5/10
Neuroscience
When a fix for one vision problem causes another
When a fix for one vision problem causes another
Aging diminishes the ability of the eyes to focus up close. New Penn research reports that monovision, a common prescription lens correction to mitigate this issue, can cause dramatic misperceptions of depth and 3D direction for objects in motion.
Taking out the protein garbage becomes more difficult as neurons age
Taking out the protein garbage becomes more difficult as neurons age
As cells age, their ability to remove damaged proteins and structures declines, which could be a risk factor for neurodegenerative brain diseases.
Brain matter altered in U.S. personnel who developed neurological symptoms in Cuba
Brain matter altered in U.S. personnel who developed neurological symptoms in Cuba
Images reveal key brain differences, particularly in the cerebellum, between impacted patients and healthy individuals, which may underlie clinical findings previously reported by the Penn team.
Unraveling the brain’s reward circuits
Unraveling the brain’s reward circuits
Food, alcohol, and certain drugs all act to reduce the activity of hunger neurons and to release reward signals in the brain, but alcohol and drugs rely on a different pathway than does food.
The state of Alzheimer’s research at Penn
The state of Alzheimer’s research at Penn
The Penn Memory Center’s Sanjeev Vaishnavi discusses the progress and setbacks made in Alzheimer’s research in the past five years.
One hour, one painting: A Barnes visit reveals clues about how the brain processes visual cues
One hour, one painting: A Barnes visit reveals clues about how the brain processes visual cues
The exercise is one part of a two-week mindCORE summer workshop aimed at underrepresented undergrads across the country. This year’s program focused on language science and technology, and minds in the world.
Seeing disfigured faces prompts negative brain responses
Seeing disfigured faces prompts negative brain responses
A brain imaging study finds negative implicit biases against individuals with scars, birthmarks, and other facial differences.
Trauma linked to earlier puberty, premature brain development, and mental illness
Trauma linked to earlier puberty, premature brain development, and mental illness
A Penn study details the effects of poverty and trauma on brain and behavior in youths.
Researchers detect brain differences between fast and slow learners
Researchers detect brain differences between fast and slow learners
In a new study, researchers at the School of Engineering and Applied Science look at how brain activation patterns might affect how long it takes for new information to really stick in the brain.
Cognitive enhancers are considered largely acceptable at the workplace
Cognitive enhancers are considered largely acceptable at the workplace
A new study from Penn Medicine neurologists finds the general public largely views the use of cognitive enhancers such as Adderall as an acceptable practice when used by adults in the workplace.
In the News
Newsweek
Man does DNA test, not prepared for what comes back ‘unusually high’
César de la Fuente of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Perelman School of Medicine says that Neanderthal DNA provides insights into human evolution, population dynamics, and genetic adaptations, including correlations with traits such as immunity and susceptibility to diseases.
FULL STORY →
Associated Press
A new strategy to attack aggressive brain cancer shrank tumors in two early tests
A clinical trial led by Stephen Bagley of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that targeting two associated proteins with CAR T cell therapy could be a viable strategy for shrinking brain tumors.
FULL STORY →
Daily Mail (U.K.)
ADHD may have evolved more than 12,000 years ago as an advantage for foragers, study claims
A study led by David Barack of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that ADHD may have played a major role in foraging and survival for ancient hunter-gatherers.
FULL STORY →
The Wall Street Journal
How to stay mentally sharp into your 80s and beyond
According to David Wolk of the Perelman School of Medicine, a healthier body can help the brain respond better to the aging process.
FULL STORY →
NPR
Blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer’s—if they’re accurate enough. Not all are
Virginia Man-Yee Lee of the Perelman School of Medicine says it’s likely in the future that anyone older than 60 will get an Alzheimer’s test.
FULL STORY →
The Economist
Some scientists think newborn neurons could reverse Alzheimer’s
Research co-authored by Hongjun Song of the Perelman School of Medicine strengthens the case for human neurogenesis, the development of new neurons from neural progenitor cells.
FULL STORY →