A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals a precise connection between individual breath patterns and neural activity in the brain. Researchers found that subtle variations in each breath, such as longer inhales or slower exhales, are directly reflected in corresponding brain activity patterns. This goes beyond traditional measures of breathing rate, offering a richer understanding of how respiration influences cognition, emotion, and memory, and could have implications for conditions like SUDEP and SIDS.
A new study by MIT and Boston University found that the brain region responsible for language remains active and similar in older adults compared to younger adults. However, the brain system for decision-making, known as the 'multiple demand network', shows significant differences with age. This suggests that specialised brain functions like language processing may be more resilient to ageing than general-purpose cognitive functions.
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.
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.
IIT Guwahati researchers have developed SH²RFSSM, a model inspired by how biological neurons communicate.
A new study suggests that physical activity can trigger the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, aiding in the removal of waste from the brain and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have found that brainwave synchrony between individuals can be used to guide and improve social interactions, potentially "engineering" social connectedness. Studies involving thousands of participants, including collaborations with musicians and artists, demonstrated that being "on the same wavelength" is linked to healthy social relationships and can be boosted through interventions. This phenomenon, termed 'social synchrony', aligns brain, body, and language rhythms, playing a crucial role in social cohesion and learning.
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.
On World Brain Tumour Day, Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon Dr Keval Shukla explains why you should not ignore symptoms like persistent headache, blurred vision and a loss of balance.
Researchers at IIT Kanpur are studying alpha waves in the brain to understand how stress affects cognitive functions. The study aims to build automated models of stress dimensions using EEG and correlating them with factors like loss of control, helplessness, and anxiety.
A new study reveals that evening caffeine consumption can impact sleep quality by reducing slow-wave activity, even if sleep duration appears normal. Researchers used EEG to analyse brain activity during sleep, finding that caffeine can shift the brain towards a more wakeful state, hindering restorative sleep.
A new study has found that high calcium levels in microglia, a specialised group of immune cells in the brain, could be linked to anxiety, potentially paving the way for new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Dr Komal Verma Saluja, a final-year student at Government Medical College Kota (GMCK), has been awarded the "Researcher of the Year Award 2026" by the India chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP). She is the youngest and first medical student to receive this prestigious accolade. Saluja's research includes identifying an imaging biomarker for early cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and developing a diagnostic method for fatty liver disease using echocardiography. Her achievements have brought pride to GMCK and highlight the need for more novel diagnostic and therapeutic research in India.
A new study reveals that neuron networks in the brain's hippocampus, the memory centre, become sparser but more structured and refined as animals mature.
'Children are not learning how to handle conflict, communicate effectively or build deeper connections. That's why we see this loneliness paradox -- they are constantly connected yet emotionally disconnected,' says psychiatrist and therapist Dr Ruhi Satija.
Former Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has initiated legal proceedings against his former school, Brighton Grammar, alleging that the institution failed to adhere to proper concussion protocols after he sustained a head injury during a football training session in 2014. His lawyers claim this incident led to a traumatic brain injury, making him vulnerable to subsequent concussions and ultimately forcing his early retirement from professional cricket at age 27.
India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.
Jason Collins died brain cancer 'after a valiant fight with glioblastoma'.
'God has incredible plans for me and we'll see where that takes me.'
H1N1 influenza cases have seen a recent increase in Delhi and parts of North India. Experts confirm it's a known strain, not more virulent, and advise precautions, especially for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. They stress the importance of rest, hydration, and medical consultation for severe symptoms, while also noting that most cases are mild and self-limiting.
Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements in fitness circles. While many swear by it for improving strength and performance, others worry it could damage their kidneys, cause hair loss or lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Mammootty has played the family man through all its shades, and these 10 films prove just how devastatingly good he can be when he brings the tears along with the warmth.
Researchers at Birla Institute of Technology-Mesra have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) system that translates brain signals into real-time wheelchair navigation commands using a hybrid quantum-enhanced deep learning model.
A new study reveals that immune cells within brain tumours may be manipulating sugar metabolism, specifically breaking down fructose, to suppress immune responses and promote tumour growth. Blocking fructose breakdown in these cells could improve immunotherapy outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is at a critical juncture in his Test career, with his performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka series crucial for his future, especially given his struggles against spin and the presence of Sarfaraz Khan.
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.
Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.
Young adults in India are increasingly grappling with high blood pressure, a condition once thought to affect mainly the older demographics. Cardiologists point to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, chronic stress and unhealthy diets as primary drivers of this silent epidemic.
A new study suggests that damage to the brain's white matter can trigger features often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as inflammation in the grey matter.
'Control your A, B, C and D.' 'A is A1C, keep your A1C below 7 per cent.' 'B is blood pressure, so keep your blood pressure at 130/ 80 or at least below 140/ 90.' 'C is cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is the LDL cholesterol, and it should be kept below 100, preferably below 70 or 50.' 'D is discipline like diet, exercise, sleep, no smoking, etc.' 'People with diabetes who follow A, B, C and D can live up to even 100 years of age without any complications.'
A new study by King's College London and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has identified 74 genomic locations, including 39 new ones, linked to anxiety symptoms. Analysing data from nearly 700,000 people, the research highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors in anxiety development and offers new insights into its biological underpinnings.
Like we strive to keep our heart young or our lungs young, we should make sure our brain is youthful. You can give your brain a better future by keeping your mind active and alert by including brain-nourishing foods in your daily meals, states WebMD.
Rahul Roy addresses social media trolls mocking his financial situation, revealing ongoing legal matters and the impact of his brain stroke in 2020. He emphasises his commitment to working despite challenges and seeks genuine work opportunities.
CAT and MBA expert and rediffGURU Patrick D'Souza explains how a simple daily reading habit can help aspirants clinch 99 percentile in the Common Admission Test this year.
A new study reveals that insects' lightning-fast reactions are due to a 'turbo boost' feature in their brains, which could inspire more energy-efficient robots and self-driving cars.
Certain everyday habits -- like poor sleep, stress and multitasking -- can quietly weaken your brain. Making simple lifestyle can help protect your mental health.
A US study has revealed three trajectories of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease -- stable, slow decline, and fast decline -- based on scans of over 1,100 people with elevated amyloid protein levels.
Anitoxidant quercetin, classified as a plant-derived chemical or a plant flavonoid is good for health in a variety of ways
rediffGURU T S Khurana answers readers' personal income tax queries
Dr Amit Chakraborty, specialist-surgical oncology, head and neck cancer, offers crucial tips to quit smoking and prevent cancer.
