midbrain

the brain develops, in utero, in three separate portions, reflecting evolutionary history: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. The midbrain includes the tectum and the tegmentum, which lie on either side of the cerebral aqueduct, a reservoir in the midbrain for cerebrospinal fluid. The midbrain is involved in automatic reflexes associated with the visual and auditory systems, and more recently has been implicated in assessing reward values.

Rapamycin makes young mice learn better and prevents decline in old mice

I have reported previously on research suggesting that rapamycin, a bacterial product first isolated from soil on Easter Island and used to help transplant patients prevent organ rejection, might improve learning and memory. Following on from this research, a new mouse study has extended these findings by adding rapamycin to the diet of healthy mice throughout their life span. Excitingly, it found that cognition was improved in young mice, and abolished normal cognitive decline in older mice.

Women's brains grow after giving birth

The issue of “mommy brain” is a complex one. Inconsistent research results make it clear that there is no simple answer to the question of whether or not pregnancy and infant care change women’s brains. But a new study adds to the picture.

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