A new study provides the first evidence for the existence of flexible neuron modules in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. These clusters of neurons can perform the same computations across varied tasks, allowing the brain to store different types of information, such as sensory input or action plans, with remarkable adaptability. This discovery suggests that reusable circuits enable the brain to generate a wide range of behaviours efficiently.
Researchers have identified the extracellular matrix, a scaffold-like structure around brain cells, as a key physical mechanism explaining why individuals experience rapid progress in learning new skills followed by plateaus. This matrix loosens and rebuilds during initial learning, then stabilises as skills are mastered, protecting acquired knowledge.
Researchers have analysed reports of medical procedures involving electrical stimulation of awake patients' brains, identifying distinct brain regions responsible for spontaneous and voluntary laughter. This study sheds light on the complex neural mechanisms underlying human laughter, distinguishing between uncontrollable, emotionally charged laughter and controlled, conversational laughter.
A new study has identified a region in the brainstem, the structure connecting the brain to the spinal cord, that plays a crucial role in cognitive flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Researchers found that the 'locus coeruleus' in the brainstem is central to how the brain switches between behavioural rules, impacting disorders like ADHD, depression, and OCD.
A new study in mice reveals that psychological stress can significantly alter the gut microbiome, leading to changes in blood-forming stem cells and increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Researchers found that stress impacts specific brain regions, which in turn affect intestinal microbiota balance and hematopoietic stem cell function.
The Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED series combines Full Array Local Dimming technology with a DLG 120 Hz gaming mode on select models for smoother gameplay and enhanced picture quality.
Arms and explosives, along with manufacturing equipment, were recovered from a forested area along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border during an anti-Naxal operation.
Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi A7 Pro 5G in India. The handset begins at 11,499 and comes equipped with an impressive 6,300 mAh battery.
Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during an anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district.
Sai Sudharsan could be side-lined for more than a month after sustaining a rib fracture during a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh
Experts warn of the dangers of online gaming addiction among adolescents, citing limited social interaction, blurred realities and the potential for tragic outcomes. Recent incidents highlight the need for awareness and intervention.
This is what the new Spanish study reveals about a woman's brain after sexual assault.
What looks like convenience today might well be shaping a future where essential human skills quietly fade away.
rediffGURU Dr Vinod Kumar offers advice on how to improve your lifestyle and keep your kidneys healthy.
'By integrating data, research, and new insights, we are designing work environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and wellbeing.'
Screen time, referring to the time children spend watching television or playing computer games, was found to impact the development of executive functions of brain such as working memory, planning and responding flexibly to changing situations.
New Year resolutions often focus on lofty ambitions, say, shedding 20 kg within six months, without considering processes. What we may be lacking is a concrete plan, observes Kumar Abishek.
Obesity worsens the effects of ageing on brain function, says study.
A new study has revealed that smoking can impair thinking skills such as planning, decision-making and problem-solving.
Motorola's affordable new series gets cool upgrades.
It is a mistake to believe that children are unaware when parental battles happen behind closed doors.
The under Rs 20,000 price category is a sweet spot for the consumers, who wish to have a great smartphone, but are not willing to shell out a lot of cash to own one.
If you have a budget of just under Rs 50,000, usher in the New Year with these beauties.
The Madras high court's judgment on June 17, which decided an alimony dispute between an unmarried couple who have two children, took over the cerebral cortex of Twitter and other social media spaces a few days ago.
Samsung's new entrant Galaxy Alpha is similar in size to the new iPhone 6. We laid our hands on this smartphone and have found 5 reasons to buy it.
Vandana Luthra, founder and co-chairperson of VLCC Group shares her guide for the perfect New Year look.
Exercise is the best way to get more oxygen to the brain, a study has revealed.
With both the Nexus phones touted to be the first to carry Android's Marshmallow edition, the latest offerings from Google seem tempting, but surely, gone are the days of cheap Nexus phones, says Himanshu Juneja
Glenn McGrath's wife Jane partly owes her life to Steve Waugh, who helped her in curing a cancerous brain tumour her doctors feared was inoperable.
According to research firm Gartner, the budget tablet category is expected to reach 182 million end-user devices by end of 2013, it said.
Neuroscientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London arrived at this conclusion after studying a group of people who ate vanilla ice cream.
Read this before you make a decision to buy one of these Google smartphones.
The Yu Yureka Plus from Micromax has a few good things to offer.
If money is not an issue and you want to experience the best Internet 4G speeds, don't look beyond these five smartphones that come with loads of RAM
Place it within Rs 30,000-35,000, and it becomes an automatic recommendation, says Himanshu Juneja
We list the most coveted smartphones launched in 2014 by the South Korean electronics giant
'If the meditative yoga programme we had developed for the elderly was practised for one hour every day, five days in a week for six months, it could lead to an improvement in the overall quality of life of the elderly.'
Do they have it in them to take on the competition?
These gadgets offer the best in price and features. Which one are you going to buy?
