Scientists identify neural mechanism responsible for chronic pain

 In a new study published in the journal Neuron, scientists from the University of Berne in Switzerland identify a mechanism in the brain they suggest is responsible for chronic pain. The researchers hope that their discovery will lead toward new treatments for chronic pain. 

 "The constant perception of pain severely influences the standard of life of the patients and represents a unprecedented emotional burden," says lead author Thomas Nevian on the Department of Physiology in the University of Bern.

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New study investigates the link between family income and brain development

Researchers at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA, and Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY, have published the findings of a new study that investigates associations between socioeconomic factors and children's brain development in the journal Nature Neuroscience. 

 "While for no reason implying a child's socioeconomic circumstances bring about immutable adjustments to brain development or cognition," says Elizabeth Sowell, PhD, director from the Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, part in the Institute for that Developing Mind at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, "our data declare that wider entry to resources likely afforded because of the more affluent may cause differences in a child's brain structure."

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Exploding head syndrome could affect 1 in 5 young people

Exploding head syndrome might not be a condition that people are familiar with, but according to new research published in the Journal of Sleep Research, a surprisingly high percentage of young people could experience the psychological phenomenon.

The syndrome is seen as an the perception of abrupt exposure to noise when getting out of bed or sleeping. Although typically painless, these noises might cause fear and distress to your person experiencing them, who could possibly be unable to rationalize what has caused their symptoms.

Little is understood about exploding head syndrome though many experts already have suggested how the rare condition primarily affects older adults.

"I didn't believe the clinical lore it would only happen in people into their 50s," says study author Brian Sharpless, PhD, of Washington State University. "That didn't generate a lot of biological sense if you ask me."

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