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from the I've-forgotten-what-I-was-going-to-write-here dept.
Using a 30-year-old brain stimulation technique, scientists have successfully boosted memory performance in healthy adults by zapping a specific bunch of neurons. While it’s unclear at this stage whether the effects will be long-lasting, the researchers are hopeful it could one day be used to treat patients with conditions that affect memory, such as Alzheimer’s. The study has been published in Science.
Brain zapping might sound horrifying, but transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that’s been studied as a potential treatment for various disorders since the 1990s. TMS involves using magnets that are carefully positioned on the scalp to induce weak electric fields; these transient fields then stimulate nearby neurons in the outer layer of the brain called the cortex. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure why it works, it does appear to have positive effects on some patients with depression. The possibility that this technique could affect neuronal circuits involved in memory, however, had not been previously investigated.
Here is a link to the original Northwestern University release.
(Score: 2) by buswolley on Sunday August 31 2014, @03:35PM
This study is creating a lot of excitement in my field.
subicular junctures
(Score: 2) by opinionated_science on Sunday August 31 2014, @04:42PM
well if the stimulation enhances existing pathways that is good. If it creates unknown problems, perhaps we should wait and see!
The gist of this, is we are putting energy into the brain and see what happens...kinda cool, though.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Sunday August 31 2014, @05:37PM
It's also creating a lot of excitement in the patients brains! *rimshot!*
(Score: 3, Funny) by Tork on Sunday August 31 2014, @09:27PM
🏳️🌈 Proud Ally 🏳️🌈 - Give us ribbiti or make us croak! 🐸
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Monday September 01 2014, @04:52AM
By chance, are you working (in) the electromagnetic meadow?
https://www.youtube.com/@ProfSteveKeen https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 1) by Horse With Stripes on Sunday August 31 2014, @06:58PM
Does this mean I should connect a lamp cord to my tinfoil hat every once in a while?
(Score: 2) by Rivenaleem on Monday September 01 2014, @09:03AM
No, connecting it to the foil would just electrocute you, you need to wrap the cord around your head (but otherwise let it do it's job). The coiling of the cord around a metallic core should create a sufficient magnetic field.
(Score: 1) by Horse With Stripes on Monday September 01 2014, @12:03PM
WooHoo! This means I can write off my colander as a medical expense :-)
(Score: 2) by Rivenaleem on Monday September 01 2014, @12:27PM
Remember, if you have placed the colander on your head shortly after use in the religious sacraments, don't forget to dry it thoroughly beforehand. Water and electricity is a dangerous combination.
(Score: 2) by e_armadillo on Sunday August 31 2014, @08:14PM
Big mistake. Sent my wife in, and let me tell you THAT is one time you don't want someone's memory improved . . .
"How are we gonna get out of here?" ... "We'll dig our way out!" ... "No, no, dig UP stupid!"
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday September 01 2014, @10:07AM
:D