Bird Brains Have as many Neurons as Primates

Birds are far more intelligent and impressive creatures than some may realize. Even with small brains birds are capable of making complex cognitive decisions and actions. How is this possible? These avian creatures have a high neuron density. Though the brain is small the amount of neurons is near that of a mid sized primate. The study comes from universities out of Austria, Czech Republic, and Brazil. It was one of the first studies of its kind in the methods used to calculate the amount of neurons. Over twenty different species were sampled and brains dissected. The findings of the study were overall expected in the science community. As such, behaviors like tool building found in crows, and majestical vocal abilities found within songbirds, require higher cognitive function.

Diabetes Takes a Toll on the Brain

Many of us are acquainted with one or more people who suffer from some level of diabetes.  Therefore we are all familiar, to some degree, with the toll it can have on the human body.  One of the most common forms of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes.  Research has indicated that Type 2 impairs blood flow to the brain and, as a result, leads to a sharper decline in mental awareness over time.  The cognitive ability of 40 subjects of about 66 years was put to the test; half of the group was diagnosed with diabetes, the other 20 were the control.  They completed an initial set of tests, and then a set of follow up tests two years later to determine any possible cognitive decline correlated with the presence of the disease.   It seemed that at the end of the period, the subjects known to have diabetes showed a greater decline in gray matter volume, mental test scores, and blood flow in the brain. 

The researchers found a positive correlation between blood flow to the brain and test scores.  The subjects that were diagnosed with diabetes suffered from a lower rate of blood flow, and therefore had a more difficult time scoring on the cognitive tests.  The findings of this investigation, at face value, are an important find.  The test should be repeated, however, to eliminate external pressures on the results.  Nonetheless, it is an important starting point to understanding the many side affects diabetes can have on us or our loved ones.