Category Archives: Brain
High Salt Intake, Anxiety, and Aging
The aging processes are related to the functional weakening in the cognitive and cardiovascular aspects. Such changes may be influenced by external stressors such as high dietary salt intake, which may affect the cardiovascular and mental conditions. A study examined … Continue reading
The dynamic brain networks, MRI, and neuroimaging biomarkers
Processes in the cerebral cortex have the nonlinear and dynamic features. Accurate temporal coordination is necessary for the establishment of functional networks and assemblies. The brain is a complex and self-organized system with serial operations involved in highly interconnected networks. … Continue reading
Microglia, Polydendrocytes, Ependymal cells, and the Embryonic Neural Tube
Microglia are macrophages in the brain. Macrophages are the immune cells in the blood and other parts of the body. Microglia can be activated upon neuronal damages or infections, to destroy foreign stuff or pathogens, as well as necrotic tissues. … Continue reading
Glia, Astrocytes, Oligodendrocytes, and Schwann Cells
Glia have a close relationship with neurons but this relationship has not been fully understood. Glia are essential partners to neurons and may influence many functions including neuronal and metabolic activities, neurotransmitter kinetics, as well as the blood flow. Glial … Continue reading
Synapses, Gap Junctions, and Glia: Their Structures, Functions, and Features
Synapses are the regions between the terminal of an axon and the receptors on other cells. Neurotransmitters can bring the messages across the synapses. Synapses can be open or enclosed, large or small. Synaptic inputs can affect the neuron activities. … Continue reading
Structure of the Neurons: Dendrites, Axons, and Membrane Potentials
Types of cells in the nervous system There are two types of cells in the nervous system. One type of cells are called neurons, the other type of cells are called glia. Studies have found that there are about 86 … Continue reading
The Sleep Cycles, Meditation, and Brain Wave Patterns
We exist in our own subjective minds that cannot be separated from our personal perspective, which make it impossible to reach real objectivity. The brain waves during dream sleep are not much different from those during awake. Dream sleep is … Continue reading
Meditation, Brain Waves, and Brain Activities
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an important method measuring the brain waves and the electrical activities of the brain. The slowest waves (about 0.5-2 cycles/second) are called delta waves. Those that cycle about 8-12 times/second are alpha waves. Those that cycle about … Continue reading
Meditation, the Brain, Neurons, and Neurotransmitters
Meditation can help promote health in various dimensions, including physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social. The scientific studies and the scans of the meditating brain found that the blood flow condition may be improved in the brain, with improved … Continue reading
Neuroscience Data and Neuroinformatics
Neuroscience Data and Neuroinformatics Neuroscience Data At least 50% genes of the mammalian genome are expressed by the nervous system (Sutcliffe et al., 1991). To understand brain-related diseases, it is necessary to map and study the expression patterns … Continue reading
Neuroinformatics Software and Ontology Tools
Neuroinformatics Software and Ontology Tools Category Source Name Purposes/Features/Methods Contents Applications URL References Neuroimaging Informatics Tools BrainVisa (BV) For high resolution MR images To quantify global and regional variances About cortical anatomy A plug-in application for structural analysis … Continue reading
Neuroinformatics Databases about the Brain: Different Species
Neuroinformatics Databases about the Brain: Different Species Species Source Name Purposes/Features/Methods Contents Applications URL References Mouse 3D digital atlas database of the mouse brain Lower spatial resolution images were utilized to enhance time efficiency for morphological phenotyping The in … Continue reading
Neuroinformatics Databases about the Brain-Related Diseases
Neuroinformatics Databases about the Brain-Related Diseases Disease Source Name Purposes/Features/Methods Contents Applications URL References Autism National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) A secure database for data sharing, data harmonization, and collaboration in autism spectrum disorder researchers Data from more than … Continue reading
Neuroinformatics Databases for the Structure-Function Studies of the Brain
Neuroinformatics Databases for the Structure-Function Studies of the Brain Category Source Name The Needs/Challenges Purposes/Features/Methods Contents Applications URL References Neuroinformatics Databases about the Brain Structures The Internet Brain Volume Database (IBVD) Available data from neuroanatomic volumetric measurements; Various … Continue reading
Neuroinformatics: An Introduction
Neuroinformatics: An Introduction The challenges in neuroinformatics Challenges in making neuroinformatics databases and tools (Morse, 2008) The variety in spatial scales Various data types Traditional bioinformatics concentrates on Genomic and proteomic data Sequences (DNA, RNA, and protein molecules) Development … Continue reading
Concepts of Cognition, Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
Concepts of Cognition, Thinking, Language, and Intelligence Concepts Contents Related Concepts Cognition Understanding Interpreting Organizing Remembering Problem solving Decision making Creating Mental representations Symbols Language Concepts Images Observational learning Cognitive map Concepts Natural concepts Fuzzy concepts … Continue reading
Memory Stages and Concepts
Memory Stages and Concepts Concepts Explanations Sensory memory The stage that information registers or is “held”, decided by attention. Short-term/working memory The encoding/consolidation process to prepare for storage; the limbic system, esp. the hippocampus is involved, the front lobes … Continue reading
Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, Hypnosis, and Meditation
Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, Hypnosis, and Meditation Circadian Rhythm Relevant Brain Structures Locations Influences Pineal gland Close to the hypothalamus Rapid eye movement (REM) Melatonin (low in the morning, high in the evening) Reticular activating system (RAS) Brain … Continue reading
Perception: Concepts and Theories
Perception: Concepts and Theories Perception: A complex process begins in the brain Perceptual set: A “frame of mind” that expectations affect the interpretation of inputs. Culture and perception: Nature and experience influence our perception, e.g., the … Continue reading
The Eight Senses: Touch, Pain, Balance and Kinesthesis
The Eight Senses: Touch, Pain, Balance and Kinesthesis Types Physical stimulus Equipment Sub-Structures Roles of the Brain Theories Touch Cutaneous receptors for stimuli: pressure, vibration, heat, cold, etc. Hair follicle ending (in the skin): for hair displacement Ruffini … Continue reading
