The human brain's sensitivity to unexpected outcomes plays a fundamental role in the ability to adapt and learn new behaviors, according to a new study by psychologists and neuroscientists.

Metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes appear to share risk factors with and may influence the development of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, according to several reports published in the Archives of Neurology.

Researchers have described the causes for division errors of human tissue cells and how the cells protect themselves against these.

To a growing axon, the protein RGMa is a "Wrong Way" sign, alerting it to head in another direction. As a new study shows, translating that signal into cellular action requires teamwork from two receptors.

Scientists have known for some time that a normal protein in the brain, prion protein (PrP), can turn harmful and cause deadly illnesses like CJD in humans, and BSE in cattle. What they could not explain is why this normal protein is produced by our bodies.

Adolescent girls who view themselves as too fat may display more suicidal behaviors than those who are actually overweight, according to a new study. Although studies have shown a link between obesity, depressive disorders and suicidal behaviors, scientists have now analyzed these indicators in conjunction with an individual's perception of their weight. The study will be published in Social Science and Medicine.