brainmatters: A Pathfinder

This is a computer-generated pathfinder created against the Distant Reader study called brainmatters.

Each Distant Reader study carrel is composed of many individual items. Each item is bibliographically described with author, title, date, summary, and keyword values. Below is a list of the items' most signficant keywords as well as lists of the items themselves. Purpusing the content of this pathfinder provides the student, researcher, or scholar with one way to get their heads around the scope of the carrel. The keywords include:

Copy; Matters; Neuroscience; Stress; Memory; Disease; Children; Cortex; Disorders; Cells; Music; Use; Alzheimer; Language; Adhd; Amygdala; Information; Anxiety; Gene; Learning; Performance; Dopamine; Theory; Development; Effects; Matter; Individuals; Light; Exercise; Psychology; Mice; Disorder; Majoring; Therapy; Personality; Data; Hippocampus; Intelligence; Ptsd; Students; Media; Cell; Consciousness; Treatment; Self; Autism; Syndrome; Right; Design; Impact; Appetite; Atrophy; Ert; Writer; Biomaterials; Table; Bace1; Biochemical; Effect

Depending on how this pathfinder was created, many of the bibliographic sections will include elaborations on the meaning(s) of the given keywords. These elaborations were generated by feeding the items' summaries to a large langauge model and asking the model to address the question, "What is X?", where "X" is the keyword. The result will be a few sentences of elaboration. Be forewarned. The elaborations are often plausible, but they should not be take as truth. Instead, they should be taken as points for consideration.

• Table of Contents by Simmons, Katy (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• About Brain Matters by Simmons, Katy (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• The Role of Multilingualism in the Brain's Developmental Life Span by Gainski, Julia (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• The Effect of Weight Training on Brain Function by Agarwal, Khushi (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• The Science Behind the Guilty Brain and the Future of Neuroprediction by Park, Violet (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Stem Cell Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury by Bashir, Neha (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Exploring Human Memory and Understanding : The Human Tendency of Forgetting by Nair, Delisha (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Neurodegenerative Diseases & Preventatives by Patel, Vyapti (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Comparison of SSRI and SNRI on Their Effects ofRelieving Major Anxiety by Li, Yushan (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• The Impact of Classical Music on Neuroanatomy and Brain Functions by Sharma, Vani (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Botulinum and Pain Relief by Prakash, Ruchi (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Current Developments and Future Possibilities of Glioblastoma Treatment by Martin, Susanna (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Analgesia: The Importance of Pain Relief by Masud, Sarah (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Mediation of Rat's Social Dominance by Medial Prefrontal Cortex Benedict by Yeoh, Benedict; Burch, Rebecca M.; Hinman, James R. (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Immediate Early Gene Expression in D1-SPNs and D2-SPNs During a Striatum-dependent Reinforcement Learning Task by Mu, Cynthia; Shao, Emily; Parker, Jones G. (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Dopamine: The Culprit Behind Alcohol Addiction by Ford, Erin (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Robotic Romance : Psychology Behind Artificial Love by Lu, Megan (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Mind Over Matter: Exploring the Efficacy of Placebo Painkillers by Faith, Kaitlyn (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Current Research Pertaining to the Correlation of Prion Proteins and Alzheimer's Disease by Chitimilla, Rikhil (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Restoring Public Trust in Science and Clearing Up Misconceptions About Alzheimer's Disease Controversies by Smith, Tyler (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Meet the Board by Simmons, Katy (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy
• Brain Matters Writers by Simmons, Katy (2024) - Copy of Volume 7 - Publication Keywords: copy

• Brain Matters Board by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - He looks forward to making Brain Matters an inclusive and engaging scientific committee on campus Shireen Aydogan is a senior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology on a pre- med track and exploring the possibility of an Arabic and Communications minor. Her favorite thing about being the President of Brain Matters has been meeting new people each semester and sharing her passion for neuroscience. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience
• Editors by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - Brain Matters・Volume VII 90 Br ai n M at te rs B oa rd Br ai n M at te rs B oa rd Megan Lu is a Sophomore majoring in Brain & Cognitive Science with a minor in Health Administration and Business. Volume 8 (will be Vol 7 on site) Editors Macy is a freshman at UIUC majoring in Brain and Cognitive Science with minors in Integrative Biology and Music. Keywords: brain; matters
• Brain Matters Writers by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - Brain Matters fuels her interest in writing and acts as a stepping stone for acquiring the necessary skills to publish her own research in the future, as she builds on her scientific knowledge. Isabelle became involved in Brain Matters to learn more about writing scientific articles and innovations in neuroscience. Keywords: brain; hopes; matters; neuroscience
• About by none (2025) - The journal is mainly written for the college community yet is accessible to anyone as Brain Matters is published in an Open Access format by the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. About Brain Matters Brain Matters discusses all things neuroscience, psychology, and biology written by UIUC’s very own. Keywords: matters
• Brain Matters Board by none (2025) - President Brain Matters Board Chief Editor Vice President 77 Praise Kim Praise Kim is the Vice President of Brain Matters and an undergraduate researcher pursuing a BSLAS in Brain and Cognitive Science. Outside of Brain Matters, she is an undergraduate researcher in the Silverman Lab and a member of American Chemical Society. Keywords: brain; lab; matters; neuroscience
• Editors by none (2025) - Praise Kim Praise Kim is the Vice President of Brain Matters and an undergraduate researcher pursuing a BSLAS in Brain and Cognitive Science. Through her involvement with Brain Matters, she hopes to broaden her knowledge and gain deeper insights into the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience
• Writers by none (2025) - Leah joined Brain Matters to get the opportunity to learn and write about new neuroscience research. She joined Brain Matters to investigate how the brain impacts the ways in which we interact with the world around us and stay updated on current research in the field. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience; research
• About by none (2025) - The journal is mainly written for the college community yet is accessible to anyone as Brain Matters is published in an Open Access format by the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. About Brain Matters Brain Matters discusses all things neuroscience, psychology, and biology written by UIUC’s very own. Keywords: matters
• Brain Matters Board by none (2025) - President Brain Matters Board Chief Editor Vice President 73 Praise Kim Praise Kim is the Vice President of Brain Matters and an undergraduate researcher pursuing a BSLAS in Brain and Cognitive Science. Outside of Brain Matters, she is an undergraduate researcher in the Silverman Lab and a member of American Chemical Society. Keywords: brain; lab; matters; neuroscience
• Editors by none (2025) - Praise Kim Praise Kim is the Vice President of Brain Matters and an undergraduate researcher pursuing a BSLAS in Brain and Cognitive Science. Through her involvement with Brain Matters, she hopes to broaden her knowledge and gain deeper insights into the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience
• Writers by none (2025) - Lily became involved in Brain Matters to learn more about the process of writing scientific articles and about current neuroscience research and innovations. Leah joined Brain Matters to get the opportunity to learn and write about new neuroscience research. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience; research
• Brain Matters Writers by Kilikevicius, Laura (2021) - Extra- curricular organizations besides Brain Matters at UNS, include profes- sional development chair at Minorities in Health Sciences and founder of Bandside UIUC a platform for student rock bands. In addition to writing for Brain Matters, Michael is a member of the Illinois Medical Screening Society and plays trumpet for the Marching Illini. Keywords: brain; matters
• Brain Matters Board by Kilikevicius , Laura (2022) - Brain Matters Board Julia Gainski is a junior majoring in Integrative Biology with a minor in German. Brain Matters Board Carolyn is a junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and is currently conducting research in neurochemistry in Dr. Jonathan V. Sweedler’s lab. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience
• Brain Matters Board by Javeri, Rajvi (2022) - He looks forward to making Brain Matters an inclusive and engaging scientific committee on campus Design Board* 3 Br ai n M at te rs B oa rd *Due to publishing delays, Volume 5 was designed by the design board team from the 2022-2023 academic year Katy is a Junior in Brain in Cognitive Science, soon to be an MCB major with a certificate in neuroscience! Apart from her role in Brain Matters as a writer, and recently appointed Design Team member and Editor, She is a research assistant in the Physical Activity and Neurocognitive Health Lab, as well as the Evolutionary Immunology and Genomics Laboratory. Keywords: brain; majoring; matters; neuroscience
• Brain Matters Board by Javeri, Rajvi (2023) - He looks forward to making Brain Matters an inclusive and engaging scientific committee on campus Zainab Hashmi is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Information Science with a minor in computer science. She is the Public Relations Chair and a writer for Brain Matters. Keywords: brain; majoring; matters; neuroscience
• About Brain Matters by Javeri, Rajvi (2023) - Authors come from diverse backgrounds, such as computer science and engineering majors. The journal is mainly written for the college community yet is accessible to anyone as Brain Matters is uploaded as an Open Access Journal format by the University Library. Keywords: matters
• Meet the Board by Kilikevicius, Laura (2023) - She is the Public Relations Chair and a writer for Brain Matters. My name is Sneha Mittal and I am the Treasurer and an Editor for Brain Matters. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience
• About the Writers by Kilikevicius, Laura (2023) - 46 Br ai n M at te rs W ri te rs Brain Matters Volume VI Br ai n M at te rs W ri te rs Bilal is an undergraduate student currently studying Biomolecular Engineering on a pre-med track. She is involved in Brain Matters as a design team member, editor, and writer. Keywords: brain; matters; neuroscience; psychology
• About Brain Matters by Kilikevicius, Laura (2023) - Sponsors The Undergraduate Neuroscience Society (UNS) sponsors the Brain Matters journal. The journal is mainly written for the college community yet is accessible to anyone as Brain Matters is uploaded as an Open Access Journal format by the University Library. Keywords: matters
• About Brain Matters by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - The journal is mainly written for the college community yet is accessible to anyone as Brain Matters is published in an Open Access format by the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. About Brain Matters Brain Matters discusses all things neuroscience, psychology, and biology written by UIUC’s very own. Keywords: matters

• Editor's Note by Bukhari, Fiza (2019) - He is very excited to introduce “Brain Matters” to the UIUC community and hopes to broaden undergraduate interest in the field! She is thrilled to be working on “Brain Matters” and hopes to broaden the knowledge of current neuroscience research across campus. Keywords: editor; neuroscience
• About Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal and Undergraduate Neuroscience Society by Bukhari, Fiza (2019) - Events such as Brain Awareness week and fundraisers for the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation are held. 16 Address and Contact information here: uiucundergradneurosociety@gmail.com About Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal and Undergraduate Neuroscience Society Keywords: neuroscience
• Outcomes in Neuroscience Education: Modular Theory and Network Theory by Romanchek, Thomas (2020) - These ablations, however, caused varied deficiencies and behavioral abnormalities suggesting that some interplay did still exist between brain regions and behavior (Yildirim & Sarikcioglu, 2004). Positron emission tomog- raphy (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (Figure 4) allowed scientists to observe the brain in action and directly measure the activ- ity of brain regions through the circula- tion and exchange of blood and oxygen. Keywords: brain; figure; neuroscience; regions; theory
• About Brain Matters & Meet the Editorial Board by Bukhari, Fiza (2020) - She is thrilled to be working on “Brain Matters” and hopes to broaden the knowledge of current neuro- science research across cam- pus. She is delighted to collaborate and learn with the other students behind “Brain Matters”. Keywords: neuroscience
• Table of Contents by Kilikevicius , Laura (2022) - Table of Contents How to Improve Memory.....................................................................................................................1 Andrew Zhang Consumer Neuroscience: The use of neuroscience techniques to create better advertising..............................................................6 Nicole Chilibovytsch Origins of Excersize-Induced Neurogenisis...............................................................................9 Sanjana Venkatarman The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Brain Health................................14 Emma Ibanez Unraveling Human Intelligence.....................................................................................................17 Julia Gainski Keywords: neuroscience
• Consumer Neuroscience: The use of neuroscience techniques to create better advertising by Chlibovytsch, Nicole (2022) - Analysis of the techniques, their effectiveness, and what exactly they can do is important in determining where the boundaries of consumer neuroscience should lie. While there are accuracy benefits involved with consumer neuroscience, there are also possible ethical drawbacks in employ- Keywords: consumer; neuroscience; use
• Brain Matters Writers by Javeri, Rajvi (2023) - She is very excited to share her passion for neuroscience through Brain Matters! In addition to writing for Brain Matters, Hanifa is currently researching the effect of AVP on the brain's glymphatic system in Dr. Martha Gillette's lab. Keywords: brain; neuroscience

• Impact of Meditation on Brain Function by Chandola, Anika (2025) - Specifically, MRI scans revealed that engaging in mindfulness meditation can increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in emotional control and decision-making. The techniques included transcendental meditation, mindfulness meditation, and a breath work relaxation program which were to be practiced twice a day for 20 minutes for 12 weeks. Keywords: brain; effects; meditation; mindfulness; stress
• Survival vs. Cognition: Stress Mechanisms in Humans vs. Animals by Srivastava, Pravika (2025) - How do glucocorticoids influence stress responses? Figure 2 illustrates this process, showing how animals pass through an ordered cascade of physiological and behavioral responses to perceived danger, and recovery or chronic stress outcome in relation to their capacity to recover homeostasis. Keywords: animals; axis; brain; humans; response; stress
• The Cognitive Neuroscience of Moral Decision-Making in Extreme Situations: High-Stress or Life-Threatening Scenarios by Yang, May (2025) - Empirical Evidence: Studies on Stress and Moral Choices Several laboratory experiments have revealed decisive evidence of how moral decision-making is distorted by stress. This seamless interaction explains how humans can make complex moral decisions even when faced with imminent danger. Keywords: amygdala; brain; cortex; decision; making; stress
• The Influence of Maternal Stress on a Child's Development in the Womb and the Long-term Effects on the Child's Neurodevelopment and Mental Health by DiVito, Alexa (2025) - They found that moderate to high objective prenatal maternal stress is associated with poorer intellectual and language functioning at the age of two when scientists examined interactions between trimester of exposure and severity of ice storm stress. Maternal stress does not only affect the mother but the fetus as well, especially during their development and later life. Keywords: brain; children; development; stress
• Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression: Etiology and Interplay of Structural and Functional Brain Changes by Merz, Sylvia (2025) - Written by Sylvia Merz Abstract Introduction Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mood disorder that affects approximately 10-15% of new mothers, manifesting as mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and difficulty bonding with the infant (Epperson et al., 2014). Furthermore, the effects of PPD can persist well beyond the postpartum period, with women reporting increased risks of future depressive episodes and impaired functioning in social and occupational domains (Elliott et al., 2021). Keywords: brain; depression; ppd; stress
• Neural Pathways of Anxiety by LaLonde, Luke (2019) - Another type of anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is characterized by constant and excessive uneasiness about routine life circumstances. This is noteworthy because anxiety disorders, GAD in particular, are a result of prolonged overactivity of the amygdala, which causes the brain to be in a constant state of fear or anxiety (Patriquin, 2017). Keywords: anxiety; brain; gad; stress
• Neurological Benefits of Mindfulness by Wu, Victoria (2019) - Incredibly, mindfulness meditation not only lowers the feelings of fear in those with anxiety disorders but also raises the quality of life in patients with depression. Focused breathing is a method of mindfulness meditation that requires sustained attention to the body and present moment. Keywords: anxiety; attention; brain; meditation; mindfulness; stress
• Impact of Gestational Period Stress and Early Life Stressors on Child Development by Patel, Karishma (2022) - While prenatal stress can enhance child development, it is the nature, magnitude, chronicity, timing of the stress, and the pregnant mother’s biological/psychological response to the stress that will determine it as deleterious or not (Buss et al., 2012). Effects of early life stress on cognitive and affective function: an integrated review of human literature. Keywords: children; stress

• The Effects of Physical Exercise on Memory and Cognitive Functions by Singh, Navi (2025) - In conclusion, the evidence in the current neuroscience literature strongly supports that physical exercise has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function and also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognitive- behavioral impairments and brain-derived neurotrophic factor alteration in the limbic system induced by neurodegeneration. Keywords: activity; brain; exercise; memory
• Brain Development of Schizophrenic Patients by Zinger, Bailey S. (2019) - Gray matter loss leading to disrupted belief in schizophrenia patients may explain why those with the disease become confused about what is real versus imaginary, and that the familiar begins to feel strange in the effect of derealization 7 or depersonalization. Due to the complex nature of the disorder, two leading theories of schizophrenia onset have been considered, but there is not yet one sure method to diagnose and treat individuals with the disorder. Keywords: cannon; disorder; memory; schizophrenia; t.d
• The Origin, History and Science of Memory by Doherty, Neil (2019) - In other words, when someone with Capgras Syndrome catches up with an old friend, they fail to recognize the friend cognitively, however they unconsciously feel the typical emotions they would around said friend, indicating that emotional memory might be processed separately from conscious memory, only to interweave with consciously streamlined data in the fusiform gyrus. The problem, however, presents a surprising revelation: emotional memories are separable from conscious activity. Keywords: brain; consciousness; cortex; february; memories; memory; system
• How to Improve Memory by Zhang, Andrew (2022) - For example, in a neuro- logical study conducted on memory atheletes and control participants, those who utilized the method of loci performed significantly better than other strategies, like active or passive learning, even up to at least 4 months later (Dresler et al., 2017). In an fMRI scan done on the participants, during memory consolidation and retrieval, those who trained with memory of loci had heightened activity between visual lobes, temporal lobes, and default mode networks (Dresler et al., 2017). Keywords: doi; information; learning; memory; vol
• Unraveling Human Intelligence by Gainski, Julia (2022) - Fluid intelligence demonstrates the ability to solve problems through abstract thinking and reasoning. Accordingly, crystallized intelligence reaches its apex typically between the age range of 60 to 70 years old while fluid intelligence has the potential to reach its climax around the age of 20 years old and consequently begin to level off following this age (Trafton 2015). Keywords: age; brain; education; fluid; individual; intelligence; memory; network; separation
• How To Improve Memory by Zhang, Andrew (2022) - In one experiment (Snyder et al., 2005), rats were tested on a water maze. Compared to normal rats, those with their hippocampus damaged through irradiation performed significantly worse in the water maze only after a few weeks, and showed decreases in BrdU in neurons, meaning less formation of new neurons (Snyder et al., 2005). Keywords: brain; information; learning; memory; vol
• Olfactory Responses by Memory by Kilikevicius, Laura (2023) - Since the glomeruli, nerve ending bulbs found in the olfactory bulb, are unique to interactions with different smells, our perception of smell is highly dependent on how well they are activated and in what order. Since the glomeruli, nerve-ending bulbs found in the olfactory bulb, are unique to interactions with different smells, our perception of smell depends on how well they are activated and in what order. Keywords: brain; memory; odor; olfactory; smell

• The Use of MRI for the Early Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease by Akindulurni, Joy (2025) - AD symptoms are categorized based on early, moderate or late stages. Progression of the atrophy is also later seen in the Medial Temporal Lobe (MTL) and entorhinal cortex which later results in deficits in executive functioning and memory loss for AD patients. Keywords: alzheimer; disease; mri
• Impacts of Lifelong Bilingualism on Neurodegenerative Diseases by Nam, Esther (2025) - Active Model - Cognitive Reserve and Compensation The active model currently involves two subtypes of reserve: cognitive reserve and compensation. Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the way an individual approaches a task in terms of the networks and resources the brain uses in the moment, hence “active.” Keywords: bilingualism; brain; cognitive; disease; et al; language; reserve
• Symptoms and Possible Causes Cures for Parkinsons Disease by McHenry, Michael (2021) - Currently, the most common treatments for Parkinson’s are drugs that raise dopamine levels with- in the patient’s brain. While they are somewhat effective, to- day’s Parkinson’s treatments are only able to lessen the symptoms of the disease, as they cannot attack the root causes of the disease. Keywords: disease; parkinson
• The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Brain Health by Ibanez, Emma (2022) - Sleep deprivation is widespread among adults and teenagers alike, so the effects of sleep deprivation can also negatively impact performance in school and work settings. In addition to individual habits, sleep disorders are also a major factor in sleep deprivation. Keywords: brain; deprivation; disease; disorders; insomnia; light; sleep
• The Future of Neuroregeneration by Mohammed, Hanifa (2023) - Now that the transgenic mice had a build up of amyloid plaques Fujiwara et al. implanted human iPSC into these mice and attempted to regenerate cholinergic neurons, common nerve cells that serve as acetylcholine neurotransmitters, to ascertain the role iPSC cells may have in reversing the buildup phenotype. In order to study how iPSCs could reverse the effects of amyloid plaques, a study by Fujiwara et al., treated transgenic mice with amyloid plaque build up with an iPSC therapy. Keywords: disease; et al; ipscs; neurons
• Alzheimer's and Microbes by Meskovich, Casey (2023) - The Link Between Alzheimer Disease and Herpes Simplex Virus Infection: Better Late Than Never, or Better Never Than Late? National Library of Medicine. Now, Itzhaki’s work is the backbone of an ongoing, cutting-edge trial on antiviral treatments for Alzheimer’s at Columbia University. Keywords: alzheimer; disease; march; virus

• The Difference Between Children's Learning Abilities With and Without ADHD by Rupp, Leah (2025) - Conclusion By studying gray matter and GABA, ADHD medication can better target what is exactly causing ADHD. For children six years and younger it is recommended to try behavior therapy rather than start ADHD drugs (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Keywords: adhd; children; cleveland; clinic
• Language Acquisition Device and the Origin of Language by Sobecks, Briana (2020) - According to support- ers of cognitive language development, children use innate perceptual and cognitive skills to learn language, but these skills are not language-specific, since they allow children to earn other interpersonal communication skills. Since people can say and understand unique sentences, language ability must transcend pure conditioning. Keywords: children; grammar; language; patterns
• The Academic Advantages of a Bilingual Brain by Ibanez, Emma (2023) - Inhibition tests like the Advanced DCCS from the Carlson and Meltzoff study found that bilingual children were better than monolingual children in evaluating conflicting information through suppression of a previously learned 8Brain Matters・Volume V Issue ii concept to adapt to the new requirements of a task. In the collected data, bilingual children made fewer mistakes than monolingual children in choosing the right response, meaning that they were better able to inhibit a conflicting response by remembering the game rules and applying them to the provided stimulus. Keywords: bilinguals; children; executive; language
• The Neurobiology Behind the Making of the Antisocial Personality Type by Patel, Vyapti (2023) - It is actually considered normal for children to express aggression and certain antisocial behavior when they are young, because they have yet to get a sense of the world around them, and understand what is socially appropriate and what is not. This personality type “stems from brain abnormalities” and has a lot to do with “dysfunctions in select parts of the brain” according to the research suggested in the article, The neuropsychology of antisocial personality disorder (Fitzgerald, 2007). Keywords: amygdala; child; children; individuals; personality; personality type; type

• Adaptive Plasticity of the Colorblind Brain: A Model for Sensory Compensation by Kohut, Yuliia (2025) - Mechanisms of Color Vision The physiology of color vision is thought to be the same across all species, yet scientists still have much to uncover. At its core, color vision relies on our brain's ability to analyze the energy and frequency of light scattered by an object, using opsins—light-activated protein receptors— embedded in cell membranes of photoreceptor cells. Keywords: blindness; brain; color; cortex; individuals; isherwood; light; plasticity; vision
• The Thalamic Bridge to Cognition and Consciousness by Issa, Lina (2023) - This further promotes categorization of thalamic nuclei as either ‘first-order’ (FO) or ‘higher-order’ (HO) based on where they receive their driving input from. Figure 1: Thalamic nuclei. Keywords: cortex; nuclei; order; thalamus
• Fine tuning Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) treatment with Music-Based Interventions (MBI): An anatomical overview by Acosta, Celeste (2025) - The scans showed increased blood flow to the areas ventral striatum, midbrain, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and ventral medial prefrontal cortex (also involved in music memory), which were previously known to be activated during in response to “euphoria-inducing stimuli” (Blood et al., 2001). Music processing in the human brain is a dynamic and complex interplay of sensory, cognitive, and emotional functions that promotes healthy amounts of brain activity. Keywords: alzheimer; brain; cortex; music; processing

• Interview with Two Professors by Mae Huner, Brianna (2025) - An estimated 3-4% of the population suffers from schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Similar to anxiety and depression, which are generally accepted to be experienced both clinically and subclinically, symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorder can be observed on a lower impairment level among those who do not fit the criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Keywords: disorders; hippocampus; prof; rhodes; schizophrenia; symptoms
• Genetic Research and its Revolutionary? Contributions to Schizophrenia Prevention by Mae Huner, Brianna (2025) - While it was originally believed that genetic research such as molecular genetics, linkage analysis, genome wide association studies, and more would be the key to understanding the etiology of schizophrenia, this was found to be inaccurate, but that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. This pharmacological discovery has improved the lives of schizophrenia patients dramatically and has shifted the typical symptomology observed in this disorder. Keywords: causes; disorders; genome; research; schizophrenia
• The Overlap Between Neuroscience and Psychiatry: An Exploration of the Effectiveness of Neurological Applications in Treating Psychiatric Disorders by Bishka, Michelle (2023) - Remission post-treatment is common, with many individuals undergoing a series of ECT treatments to manage their symptoms over time (McKenna, 2021). Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28297593/ improve when ECT treatment is coupled with medication (Youssef & McCall, 2014) or psychotherapy (McClintock et al., 2011), specifically in treating severe depression. Keywords: december; depression; disorders; ect; psychotherapy
• Astrocytes and Their Role in Psychiatric Disorders by Srivastava, Pravika (2025) - The understanding of astrocytes and their relation to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder is constantly evolving. Targeting astrocytes in the development of therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders is an emerging avenue of exploration. Keywords: astrocytes; disorders; neurotransmitter; schizophrenia

• The Detrimental Effects of Aberrant Regulation on the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway by Aldrich, Emily (2025) - No. 2 Written by Emily Aldrich The Detrimental Effects of Aberrant Regulation on the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway ...the dysregulation of the Hh signaling pathway may lead to a variety of diseases and disorders, including tumorigenesis of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor. Several studies support the hypothesis that malignant tumors are initiated and maintained by cancer stem cells (Tan et al., 2006; Xie et al., 2022). Keywords: cells; hedgehog; pathway; signaling
• Alcoholic disruption of function in neurophysiological pathways and retrogressive development in size and capability of cognitive neurobiological structures through continual exposure by Bautista, Juan (2021) - Immediate and prolonged effects of alcohol exposure on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis in adult and adolescent rats. The high preva- lence among young adults is particularly dangerous be- cause their brains are still developing and alcohol may accelerate some deleterious effects and disrupt synaptic rearrangement of the later stages of neural maturation. Keywords: alcohol; brain; cells; dehydrogenase; enzymes; health; liver; water
• Ependymoma Tumor Diagnosis: Pathophysiology and Prognosis of Pediatric and Adult Patients by Jones, Christopher (2023) - Brain tumors are a collection of neoplasms that arise either from within the brain itself, or from systemic tumors that have metastasized to the brain. Symptoms of Brain tumors include seizures, headaches, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Keywords: adult; brain; cells; ependymomas; patients; tumor
• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy in the Spine - Recent Advancements and Possible Applications: A Review by Kennedy, Harrison (2025) - As found by Yuan-haun Ma et al., the use of genetic modifications and tissue engineering like biomaterial scaffolding, produced greater functionality and motor rehabilitation in animal spine models (Xia et al., 2023). With the recent increase of interest in stem cell therapies, many Phase I studies, reports, and reviews have been published; however, significant clinical data is yet to be attained. Keywords: cells; cord; et al; mscs; sci; spinal; stem; therapy; tissue
• Glioblastoma Multiforme: Challenges and Advancements in Treatment by Meskovich, Casey (2025) - GBM presents difficulties in treatment due to the delocalization of tumor cells, inherent resistance to most cancer drugs, and the limited capacity of the brain to repair itself. As a result, tumor cells and antigens can enter the lymphatic system and be transported to nearby lymph nodes (Koukourakis & Giatromanolaki, 2022). Keywords: brain; cancer; cells; gbm; ncbi; tumors

• Symphonies vs. Silence: How Does Music Affect Work Performance? by Masud, Sarah (2025) - Music use was determined using fifteen questions from Chamorro-Premuzic and Furnham’s 2007 study, which consisted of five questions for each use of music. Age, interestingly, showed a negative relationship to all three uses of music, indicating that music use during work may decrease as people grow older. Keywords: music; performance; use
• Table of Contents by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - 14 Revolutionizing Treatment: Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Hurler Syndrome Krisha Agarwal...............................................................................17 Unraveling the Links Between Synesthesia and Autism Sarah Masud..................................................................................21 Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy in the Spine - Recent Advancements and Possible Applications: A Review Harrison Kennedy...........................................................................26 Inside Out: A Brain’s Tale of Introverts and Extraverts Krisha Agarwal...............................................................................33 Optical Illusions: What Are They, and Why Do They Occur? Ananya Sampathkumar....................................................................36 The Interplay of Cognitive and Emotional Control in Autism Spectrum Disorder Kaitlyn Tuvilleja .............................................................................39 Brain Matters・Volume VII i About the Writers..............................................................93 Meet the Board..................................................................85 Understanding Common Personality Disorders: the Neurological Basis of OCD, NPD, and BPD Isabelle Afshari......................................................................52 Swearing and the Brain: A Cultural and Emotional Experience Vraj Patel..............................................................................60 Can Expressing Gratitude Make You Happier & Healthier? Vani Sharma..........................................................................56 The Use of MRI for the Early Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease Joy Akindulureni....................................................................63 How the Brain Creates Predictive Models of the Environment Glioblastoma Multiforme: Challenges and Advancements in Treatment Casey Meskovich....................................................................42 Practical Applications of The Circadian Rhythm Erin Ford..............................................................................47 Brain Matters・Volume VII ii Kaitlyn Tuvilleja.....................................................................67 Symphonies vs. Silence: How Does Music Affect Work Performance? Keywords: brain; music
• Amusia: The Science Behind Tone Deafness by Aldrich, Emily (2025) - To learn more about the genetic underpinnings of congenital amusia, researchers began to study self-identified amusic individuals who also did poorly on the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA), a test to determine the level of musical capability one has by assessing scale, contour, interval, rhythm, metric, and music memory–all components of music processing (Nunes-Silva & Haase, 2012). Congenital amusia, often referred to as “tone deafness”, is a disorder present at birth that is characterized by the impairment of musical perception. Keywords: amusia; brain; doi; music; pmid

• Neural Mechanisms of Smartphone Use, ADHD, and Dopamine Dysregulation: Implications for Cognitive Function and Attention by Sharma, Vani (2025) - This article discusses the interaction between dopamine dysregulation caused by smartphone use and neural mechanisms of ADHD, with special reference to cognitive functioning and attentional control. Neural Mechanisms of Smartphone Use, ADHD, and Dopamine Dysregulation: Implications for Cognitive Function and Attention Neuroanatomical Foundations of Attention Dysregulation ADHD and chronic smartphone use have been correlated with structural as well as functional changes within brain regions crucial for attentional control. Keywords: adhd; brain; dopamine; smartphone; use
• Can We Train Our Brains to Break Social Media Addiction? by Goswami, Meha (2025) - Understanding how social media manipulates these neural pathways is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce dependence and restore healthy digital habits. The Neuroscience of Social Media Addiction To fully grasp the addictive nature of social media, it is important to explore the underlying neural mechanisms that sustain compulsive digital behaviors. Keywords: addiction; brain; media; use

• The Potential of Hybrid Models in Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Combining Neural Networks and SVMs for Enhanced Accuracy by Iqbal, Rayyan (2025) - In one study using a dataset of healthy individuals, those with early Alzheimer’s, and those with late-stage Alzheimer’s, a CNN model called ResNet-18 achieved an impressive 96.85% accuracy in distinguishing between different stages of the disease based on MRI and PET scans (Odusami et al., 2021). Hybrid Models: Combining Neural Networks and SVMs for Enhanced Accuracy In recent years, hybrid models that combine convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) have gained attention in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, offering a more comprehensive approach to early detection and classification (Li 2023). Keywords: alzheimer; cnns; data; hybrid; models; networks; svms

• The Duality of Languages: Bilingualism and Its Effects on the Brain by Baez, Estefania (2023) - Shared and separate systems in bilingual language processing: converging evidence from eyetracking and brain imaging. In addition, bilingual individuals experience a specific pattern of brain activity when switching from one language to another- dubbed ‘codeswitching’. Keywords: brain; language; matter; tasks

• Understanding the Genetics of ADHD by Kremitzki, Meredith (2025) - Promising ADHD Genes Despite the lack of specific data on the genetic cause of ADHD, there has been a lot of research investigating certain genes and pathways that could be involved. Holland, J., Sayal, K. Relative age and ADHD symptoms, diagnosis and medication: a systematic review. Keywords: adhd; dopamine; gene; heritability; studies
• The Differences between ADHD Brains vs. Non ADHD Brains by Gainski, Julia (2020) - There are many common misconceptions between differentiating ADHD brains and non ADHD brains, the cause of which largely stems from the stigmatization of men- tal health disorders. These differences be- come less and less distinct over time as opposed to the dras- tic differences seen between children with ADHD brains in comparison to children who do not have ADHD. Keywords: adhd; brain; differences; study

• Fear on Repeat: Examining the Impact of PTSD on the Amygdala by Wang, Micah (2025) - However, studies that have shown differences in amygdala volume in those with PTSD fail to draw a conclusive correlation between amygdala volume and the onset of PTSD (Pieper et al., 2020; Ousdal et al., 2020). Abnormal amygdala volumes in adolescent PTSD patients. Keywords: amygdala; brain; ptsd
• Isolation - How it Affects Fear Responses and Anxiety by Sampathkumar, Ananya (2025) - Understanding social isolation and its effects on the brain is crucial to learning more about the sociability of human beings, as well as how social anxiety can be caused or affected by interactions with others. How Social Isolation Changes the Amygdala: Social isolation can cause the brain to undergo neural plasticity, or the changing and adaptation of the brain. Keywords: amygdala; anxiety; brain; effects; isolation; pandemic

• Biological Neural Networks as the Forefront of AI Processing by Lin, Edward (2025) - But the benefits of such computational systems are apparent and mitigate the flaws of current information processing systems in computers. Finding a way to incorporate the brain directly into computing may create novel algorithms to meet the increasing demands of information processing. Keywords: bnn; brain; information; processing
• Optical Illusions: What Are They, and Why Do They Occur? by Sampathkumar, Ananya (2025) - Optical illusions, also called visual illusions, are a phenomenon that occurs when the perception of something differs from the actual reality of it ( Yoshimoto, et al. 2021). The mechanisms of the visual system behind visual illusions: From eye to brain. Keywords: brain; illusions; information

• Using Cognitive Therapy Methods to Treat Musical Performance Anxiety by Masud, Sarah (2023) - Copy of Volume 6 - publication Using Cognitive Therapy Methods to Treat Musical Performance Anxiety Sarah Masud When it comes to exams, public speaking, and completing tasks in general, performance anxiety appears to be a common experience. The difference is that social anxiety is broadly concerned with embarrassment and humiliation in social situations while individuals with performance anxiety specifically fear the consequences of performing poorly. Keywords: anxiety; performance; thought

• Antisense Oligonucleotides Mediated Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disease by Nayak, Apurva (2022) - ASO strategies utilize synthetic oligonucleotides which bind to the target mRNA by Watson-Crick hybridization and can either promote or inhibit the degradation of this RNA, leading to a knock down of gene expression. ASO strategies utilize synthetic oligonucleotides which bind to the target mRNA by Watson-Crick hybridization and can either promote or inhibit the degradation of this RNA, leading to a knock down of gene expression. Keywords: antisense; asos; expression; gene; target; therapies
• Can Gene Editing Be The Key to Treating Alzheimers? by Kulkarni, Saani (2023) - A significant positive towards gene editing would be the failure of other treatments to surpass the blood-brain barrier; however, gene therapy has the ability to surpass such obstructions. Due to the precision of gene editing and the nature of the disease, teams worldwide have been examining the potential to treat Alzheimers using a variety of gene editing techniques. Keywords: amyloid; editing; gene; protein; target
• Revolutionizing Treatment: Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Hurler Syndrome by Agarwal, Krisha (2025) - Recently, a new form of gene therapy, Proprietary System (PS) gene editing, has shown promising results in mice as a treatment method, as concluded by researchers at the University of Minnesota. However, amidst the promises of gene therapy lie inherent risks. Keywords: brain; gene; hurler; idua; mps; syndrome; therapy

• How the Brain Creates Predictive Models of the Environment by Tuvilleja, Kaitlyn (2025) - Dissecting the way the brain constructs predictive models of the environment at distinct ages is crucial for developing enhanced educational practices: this paper examines the development of predictive cognitive models from infancy through adulthood using neurological studies, highlighting their implications for enhancing educational strategies and adaptive behaviors. Adult brain learning is also examined through two types: model-free learning (trial and error) and model-based learning (implementing predictive models). Keywords: brain; infants; learning; models

• The Consequential Effects of Sleep Quality on the Academic Performance of University Students by Park, Siwon (2025) - With sleep deprivation demonstrating to be an incredible barrier to academic success and damaging to health, the emphasis on quality sleep is truly an imperative message to university students. While its true purpose remains largely theoretical, sleep deprivation has been proven to impair numerous brain functions, particularly in college students who are increasingly susceptible to irregular sleep patterns. Keywords: brain; deprivation; function; performance; quality; sleep; students

• Dopamine: A Social Neurotransmitter by Patel, Vraj (2025) - Future research could explore decreased dopamine levels, as seen in some neurological disorders, and their effect on social interactions. Such research could provide information on whether dopamine levels are a factor causing social interactions, or whether they are an output of being social. Keywords: dopamine; interactions; vta

• Déjà Vu: What Happens in the Brain by Sampathkumar, Ananya (2025) - In order to combat this, researchers have come up with multiple theories on where déjà vu takes place, what occurs, and why it actually happens. Researchers have also begun to study mental disorders that involve déjà vu in order to possibly learn more about the elusive experience. Keywords: brain; déjà; theory
• Table of Contents by Bukhari, Fiza (2020) - It is the goal of this article to inform the reader about the current state of debate between modular and network brain theories of brain organization and function, to elucidate the profound bias in education - particularly undergraduate education - toward the use and exploration of modular theory, and an examination of the benefits of readapting neuroscience education to give either commeasurable or greater coverage of the alternative network theory in neural organization and function. The advent and introduction of more sophisticated brain imaging and stimulatory technologies such as fMRI and TEM, along with the development of more precise methodology for experimental lesion induction and neuron inhibition, have cast doubt on traditional modular theory (Badcock et al., 2019). Keywords: brain; theory

• Maternal Microbiota and Immune Interactions in Neurodevelopmental Risk: A Review of Maternal Immune Activation Models by Byrne, Alexander (2025) - Galley and collaborators in their 2023 study examined how other stressors impact developing offspring gut microbiomes (Galley et al., 2023). Extending this work, (Galley et al., 2024) studied the effectiveness of probiotic intervention by modulating Bifidobacterium dentium administration during pregnancy (Galley et al., 2024). Keywords: antonson; brain; development; et al; immune; infection; mia; offspring
• The Development of Psychogenic Pain by Kushnick, Lily (2025) - Psychogenic pain is commonly associated with psychosocial and emotional conflicts, as the brain can interpret mental distress as physical pain (Moini et al., 2023). Pain plasticity—the adaptive processes of the nervous system in response to pain stimulus—may lead to changes in nociceptors, causing them to activate atypically. Keywords: brain; development; nociceptors; pain

• Table of Contents by none (2025) - Contributions to Schizophrenia Prevention Brianna Mae Huner...........................................................................59 Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression: Etiology and Interplay of Structural and Functional Brain Changes Sylvia Merz......................................................................................64 ii The Ethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) Ruchi Prakash..................................................................................69 Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen in Reducing Dementia Risk Sylvia Merz.......................................................................................11 The Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens in Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Atrophy Tanisha Mandal..................................................................................6 Articles................................................................................ Keywords: brain; effects

• Effects of Pregnancy on the Brain and Neuroplasticity by Kandlikar, Isha (2025) - Pregnancy brain: The science behind it & tips to help. The plasticity of human maternal brain: Longitudinal changes in brain anatomy during the early postpartum period. Keywords: brain; changes; matter; mother; neuroplasticity; postpartum; pregnancy; regulation
• Understanding the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy and Treatment Options by Rupp, Leah (2025) - These injuries to the brain may lead to abnormal muscle stiffness or strokes, which are major symptoms of cerebral palsy. The three fundamental types of cerebral palsy are spastic, dyskinetic, and mixed. Keywords: brain; damage; matter; palsy; white

• The Interplay of Cognitive and Emotional Control in Autism Spectrum Disorder by Tuvilleja, Kaitlyn (2025) - This suggests a lack of cognitive control for ASD individuals may be more pronounced at earlier ages (Solomon et. ASD individuals usually have trouble understanding their own emotions and struggle to adjust their behavior depending on the situation. Keywords: asd; control; individuals

• Practical Applications of The Circadian Rhythm by Ford, Erin (2025) - A lack of properly functioning circadian rhythm can lead to various sleeping disorders, as well as issues related to the absence of zeitgebers—environmental signals like light, temperature, or food that cue the body to adapt its processes accordingly (Chaix, 2016). According to Benjamin Dose “Chronotherapy aims to exploit these differences in circadian rhythms by administering treatments at times when cancer cells are most vulnerable, and healthy cells are least vulnerable, thereby reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy” (Dose, 2023). Keywords: body; circadian; light; rhythm; sleep; timing

• Origins of Exercise-Induced Neurogenesis by Venkataraman, Sanjana (2022) - There is evidence to support the idea that voluntary exercise has aided in combating some biological symptoms of diseases associated with the degeneration of the brain and nervous system (Adlard, et al., 2005; Voss et al., 2013). Voluntary exercise decreases amyloid load in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. Keywords: activity; brain; exercise; hippocampal; mice; neurogenesis; running
• Outline on Exercise and Brain Function by Zhang, Andrew (2023) - Most of the newly generated neurons appear in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, a region highly responsible for learning and storing long-term memories (Cho et al., 2013). Brain scans in animal studies have also shown improvement from exercise in vascular structures in the brain, like increased blood flow and permeability of the blood brain barrier (Yau et al., 2014). Keywords: brain; et al; exercise; vol

• Design Board by none (2025) - She also directs community health initiatives as Director of Medicine for UIUC’s MEDLIFE chapter. I joined Brain Matters to combine my interests of neuroscience, psychology, and journalism. Keywords: brain; psychology
• Design Board by none (2025) - She also directs community health initiatives as Director of Medicine for UIUC’s MEDLIFE chapter. I joined Brain Matters to combine my interests of neuroscience, psychology, and journalism. Keywords: brain; psychology

• A Brief Review on the Nutrient Effects on the Brain and Implications by Kim, Do Yeon (Jason) (2019) - Recently, new evidence has suggested that diet plays a role in altering brain functions. Brain function and mental illnesses have often been associated with factors like mental stress and emotionality. Keywords: aging; brain; function; mice; nutrients
• Loneliness in the Mind by Balachandran, Hari (2021) - A person being alone does not necessarily mean they suffer from the feelings of social isolation. The heightened fear response likely suggests that social isolation may have been causing harm to the mice. Keywords: brain; isolation; loneliness; mice

• Using Oxytocin as a Therapy For Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Babu, Alisha (2023) - Though there are no acknowledged cures, there are many types of therapies for children with ASD - all aimed at improving their symptoms (“Autism spectrum disorder”, 2022). Using Oxytocin as a Therapy For Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Alisha Babu Introduction In 2018 it was established that an average of 1 in 4 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the CDC (“Data and statistics”, 2022). Keywords: asd; autism; disorder; n.d; oxytocin
• Understanding Common Personality Disorders: The Neurological Basis of OCD, NPD, and BPD by Afshari, Isabelle (2025) - Understanding Common Personality Disorders: the Neurological Basis of OCD, NPD, and BPD Isabelle Afshari Abstract Historically, the complexity of personality disorders has posed challenges to both diagnosis and treatment; however, with advances in technology, various studies have begun making new developments to elucidate the neurobiological causes of many of the most common personality disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Because of the vast range of behaviors that can be characterized as general personality disorders, symptoms are sorted into three clusters, labeled Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. Cluster A personality disorders are considered the more “severe” types of personality disorders, with symptoms including “odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences, odd thinking and speech, paranoid ideation, and odd or eccentric appearance or behavior” (Esterberg, Goulding, & Walker, 2010). Keywords: borderline; cluster; disorder; ocd; personality; personality disorder

• Brain Matters Staff by Kilikevicius, Laura (2021) - She is excit- ed to collaborate with the other students behind “Brain Matters” and promote brain awareness on Campus. She is so excited to work with her fellow students to expand our campus’s appreciation for neuroscience through Brain Matters! Keywords: editor; majoring

• The Use of Virtual Reality to Treat Anxiety-Related Disorders by Javeri, Rajvi (2021) - For example, in treating patients who are afraid of heights or flying on airplanes, the therapist could use VR treatment to be able to manipulate aspects- such as turbulence, take-off and landing, as well as repeated exposure- all during the course of one consultation visit (Rothbaum). Virtual reality therapy has been most effec- tive in its use for exposure therapies as in the case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Phobias. Keywords: brain; exposure; patient; reality; therapy; treatment

• Inside Out: A Brain’s Tale of Introverts and Extraverts by Agarwal, Krisha (2025) - Neurotransmitter pathways between introverts and extraverts (Medium, 2016) Environmental Influences Introversion and extraversion hold a genetic component, but environmental factors also play a role. As a result, extraverts have lower activity in their behavioral inhibition system, a functional loop including the ascending reticular activating system, the frontal lobes, septal regions, and hippocampus. Keywords: extraversion; extraverts; introverts; personality

• The Ethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) by Prakash, Ruchi (2025) - Using a low-cost gaming headset, Martinovic and his team created an application capable of secretly collecting brain data while showing the user different images. Ethical aspects of brain computer interfaces: a scoping review. Keywords: bcis; brain; computer; data; technology

• Hippocampus Structure and Functions by Wang, Violet (2023) - The hippocampus is divided in the middle into dorsal hippocampus and ventral hippocampus. Moreover, previous studies of anatomy revealed that the input and output connections of the dorsal hippocampus and ventral hippocampus are different (Swanson & Cowan, 1977). Keywords: dorsal; hippocampus; ventral

• How Do We Measure Intelligence? by Sampathkumar, Ananya (2025) - Some examples of IQ tests that have been derived from the Binet-Simon test are the Stanford-Binet test in 1916 (Sternberg & Jarvin, 2015) and the Army Alpha/Army Beta exams used by military generals during World War I (Warne et al. 2019). Several brain scans have shown that IQ scores were correlated with intracranial, cerebral, temporal lobe, hippocampal, and cerebellar volumes, which essentially makes up the entirety of the brain (Goriounova & Mansvelder, 2019). Keywords: brain; intelligence; test; wais

• Progression in Understanding Combat Induced Mental Disorders by Ramirez, Dominick (2021) - While these conditions often exist simultaneously and have similar symptoms, bTBI is a form of traumatic brain injury which is currently not very well understood and, therefore, more difficult to detect and treat. In one case, scientists found that brains of deceased veterans that survived explosions and lived for years afterward had a unique honeycomb pattern of axonopathy or damage to nerve cells called axons, which are different damage patterns from other types of head injuries. Keywords: blast; brain; new; ptsd

• Why Do We Procrastinate? by Mahat, Apil (2022) - The issue that many students have is a consistent inability to do tasks in a timely and organized manner, leading to assignments and other work to be done last minute and result in lower quality. The origin of procrastination can vary from person to person, however in general this behavior is the result of many biological and psychological factors. Keywords: esteem; procrastination; self; students

• Social Media Effect on Brain Plasticity by Bashir, Neha (2023) - However, her infatuation for social media began to affect how well she was doing in class. Lucy’s addiction to social media provides insight on brain plasticity and the effect social media exposure has on it. Keywords: brain; media

• Curcumin and Glioblastoma: How Turmeric Can Be a Dietary Supplement Against Brain Cancer by Kennedy, Kathryn (2025) - system In a recent meta-analysis of studies involving curcumin’s specific role in preventing and mitigating the danger of GBM cells, Dr. Ângelo Luís et al. identified that a compelling attribute of curcumin is that it can target signaling pathways properties and can modulate pathways involved in GBM cell growth. Mary-Eve Brown, an oncology clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine, provides recommendations on how to safely increase curcumin intake through turmeric. Keywords: cell; curcumin; gbm; turmeric
• Life Cycle of Neurons by Javed, Nabiha (2022) - Neurons are born in areas in the brain rich with neural stem cells; neural stem cells have the ability to create most, if not all, of the varieties of neurons and glial cells found in the brain and spinal cord. Stress, the aging brain, and the mechanisms of neuron death. Keywords: brain; cell; cycle; neurons

• The Mind-body Problem and Cognitive Neuroscience: A Brief History and Outlook by Ball, Alex (2023) - This article will explore early conceptualizations of consciousness, how cognitive neuroscience and related fields have changed how we think about conscious mental states, and what future possibilities there are for achieving a complete understanding of the conscious mind. Conscious mental states are considered to be part of the mind; they are mental phenomena. Keywords: body; consciousness; mental; mind; physical; problem

• Deep Brain Stimulation : Advancements in Clinical Medicine, Innovation in Cutting-Edge Technology by Karim, Bilal (2023) - Retrieved November 7, 2021, from https://uvahealth.com/services/parkinsons-movement- disorders/deep-brain-stimulation Nowadays, DBS systems rely on stimulation parameters set forth by a neurophysiologist, clinician, or even the patient. DBS is designed to deliver electrical stimulation to localized regions of the brain that control movement, which ultimately block or inhibit the nerve signals that cause the symptoms. Keywords: brain; dbs; health; ipg; stimulation; treatment

• Can Expressing Gratitude Make You Happier & Healthier? by Sharma, Vani (2025) - Even just small acts of gratitude a day can tremendously improve brain health. One study from the National Library of Medicine demonstrated that those who showed gratitude as opposed to resentment had lower heart rates, as shown in Figure 2 (Kyeong et al., 2017). Keywords: brain; gratitude; self; talk

• Unraveling the Links Between Synesthesia and Autism by Masud, Sarah (2025) - Comparing Synesthesia in Autism and Schizophrenia It is also worth questioning whether this increased prevalence of synesthesia is observed in other neurodevelopmental disorders or if it is specific to autism. Shared Traits Between Synesthesia and Autism Now that it is clear that synesthesia is more prevalent in autism, the next step is to ask why. Keywords: autism; perception; synesthesia; synesthetes

• Unlocking the Inner Genius Within by Aydogan, Shireen (2023) - The characteristics of acquired savant syndrome are parallel to people with autism who have savant syndrome. Relatively new technologies and current research is promising to understanding acquired savant syndrome and gives light to possibilities of unlocking one's inner genius. Keywords: brain; left; people; savant; syndrome; tdcs

• Swearing and the Brain: A Cultural and Emotional Experience by Patel, Vraj (2025) - Behavioral studies, brain imaging, and studies focused on brain pathologies have found that the right hemisphere activates during situations involving automatic emotional responses, specifically subcortical regions such as the right amygdala and thalamus, and visual areas such as the superior colliculus and pulvinar Swearing and the Brain: A Cultural and Emotional Experience Vraj Patel Abstract Swearing stems from functions involved in the brain, specifically automatic and emotional swearing. However, in the case of automatic swearing, the mPFC does not perform at its highest capabilities, and “the performance of the inhibitory guards deteriorates and the automatic swearing wins over” (Finkelstein, 2018). Keywords: brain; right; swearing; words

• Design Board by Bishka, Michelle (2025) - Outside of Brain Matters, Sarah is also involved in Design Innovation Illinois, the Undergraduate Psychology Association, and Psi Eta Mu, a professional information sciences fraternity. She enjoys drawing, finding new music, and crocheting as well! Keywords: design

• Table of Contents by none (2025) - No. 1 Table of Contents The Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on the Brain’s Addiction and Satiety Networks Noreen Adoni.....................................................................................1 Impact of Meditation on Brain Function Anika Chandola.................................................................................12 Maternal Microbiota and Immune Interactions in Neurodevelopmental Risk: A Review of Maternal Immune Activation Models Alexander Byrne.................................................................................6 Articles................................................................................ The Potential of Hybrid Models in Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Combining Neural Networks and SVMs for Enhanced Accuracy Rayyan Iqbal.....................................................................................18 Effects of Pregnancy on the Brain and Neuroplasticity Isha Kandlikar..................................................................................24 Adaptive Plasticity of the Colorblind Brain: A Model for Sensory Compensation Yuliia Kohut.....................................................................................30 Interview with Two Professors Brianna Mae Huner...........................................................................36 Amusia: The Science Behind Tone Deafness Emily Aldrich...................................................................................42 The Difference Between Children's Learning Abilities With and Without ADHD Leah Rupp........................................................................................46 Keywords: brain; impact

• The Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on the Brain’s Addiction and Satiety Networks by Adoni, Noreen (2025) - Conclusion The abilities of GLP-1 receptor agonists to mimic GLP-1 in individuals with less endogenous GLP-1 secretion, bind to GLP-1 receptors, and relay satiety signals to the hypothalamus to control feeding behavior, are what make these medications highly sought after by individuals seeking weight loss results. uch These results can also be observed when GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are made to bind to GLP-1 receptors, mimicking the effects of GLP-1. Keywords: appetite; brain; glp-1; hunger; ras; satiety; weight

• The Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens in Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Atrophy by Mandal, Tanisha (2025) - 8 Figure 3: Binding Motif of HLA DRB1*1501 (HLA Protein, 2024). Class II HLA has complex effects on the CNS, thus contributing to the development of brain atrophy and multiple sclerosis, with different alleles of the same gene providing vastly different outcomes. Keywords: atrophy; brain; drb1; hla

• The Critical Window for Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Menopausal Women: Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen in Reducing Dementia Risk by Merz, Sylvia (2025) - Brain Matters Vol. 8 No. 2 The Critical Window for Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Menopausal Women: Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen in Reducing Dementia Risk Menopause, characterized by a significant decline in estrogen levels, profoundly impacts brain health, influencing cognitive functions and neurobiological integrity. Estrogen and progestin use and cognitive function in postmenopausal women. Keywords: brain; ert; estrogen

• Writer's Bio by Bukhari, Fiza (2019) - She is excited to help facilitate gen- eral knowledge and interest in neuroscience topics through Brain Matters. He is excited to see “Brain Matters” continue to grow throughout his time at UIUC. Keywords: writer

• Therapeutic Techniques for Neural Regeneration in the Central Nervous System by Kim, Chloe (2020) - As a result, several methods, including the use of stem cells, brain drug delivery, and implanting degradable biomaterial, have been actively researched to enhance regeneration in CNS. Reactive synaptogenesis is the process in which neighboring neurons form new synaptic contacts to replace those lost, contrib- uting to a restoration of function following brain injury. Keywords: biomaterials; brain; delivery; drug; injury; regeneration

• Table of Contents by Kilikevicius, Laura (2021) - Table of Contents Table of Contents The Use of Virtual Reality to Treat Anxiety-Related Disorders......................1 Progression in Understanding Combat Induced Mental Disorders......................6 Symptoms and Possible Causes Cures for Parkinsons Disease.......................8 Loneliness in the Mind.......................................................................................11 Alcoholic disruption of function in neurophysiological pathways and retrogressive development in size and capability of cognitive neurobiological structures throughcontinual exposure................................14 Rajvi Javeri Dominick Ramirez Michael McHenry Hari Balachandran Juan Bautista Keywords: table

• Implications of GPCRs in Alzheimer’s by Simmons, Katilyn (2023) - G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on BACE1 Related GPCRs. These plaque buildups are accumulations of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), which is formed from a protein called amyloid protein precursor (APP) (Zhao et al., 2016). Keywords: bace1; gpcrs; receptors

• Biochemical Mechanisms of Dendritic Nonlinearities and their Application into Computational Models by Babik, Matthew (2023) - Dendritic spines contain the intracellular machinery to translate these messages, thus modifications are highly regulated and able to be localized to the environment near the postsynaptic area (Bramham & Wells, 2007). This bubble will begin to localize intracellular machinery and eventually produce a working Abstract While dendritic spines make up only a small portion of the entire neuronal system, multiple intracellular mechanisms are localized to these points to trigger unique signaling pathways. Keywords: biochemical; channels; et al; mechanisms; poirazi; spines

• The Neurobiological Basis of the Placebo Effect and Potential Therapeutic Applications by Acosta, Celeste (2023) - Placebo effects and the molecular biological components involved. In fact, the main area of the brain that stores mental representations of the world in order to create our own internal beliefs is the prefrontal cortex (Sathyanarayana Rao et al., 2009). Keywords: brain; effect; placebo

Epilogue

For more detail, about this study carrel, see the computed home page. For more detail about study carrels in general, see the read me file.

Created: 2025-12-23