There is extensive evidence that brain criticality – the balance between neural excitation and inhibition – enhances its information processing capabilities.

But despite the significance of brain criticality and its potential influence on neurological and psychiatric disorders, the genetic basis of this state had been “largely unexplored”, according to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ biophysics and automation institutes. “We demonstrate that genetic factors significantly influence brain criticality across various scales, from specific brain regions to large-scale networks,” the team said in their paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month.

They also established a link between criticality and cognitive functions, suggesting a shared genetic foundation.

“These findings position brain criticality as a biological phenotype, opening broad avenues for exploring its implications in brain function and potential dysfunctions,” the team wrote.

Brain criticality is characterised by neuronal avalanches, or cascading bursts of neuron activity in brain networks.

“At the critical state, the brain exhibits scale-free dynamics, with avalanches observed across various scales ranging from local networks of individual neurons to the global network of interacting brain areas,” the paper said.

Stores of glucose in the brain could play a much more significant role in the pathological degeneration of neurons than scientists realized, opening the way to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a tauopathy; a condition characterized by harmful build-ups of tau proteins inside neurons. It’s not clear, however, if these build-ups are a cause or a consequence of the disease. A new study now adds important detail by revealing significant interactions between tau and glucose in its stored form of glycogen.

Led by a team from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in the US, the research sheds new light on the functions of glycogen in the brain. Before now, it’s only been regarded as an energy backup for the liver and the muscles.

Amazon is going to put an end to human labour. Yes, it has reached a turning point that will change how we view salaried work forever: robots will outnumber human employees in warehouses around the world. The company that until a few years ago was seen as a major job creator has now said no more human labour, it wants more robots. And yes, it will be the first time that robots outnumber human employees, even though Amazon already has one million machines, from robotic arms to wheeled transporters since 2020.

Layoffs continue and job automation doesn’t seem to be slowing down, because of course, not only does it improve company productivity, but machines don’t get sick, don’t ask for personal days, and don’t demand their labour rights… The data may be very optimistic for Amazon, but workers are seeing their jobs being taken away… and there’s no turning back. Here’s what’s happening inside Amazon’s warehouses.

Isolated for the first time in 1825 this hydrocarbon is now an important raw material in manufacturing dyes, explosives, rubber, phenol and therapeutic chemicals.

This Review discusses the treatment and management of non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults.

Unlock the secrets of fungal computing! Discover the mind-boggling potential of fungi as living computers. From the wood-wide web to the Unconventional Computing Lab, witness the evolution of mushroom technology.

Got a beard? Good. I’ve got something for you: http://beardblaze.com.

Simon’s Social Media:
Twitter: / simonwhistler.
Instagram: / simonwhistler.

Love content? Check out Simon’s other YouTube Channels:

Fiona Cauley ( https://www.fionacauley.com ) is a Nashville-based comedy superstar who uses her comedy for a greater purpose – to raise awareness about her r…

Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MichaelLustgartenPhDDiscount Links/Affiliates: Blood testing (where I get the majority of my labs): https://www.u…

An interaction between two proteins points to a molecular basis for memory. But how do memories last when the molecules that form them turn over within days, weeks, or months?

IN A NUTSHELL Scientists are developing two experimental propulsion methods—nuclear fusion and solar sails—to reach Sedna. Sedna, named after the Inuit goddess of the ocean, offers a rare chance to explore the outer solar system. Exploring Sedna could unlock insights into the early solar system and the formation of celestial bodies.