scholarly journals God Spots in the Brain: Nine Categories of Unasked, Unanswered Questions

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 468 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. R. Klemm
Keyword(s):  
Academic Discipline ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Brain Scans ◽  
Brain Scan ◽  
Network Operations ◽  
Religious Thoughts ◽  
Self Learning ◽  
The Brain

Neurotheology is an emerging academic discipline that examines mind-brain relationships in terms of the inter-relatedness of neuroscience, spirituality, and religion. Neurotheology originated from brain-scan studies that revealed specific correlations between certain religious thoughts and localized activated brain areas known as “God Spots.” This relatively young scholarly discipline lacks clear consensus on its definition, ideology, purpose, or prospects for future research. Of special interest is the consideration of the next steps using brain scans to develop this field of research. This review proposes nine categories of future research that could build on the foundation laid by the prior discoveries of God Spots. Specifically, this analysis identifies some sparsely addressed issues that could be usefully explored with new kinds of brain-scan studies: neural network operations, the cognitive neuroscience of prayer, biology of belief, measures of religiosity, role of the self, learning and memory, religious and secular cognitive commonalities, static and functional anatomy, and recruitment of neural processing circuitry. God Spot research is poised to move beyond observation to robust hypothesis generation and testing.

The Advancement of Neuroimaging Research Investigating Developmental Stuttering

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deryk S. Beal
Keyword(s):  
Speech Production ◽  
Fast Rate ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Current State ◽  
Developmental Stuttering ◽  
The Brain ◽  
State Of The Field

We are amassing information about the role of the brain in speech production and the potential neural limitations that coincide with developmental stuttering at a fast rate. As such, it is difficult for many clinician-scientists who are interested in the neural correlates of stuttering to stay informed of the current state of the field. In this paper, I aim to inspire clinician-scientists to tackle hypothesis-driven research that is grounded in neurobiological theory. To this end, I will review the neuroanatomical structures, and their functions, which are implicated in speech production and then describe the relevant differences identified in these structures in people who stutter relative to their fluently speaking peers. I will conclude the paper with suggestions on directions of future research to facilitate the evolution of the field of neuroimaging of stuttering.

scholarly journals Role of Immunity in Pathogenesis of Psychosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa Abdelghaffar ◽  
Oussama Sidhom ◽  
Lilia Laadhar ◽  
Rym Rafrafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antineuronal Antibodies ◽  
System Components ◽  
The Brain

The involvement of immunity in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related psychoses was suspected a century ago but was shadowed by the dopaminergic hypothesis after the discovery of antipsychotics. We currently know that this latter theory has many limits and cannot account for the wide variety of psychotic conditions. The immune-inflammatory theory is now one of the most promising axes of research in terms of pathogenesis of several mental health conditions. Immunity and inflammation play a role at least in a subgroup of patients with psychosis. The immune system is complex with a variety of components and mediators that can all have effects on the brain and thus mediate psychiatric symptoms. In this chapter we will explore the scientific evidence of the role of immune system in pathophysiology of psychosis. The sections of this chapter will discuss the role of innate system components (cytokines, microglia, inflammation.), the role of adaptive system (lymphocytes and antibodies) with a section focusing on auto-immunity and particularly antineuronal antibodies. Finally we will discuss how this research can impact patients management and elaborate recommendations for future research.

scholarly journals MRI Brain Classification Using the Quantum Entropy LBP and Deep-Learning-Based Features

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1033
Author(s):  
Ali M. Hasan ◽  
Hamid A. Jalab ◽  
Rabha W. Ibrahim ◽  
Farid Meziane ◽  
Ala’a R. AL-Shamasneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Local Binary Patterns ◽  
Quantum Entropy ◽  
Brain Scans ◽  
Quantum Calculus ◽  
Mri Brain ◽  
Brain Scan ◽  
The Brain

Brain tumor detection at early stages can increase the chances of the patient’s recovery after treatment. In the last decade, we have noticed a substantial development in the medical imaging technologies, and they are now becoming an integral part in the diagnosis and treatment processes. In this study, we generalize the concept of entropy difference defined in terms of Marsaglia formula (usually used to describe two different figures, statues, etc.) by using the quantum calculus. Then we employ the result to extend the local binary patterns (LBP) to get the quantum entropy LBP (QELBP). The proposed study consists of two approaches of features extractions of MRI brain scans, namely, the QELBP and the deep learning DL features. The classification of MRI brain scan is improved by exploiting the excellent performance of the QELBP–DL feature extraction of the brain in MRI brain scans. The combining all of the extracted features increase the classification accuracy of long short-term memory network when using it as the brain tumor classifier. The maximum accuracy achieved for classifying a dataset comprising 154 MRI brain scan is 98.80%. The experimental results demonstrate that combining the extracted features improves the performance of MRI brain tumor classification.

scholarly journals Active interoceptive inference and the emotional brain

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1708) ◽  
pp. 20160007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil K. Seth ◽  
Karl J. Friston
Keyword(s):  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Generative Models ◽  
Predictive Processing ◽  
Clinical Neuroscience ◽  
Autonomic Reflexes ◽  
Embodied Self ◽  
Bodily States ◽  
Theoretical Issues ◽  
The Brain

We review a recent shift in conceptions of interoception and its relationship to hierarchical inference in the brain. The notion of interoceptive inference means that bodily states are regulated by autonomic reflexes that are enslaved by descending predictions from deep generative models of our internal and external milieu. This re-conceptualization illuminates several issues in cognitive and clinical neuroscience with implications for experiences of selfhood and emotion. We first contextualize interoception in terms of active (Bayesian) inference in the brain, highlighting its enactivist (embodied) aspects. We then consider the key role of uncertainty or precision and how this might translate into neuromodulation. We next examine the implications for understanding the functional anatomy of the emotional brain, surveying recent observations on agranular cortex. Finally, we turn to theoretical issues, namely, the role of interoception in shaping a sense of embodied self and feelings. We will draw links between physiological homoeostasis and allostasis, early cybernetic ideas of predictive control and hierarchical generative models in predictive processing. The explanatory scope of interoceptive inference ranges from explanations for autism and depression, through to consciousness. We offer a brief survey of these exciting developments. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health’.

scholarly journals Novel Insight Into the Development and Function of Hypopharyngeal Glands in Honey Bees

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saboor Ahmad ◽  
Shahmshad Ahmed Khan ◽  
Khalid Ali Khan ◽  
Jianke Li
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Hypopharyngeal Glands ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Made In

Hypopharyngeal glands (HGs) are the most important organ of hymenopterans which play critical roles for the insect physiology. In honey bees, HGs are paired structures located bilaterally in the head, in front of the brain between compound eyes. Each gland is composed of thousands of secretory units connecting to secretory duct in worker bees. To better understand the recent progress made in understanding the structure and function of these glands, we here review the ontogeny of HGs, and the factors affecting the morphology, physiology, and molecular basis of the functionality of the glands. We also review the morphogenesis of HGs in the pupal and adult stages, and the secretory role of the glands across the ages for the first time. Furthermore, recent transcriptome, proteome, and phosphoproteome analyses have elucidated the potential mechanisms driving the HGs development and functionality. This adds a comprehensive novel knowledge of the development and physiology of HGs in honey bees over time, which may be helpful for future research investigations.

scholarly journals Placebo effects in cognitive training

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (27) ◽  
pp. 7470-7474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyrus K. Foroughi ◽  
Samuel S. Monfort ◽  
Martin Paczynski ◽  
Patrick E. McKnight ◽  
P. M. Greenwood
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Placebo Effects ◽  
Iq Test ◽  
Point Increase ◽  
The Brain

Although a large body of research shows that general cognitive ability is heritable and stable in young adults, there is recent evidence that fluid intelligence can be heightened with cognitive training. Many researchers, however, have questioned the methodology of the cognitive-training studies reporting improvements in fluid intelligence: specifically, the role of placebo effects. We designed a procedure to intentionally induce a placebo effect via overt recruitment in an effort to evaluate the role of placebo effects in fluid intelligence gains from cognitive training. Individuals who self-selected into the placebo group by responding to a suggestive flyer showed improvements after a single, 1-h session of cognitive training that equates to a 5- to 10-point increase on a standard IQ test. Controls responding to a nonsuggestive flyer showed no improvement. These findings provide an alternative explanation for effects observed in the cognitive-training literature and the brain-training industry, revealing the need to account for confounds in future research.

scholarly journals The case of CAUSE: neurobiological mechanisms for grounding an abstract concept

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1752) ◽  
pp. 20170129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedemann Pulvermüller
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Family Resemblance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Semantic Features ◽  
Abstract Concept ◽  
Abstract Concepts ◽  
Cortical Circuits ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
The Brain

How can we understand causal relationships and how can we understand words such as ‘cause’? Some theorists assume that the underlying abstract concept is given to us, and that perceptual correlation provides the relevant hints towards inferring causation from perceived real-life events. A different approach emphasizes the role of actions and their typical consequences for the emergence of the concept of causation and the application of the related term. A model of causation is proposed that highlights thefamily resemblancebetween causal actions and postulates that symbols are necessary forbinding together the different partially shared semantic features of subsetsof causal actions and their goals. Linguistic symbols are proposed to play a key role in binding the different subsets of semantic features of the abstract concept. The model is spelt out at the neuromechanistic level of distributed cortical circuits and the cognitive functions they carry. The model is discussed in light of behavioural and neuroscience evidence, and questions for future research are highlighted. In sum, taking causation as a concrete example, I argue that abstract concepts and words can be learnt and grounded in real-life interaction, and that the neurobiological mechanisms realizing such abstract semantic grounding are within our grasp.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain'.

Suicide, Serotonin, and the Brain

Crisis ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. van Heeringen
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition ◽  
Biological Psychiatry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Serotonergic Function ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Serotonergic Dysfunction

Summary: The involvement of impaired serotonergic functioning in the development of suicidal behavior is one of the best documented findings in biological psychiatry. It is, however, less clear in which way this dysfunction contributes to the occurrence of suicidal behavior. Correlational studies have demonstrated associations between peripheral measures of serotonergic function and characteristics such as impulsivity, disinhibition, anxiety, and/or behavioral inhibition. Postmortem and neuroimaging studies have provided insight in the localization of serotonergic dysfunction in the central nervous system. Nevertheless, results in this area of research have also been contradictory. Following a short overview of recent research findings on serotonin and suicidal behavior, this paper focuses on the involvement of the prefrontal cortex of the brain in the development of suicidal behavior and on the role of serotonin in its executive functions. Based on these considerations, suggestions for future research are discussed.

Brain Scanning and Cerebral Radioisotope Angiography (CRA) in Children

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 696-703
Author(s):  
Kalbiye Yalaz ◽  
S. Treves
Keyword(s):  
Brain Abscess ◽  
True Positive Rate ◽  
High Yield ◽  
True Positive ◽  
Brain Scans ◽  
Seizure Disorders ◽  
Brain Scan ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Abnormal Brain

The incidence of abnormal brain scans was high in children with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, focal motor signs or meningitis. In patients with seizure disorders, headache (alone) and mental retardation, abnormal brain scan findings occurred in 1%, 2%, and 4% of the cases, respectively; thus the routine use of brain scanning as a screening procedure of the patients may be questionable. The true-positive rate of brain scans in this series was 83%. Cerebral radioisotope angiography (CRA) increased the true-positive rate by 3% when done selectively. Cerebral radioisotope angiography was frequently abnormal in patients referred for early diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents, when the brain scan was most frequently normal. The high yield and sensitivity of brain scanning for diagnosis of brain abscess was confirmed in this study. The brain scan was found very useful in localizing brain abscess for surgical drainage and to assess the results of therapy.

Efficacy of Brain Scanning in Epilepsy of Late Onset

1978 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 92-94
Author(s):  
P. Ramanathan ◽  
R.D. Ganatra ◽  
A. N. Jain
Keyword(s):  
Late Onset ◽  
Screening Procedure ◽  
Brain Scans ◽  
Brain Scan ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Space Occupying Lesion

Brain scans of 513 patients with epilepsy of late onset were analysed with reference to the patient's age and sex and to the nature of convulsion. Only 17 of them showed an abnormal concentration of radionuclide indicating a space-occupying lesion in the brain. The findings of those patients who had positive brain scans were correlated with EEG findings.It was found that the incidence of epilepsy of late onset is almost 3 times higher in males than in females and that the age cannot be considered as a criterion for screening the patients for brain scan investigation as far as epilepsy of late onset is concerned.In our opinion, the incidence of 3.3 % is not too low. A positive brain scan finding calls for further investigation and helps in deciding the management and further line of treatment of the patients. Moreover, a normal scan rules out the presence of a space-occupying lesion and helps as a screening procedure.

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