation right now!