Current Trends in Neuroscience

• Scientific research is now providing insights on how to prevent the development of poor reading and all the problems that come with it. Some of the latest work cites evidence suggesting that certain reading instruction regimens can improve the brain function of those with reading woes, enabling them to read better.
• For centuries, knowledge of normal human brain structure and function was rudimentary. Safe, practical ways to study the normal living brain did not exist. But this is changing radically as scientists develop new techniques to visualize the living brain.
• Our genes guide the production of proteins that play important roles in our lives, both good and bad. Unfortunately, on the downside, genes can take part in causing many disorders of the brain and nervous system. Researchers, however, may soon be able to counter this negative aspect with a newly developed technique, gene silencing, which can dramatically reduce problem gene activity and impede the disease process. Following positive research in animals, the technique is now being tested in people.
• In the complex process of memory formation new research is making one family of molecules stand out in the pack of players. Many believe cyclic amp-response element binding protein and its cousins are essential for the process of sealing memories in the mind. They hope that zeroing in on the molecules will lead to therapies that manipulate memory. New drugs would boost memory or possibly dissolve traumatic recollections.
• Your snack choice is more important than you think. New research indicates that in addition to affecting your waistline, food also can influence your brain. Some diets appear to aid mental functioning while others harm it. Altogether the studies show the importance of diet on mental health and also may have implications for those who suffer from certain brain ailments.