Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Neuroscience
Reinforcement learning shapes economic preferences in 11 [very different] countries
We sampled economic preferences in 11 countries through decision-making tasks. Option values were either disclosed overtly, or learned through reinforcement learning. Risk and cultural differences conditioned preferences when values were disclosed, but not when learned through trial-and-error.
Early life cold and heat exposure impacts white matter development in children
Brain scans of more than 2500 preadolescents suggest that early life exposure to heat and cold may have lasting impacts on brain white matter. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the vulnerability of foetuses and children to extreme temperatures
Exploring SHANK3 in Neurodevelopment Using Stem Cells and Chemical Biology
Here we delve into our research on Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS), a rare genetic disorder. We focused on SHANK3, an integral protein in neurodevelopment and synaptic function. We explore potential treatment strategies for PMDS, aiming to contribute to drug discovery in neurodevelopmental diseases.
Unveiling Single-Cell Resolution Insights into Epichaperomes in Tissues: Introducing the PU-TCO Clickable Epichaperome Probe
Discovering the secrets of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer at single-cell level precision - the PU-TCO clickable probe illuminates epichaperomes, offering insights into disease mechanisms at a cellular level.
Do Large Language Models reason like us?
We show Large Language Models (LLMs) have become capable of incredible feats of reasoning, previously reserved to humans. Regardless, we bring forth evidence that LLM and human reasoning are not the same, as they respond differently to strategic cues, and are ruled by different biases.
New tricks from old drugs: repurposing the 80s
A paper in Molecular Psychiatry describes a new cell biological mechanism regulated by antidepressants, showing how a single dose of a drug fluvoxamine may open up the brain for drug delivery. Can this finding signal the beginning of a brand new career for the 30+ year-old drugs?
Patients with prefrontal damage less susceptible to sunk cost biases
A new study found that individuals with brain damage to ventromedial prefrontal cortex are less likely to over-persist with goals than healthy people, leading to the surprising result that they behave more 'rationally' in cases where abandoning failing goals leads to better outcomes.
A single wearable sensor combined with machine learning estimates step length in older adults and patients with neurological disorders
We applied machine learning tools to estimate step length from features derived from a single, wearable, lower back sensor in older adults and people with altered gait patterns. Our results highlight the advantages of using machine learning for step length estimation and other related tasks.
