When we learn something new, our brain cells (neurons) communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. If the same group of neurons communicate together often, the connections between them get stronger. This process helps our brains learn and remember things and is known as long-term potentiation or LTP. Another type of LTP occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen temporarily -- anoxia-induced long-term potentiationor aLTP. aLTP blocks the former process, thereby impairing learning and memory. Therefore, some scientists think that aLTP might be involved in memory problems seen in conditions like stroke.
Read more …How does oxygen depletion disrupt memory formation in the brain?
Giving a regular cash payment to the entire world population has the potential to increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 130%, according to a new analysis. Researchers suggest that charging carbon emitters with an emission tax could help fund such basic income program while reducing environmental degradation.
Read more …Basic income can double global GDP while reducing carbon emissions
An international team of scientists has uncovered neural mechanisms used in planning. Its results suggest that an interplay between the brain's prefrontal cortex and hippocampus allows us to imagine future outcomes in order to guide our decisions.
Read more …What's going on in our brains when we plan?