Category Archives: Neurosciences, cognitives sciences, neurology and psychiatry

Most of our choices are not motivated by curiosity but by errors caused by the brain mechanisms implicated in evaluating our options.

Scientists have shown that delta waves emitted while we sleep are not generalized periods of silence during which the cortex rests, as has been described for decades in the scientific literature. Instead, they isolate assemblies of neurons that play an essential role in long-term memory formation.

Researchers explain how a neuroscientific approach can be used to more effectively combat gender inequality. The actions taken by the researchers have increased the number of female speakers invited to take the floor at the research center from 25 to 44% in the space of a year and a half, and have increased the number of women in senior roles from 25 to 31%. Their neuroscience-based approach now constitutes an important mechanism for changing attitudes and behaviors. Among other things, their future work will focus on using “nudges”—a technique originating in neuroscience that tries to influence our behavior in our own interest—to improve gender equality. An example for others to follow.

Une étude a permis d’analyser les mécanismes de la lecture à l’œuvre chez les adultes. Les chercheurs ont identifié une région cérébrale du cortex visuel qui serait responsable de la reconnaissance des graphèmes, c’est-à-dire des lettres ou groupes de lettres transcrivant un son élémentaire de la langue parlée (phonèmes).

A study shows that intensive physical training can harm brain capacity, particularly cognitive control.

According to a new study morphological analysis of the cortical sulci could make it possible to identify Alzheimer’s disease in 91% of cases.

An Inserm team has provided the first description of the behavior and language of the neurons responsible for memory consolidation during sleep.

Les ataxies spinocérébelleuses sont des maladies génétiques neurodégénératives du cervelet et du tronc cérébral qui entrainent de nombreux troubles moteurs, et dont la forme la plus connue est la maladie de Machado-Joseph. Une équipe de l’Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière, a découvert avec son équipe le rôle crucial d’une enzyme qui permet d’améliorer les symptômes de la maladie chez la souris.

Une étude montre des effets bénéfiques particulièrement importants du café dans le traitement d’une maladie neurologique orpheline.