Humans are generally considered as the most intelligent species on Earth. We have larger brains relative to our body size than other mammals, but how fast can we think? Well, scientists have managed to determine the exact speed of our thoughts, and mind you, the finding could startle you. Watch in for more details!

GRAVITAS: Researchers Explain Why We Process One Idea At A Time

Why Humans Can’t Multitask Perfectly?

A new study suggests that intelligence is determined by how the brain is wired, drawing parallels between brain function and internet connectivity. The research highlights the importance of brain networks in shaping cognitive abilities.

Study Compares Brain Function To The Internet, Defines Intelligence By Brain Wiring

A new study suggests that intelligence is determined by how the brain is wired, drawing parallels between brain function and internet connectivity. The research highlights the importance of brain networks in shaping cognitive abilities.



Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has released detailed 3D High-Resolution images of the fetal brain. Prof Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head, Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, IIT Madras brings you more insights.

Prof Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head, SG Brain Centre, IIT Madras Speaks to WION

New research from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University shows that the heart has a mini-brain – its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. Watch for more details!

Study Reveals Heart Possesses Its Own Nervous System

In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics&nbsp;being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns.&nbsp;

In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation. After this tiny plastic pieces were found inside their lungs, hearts, livers, kidneys, and brains.

In the research, it was seen that microplastics can pass through the placenta during pregnancy and can even expose the developing fetus.&nbsp;

Scientists did not rule out the possibility of fragments passing through the mother's milk after the child's birth, however, the presence of microplastics at such an early stage of life was alarming.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-more-than-3600-food-packaging-chemicals-in-human-bodies-759810">Scientists have found more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies</a>

"Nobody wants plastic in their liver,"&nbsp;said Phoebe Stapleton, who is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University. "Now that we know it's there – as well as in other organs – the next step is to understand why and what that means," she added.

<h2>How MNP exposure at the infant stage will impact lives?</h2>

Microplastic pollutants have already been linked to an increased risk&nbsp;of cardiovascular disease, however, researchers are now worried about the long-term implications of this MNP exposure.&nbsp;

As per the report, exposure to pollutants and chemicals at an early stage of life will increase the risk&nbsp;of health problems and chronic illnesses.&nbsp;

"These results raise concerns for the toxicological impacts associated with MNPs exposure, maternal-fetal health, and systemic MNPs particle deposition," wrote the researchers, in their published paper.

"I don't think we'll ever get rid of plastics altogether. They're too important for modern life," said Stapleton.

"But I do think we might get to a point where we'll have some policies to indicate which ones are less toxic than others," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns. In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation.

In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns. In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation. After this tiny plastic pieces were found inside their lungs, hearts, livers, kidneys, and brains. In the research, it was seen that microplastics can pass through the placenta during pregnancy and can even expose the developing fetus. Scientists did not rule out the possibility of fragments passing through the mother's milk after the child's birth, however, the presence of microplastics at such an early stage of life was alarming. Also Read: Scientists have found more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies "Nobody wants plastic in their liver," said Phoebe Stapleton, who is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University. "Now that we know it's there – as well as in other organs – the next step is to understand why and what that means," she added. How MNP exposure at the infant stage will impact lives? Microplastic pollutants have already been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, however, researchers are now worried about the long-term implications of this MNP exposure. As per the report, exposure to pollutants and chemicals at an early stage of life will increase the risk of health problems and chronic illnesses. "These results raise concerns for the toxicological impacts associated with MNPs exposure, maternal-fetal health, and systemic MNPs particle deposition," wrote the researchers, in their published paper. "I don't think we'll ever get rid of plastics altogether. They're too important for modern life," said Stapleton. "But I do think we might get to a point where we'll have some policies to indicate which ones are less toxic than others," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Fetus absorbing microplastics which persist post-birth, claims alarming study

Will it be possible for robots to eventually think like humans one day? The idea may sound impossible to achieve but the researchers from King's College London claimed to have found a way through which this can be made possible.

According to the researchers, if the robots are given complex instructions without electricity it will help create more free space in the robotic "brain" which will eventually help them to "think".

Researchers gave a series of commands to devices using a new kind of compact circuit and ensured variations in pressure through a fluid inside it.

This is the first time such a possibility of giving thinking ability to robots has been introduced.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humanoid-love-most-advanced-robots-go-on-a-date-and-display-great-chemistry-watch-765994">Humanoid love! Most advanced robots go on a date and display great chemistry</a>

"Delegating tasks to different parts of the body frees up computational space for robots to 'think,' allowing future generations of robots to be more aware of their social context or even more dexterous. This opens the door for a new kind of robotics in places like&nbsp;social care&nbsp;and manufacturing," explained Dr&nbsp;Antonio Forte, senior author of the study and&nbsp;lecturer in Engineering at King's College London.

<h2>Future of thinking robots</h2>

As per the findings published in&nbsp;Advanced Science, if this idea is successfully implemented, it will lead to the creation of robots which can operate where electricity-powered devices cannot function.

The researchers further stated that these robots can also prove useful for low-income countries that lack reliable access to electricity.

"Put simply, robots are split into two parts: the brain and the body. An AI brain can help run the traffic system of a city, but many robots still struggle to open a door—why is that?" said Dr&nbsp;Forte.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/robot-turns-into-security-guards-angry-bots-now-get-installed-to-bark-at-thieves-in-uk-762238">Robots turn into security guards: Angry bots installed to shout at thieves in UK, alert cops</a>

"Software has advanced rapidly in recent years, but hardware has not kept up. By creating a hardware system independent from the software running it, we can offload a lot of the computational load onto the hardware, in the same way, your brain doesn't need to tell your heart to beat," he added.

At present, all robots depend on computer chips and electricity to function.

(With inputs from agencies)

Will it be possible for robots to eventually think like humans one day? The idea may sound impossible to achieve but the researchers from King's College London claimed to have found a way through which this can be made possible.

Will it be possible for robots to eventually think like humans one day? The idea may sound impossible to achieve but the researchers from King's College London claimed to have found a way through which this can be made possible. According to the researchers, if the robots are given complex instructions without electricity it will help create more free space in the robotic "brain" which will eventually help them to "think". Researchers gave a series of commands to devices using a new kind of compact circuit and ensured variations in pressure through a fluid inside it. This is the first time such a possibility of giving thinking ability to robots has been introduced. Also Read: Humanoid love! Most advanced robots go on a date and display great chemistry "Delegating tasks to different parts of the body frees up computational space for robots to 'think,' allowing future generations of robots to be more aware of their social context or even more dexterous. This opens the door for a new kind of robotics in places like social care and manufacturing," explained Dr Antonio Forte, senior author of the study and lecturer in Engineering at King's College London. Future of thinking robots As per the findings published in Advanced Science, if this idea is successfully implemented, it will lead to the creation of robots which can operate where electricity-powered devices cannot function. The researchers further stated that these robots can also prove useful for low-income countries that lack reliable access to electricity. "Put simply, robots are split into two parts: the brain and the body. An AI brain can help run the traffic system of a city, but many robots still struggle to open a door—why is that?" said Dr Forte. Also Read: Robots turn into security guards: Angry bots installed to shout at thieves in UK, alert cops "Software has advanced rapidly in recent years, but hardware has not kept up. By creating a hardware system independent from the software running it, we can offload a lot of the computational load onto the hardware, in the same way, your brain doesn't need to tell your heart to beat," he added. At present, all robots depend on computer chips and electricity to function. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists suggest they can make robots 'think' like humans. Here's how

Zoom fatigue, the mental exhaustion from frequent virtual meetings, may have more serious effects on your brain and heart than previously thought. Prolonged screen time, constant focus on video calls, and lack of physical movement can lead to cognitive overload, stress, and increased anxiety. These factors not only affect mental well-being but can also elevate heart rates and blood pressure, contributing to long-term cardiovascular issues. Experts recommend regular breaks, reducing screen time, and incorporating movement into daily routines to mitigate the negative impact of virtual meeting fatigue on overall health.

Zoom Fatigue May Affect Your Brain and Heart: Study

A recent study has shown that experiencing real art can significantly enrich brain activity, heighten emotional responses, and strengthen memory. The research highlights how direct engagement with art stimulates neural pathways, leading to deeper cognitive and emotional processing, offering profound mental benefits beyond mere aesthetic appreciation.

Study Reveals That Experiencing Real Art Enhances Brain Function, Emotions, and Memory

Viewing Real Art Enriches Brain, Emotions and Memories, Reveals Study

In an intriguing experiment, scientists have tried to analyse the brains of humans when they see one of the world's most famous paintings - "Girl With The Pearl Earring" which has been painted by Johannes Vermeer.

In the experiment, neuroscientists found that the brain experiences a special neurological phenomenon called "Sustained Attentional Loop" when they see the painting.&nbsp;

The neuroscientists were commissioned by the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague - which has kept the 17th-century masterpiece - to measure&nbsp;the brain&nbsp;output of the audience.

In the observations, it was found that the eye of the viewer gets automatically drawn towards the eye of the girl, then to her mouth, and then moves on to the pearl and finally goes back to the eye.

Research company Neurensics employee Martin de Munnik said that because of this phenomenon, the observer looks at the painting for a longer duration in comparison to others.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-van-goghs-starry-night-recreated-as-park-in-bosnian-hills-749403">Van Gogh's Starry Night recreated as park in Bosnian hills</a>

"You have to pay attention whether you want to or not. You have to love her whether you want to or not," Munnik said.

Scientists, while measuring the brainwaves, also found that the precuneus was getting stimulated the most. Precuneus is a part of the brain that manages a human's consciousness and personal identity.

"It was predictable that the Girl was special. But the 'why' was also a surprise to us," De Munnik said.

He added that this is the first study in which EEG and MRI brain scanning machine have been used to measure human's neurological response to artwork.

"The longer you look at somebody, the more beautiful or more attractive somebody becomes. Why are you familiar with this painting and not with the other paintings? Because of this special thing she has," he said.

<h2>Genuine vs reproduced painting: How the brain responds to art pieces?</h2>

The scientists also checked the brain's neurological response when seeing the genuine painting and when observing its reproduction.

Watch:&nbsp;Van Gogh's Art Attacked Again in London

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/van-goghs-art-attacked-again-in-london-763240/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was discovered that the viewer's emotional reaction to the original painting was ten times stronger than to its reproduction.

Mauritshuis Director Martine Gosselink said that this experiment showed how important it is for people to see the original painting.

"It's so important to engage with art, whether it's photography, or dance, or old masters from the 17th century," said the director, while speaking to AFP in an interview.

"It is important, and it really helps to develop your brain... The brain doesn't lie," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an intriguing experiment, scientists have tried to analyse the brains of humans when they see one of the world's most famous paintings - "Girl With The Pearl Earring" which has been painted by Johannes Vermeer.

In an intriguing experiment, scientists have tried to analyse the brains of humans when they see one of the world's most famous paintings - "Girl With The Pearl Earring" which has been painted by Johannes Vermeer. In the experiment, neuroscientists found that the brain experiences a special neurological phenomenon called "Sustained Attentional Loop" when they see the painting. The neuroscientists were commissioned by the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague - which has kept the 17th-century masterpiece - to measure the brain output of the audience. In the observations, it was found that the eye of the viewer gets automatically drawn towards the eye of the girl, then to her mouth, and then moves on to the pearl and finally goes back to the eye. Research company Neurensics employee Martin de Munnik said that because of this phenomenon, the observer looks at the painting for a longer duration in comparison to others. Also Read: Van Gogh's Starry Night recreated as park in Bosnian hills "You have to pay attention whether you want to or not. You have to love her whether you want to or not," Munnik said. Scientists, while measuring the brainwaves, also found that the precuneus was getting stimulated the most. Precuneus is a part of the brain that manages a human's consciousness and personal identity. "It was predictable that the Girl was special. But the 'why' was also a surprise to us," De Munnik said. He added that this is the first study in which EEG and MRI brain scanning machine have been used to measure human's neurological response to artwork. "The longer you look at somebody, the more beautiful or more attractive somebody becomes. Why are you familiar with this painting and not with the other paintings? Because of this special thing she has," he said. Genuine vs reproduced painting: How the brain responds to art pieces? The scientists also checked the brain's neurological response when seeing the genuine painting and when observing its reproduction. Watch: Van Gogh's Art Attacked Again in London It was discovered that the viewer's emotional reaction to the original painting was ten times stronger than to its reproduction. Mauritshuis Director Martine Gosselink said that this experiment showed how important it is for people to see the original painting. "It's so important to engage with art, whether it's photography, or dance, or old masters from the 17th century," said the director, while speaking to AFP in an interview. "It is important, and it really helps to develop your brain... The brain doesn't lie," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

THIS iconic painting is doing something with the brains of its viewers. Scientists say it's called...

Tesla Chairman&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;and Indian American billionaire&nbsp;Vinod Khosla have been engaging in heated arguments on X lately and recently, they got into another ugly war of words over the employment rate in Argentina.

“Argentina's unemployment rate soars to 52% under Mileis dictatorial austerity program. Same will happen under @realDonaldTrump as he slashes spending. His tariffs will simultaneously increase inflation,” wrote Khosla on X, as he shared a link to a Financial Times article which stated that the poverty rate of the country stood at 52 per cent.

Responding to this post, Musk wrote, “You are dumb”, as he understood that the poverty data was referring to unemployment data.

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You are dumb
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1839904894339236261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to the report published by The Financial Times, the poverty rate in Argentina increased by nearly 53 per cent under libertarian President Javier Milei after there was a fall in his popularity.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-vows-to-throw-bbq-on-indian-american-billionaire-vinod-khoslas-off-limits-california-beach-760975">Elon Musk vows to throw BBQ party on Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla's 'off-limits' California beach</a>

This has been the worst rate recorded in two decades and it reflected that 3.4 million Argentines have been facing poverty this year.

The claims of Khosla were also scrutinised by community notes, which stated, “The unemployment rate in Argentina fell to 7.6% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.7% in the previous period and below estimates of 7.9%.”

Musk claimed that Khosla was misinformed even though only data from last year was provided by community notes.

<h2>'Dumb' vs ‘Macho brain': War of words escalate</h2>

The war of words escalated when Musk referenced another commenter Adam Lowisz who said that Khosla's claim of a 52 per cent unemployment rate is 'absurd'.

In reply, Musk said, “Seriously” as he waited for a response from Khosla.

In reply, Khosla said, “Poverty is gross underemployment. Too nuanced for macho brains to understand. My nuance vs. your outright posting of false pics? I get a community comment and yours didn’t. I thought you were above this kind of bias at X.”

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Poverty is gross underemployment. Too nuanced for macho brains to understand. My nuance vs. your outright posting of false pics? I get a community comment and yours didn’t. I thought you were above this kind of bias at X. <a href="https://t.co/roEVT9mxVI">https://t.co/roEVT9mxVI</a>
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) <a href="https://twitter.com/vkhosla/status/1840505662062899547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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His reply was countered by Musk's supporter who said, “False pics also known as SATIRE,” after which Musk himself wrote, “Vinod is just actually not smart.” Khosla reacted, “Plenty of proof of that.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla Chairman Elon Musk and Indian American billionaire Vinod Khosla have been engaging in heated arguments on X lately and recently, they got into another ugly war of words over the employment rate in Argentina.

Tesla Chairman Elon Musk and Indian American billionaire Vinod Khosla have been engaging in heated arguments on X lately and recently, they got into another ugly war of words over the employment rate in Argentina. “Argentina's unemployment rate soars to 52% under Mileis dictatorial austerity program. Same will happen under @realDonaldTrump as he slashes spending. His tariffs will simultaneously increase inflation,” wrote Khosla on X, as he shared a link to a Financial Times article which stated that the poverty rate of the country stood at 52 per cent. Responding to this post, Musk wrote, “You are dumb”, as he understood that the poverty data was referring to unemployment data. You are dumb — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 28, 2024 × According to the report published by The Financial Times, the poverty rate in Argentina increased by nearly 53 per cent under libertarian President Javier Milei after there was a fall in his popularity. Also Read: Elon Musk vows to throw BBQ party on Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla's 'off-limits' California beach This has been the worst rate recorded in two decades and it reflected that 3.4 million Argentines have been facing poverty this year. The claims of Khosla were also scrutinised by community notes, which stated, “The unemployment rate in Argentina fell to 7.6% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.7% in the previous period and below estimates of 7.9%.” Musk claimed that Khosla was misinformed even though only data from last year was provided by community notes. 'Dumb' vs ‘Macho brain': War of words escalate The war of words escalated when Musk referenced another commenter Adam Lowisz who said that Khosla's claim of a 52 per cent unemployment rate is 'absurd'. In reply, Musk said, “Seriously” as he waited for a response from Khosla. In reply, Khosla said, “Poverty is gross underemployment. Too nuanced for macho brains to understand. My nuance vs. your outright posting of false pics? I get a community comment and yours didn’t. I thought you were above this kind of bias at X.” Poverty is gross underemployment. Too nuanced for macho brains to understand. My nuance vs. your outright posting of false pics? I get a community comment and yours didn’t. I thought you were above this kind of bias at X. https://t.co/roEVT9mxVI — Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) September 29, 2024 × His reply was countered by Musk's supporter who said, “False pics also known as SATIRE,” after which Musk himself wrote, “Vinod is just actually not smart.” Khosla reacted, “Plenty of proof of that.” (With inputs from agencies)

Musk, Khosla engage in war of words over Argentina, call each other 'dumb' and 'macho brain'

In a strange medical case, a 20-year-old man who had been suffering from a runny nose for six years discovered that actually, it was his brain which was bulging through a hole in his skull.

The man, who belonged to Syria, was suffering from a chronic runny nose and also complained about having headaches and seizures. He said that the symptoms began after he suffered a head injury.

However, what the man believed was a simple symptom of cold was actually the "leakage" of a clear fluid which protects the body's brain and spine, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:90,&quot;y&quot;:164,&quot;w&quot;:423,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:123,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2051}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-mpox-case-confirmed-in-kerala-man-who-arrived-from-uae-759885">First Mpox case confirmed in Kerala man who arrived from UAE</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:200,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2087}">How did the doctors diagnose 'brain leakage'?</h2>

The man started facing the problem after he sustained a head injury in a car accident six years ago.

The doctors scanned the brain of the man and diagnosed him with traumatic encephalocele, which is a condition in which the matter in the brain starts moving through holes in the skull like the nasal cavity.&nbsp;

Generally, encephalocele is a rare birth defect because of which the tissues covering the brain start protruding through openings in the skull.&nbsp;

The man had earlier refused initial treatment for injuries when he had visited the hospital after surviving a car accident.

The man had developed meningoencephalitis two months before he visited the hospital for nasal leakage.

The doctors admitted him to the intensive care unit for one month and carried out an MRI of his brain.&nbsp;

In the scan, they found out that he had a fracture in his skull and had developed an encephalocele in his nasal cavity.&nbsp;

The doctors further saw that the man's brain tissue and meninges, which are layers that protect the spine and brain -&nbsp;were protruding through the skull fracture and there was "significant expansion" in the right-side areas of the brain.

The doctors recommended the man undergo surgery to repair the fracture, however, he refused.&nbsp;

He came back to the hospital after two months and was given the same advice. He finally agreed to the operation in which his tissue and matter were placed back to their locations by a neurosurgeon.

His damaged meninges were also repaired and the base of the skull which was damaged by fracture was also reconstructed using medical-grade cement and glue.&nbsp;

Finally, the patient recovered and was discharged after two days.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a strange medical case, a 20-year-old man who had been suffering from a runny nose for six years discovered that actually, it was his brain which was bulging through a hole in his skull.

In a strange medical case, a 20-year-old man who had been suffering from a runny nose for six years discovered that actually, it was his brain which was bulging through a hole in his skull. The man, who belonged to Syria, was suffering from a chronic runny nose and also complained about having headaches and seizures. He said that the symptoms began after he suffered a head injury. However, what the man believed was a simple symptom of cold was actually the "leakage" of a clear fluid which protects the body's brain and spine, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Also Read: First Mpox case confirmed in Kerala man who arrived from UAE How did the doctors diagnose 'brain leakage'? The man started facing the problem after he sustained a head injury in a car accident six years ago. The doctors scanned the brain of the man and diagnosed him with traumatic encephalocele, which is a condition in which the matter in the brain starts moving through holes in the skull like the nasal cavity. Generally, encephalocele is a rare birth defect because of which the tissues covering the brain start protruding through openings in the skull. The man had earlier refused initial treatment for injuries when he had visited the hospital after surviving a car accident. The man had developed meningoencephalitis two months before he visited the hospital for nasal leakage. The doctors admitted him to the intensive care unit for one month and carried out an MRI of his brain. In the scan, they found out that he had a fracture in his skull and had developed an encephalocele in his nasal cavity. The doctors further saw that the man's brain tissue and meninges, which are layers that protect the spine and brain - were protruding through the skull fracture and there was "significant expansion" in the right-side areas of the brain. The doctors recommended the man undergo surgery to repair the fracture, however, he refused. He came back to the hospital after two months and was given the same advice. He finally agreed to the operation in which his tissue and matter were placed back to their locations by a neurosurgeon. His damaged meninges were also repaired and the base of the skull which was damaged by fracture was also reconstructed using medical-grade cement and glue. Finally, the patient recovered and was discharged after two days. (With inputs from agencies)

Man suffers runny nose for six years because of brain 'leakage' through a hole in skull

A recent science study has found that damage to a specific part of brain may lead people to become religious fundamentalists. Researchers reached the conclusion by analysing patients with focal brain lesions.

<h2>Path-breaking study</h2>

So far, most of the studies have focused on social and environmental factors like family upbringing and cultural influence in developing an individual’s religious beliefs. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on how genetic factors or brain function may influence religiosity.

<h2>Brain network linked with religious fundamentalism</h2>

Study corresponding author Michael Ferguson, who is an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of Neurospirituality Research at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, was quoted as saying by PsyPost that he indeed found a link between certain brain network and religious fundamentalism.

“My primary interest is and has been mystical experience. But in the process researching the cognitive neuroscience of mystical experience, I came across brain network associations with religious fundamentalism,” he said.

<h2>How was the study conducted</h2>

For research purposes, scientists relied upon a method called lesion network mapping. The technology helps identify how different regions of the brain are linked, and how damage to one area might disrupt related brain functions.

Then, two large groups of individuals with focal brain damage were selected to analyse how brain lesions might be interconnected to religious beliefs.

The first group mainly had war veterans who had suffered traumatic brain injuries. The second group had patients on board who got their brain damaged from various causes, such as strokes, surgical resections, or traumatic head injuries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjXhbXDzdaIAxUOka8BHfu1DBIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/consciousness-might-be-traversing-our-world-from-a-hidden-dimension-760388" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/consciousness-might-be-traversing-our-world-from-a-hidden-dimension-760388&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXhbXDzdaIAxUOka8BHfu1DBIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Consciousness might be traversing our world from a hidden dimension</a>

Then, both groups completed a scale designed to measure religious fundamentalism.

Later, the precise locations of their brain lesions was measured using advanced technology like computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

<h2>Results</h2>

It was found that damage to the right hemisphere&nbsp;was associated with higher scores on the religious fundamentalism scale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjXhbXDzdaIAxUOka8BHfu1DBIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-spot-dangerous-bulge-around-mountain-of-god-volcano-warn-of-massive-eruption-759407" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-spot-dangerous-bulge-around-mountain-of-god-volcano-warn-of-massive-eruption-759407&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXhbXDzdaIAxUOka8BHfu1DBIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Scientists spot dangerous bulge around `Mountain of God` volcano, warn of massive eruption</a>

“The strength and reproducibility of the signal between psychological self-report measures of religious fundamentalism and the functional networks we identified in the brain surprised me,” Ferguson told PsyPost. “It increases confidence in the results.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent science study has found that damage to a specific part of brain may lead people to become religious fundamentalists. Researchers reached the conclusion by analysing patients with focal brain lesions.

A recent science study has found that damage to a specific part of brain may lead people to become religious fundamentalists. Researchers reached the conclusion by analysing patients with focal brain lesions. Path-breaking study So far, most of the studies have focused on social and environmental factors like family upbringing and cultural influence in developing an individual’s religious beliefs. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on how genetic factors or brain function may influence religiosity. Brain network linked with religious fundamentalism Study corresponding author Michael Ferguson, who is an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of Neurospirituality Research at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, was quoted as saying by PsyPost that he indeed found a link between certain brain network and religious fundamentalism. “My primary interest is and has been mystical experience. But in the process researching the cognitive neuroscience of mystical experience, I came across brain network associations with religious fundamentalism,” he said. How was the study conducted For research purposes, scientists relied upon a method called lesion network mapping. The technology helps identify how different regions of the brain are linked, and how damage to one area might disrupt related brain functions. Then, two large groups of individuals with focal brain damage were selected to analyse how brain lesions might be interconnected to religious beliefs. The first group mainly had war veterans who had suffered traumatic brain injuries. The second group had patients on board who got their brain damaged from various causes, such as strokes, surgical resections, or traumatic head injuries. Also read: Consciousness might be traversing our world from a hidden dimension Then, both groups completed a scale designed to measure religious fundamentalism. Later, the precise locations of their brain lesions was measured using advanced technology like computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results It was found that damage to the right hemisphere was associated with higher scores on the religious fundamentalism scale. Also read: Scientists spot dangerous bulge around `Mountain of God` volcano, warn of massive eruption “The strength and reproducibility of the signal between psychological self-report measures of religious fundamentalism and the functional networks we identified in the brain surprised me,” Ferguson told PsyPost. “It increases confidence in the results.” (With inputs from agencies)

Damage to brain network linked with increased religious fundamentalism: Study

In a new study, the researchers have observed that the grey matter of the brain is probably shrinking by 80 per cent during pregnancy and creating "permanent etchings".&nbsp;

The researchers made the discovery when a pregnant neuroscientist went through two dozen brain scans during her pregnancy phase and then for the next two years postpartum.&nbsp;

Grey matter is&nbsp;one kind of tissue present in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) which is important for humans to function normally.&nbsp;

After the pregnancy came to an end, it was observed that the woman was able to regain some grey matter. The grey matter regained included the cell bodies of neurons and the connections present between them.

Co-senior author of the study and associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Emily Jacobs said that the grey-matter volume in the affected brain areas of pregnant women decreased by 4 per cent on average.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/depressed-people-have-two-times-larger-brain-network-in-comparison-to-others-study-758799">Depressed people have two times larger brain network in comparison to others: Study</a>

"That's similar to the amount of reduction in puberty," said Jacobs, while speaking at a news conference on Thursday (Sep&nbsp;12).&nbsp;

During puberty, there is a hormone surge which comes with a decrease in grey matter volume as the excess tissue in the brain is pruned so that it can function more efficiently.&nbsp;

Jacobs stated that something similar may have been occurring in pregnancy.&nbsp;

<h2>Pregnancy may be changing brain's fine-tuning forever: Jacobs&nbsp;</h2>

"Sometimes people bristle when they hear that grey-matter volume decreases during pregnancy — like, 'That can't be a good thing,'" she explained.&nbsp;

However, "this change probably reflects the fine-tuning of neural circuits, not unlike the cortical thinning that happens during puberty," she added.

Jacobs suggested that there is a possibility that the brain's fine-tuning changes forever.&nbsp;

"Many of these changes seem to be what you might think of as permanent etchings in the brain," she said.

However, the other changes observed in the study were temporary.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brains-of-humans-and-dogs-can-sync-with-each-other-study-explains-how-759032">Brains of humans and dogs can sync with each other. Study explains how</a>

In the first and second trimesters, the insulated wiring between neurons and white matter turned more robust.

"We think of it as like a tube or like a straw,"&nbsp;said Liz Chrastil, who is an associate professor of neurobiology and behaviour at the University of California, Irvine and senior co-author of the study, at the press conference.&nbsp;

When the white matter turned robust, water flowed straight without any diversion or pooling.&nbsp;

However, in the scans, the white matter was later seen returning to baseline after birth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a new study, the researchers have observed that the grey matter of the brain is probably shrinking by 80 per cent during pregnancy and creating "permanent etchings".

In a new study, the researchers have observed that the grey matter of the brain is probably shrinking by 80 per cent during pregnancy and creating "permanent etchings". The researchers made the discovery when a pregnant neuroscientist went through two dozen brain scans during her pregnancy phase and then for the next two years postpartum. Grey matter is one kind of tissue present in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) which is important for humans to function normally. After the pregnancy came to an end, it was observed that the woman was able to regain some grey matter. The grey matter regained included the cell bodies of neurons and the connections present between them. Co-senior author of the study and associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Emily Jacobs said that the grey-matter volume in the affected brain areas of pregnant women decreased by 4 per cent on average. Also Read: Depressed people have two times larger brain network in comparison to others: Study "That's similar to the amount of reduction in puberty," said Jacobs, while speaking at a news conference on Thursday (Sep 12). During puberty, there is a hormone surge which comes with a decrease in grey matter volume as the excess tissue in the brain is pruned so that it can function more efficiently. Jacobs stated that something similar may have been occurring in pregnancy. Pregnancy may be changing brain's fine-tuning forever: Jacobs "Sometimes people bristle when they hear that grey-matter volume decreases during pregnancy — like, 'That can't be a good thing,'" she explained. However, "this change probably reflects the fine-tuning of neural circuits, not unlike the cortical thinning that happens during puberty," she added. Jacobs suggested that there is a possibility that the brain's fine-tuning changes forever. "Many of these changes seem to be what you might think of as permanent etchings in the brain," she said. However, the other changes observed in the study were temporary. Also Read: Brains of humans and dogs can sync with each other. Study explains how In the first and second trimesters, the insulated wiring between neurons and white matter turned more robust. "We think of it as like a tube or like a straw," said Liz Chrastil, who is an associate professor of neurobiology and behaviour at the University of California, Irvine and senior co-author of the study, at the press conference. When the white matter turned robust, water flowed straight without any diversion or pooling. However, in the scans, the white matter was later seen returning to baseline after birth. (With inputs from agencies)

A key part of women's brains is shrinking by 80% during pregnancy, creating 'permanent etchings': Study

Can cannabis reduce the ageing of brain? As per new research done on mice, long-term, low-dose use of the active ingredient of cannabis has an anti-ageing effect.

The study done by Bonn University in Germany has found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main therapeutic ingredient in cannabis, restores cognitive abilities and synapse density in old mice.&nbsp;

"We have now been able to show that treatment with THC has a tissue-dependent and dual effect on mTOR signaling and the metabolome," said Dr Andras Bilkei-Gorzo a researcher who conducted the study along with an international team of scientists.

Watch: Gravitas: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine

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To understand what it means, it's important to know about two specific processes of the brain that affect ageing.

One is synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change neuronal connections. Less synaptic plasticity is a sign of ageing.

The other is mTOR, or Mechanistic target of rapamycin, signalling. The mTOR signalling pathways regulate growth and metabolism in animal cells. The mTOR activity can be reduced through a low-calorie diet, intensive physical activity or pharmacological treatment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/daily-marijuana-use-surpasses-daily-drinking-in-the-us-says-study-724533">Also read: Daily marijuana use surpasses daily drinking in the US, says study</a>

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

Two groups of mice were used in the study,&nbsp;young ones around four months old, and older ones aged around 18 months.&nbsp;

Some mice in each age group received a daily low dose of THC across a period of 28 days, and the effects were compared to age-matched controls.

The mice treated with THC showed a boost in mTOR activity in the brain and the production of more of the proteins necessary to form new synapses between neurons.

The mTOR activity in fat tissue dropped in the same way that it does with a calorie-controlled diet: In other words, the body starts to dial down some of its production processes in ways that have previously been shown to slow down biological ageing too, said a release on the study.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-man-gets-high-on-edibles-attempts-sex-with-flight-attendant-opens-door-mid-air-746543">Also read: US man gets high on edibles, attempts sex with flight attendant, opens door mid-air</a>

"We concluded that long-term THC treatment initially has a cognition-enhancing effect by increasing energy and synaptic protein production in the brain, followed by an anti-ageing effect by decreasing mTOR activity and metabolic processes in the periphery," said Bilkei-Gorzo.

He suggested that the findings of the study could potentially pave the way for future anti-ageing treatments. "Our study suggests that a dual effect on mTOR activity and the metabolome could be the basis for an effective anti-ageing and cognition-enhancing drug."

(With inputs from agencies)

Can cannabis reduce the ageing of brain? As per new research done on mice, long-term, low-dose use of the active ingredient of cannabis has an anti-ageing effect.

Can cannabis reduce the ageing of brain? As per new research done on mice, long-term, low-dose use of the active ingredient of cannabis has an anti-ageing effect. The study done by Bonn University in Germany has found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main therapeutic ingredient in cannabis, restores cognitive abilities and synapse density in old mice. "We have now been able to show that treatment with THC has a tissue-dependent and dual effect on mTOR signaling and the metabolome," said Dr Andras Bilkei-Gorzo a researcher who conducted the study along with an international team of scientists. Watch: Gravitas: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine × To understand what it means, it's important to know about two specific processes of the brain that affect ageing. One is synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change neuronal connections. Less synaptic plasticity is a sign of ageing. The other is mTOR, or Mechanistic target of rapamycin, signalling. The mTOR signalling pathways regulate growth and metabolism in animal cells. The mTOR activity can be reduced through a low-calorie diet, intensive physical activity or pharmacological treatment. Also read: Daily marijuana use surpasses daily drinking in the US, says study How the study was done Two groups of mice were used in the study, young ones around four months old, and older ones aged around 18 months. Some mice in each age group received a daily low dose of THC across a period of 28 days, and the effects were compared to age-matched controls. The mice treated with THC showed a boost in mTOR activity in the brain and the production of more of the proteins necessary to form new synapses between neurons. The mTOR activity in fat tissue dropped in the same way that it does with a calorie-controlled diet: In other words, the body starts to dial down some of its production processes in ways that have previously been shown to slow down biological ageing too, said a release on the study. Also read: US man gets high on edibles, attempts sex with flight attendant, opens door mid-air "We concluded that long-term THC treatment initially has a cognition-enhancing effect by increasing energy and synaptic protein production in the brain, followed by an anti-ageing effect by decreasing mTOR activity and metabolic processes in the periphery," said Bilkei-Gorzo. He suggested that the findings of the study could potentially pave the way for future anti-ageing treatments. "Our study suggests that a dual effect on mTOR activity and the metabolome could be the basis for an effective anti-ageing and cognition-enhancing drug." (With inputs from agencies)

Cannabis found to have anti-ageing effect on brains of mice. So can pot make you younger?

What is love, or rather, 'where' is love? A fascinating new study has located where exactly love happens in our brains. More precisely, it has mapped how different types of love situations fire up different parts of the brain.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI, the researchers from Aalto University mapped the brain activity of participants who were given stories to think about, related to six types of love: for romantic partners, friends, children, strangers, pets and nature.

Watch: Does falling in love mess with your head?

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&nbsp;

<h2>How was the 'brain in love' study done?</h2>

The researchers gave specific love-related statements to participants and observed how their brains reacted. After hearing a professional actor’s rendition of each love story, participants were asked to imagine each emotion for 10 seconds,&nbsp;the researchers said in a release.

Could you guess which type of love ignited more parts of the participants' brains?&nbsp; 
 
Love for one’s children generated the most intense brain activity, closely followed by romantic love, according to the study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex.

The statement given to the parents was: "You see your newborn child for the first time. The baby is soft, healthy and hearty — your life’s greatest wonder. You feel love for the little one."

It was presented to 55 parents who said they were in a loving relationship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-love-in-the-times-of-ai-your-digital-avatar-might-soon-go-out-on-dates-for-you-721735">Also Read: Love in the times of AI: Your digital avatar might soon go out on dates for you</a> 
 
"In parental love, there was activation deep in the brain's reward system in the striatum area while imagining love, and this was not seen for any other kind of love," said Pärttyli Rinne, who coordinated the study.

‘‘The activation pattern of love is generated...in the basal ganglia, the midline of the forehead, the precuneus and the temporoparietal junction at the sides of the back of the head," said Rinne.

Brain activity is influenced not only by the closeness of the object of love but also by whether it is a human being, another species or nature.

Compassionate love for strangers was less rewarding and caused less brain activation than love in close relationships, it noted.

The study also found that love of nature activated the reward system and visual areas of the brain, but not the social brain areas.

The study also found that it is possible to find, based on brain activity, whether a person is a pet owner or not.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-international-dog-day-indian-celebs-love-letters-for-their-furry-friends-753388">Also Read: International Dog Day: Indian celebs' love letters for their furry friends</a>

"When looking at love for pets and the brain activity associated with it, brain areas associated with sociality statistically reveal whether or not the person is a pet owner. When it comes to the pet owners, these areas are more activated than with non-pet owners," said Rinne.

(With inputs from agencies)

What is love, or rather, 'where' is love? A fascinating new study has located where exactly love happens in our brains. More precisely, it has mapped how different types of love situations fire up different parts of the brain.

What is love, or rather, 'where' is love? A fascinating new study has located where exactly love happens in our brains. More precisely, it has mapped how different types of love situations fire up different parts of the brain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI, the researchers from Aalto University mapped the brain activity of participants who were given stories to think about, related to six types of love: for romantic partners, friends, children, strangers, pets and nature. Watch: Does falling in love mess with your head? × How was the 'brain in love' study done? The researchers gave specific love-related statements to participants and observed how their brains reacted. After hearing a professional actor’s rendition of each love story, participants were asked to imagine each emotion for 10 seconds, the researchers said in a release. Could you guess which type of love ignited more parts of the participants' brains? Love for one’s children generated the most intense brain activity, closely followed by romantic love, according to the study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex. The statement given to the parents was: "You see your newborn child for the first time. The baby is soft, healthy and hearty — your life’s greatest wonder. You feel love for the little one." It was presented to 55 parents who said they were in a loving relationship. Also Read: Love in the times of AI: Your digital avatar might soon go out on dates for you "In parental love, there was activation deep in the brain's reward system in the striatum area while imagining love, and this was not seen for any other kind of love," said Pärttyli Rinne, who coordinated the study. ‘‘The activation pattern of love is generated...in the basal ganglia, the midline of the forehead, the precuneus and the temporoparietal junction at the sides of the back of the head," said Rinne. Brain activity is influenced not only by the closeness of the object of love but also by whether it is a human being, another species or nature. Compassionate love for strangers was less rewarding and caused less brain activation than love in close relationships, it noted. The study also found that love of nature activated the reward system and visual areas of the brain, but not the social brain areas. The study also found that it is possible to find, based on brain activity, whether a person is a pet owner or not. Also Read: International Dog Day: Indian celebs' love letters for their furry friends "When looking at love for pets and the brain activity associated with it, brain areas associated with sociality statistically reveal whether or not the person is a pet owner. When it comes to the pet owners, these areas are more activated than with non-pet owners," said Rinne. (With inputs from agencies)

What is love? Now, researchers have mapped exactly which parts of brains fire up in various love situations

Researchers have found microplastics in human brain. One study found that plastic made up 0.5% of the brain's weight. What does this alarming finding mean for your health? Gravitas explores.

Microplastics found in human brain. What does this mean for you?

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.

Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days.

The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed.

"Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-potatoes-not-unhealthy-new-research-reveals-they-may-work-magic-for-heart-health-749139">Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health</a>

"The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time."

While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain.

Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples.

"The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deadly-microbes-may-breed-in-this-common-home-appliance-heres-all-you-need-to-know-748440">Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know</a>

"The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome."

Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity.

"The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?"

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management. Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days. The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed. "Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023. Also read | Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health "The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time." While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples. "The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China. Also read | Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know "The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome." Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity. "The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?" (With inputs from agencies)

In breakthrough discovery, Chinese scientists find new way to control obesity

Researchers from Columbia University in the United States have identified the specific area in the brain where curiosity originates. The finding reveals new light on the intrinsic human drive to learn and adapt to new environments.

The researchers utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor oxygen levels in various brain regions, a method that reveals how active each area is at a given time. This way, the scientists pinpointed the neural basis of curiosity for the first time.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The humanity's understanding of where curiosity stems from could provide deeper insights into human behaviour and potentially lead to new therapies for conditions marked by a lack of curiosity, such as chronic depression.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Chinese scientists develop robot with lab-grown human brain

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"This is really the first time we can link the subjective feeling of curiosity about information to the way your brain represents that information," neuroscientist Jacqueline Gottlieb said in a statement.

<h2>Curiosity area in brain: How scientists pinpointed this?</h2>

During their study, the researchers presented 32 participants with texforms, which are images of familiar objects and animals—like hats or frogs—that have been distorted to varying degrees.&nbsp;

The participants were then asked to rate their confidence and curiosity in identifying the subjects of these images.

By comparing these ratings with fMRI data, the researchers observed significant activity in three key brain regions: the occipitotemporal cortex (associated with vision and object recognition), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which is involved in assessing value and confidence, and the anterior cingulate cortex (responsible for information gathering).

The vmPFC, in particular, seems to function as a neural bridge. This area links the levels of certainty recorded by the occipitotemporal cortex with the subjective experience of curiosity. Essentially, it acts as a trigger that prompts curiosity when confidence in identifying an image is low. The researchers noted that the less confident participants were about an image's subject, the more curious they became.

"These results illuminate how perceptual input is transformed by successive neural representations to ultimately evoke a feeling of curiosity," the researchers wrote in their published paper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/robot-trained-to-read-braille-at-2x-speed-of-humans-wion-tech-it-out-686839">Robot trained to read braille at 2x speed of humans</a>

The full research findings have been published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

<h2>Importance of curiosity in humanity's functioning</h2>

Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of being human, essential for our survival and ability to learn and absorb new information. It may even play a role in driving biodiversity. "Curiosity has deep biological origins," Gottlieb noted. "What distinguishes human curiosity is that it drives us to explore much more broadly than other animals, and often just because we want to find things out, not because we are seeking a material reward or survival benefit."

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from Columbia University in the United States have identified the specific area in the brain where curiosity originates. The finding reveals new light on the intrinsic human drive to learn and adapt to new environments.

Researchers from Columbia University in the United States have identified the specific area in the brain where curiosity originates. The finding reveals new light on the intrinsic human drive to learn and adapt to new environments. The researchers utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor oxygen levels in various brain regions, a method that reveals how active each area is at a given time. This way, the scientists pinpointed the neural basis of curiosity for the first time. What does it mean? The humanity's understanding of where curiosity stems from could provide deeper insights into human behaviour and potentially lead to new therapies for conditions marked by a lack of curiosity, such as chronic depression. Also watch | Gravitas: Chinese scientists develop robot with lab-grown human brain × "This is really the first time we can link the subjective feeling of curiosity about information to the way your brain represents that information," neuroscientist Jacqueline Gottlieb said in a statement. Curiosity area in brain: How scientists pinpointed this? During their study, the researchers presented 32 participants with texforms, which are images of familiar objects and animals—like hats or frogs—that have been distorted to varying degrees. The participants were then asked to rate their confidence and curiosity in identifying the subjects of these images. By comparing these ratings with fMRI data, the researchers observed significant activity in three key brain regions: the occipitotemporal cortex (associated with vision and object recognition), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which is involved in assessing value and confidence, and the anterior cingulate cortex (responsible for information gathering). The vmPFC, in particular, seems to function as a neural bridge. This area links the levels of certainty recorded by the occipitotemporal cortex with the subjective experience of curiosity. Essentially, it acts as a trigger that prompts curiosity when confidence in identifying an image is low. The researchers noted that the less confident participants were about an image's subject, the more curious they became. "These results illuminate how perceptual input is transformed by successive neural representations to ultimately evoke a feeling of curiosity," the researchers wrote in their published paper. Also read | Robot trained to read braille at 2x speed of humans The full research findings have been published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Importance of curiosity in humanity's functioning Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of being human, essential for our survival and ability to learn and absorb new information. It may even play a role in driving biodiversity. "Curiosity has deep biological origins," Gottlieb noted. "What distinguishes human curiosity is that it drives us to explore much more broadly than other animals, and often just because we want to find things out, not because we are seeking a material reward or survival benefit." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists pinpoint brain area responsible for curiosity

Chinese scientists have developed a robot with a lab-grown human brain. Are human-like robots going to take over the world? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese scientists develop robot with lab-grown human brain

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events.

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan examined brain wave measurements from rats throughout periods of awake and sleep. Readings were obtained before, during, and after the animals completed maze trials to assess nerve cell preferences outside the maze, such as during rest intervals.

"We addressed this challenge by relating the activity of each neuron to the activity of all the other neurons. The ability to track the preferences of neurons even without a stimulus was an important breakthrough for us," says anesthesiologist Kamran Diba, from the University of Michigan.

The innovative technique allowed the scientists to not only correlate actual areas in the maze to particular neuron activity in real-time but also work backward and map neuron activity to spots in the maze while the rats were sleeping.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ants-sense-of-smell-crucial-to-their-survival-and-social-interaction-study-730167">Ants’ sense of smell crucial to their survival and social interaction: Study</a>

The rats were not only dreaming about locations they had already explored in the maze but also brainstorming possible new pathways, based on the neurons firing during sleep and again during the subsequent maze try.

These are key results in the research of spatial tuning, which is the relationship between the activity of certain neurons and specific places. This tuning is a dynamic process, and the sleeping brain appears to be involved.

When the rats returned to the maze after resting, the brain activity recorded during their slumber predicted the new ways they explored their environment. While the matches were not precise, they were near enough to suggest that dreams and future intentions are related.

Sleep has long been known to aid in memory formation, and while this study only looked at rats, something similar is probably happening in human brains, a type of rehearsal for future events.

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events.

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events. A team of researchers from the University of Michigan examined brain wave measurements from rats throughout periods of awake and sleep. Readings were obtained before, during, and after the animals completed maze trials to assess nerve cell preferences outside the maze, such as during rest intervals. "We addressed this challenge by relating the activity of each neuron to the activity of all the other neurons. The ability to track the preferences of neurons even without a stimulus was an important breakthrough for us," says anesthesiologist Kamran Diba, from the University of Michigan. The innovative technique allowed the scientists to not only correlate actual areas in the maze to particular neuron activity in real-time but also work backward and map neuron activity to spots in the maze while the rats were sleeping. Also read: Ants’ sense of smell crucial to their survival and social interaction: Study The rats were not only dreaming about locations they had already explored in the maze but also brainstorming possible new pathways, based on the neurons firing during sleep and again during the subsequent maze try. These are key results in the research of spatial tuning, which is the relationship between the activity of certain neurons and specific places. This tuning is a dynamic process, and the sleeping brain appears to be involved. When the rats returned to the maze after resting, the brain activity recorded during their slumber predicted the new ways they explored their environment. While the matches were not precise, they were near enough to suggest that dreams and future intentions are related. Sleep has long been known to aid in memory formation, and while this study only looked at rats, something similar is probably happening in human brains, a type of rehearsal for future events.

Brain predicts and plans for future events during sleep, study finds

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning. Adolescence is a period when the body goes through several changes be it physical or mental and thus the brain is more vulnerable to addiction during that phase.

The impact of internet addiction is not only limited to physical symptoms like headaches, weak eyesight, risk of obesity, etc. it also has larger implications such as mental health issues, behavioral changes, etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-throws-milkshake-at-reform-uk-leader-nigel-farage-on-first-day-of-campaigning-728956">Watch: Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning</a>

PLOS Mental Health published a study to understand the neural alteration that takes place in the brain due to addiction. It was concluded that the individuals who were addicted were slow in decision making and there was a decrease in functionality of parts of their brain that involved active thinking.

Study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), Max Chang told The Guardian, “The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioural and developmental changes that could impact the lives of adolescents. For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity, and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.”

Watch |&nbsp;<a>Tornado wreaks havoc in South Africa, leads to large-scale destruction</a>

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<h2>What can be done to deal with the pressing problem of internet addiction?</h2>

The first step in seeking redressal to this problem is identifying that professional help is required and consulting a specialist. The specialist can recommend psychotherapy or suggest treatment for specific parts of the brain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-nitish-kumar-tejashwi-yadav-in-same-flight-to-delhi-netizens-say-they-may-land-in-10-janpath-728890">Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav&nbsp;sit next to each other on flight to Delhi</a>

Since adolescents are not mature enough to make decisions, parents need to be vigilant and keep a check on the screen usage of children and ensure that it is not excessive.

The most effective way to deal with internet addiction is to practice self-control and not let the internet dictate one's life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning.

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning. Adolescence is a period when the body goes through several changes be it physical or mental and thus the brain is more vulnerable to addiction during that phase. The impact of internet addiction is not only limited to physical symptoms like headaches, weak eyesight, risk of obesity, etc. it also has larger implications such as mental health issues, behavioral changes, etc. Also read | Watch: Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning PLOS Mental Health published a study to understand the neural alteration that takes place in the brain due to addiction. It was concluded that the individuals who were addicted were slow in decision making and there was a decrease in functionality of parts of their brain that involved active thinking. Study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), Max Chang told The Guardian, “The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioural and developmental changes that could impact the lives of adolescents. For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity, and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.” Watch | Tornado wreaks havoc in South Africa, leads to large-scale destruction What can be done to deal with the pressing problem of internet addiction? The first step in seeking redressal to this problem is identifying that professional help is required and consulting a specialist. The specialist can recommend psychotherapy or suggest treatment for specific parts of the brain. Also read | Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav sit next to each other on flight to Delhi Since adolescents are not mature enough to make decisions, parents need to be vigilant and keep a check on the screen usage of children and ensure that it is not excessive. The most effective way to deal with internet addiction is to practice self-control and not let the internet dictate one's life. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers say internet addiction can lead to altered neural activity in adolescents

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An international research team has found that an increase in nightmares and hallucinations, or 'daymares,' could indicate the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Lupus, an autoimmune inflammatory disease, impacts multiple organs, including the brain.

According to researchers from the University of Cambridge and King's College London in the UK, mental health and neurological symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, and loss of balance can serve as early warning signs of an impending "flare," a period when the disease worsens.

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In their study, the researchers surveyed 676 people with lupus and 400 clinicians, and conducted in-depth interviews with 69 people suffering from systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (including lupus) and 50 clinicians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-pregnancy-and-kidney-health-all-you-need-to-know-700328">Also read | Pregnancy and kidney health: All you need to know</a>

The findings, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, revealed that disrupted dream sleep was the most common symptom, experienced by three out of five patients. Among these patients, one-third developed lupus a year later.

Additionally, just under a quarter of the patients reported experiencing hallucinations, which were present in 85 per cent of those with lupus.

Furthermore, three out of five lupus patients and one in three individuals with other rheumatology-related conditions reported increasingly disrupted dream sleep, often vivid and distressing nightmares, shortly before experiencing hallucinations. These nightmares frequently involved scenarios of being attacked, trapped, crushed, or falling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rare-cross-border-kidney-swap-save-lives-of-two-mothers-667882">Also read | ‘Rarest of rare’ kidney swap saves lives of two mothers from India and Tanzania</a>

"Patients often know which symptoms are a bad sign that their disease is about to flare, but both patients and doctors can be reluctant to discuss mental health and neurological symptoms, particularly if they don't realise that these can be a part of autoimmune diseases," said Melanie, the lead author from the varsity's Department of Public Health and Primary Care.

(With inputs from agencies)
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An international research team has found that an increase in nightmares and hallucinations, or 'daymares,' could indicate the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

An international research team has found that an increase in nightmares and hallucinations, or 'daymares,' could indicate the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Lupus, an autoimmune inflammatory disease, impacts multiple organs, including the brain. According to researchers from the University of Cambridge and King's College London in the UK, mental health and neurological symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, and loss of balance can serve as early warning signs of an impending "flare," a period when the disease worsens. In their study, the researchers surveyed 676 people with lupus and 400 clinicians, and conducted in-depth interviews with 69 people suffering from systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (including lupus) and 50 clinicians. Also read | Pregnancy and kidney health: All you need to know The findings, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, revealed that disrupted dream sleep was the most common symptom, experienced by three out of five patients. Among these patients, one-third developed lupus a year later. Additionally, just under a quarter of the patients reported experiencing hallucinations, which were present in 85 per cent of those with lupus. Furthermore, three out of five lupus patients and one in three individuals with other rheumatology-related conditions reported increasingly disrupted dream sleep, often vivid and distressing nightmares, shortly before experiencing hallucinations. These nightmares frequently involved scenarios of being attacked, trapped, crushed, or falling. Also read | ‘Rarest of rare’ kidney swap saves lives of two mothers from India and Tanzania "Patients often know which symptoms are a bad sign that their disease is about to flare, but both patients and doctors can be reluctant to discuss mental health and neurological symptoms, particularly if they don't realise that these can be a part of autoimmune diseases," said Melanie, the lead author from the varsity's Department of Public Health and Primary Care. (With inputs from agencies)

Nightmares, daytime hallucinations could indicate onset of THIS disease

US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago.

US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago. According to a report published by The New York Times, Kennedy earlier was suffering from mercury poisoning and heart issues, which included an abnormality that was caused by a worm which had entered his brain and then died. Health has been a key part of Kennedy's campaign and he has compared his physical fitness to that of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In a statement on Wednesday (May 8), his campaign said, "Questioning Mr Kennedy's health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition." "Mr Kennedy travelled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations contracted a parasite. The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health," the campaign added. Also Read: One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study What happened to Robert F Kennedy Jr? In 2010, the US presidential candidate faced severe memory loss as well as mental fog. As per the report in the Times, he consulted with top neurologists who knew about his late uncle's medical history. His uncle Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer in 2009. After checking the scan of his brain, a New York doctor said that his health issues could have been “caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died,". How does the disease affect the brain? The health condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is a brain infection which is related to larvae from pork tapeworms. It is a rare condition and nearly 1,000 to 2,000 people get hospitalised every year in the United States. Neurocysticercosis leads to seizures, headaches, blindness, blurred vision, dizziness, psychosis or memory loss. In a few cases, it can also turn fatal. The infection generally happens after people consume raw or undercooked pork which may contain a tapeworm. Watch: Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn The patients then shed tapeworm eggs in their stool and also contaminate surfaces or food if their hands are not properly washed. Because of this, when people around the patients consume food touched by them or come in contact with contaminated surfaces, they accidentally take in tapeworm eggs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare providers have a poor understanding of the condition of such patients and that neurocysticercosis is a “neglected parasitic infection". “It’s an important disease and gets ignored a lot,” said Dr Clinton White, an infectious disease professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. (With inputs from agencies)

Parasitic worm once ate 'a part of' RFK Jr's brain. Here's how that might happen to anyone

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain. The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the brain uses.

The&nbsp;results of the study&nbsp;were published&nbsp;in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Scientists striving to develop energy efficient and high-performance computers&nbsp;often&nbsp;look up to human brains as a source of inspiration.

But guess what, human&nbsp;brains use water and dissolved salt particles called ions as their medium. On the other hand, current advanced computer systems rely on conventional solid materials for the same function.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying new Israeli truce proposal

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So, the recent study can lead to further scientific development towards&nbsp;the ambition of&nbsp;creating an artificial human brain.

"It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilising the same medium," says theoretical physicist Tim Kamsma from Utrecht University.

<h2>What is Iontronic memristor?</h2>

The device that scientists have created is called an Iontronic memristor, which carries water and salt inside. The cone-shaped device is just 150 by 200 micrometres wide, the same width as three or four human hairs put side-by-side.

It remembers how much electrical charge has previously flowed through it. Electrical impulses cause ions to move through the cone-shaped channel, with variations in the electrical charge leading to variations in the ion movement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjY3Zm-x-eFAxXh1TgGHVEZD9Q4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-crew-of-israel-linked-ship-which-includes-indians-will-be-freed-715635" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-crew-of-israel-linked-ship-which-includes-indians-will-be-freed-715635&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY3Zm-x-eFAxXh1TgGHVEZD9Q4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ">Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship which includes Indians will be freed</a>

"While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using water and salt," says Kamsma.

"We are effectively replicating neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain.

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain. The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the brain uses. The results of the study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists striving to develop energy efficient and high-performance computers often look up to human brains as a source of inspiration. But guess what, human brains use water and dissolved salt particles called ions as their medium. On the other hand, current advanced computer systems rely on conventional solid materials for the same function. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying new Israeli truce proposal × So, the recent study can lead to further scientific development towards the ambition of creating an artificial human brain. "It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilising the same medium," says theoretical physicist Tim Kamsma from Utrecht University. What is Iontronic memristor? The device that scientists have created is called an Iontronic memristor, which carries water and salt inside. The cone-shaped device is just 150 by 200 micrometres wide, the same width as three or four human hairs put side-by-side. It remembers how much electrical charge has previously flowed through it. Electrical impulses cause ions to move through the cone-shaped channel, with variations in the electrical charge leading to variations in the ion movement. Also read: Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship which includes Indians will be freed "While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using water and salt," says Kamsma. "We are effectively replicating neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and water

Ramazan Yilmaz, a 40-year-old resident of Bursa, Turkey, went to a private dental clinic for a routine tooth extraction. After the initial examination, the dentist suggested dental implants as replacements for the extracted teeth. However, during the implant procedure, something alarming happened, as per The Metro News.

Yilmaz claimed&nbsp;that the dentist encountered difficulties and&nbsp;pushed the implant screw through his jawbone into the cranial cavity, near sensitive areas like the brain and spinal fluid. Yilmaz described feeling intense pain and hearing a disturbing cracking sound during the surgery. Despite expressing his concerns, the dentist allegedly brushed them off as normal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/patient-sues-dentist-who-carried-out-20-procedures-in-one-sitting-disfiguring-her-mouth-report-674097">Also read |&nbsp;Patient in US sues dentist who carried out 20+ procedures in one sitting, disfiguring her mouth: Report</a>

"So, we entrusted him with the procedure. Later, while pulling my teeth and performing the implant procedure on the same day, he informed his secretary that the device he was using was faulty. He then proceeded to perform the procedure manually. As he attempted to place the screw, I noticed he was exerting excessive force. I pointed this out to him, mentioning that I heard a bone-cracking sound," Yilmaz told&nbsp;The Metro.

"However, he reassured me that it was normal. When I screamed in pain, he finally took an X-ray," Ramazan said.

After the mishap, the dentist supposedly rushed Yilmaz to a nearby hospital and left. The hospital team quickly did a CT scan, showing how bad things were. Yilmaz had to go through a long surgery to get rid of the wrongly placed implant. The surgery went well, and Yilmaz got better after that tough experience.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-world-oral-health-day-experts-share-best-practices-for-good-oral-health-702236">Also read |&nbsp;Experts share best practices for good oral health</a>

"Before the operation, they warned me that I could lose my life. I made peace with my children and bid them farewell. Thankfully, I emerged safely from the surgery," Yilmaz said.

Yilmaz is now taking the dentist, known in reports as AD, to court. AD supposedly said it's not their fault and blames it on a medical problem.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Ramazan Yilmaz, a 40-year-old resident of Bursa, Turkey, went to a private dental clinic for a routine tooth extraction. After the initial examination, the dentist suggested dental implants as replacements for the extracted teeth.

Ramazan Yilmaz, a 40-year-old resident of Bursa, Turkey, went to a private dental clinic for a routine tooth extraction. After the initial examination, the dentist suggested dental implants as replacements for the extracted teeth. However, during the implant procedure, something alarming happened, as per The Metro News. Yilmaz claimed that the dentist encountered difficulties and pushed the implant screw through his jawbone into the cranial cavity, near sensitive areas like the brain and spinal fluid. Yilmaz described feeling intense pain and hearing a disturbing cracking sound during the surgery. Despite expressing his concerns, the dentist allegedly brushed them off as normal. Also read | Patient in US sues dentist who carried out 20+ procedures in one sitting, disfiguring her mouth: Report "So, we entrusted him with the procedure. Later, while pulling my teeth and performing the implant procedure on the same day, he informed his secretary that the device he was using was faulty. He then proceeded to perform the procedure manually. As he attempted to place the screw, I noticed he was exerting excessive force. I pointed this out to him, mentioning that I heard a bone-cracking sound," Yilmaz told The Metro. "However, he reassured me that it was normal. When I screamed in pain, he finally took an X-ray," Ramazan said. After the mishap, the dentist supposedly rushed Yilmaz to a nearby hospital and left. The hospital team quickly did a CT scan, showing how bad things were. Yilmaz had to go through a long surgery to get rid of the wrongly placed implant. The surgery went well, and Yilmaz got better after that tough experience. Also read | Experts share best practices for good oral health "Before the operation, they warned me that I could lose my life. I made peace with my children and bid them farewell. Thankfully, I emerged safely from the surgery," Yilmaz said. Yilmaz is now taking the dentist, known in reports as AD, to court. AD supposedly said it's not their fault and blames it on a medical problem. (With inputs from agencies)

Dentist in Turkey punctures man’s brain during dental implant procedure; faces lawsuit

The American state of Colorado has passed a bill aiming to protect consumers brain waves collected by gadgets.

New US bill takes aim at Neurotech industry, aims to protect consumer brain data

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed how this system works in a new study, emphasising the need to get sleep at least eight hours every day.

<h2>Why do we need this system?</h2>

According to scientists, our brain tissues use energy, and fuel to help us solve problems and memorising things. As the process takes place, some sort of debris is left behind.

When we sleep, a process is triggered which ends up removing the debris from brain tissues. The neurons use rhythmic waves to help move cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue, thus flushing away the debris with it. This process is called the glymphatic system. The debris is flushed away through channels located near blood vessels.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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So, if we want to take out the trash from our brains on regular basis, we must ensure we are sleeping for at least eight hours daily.

“Neurons serve as master organisers for brain clearance,” the WUSTL research team said in a study recently published in Nature.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

The scientists used engineered mice to experiment. The mice were engineered to eliminate neuronal activity so that no brain junk is formed in the tissues.

It was observed that slow brain waves were seen before being undetectable in these engineered mice. The fluid was not pushed to clear the metabolic waste as the glymphatic system didn’t start. It made clear that neurons had to be active in order for the brain’s self-cleaning cycle to work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQh_WTzsSFAxWXzzgGHeAEAKcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQh_WTzsSFAxWXzzgGHeAEAKcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events</a>

On the other hand, non-engineered mice exhibited faster waves, in order to move the fluid to remove the metabolic waste.

The team also highlighted why previous studies on the same matter didn’t show the same results.

“The experimental methodologies we used here largely avoid acute damage to the brain parenchyma, thereby providing valuable strategies for further investigations into neural dynamics and brain clearance,” the team said in the same study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues.

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed how this system works in a new study, emphasising the need to get sleep at least eight hours every day. Why do we need this system? According to scientists, our brain tissues use energy, and fuel to help us solve problems and memorising things. As the process takes place, some sort of debris is left behind. When we sleep, a process is triggered which ends up removing the debris from brain tissues. The neurons use rhythmic waves to help move cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue, thus flushing away the debris with it. This process is called the glymphatic system. The debris is flushed away through channels located near blood vessels. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × So, if we want to take out the trash from our brains on regular basis, we must ensure we are sleeping for at least eight hours daily. “Neurons serve as master organisers for brain clearance,” the WUSTL research team said in a study recently published in Nature. How was the study conducted? The scientists used engineered mice to experiment. The mice were engineered to eliminate neuronal activity so that no brain junk is formed in the tissues. It was observed that slow brain waves were seen before being undetectable in these engineered mice. The fluid was not pushed to clear the metabolic waste as the glymphatic system didn’t start. It made clear that neurons had to be active in order for the brain’s self-cleaning cycle to work. Also read: Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events On the other hand, non-engineered mice exhibited faster waves, in order to move the fluid to remove the metabolic waste. The team also highlighted why previous studies on the same matter didn’t show the same results. “The experimental methodologies we used here largely avoid acute damage to the brain parenchyma, thereby providing valuable strategies for further investigations into neural dynamics and brain clearance,” the team said in the same study. (With inputs from agencies)

Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows

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