All articles tagged with #brain plasticity
New Neuron-based research shows SF1 neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus stay active after exercise and are needed for endurance gains; blocking these neurons post-workout prevents improvements, suggesting brain activity after exercise helps the body adapt and use energy more efficiently—potential implications for aging, stroke recovery, and athletic performance.
A US-led Maternal Brain Project tracked brain changes in several mothers from before through after pregnancy using MRI, finding widespread cortical gray-matter loss during gestation with partial rebound after birth and notable shifts in cerebrovascular dynamics. Across 400 brain regions, about 97% showed alterations, suggesting the maternal brain adapts to motherhood rather than deteriorating. The work, involving about 20 participants over 18 months and more than 150 scans, aims to build an open-access database to answer questions about cognition, postpartum mood, and pregnancy complications, and to address historic underrepresentation of women in neuroimaging research.
A small study found that a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin in 28 volunteers produced detectable brain structural changes a month later via diffusion tensor imaging, with reduced diffusion along certain front-to-middle brain tracts, possibly due to fiber pruning or growth of unmyelinated fibers. An immediate surge in brain entropy during the experience correlated with deeper psychological insights and improved wellbeing a month afterward. Findings are preliminary given the small sample size and the indirect nature of DTI measurements, but they contribute to understanding how psychedelics might support mental health.
A small 28-participant study finds that after a 25 mg psilocybin dose, diffusion tensor imaging shows changes in water diffusion along neural fibers—especially in tracts linking the prefrontal cortex with other brain regions—with stronger trips associated with larger changes; about 70% of participants reported improved well-being 2–4 weeks later, suggesting psychedelic-induced brain plasticity, though results are exploratory and require replication in larger trials.
Research shows fatherhood triggers real biological changes: expectant and new dads experience hormonal shifts (lower testosterone and vasopressin, with rises in bonding hormones like oxytocin and prolactin in some cases) and their brains reorganize during pregnancy and after birth. The extent of these changes tracks with how involved dads are in childcare, suggesting biology primes men for parenting. Brain imaging links these shifts to neural adaptations—comparable to adolescence in development—and policy implications favor greater paternal involvement and supportive leave, with studies even tying attentive fathering to better heart health in children over seven years.
A UT Southwestern study shows SF1-producing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus encode a memory of exercise that programs and boosts endurance and metabolic benefits. Blocking these neurons prevents endurance gains, while stimulating them after training pushes past typical plateaus, suggesting the brain acts as a central mediator in exercise adaptation and offering potential therapies to simulate exercise for those with limited mobility.
A study in Communications Biology finds that the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT can induce a hybrid brain state in awake mice, showing slow‑wave sleep activity and OFF periods despite active movement and dilated pupils. This paradoxical wake involves widespread brain networks and a suppression of theta rhythms, with effects modulated by serotonin receptors, suggesting multiple neural pathways. The researchers also report altered motivation, reduced reward seeking after dosing, and a delayed REM rebound, implying potential links between psychedelic effects, sleep regulation, and brain plasticity with therapeutic implications.
Using fMRI with 47 heterosexual men, the study shows the nucleus accumbens encodes a romantic partner differently from friends early in romance, but as relationships endure the neural distinction fades, suggesting a shift from passionate love to companionate love; results are cross-sectional and limited in sample diversity.
Engaging in creative activities like dancing, music, art, or playing strategy video games is linked to a younger-looking brain and slower brain aging, with long-term practice providing stronger benefits. Even short-term creative training can improve brain aging markers, suggesting that regular creative engagement supports neural health and cognitive resilience.
Practicing Tai Chi for eight weeks can lead to significant improvements in brain structure and function, including enhanced memory, focus, and cognitive flexibility, supported by scientific research showing rapid neurological benefits and long-term brain health advantages.
A week-long meditation retreat combining various mind-body techniques led to significant rapid changes in brain activity, immune response, metabolism, and gene expression, demonstrating how consciousness-based practices can positively influence physical health and neuroplasticity, with effects similar to psychedelics, though further clinical research is needed.
A 7-day intensive meditation retreat combining various mind-body techniques led to rapid, measurable changes in brain function, blood chemistry, and immune response, suggesting these practices can significantly impact physical and mental health by enhancing neuroplasticity, pain relief, and immune activity.
A neuroscientist shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction through understanding and harnessing brain plasticity, emphasizing that recovery involves reshaping memories and neural connections, much like the philosophical ship of Theseus, and highlights the importance of connection and positive memories in healing.
Engaging in creative hobbies like painting, gaming, or music can help slow down brain aging by improving brain communication, organization, and protecting key areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, with benefits increasing the more consistently you participate.
A study reveals that Prozac (fluoxetine) not only increases serotonin but also enhances brain plasticity by loosening rigid neural circuits, reducing mitochondrial energy gene expression, and weakening protective nets around neurons, potentially aiding depression recovery.