Summary: A new study examines the possibility of consciousness in artificial systems, focusing on ruling out scenarios where AI appears conscious without actually being so. Using the free energy principle,…
Tag: neurobiology
New Technique Shows Promise in Fighting Brain Cancer
Summary: Researchers developed a new method, burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE), to treat glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. B-SWE disrupts the blood-brain barrier more effectively than traditional methods, allowing cancer…
Mindfulness Can Induce Altered States of Consciousness
Summary: Mindfulness training can lead to altered states of consciousness, such as disembodiment and unity. Researchers found that participants were twice as likely to experience these states compared to a…
Mind-Bending: Psilocybin Reshapes Brain Networks for Weeks
Summary: A new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, like daydreaming and memory. These changes persist for weeks,…
Overestimation of Opponents’ Immorality Fuels Political Divide
Summary: A study reveals that Democrats and Republicans overestimate how much the opposing party approves of clearly immoral acts like theft or animal abuse. This “basic morality bias” is evident…
Reflective Thinking Boosts Teen Brain Resilience to Violence
Summary: Teens who engage in “transcendent thinking” can counteract the negative effects of violence exposure on brain development. This type of thinking involves considering broader ethical and societal implications of…
Adjusting Proteins Increases Ozempic’s Effectiveness
Summary: Adjusting melanocortin proteins in the brain enhances the effectiveness of GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drugs. By inhibiting MC3R or activating MC4R, mice showed increased sensitivity to these drugs, leading…
Beta Brain Waves: A Novel Brain Signature for Depression
Summary: A new study identifies beta frequency neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as crucial for recognizing rewards and shaping behavior. This neural signature is altered in patients…
Adolescent Boys Show Aggression When Masculinity is Threatened
Summary: A new study reveals that adolescent boys respond aggressively to perceived threats to their masculinity, particularly in environments with rigid gender norms. Researchers found that boys whose motivation to…
Neural Biomarker for OCD Identified
Summary: Researchers discovered a neural activity pattern that can accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of OCD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). The study highlights how this biomarker…
