Cerebrum : the Dana forum on brain science最新文献

When we consider the health and welfare of our children, few issues are of more concern than the risk and consequences of head trauma in sports. From participation in male-dominated football and hockey to girls soccer and softball, repeated impacts to the head that do not produce recognized concussion is the cutting edge of sports head injury research. Our author, a leading researcher in this field, provides the latest on what we know and don't know on this relatively new frontier of neuroscience.

The total cost of Parkinson disease (PD), which affects nearly 1 million people in the US is $52 billion every year, with $25.4 billion attributable to direct medical costs such as hospitalizations and medication, and $26.5 billion in non-medical costs like missed work, lost wages, early forced retirement, and family caregiver time. The more we know about PD's non-motor symptoms-depression, dementia, fatigue, and others-the better we can treat, and perhaps find a cure, for this neurological disorder.

Neuroaesthetics is a new and rapidly expanding field of research that is aimed at the intersection of psychological aesthetics, biological mechanisms, and human evolution. Our author, a pioneer in this young and exciting field, tells us how music, art, theater, dance, literature, landscape, and media have the power to help treat any number of disorders and improve one's quality of life.

Brain-machine interface-once the stuff of science fiction novels-is coming to a computer near you. The only question is: How soon? While the technology is in its infancy, it is already helping people with spinal cord injuries. Our authors examine its potential to be the ultimate game changer for any number of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as behavior, learning, and memory. They take the temperature of where the technology is, where it is going, and the inevitable ethical and regulatory implications.

The silent, often subconscious conversation that is taking place inside us is one of the most vital communications we will ever find ourselves engaged in. It's the dialogue of emotion-based signals between our hearts and our brains, also known as the heart-brain connection. Our author tells us what research has uncovered and some of the keys to a longer, healthier life.

What happens to your brain when you multitask? Does your brain slow down? Do you feel increased levels of stress? Why are some people better at it than others? Our authors supply the answers to some of these questions and provide the latest on what happens to the brain when you try to handle more than one task at a time.

Spinal muscular atrophy is the number one genetic cause of infant death. Until recently, half the babies born with it would die before their second birthdays, their hearts and lungs becoming too weak to continue. Medical care improved the odds somewhat, but new discoveries and therapeutic developments have improved survival rates significantly-and more good news may be on the horizon.

Along with the rising number of people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease (due to longer life spans) come two main concerns: finding remedies and helping them live comfortable and contented lives. Our authors examine the latest research on what is called "retro environments" and "reminiscence therapy," which includes health-care communities that offer elements of nostalgia, as well as music, objects, and photographs from one's past.

Editor's Note: Google "brain games for kids" and you can find apps, board games, puzzles, phonic fun, improvisational games-the list goes on and on for all ages in a billion dollar market. But questions remain: do toys and games improve thinking or IQ, or do they just make a child better at playing the games? Our authors examine the market and give us an inside look at some of the research behind this billion-dollar industry.

While the human brain is hardwired to feel pleasure for basic survival necessities, such as eating and sex, music-although obviously pleasurable-doesn't offer the same evolutionary advantages. So why do we respond to patterns of sounds that disappear in an instant? Why do we belt music from the top of our lungs, learn to play instruments, and empty our bank accounts to see Bruce Springsteen on Broadway? Our author offers some valuable insights.