Jon Hamilton appears in the following:
Scientists Find A Brain Circuit That Could Explain Seasonal Depression
Friday, December 21, 2018
Research suggests the winter blues are triggered by specialized light-sensing cells in the retina that communicate directly with brain areas involved in mood.
Scientists Improve Mood By Stimulating A Brain Area Above The Eyes
Thursday, November 29, 2018
People with symptoms suggesting depression felt better immediately when tiny pulses of electricity reached a brain area called the lateral orbitofrontal cortex.
Researchers Uncover A Circuit For Sadness In The Human Brain
Thursday, November 08, 2018
When people are feeling glum, it often means that brain areas involved in emotion and memory are communicating. Researchers now have observed the circuit in action in humans.
Active Ingredient In Marijuana Reduced Alzheimer's-Like Effects In Mice
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
In mice genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's symptoms, those given a synthetic version of a chemical in marijuana retained normal memory function.
Neuroscientists Debate A Simple Question: How Does The Brain Store A Phone Number?
Sunday, November 04, 2018
Working memory is where the brain keeps bits of information in everyday life handy. But brain scientists don't agree on how working memory works.
The Underestimated Cerebellum Gains New Respect From Brain Scientists
Thursday, October 25, 2018
A brain structure that helps us walk in a straight line also appears to play a central role in emotional control and decision-making. The findings about the cerebellum challenge years of dogma.
After Paul Allen Co-Founded Microsoft, He Changed Brain Science Forever
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
In 2003, Paul Allen created an institute to figure out how the human brain works. That institute has already made contributions that may turn out to be part of his greatest legacy.
Human Retinas Grown In A Dish Reveal Origin Of Color Vision
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Our ability to see colors develops in the womb. Now scientists have replicated that process, which could help accelerate efforts to cure colorblindness and lead to new treatments for diseases.
A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer's Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit
Monday, October 08, 2018
Alzheimer's prevention specialist Jessica Langbaum says that like most working people she gets plenty of mental exercise without playing crossword puzzles or brain games. She says work is the key.
In Lab Turned Casino, Gambling Monkeys Help Scientists Find Risk-Taking Brain Area
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a brain region in monkeys that influences their desire to take big risks. When this area is inactivated, the monkeys tend to hedge their bets.
Government Study Of BPA Backs Its Safety, But Doesn't Settle Debate
Thursday, September 13, 2018
The plastic additive BPA got a clean bill of health in a two-year government study involving thousands of rats. But scientists worried about BPA's risks say the study has flaws.
Scientists Study Barn Owls To Understand Why People With ADHD Struggle To Focus
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Research on the brains of barn owls suggests that attention problems like ADHD may involve a brain circuit that usually helps us ignore distractions.
Ketamine, A Promising Depression Treatment, Seems To Act Like An Opioid
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
A Stanford research team finds that ketamine's ability to quickly relieve depression may depend on activating the brain's opioid system. The finding raises new questions about the drug's safety.
What Makes A Human Brain Unique? A Newly Discovered Neuron May Be A Clue
Monday, August 27, 2018
The human brain isn't just bigger than a mouse brain. It contains at least one kind of brain cell that isn't found in rodents.
Heavy Weapons Training May Cause Brain Injuries, But The VA Doesn't Cover It
Thursday, July 26, 2018
The Department of Veterans Affairs is trying to figure out how to deal with veterans who may have brain damage from firing powerful weapons.
Marines Who Fired Rocket Launchers Now Worry About Their Brains
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
The military is trying to figure out whether troops can sustain brain injuries from firing certain powerful weapons. Two Marines who used to shoot these weapons think they already know.
Hormone Levels Likely Influence A Woman's Risk Of Alzheimer's, But How?
Monday, July 23, 2018
Scientists are taking a second look at the idea that hormone replacement therapy could reduce a woman's risk of dementia. New research suggests the key may be in giving it at the right time.
Worried About Dementia? You Might Want to Check Your Blood Pressure
Monday, July 16, 2018
A new public health campaign says controlling high blood pressure is among the best ways to keep your brain sharp. The neurologist in charge aims to lead by example.
How Highly Focused Sound Waves Steadied A Farmer's Trembling Hand
Monday, July 09, 2018
Tree farmer Alan Dambach's tremor got so bad he couldn't read his own signature. Then he tried a new procedure that uses sound waves to destroy specific brain cells.
Researchers Find Herpes Viruses In Brains Marked By Alzheimer's Disease
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Two herpes viruses that cause skin rashes in toddlers may accelerate Alzheimer's disease when they infect brain cells. The finding suggests antiviral drugs might help protect the brain.