Neuroscience

'Zombie' cells may cause common form of epilepsy - study

The researchers found that clearing away damaged but undying brain cells (known as zombie cells) in mouse models of epilepsy reduced the number of seizures and improved the rodents’ memory.

|ByESTHER DAVIS
High-resolution 3D illustration of a human neuron with glowing axons and synaptic signals, symbolizing brain activity, neuroscience, and neural communication
THE NATURAL HABITAT of Cassiopea andromeda in the Gulf of Aqaba, Eilat.

BIU study reveals that origin of sleeping in humans is deduced from jellyfish, sea anemones

A new study from the multidisciplinary brain research center at Bar-Ilan University found that jellyfish and sea anemones were the first to present one of sleep’s core functions.

|ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
After locating the exact epilepsy focus in her brain, a pacemaker was implanted that detects abnormal electrical activity, neutralizing it before it becomes an epileptic seizure.

Israel performs its first brain pacemaker surgery to stop seizures in epilepsy patient

“If it weren’t for the pacemaker implantation, we would have had to remove the area in the brain responsible for the seizures, with all the medical consequences that accompany such a case.”

|ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Research on the human brain shows that male and female brains develop differently due to early auditory experiences

Scientists unveil first draft of atlas of the developing brain

Among the newly identified brain cell types were some in the neocortex and the striatum region, which controls movement and certain other functions.

|ByREUTERS

Humans continue to experience evolution, natural selection is ongoing - Newsweek

Evolution is occurring at a more rapid rate than ever before, however the drivers of the evolution have changed.

DECEMBER 29, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY Prof. Israel Hershkovitz holds what scientists say are two pieces of fossilized bone of a previously unknown kind of early human discovered at the Nesher Ramla site.

Exposure to tears leads to lower aggression in males - study

Weizmann Institute researchers: Women have a powerful weapon in their eyes against men’s aggression

DECEMBER 21, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Painting of woman – Researchers discover that just like in mice, human tears contain a chemical signal that blocks conspecific male aggression.

Memories of trauma trigger distinct brain activity, say Yale researchers

The results could explain why PTSD patients have difficulty recalling traumatic experiences in a coherent way, and offer an explanation of why these past experiences can trigger disabling symptoms.

DECEMBER 1, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Illustration of a brain.

Israeli research teams win prestigious ERC Consolidator Grants in a variety of fields

The funding will support excellent scientists and scholars at the career stage where they may still be consolidating their own independent research teams.

NOVEMBER 23, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Hebrew University students.

Blinking could provide clues to human response under stress

By analyzing the behavior of politicians and game show contestants, researchers can study human physiology under conditions of stress that would be impossible to reproduce in the lab.

NOVEMBER 19, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Eye

Middle-aged people who eat strawberries daily could reduce their risk of dementia - study

Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that have been offered a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Strawberry picking at Darom Adom

Here's how your brain knows when things don't sound normal - study

The scientists are hoping that this new information could be valuable in treating certain illnesses and selecting individuals with unique sound-related skills.

OCTOBER 31, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
An active neuron (illustrative)