Exploring the Brain
A Guide for Young Scientists
The human brain is a fascinating and complex organ that scientists are still working to understand fully. Here are some of the latest discoveries in brain research that are as exciting as they are important!
The Power of Beets for Your Brain
You might have heard that eating your veggies is good for you, but did you know that beets might have special powers for your brain? Scientists have been looking at how nitrates, which are found in beets and other leafy greens, could help older people think better. However, they’re still not sure if it really works, so they’re doing more studies to find out.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Cell Models
Alzheimer’s disease is a big problem with no easy solution. But there’s hope! Researchers are using special cells, called iPSCs, to create models of the brain in a dish. This helps them study the disease and how different brain cells interact, which could lead to new ways to fight Alzheimer’s.
The Brain Stem and Hearing Tests
The brain stem might not get as much attention as the brain itself, but it’s super important. It helps us hear, among other things. Speech-Language Pathologists use a test called Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) to check hearing, especially in people who can’t tell us if they can hear or not.
They’re getting better at understanding these tests, which is great for helping people with hearing issues.
Your Gut and Your Brain
Did you know that the bacteria in your stomach can affect your brain? Scientists have found that when the balance of bacteria in your gut is off, it can lead to brain problems like inflammation. They’re now looking at ways to fix these bacteria, like with probiotics, to help with brain diseases.
Stem Cells and Stroke Recovery
Strokes can cause serious damage to the brain, but stem cells might be able to help. Scientists are using different kinds of stem cells to try to fix the damage caused by strokes. They’re also using special imaging techniques to see how well the treatments are working.
Overeating and the Brain
Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to stop eating junk food? Researchers are using powerful MRI machines to look at the parts of the brain that control eating. They’re finding out that some areas deep in the brain might be responsible for overeating.
High-Tech Brain Imaging for Alzheimer’s
To understand Alzheimer’s disease better, doctors use special brain scans called PET imaging. These scans show the changes in the brain caused by the disease. Plus, they’re starting to use artificial intelligence to help read these scans, which could lead to earlier and better diagnosis.
Navigating the World: Brain Cells as GPS
Finally, scientists are learning about special cells in the brain that help us know where we are and remember places. These cells, called place cells and grid cells, are like a GPS system in your brain, and they help you navigate the world and remember where things are.
In conclusion, the brain is an amazing organ, and scientists are making cool discoveries all the time. From beets to brain cells, and gut bacteria to GPS-like cells, there’s so much to learn about how our brains work and how we can keep them healthy!
References:
1. Triggs WJ, Ghacibeh G, Springer U, Bowers D. Lateralized asymmetry of facial motor evoked potentials. Neurology. 2005;65:541–544.
2. Morecraft RJ, Herrick JL, Stilwell-Morecraft KS, et al. Localization of arm representation in the corona radiata and internal capsule in the non-human primate. Brain. 2002;125(1):176–198.
3. Costa DC, Morgan GF, Lassen NA (Eds). New Trends in Neurology and Psychiatry. John Libbey; 1993.
4. Petit C, Sieffermann J. Testing consumer preferences for iced-coffee: Does the drinking environment have any influence? Food Quality and Preference. 2007;18:161–172.
5. Halsey LG, Curran-Everett D, Vowler SL, Drummond GB. The problem of pseudoreplication in neuroscientific studies: is it affecting your analysis? BMC Neuroscience. 2010;11:5.
6. Button KS, Ioannidis JP, Mokrysz C, et al. Power failure: why small sample size undermines the reliability of neuroscience. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2013;14(5):365–76.
