Important Innovations

Continuous Supply of New Neurons Tied to Lifetime Learning & Memory Source:  University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Brain Image Important Discovery by University of Pennsylvania Medical School Scientists This is breakthrough research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  The scientists have shown for the first time that brain neurons grow and develop over a lifetime from a single population of stem cells in the hippocampus region of the brain.  That region is the brain's center of memory and learning. It's also a key area of reaction to stress and mood adjustments. Why is This Important to You The discovery underscores how a continuous supply of new neurons throughout life is the source of youthful like learning and memory throughout your life.  The discovery was found in research on mice.  And, it sets a new benchmark.  It helps neuroscientists to determine how to enable youthful life brain conditions for memory and learning for all of

All-Night-ers Don't Work Students should make sleep an educational priority.  A good night's sleep is essential for human memory.  Neuroscientists are just starting to understand why.  All-night-ers don't work for exams.  In fact, they're the worst thing you can do. UK Sleep Research Scientists at the Royal Holloway University in the UK have documented that sleep is essential to embedding knowledge in the brain.  Sleep affects memory, especially the recall needed to learn language. To Sleep or Not to Sleep The researchers documented two groups of students learning new vocabulary words.  The group that got a good night's sleep far outperformed the group that pulled-off all night-ers.  The bottom line:  prolonged sleep is actually good for kids and adults.  It's critical for brain function and healthy body rhythms.  And, for students, it's a priority for better test performance and grades.

Gentle Electric Pulse Boosts Memory University of Pennsylvania Innovation Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated that gentle, imperceptible electric impulses passing through the brain improve memory and information retention. 15% Improvement In fact, the electric pulses increase memory and information retention up to 15%.  The electrical stimulation is precisely timed and targeted to the left side of the brain in the left lateral temporal cortex. Real-Time The Penn team developed a system to monitor the brain's activity real-time and trigger stimulation based on the activity.  The electrical pulses are unfelt and at a safe level. Exciting, Personalized Machine Learning Models Twenty five neurosurgical patients being treated for epilepsy participated in the study at clinical sites around the US.  The scientists developed patient-specific, personalized machine learning models. They programmed the stimulator to deliver pulses only when memory was p