How much mental effort and attention are devoted to each task is usually determined in a split second and without conscious awareness. Now a study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers finds that a structure deep within the brain, believed to play an important role in regulating conscious control of goal-directed behavior, helps to optimize behavioral responses by predicting how difficult upcoming tasks will be.
Read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120624134949.htm
Publication : Human dorsal anterior cingulate cortex neurons mediate ongoing behavioural adaptation. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22722841)
Standard TMS coils are limited to activation of only cortical brain regions, up to a depth of about 1.5 cm. Hence when treating depression with a standard TMS system, the limbic system, which is related to mood regulation and is generally deeper than 1.5 cm, is only indirectly affected.
The unique technology of Brainsway Deep TMS System enables direct non-invasive activation of deep brain structures. Deep TMS is a breakthrough in the search for a non-invasive approach for treating common brain disorders.
More information : http://www.brainsway.com/Brainsway/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=10000&FID=345
In this article, a new study presents hard evidence on how the brain can run out of patience and self control. The fMRI images showed the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC), which is the part of the brain that recognizes a situation in which self-control is needed. However, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) fires with less intensity after prior exertion of self control.
Read more : http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/06/08/brain-imaging-suggests-self-control-can-be-depleted/39897.html
How can we begin to understand the way the brain works? The same way we begin to understand a city: by making a map. In this visually stunning talk, Allan Jones shows how his team is mapping which genes are turned on in each tiny region, and how it all connects up.
Combination of Brain and spine stimulation, and chemical treatment can help to regain the motor function.
MS Research’s hybrid reality system.
Read more : http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/microsoft-researchs-miragetable-brings-some-augmented-reality-t/
Many reserchers have been investgating brain scans, which are acquired by fMRI, PET, EEG, TMS or other devices, to predict consequential behavior. The brain scans can help predict weight gain, according to scientists. This article shows a connection between functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain responses and appetite-driven cues.
Studies show that middle-aged drug abusers often have problems more commonly seen in the elderly, such as memory loss, increased susceptibility to infection, and higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
People addicted to cocaine also perform poorly on tasks that involve an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, such as memory, attention, and reaction time.
Read more : http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2012/04/cocaine-may-age-the-brain.html