http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/topic/5/neuroscience Inquiries Journal provides undergraduate and graduate students around the world a platform for the wide dissemination of academic work over a range of core disciplines. en-us Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:07:09 -0400 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:07:09 -0400 http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1830/are-isochronic-tones-effective-the-impact-of-isochronic-tones-on-brainwave-entrainment-and-stress By David Moniz-Lewis - Isochronic tones are a hypothesized auditory brainwave entrainment technique in which a single tone is played at regular beat intervals. Brainwave entrainment, also referred to as neural synchronization, is a phenomenon by which external stimuli influence neural oscillations related to specific cognitive states (Siever, 2012). Though Isochronic tones are commercially marketed as effective in brainwave entrainment, there is limited empirical investigation to date to substantiate this claim; this is particularly true of alpha cortical entrainment via isochronic tones. The current study examined... Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:03 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1830/are-isochronic-tones-effective-the-impact-of-isochronic-tones-on-brainwave-entrainment-and-stress http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1818/understanding-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-in-teenagers-with-high-functioning-autism By Pamela Lim - Research has shown that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shares similar genetic roots with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All three conditions share some common features, one of the most observed being that of impulsivity. This paper examines the neurobiology of OCD, and how the similarities in disruptions of the brain structures between OCD and ASD increases the risk of developing the comorbidity of OCD in teenagers with high-functioning ASD. Through looking at a case study of a teenager with ASD, this paper also explores the prognosis of... Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:19 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1818/understanding-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-in-teenagers-with-high-functioning-autism http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1798/the-weight-of-emotions-on-decision-making-a-comparative-analysis By Jadzia M. Wray - When making decisions, a person must rationally analyze their options and understand potential outcomes. Emotions, the way that we feel in a particular moment, are also involved in how we respond to others. But how much do emotions really weigh upon our ability to form decisions? There is a possibility that emotional factors can be considered from a rational or emotional perspective in decision-making. Therefore, a person's decision-making process has the potential to produce different outcomes. In the current study, 57 participants (ages 18 to 23) completed a survey where they were required to... Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:34 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1798/the-weight-of-emotions-on-decision-making-a-comparative-analysis http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1772/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-an-analysis-of-genetic-and-biological-pathologies By Nicholas F. Schneider - This paper compiles and analyzes a series of published articles discussing some of the genetic and physiological principles of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as provides insight into potential future investigations for furthering understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder’s pathology. The paper discusses the lack of support for environmental factors contributing to the prevalence of OCD (Grisham et al., 2012), some of the genes under investigation as risk factors (Meira-Lima et al., 2004; Bienvenu et al., 2008; Zike et al., 2017), and details potential for future... Tue, 05 Nov 2019 09:48 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1772/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-an-analysis-of-genetic-and-biological-pathologies http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1507/genetics-pathology-and-potential-future-advances-in-the-study-of-huntingtons-disease By Matthew D. Rose - Huntington’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects around five people in every 100,000. It is caused by an increase in a polyglutamine region of the Huntingtin protein, resulting in a toxic gain of function mutation. However, the exact mechanism of pathogenesis, or even the exact role of the normal Huntingtin protein are not comprehensively understood. It is known that Huntingtin is ubiquitously expressed and has interactions with many different cellular components. Mutant Huntingtin has been extensively studied and its effects on cells noted but questions regarding... Tue, 13 Dec 2016 02:05 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1507/genetics-pathology-and-potential-future-advances-in-the-study-of-huntingtons-disease http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1466/right-hemisphere-involvement-in-auditory-processing-a-review By Lydia English - An orthodox opinion within neurolinguistics is left hemispheric lateralization for language processing. The left hemisphere of the brain is dominant for processing language, logic, critical thinking and reasoning (Gootjes et al. 1999; Hickok, Love-Geffen and Kilma 2002; Tyler et al. 2011), while emotion, auditory and non-verbal stimuli processing tends to be specialized to the right hemisphere (Joseph 1988; George et al. 1996). However, research on hemispheric lateralization adopts a limited view towards the right hemisphere and gives minimal recognition to its abilities and functions. Although... Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:38 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1466/right-hemisphere-involvement-in-auditory-processing-a-review http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1429/assessing-the-impact-of-adverse-childhood-experiences-on-brain-development By Stephen J. D'Orazio - Findings have shown that adolescence marks a period in which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) forms continued connections with limbic areas.10 The PFC exhibits top-down control over limbic regions and governs the regulation of emotions. Thus, exposure to adverse experiences during this period in brain development may elicit problems in emotion regulation. The PFC is the last brain region to complete myelination, and its extended sensitivity to environmental experience is advantageous for tailoring neurobiology to environmental surroundings.10 However, in the absence of an optimal environment or when... Tue, 19 Jul 2016 06:52 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1429/assessing-the-impact-of-adverse-childhood-experiences-on-brain-development http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1378/memories-and-fear-treatment-techniques-to-dissociate-traumatic-memories By Amy Roesler - Fear finds its place in the world through numerous forms, including natural disasters, genocide, war, trauma and countless other events which present lasting effects in the lives of those who maintain recollection. The research concerning the alteration of memories is a recent area of study, and while it could prove beneficial in regards to trauma and crippling fear, it also poses an ethical dilemma regarding a person’s identity. Memories associated with fear are seemingly permanently recorded by the brain and are unsusceptible to change. Yet as Michael Specter explained in a 2014 piece... Thu, 17 Mar 2016 01:15 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1378/memories-and-fear-treatment-techniques-to-dissociate-traumatic-memories http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1299/the-danger-of-sitting-down-a-summary-of-the-health-risks-of-excessive-sedentary-behavior By Ronan C. Talty - Excessive sedentary behavior (defined as waking time spent sitting, reclining, or lying down) represents an increasingly noteworthy global health risk, particularly for individuals whose professions require long hours spent sitting at a desk. Despite the undeniable associations between sedentary time and several diseases, few existing health initiatives – from the company to governmental level – address this issue with any substance. This paper resolves present literature regarding the health detriments linked to exorbitant sedentary behavior. It then explores potential alterations... Sun, 08 Nov 2015 05:33 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1299/the-danger-of-sitting-down-a-summary-of-the-health-risks-of-excessive-sedentary-behavior http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/984/how-the-electrical-activity-and-synaptogenesis-of-neurons-contribute-to-the-efficacy-of-neurofeedback-therapy By Sabrina Perry - Neurofeedback Therapy (NFT) is a type of biofeedback therapy specifically targeting the brain and nervous system. According to the Mayo Clinic, biofeedback is defined as a technique one can use to learn to control the body’s functions, done usually by connecting one’s body (bio) to electrical sensors that help you receive information about it (feedback). This can help people focus on making subtle changes in their bodies, such as relaxing certain muscles to achieve certain results, such as pain reduction. Subsequently, the Task Force on Nomenclature specified that the presentation... Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/984/how-the-electrical-activity-and-synaptogenesis-of-neurons-contribute-to-the-efficacy-of-neurofeedback-therapy http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/935/phantom-limb-pain-causes-and-treatment-options By Jerzy Dzierla - Phantom-limb pain is usually described as burning, stabbing, throbbing, cramping or squeezing (Flor 2002: 182; Nikolajsen and Jensen 2001: 108). Researchers have identified a number of factors having a modulatory effect on the probability of the occurrence of phantom-limb pain. Among the best documented variables which can contribute to the development of phantom-limb pain sensations are the amputation site, pre-amputation pain, residual limb pain, time after amputation, sex, as well as conditions of psychological nature like stress and depression (Knotkova et al. 2012: 39; Subedi and Grossberg... Sun, 02 Nov 2014 09:44 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/935/phantom-limb-pain-causes-and-treatment-options http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/913/increases-in-the-prevalence-of-autism-disorder-exploring-biological-and-socio-environmental-factors By Amrita N. Singh - Autism is a complex neuro-developmental disorder causing deficits in social interaction and language development at an early age. The severity is based on the level of impaired social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. The average prevalence of autism in 2013 was reported to be 1%. However, there has been a 600% increase in the last two decades. Some of this increase can be attributed to a broadening of the definition of Autism since 1980, but the etiology of autism continues to be widely debated, raising questions as to whether the increased prevalence is a result of biological... Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:34 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/913/increases-in-the-prevalence-of-autism-disorder-exploring-biological-and-socio-environmental-factors http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/840/alternative-methods-to-autologous-nerve-grafting-for-the-regeneration-of-the-peripheral-nervous-system By Patric Glynn - Neurons are able to effectively regenerate over short distances without any help. However, when the gap they must regenerate across is too wide, a graft is needed to guide the neuron and to prevent the formation of a neuroma [3]. Regeneration is most successful when the severed axons are able to successfully grow through the remnants of the site where the original connection was. In order to help aid in the regrowth of longer gaps a technique called "nerve grafting" is used [4]. Without such grafts, these injuries may never fully heal, and can be permanently debilitating. With the use of these... Thu, 19 Dec 2013 04:49 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/840/alternative-methods-to-autologous-nerve-grafting-for-the-regeneration-of-the-peripheral-nervous-system http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1658/the-role-of-antisocial-personality-disorder-and-antisocial-behavior-in-crime By Ishita Aggarwal - Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), also known as dyssocial personality disorder, is a mental illness that is characterized by a reckless disregard for social norms, impulsive behaviour, an inability to experience guilt, and a low tolerance for frustration. Individuals with ASPD exhibit an inflated sense of self-worth and possess a superficial charm, traits that often aid their attempts to exploit and violate the rights of others. Although the causes of ASPD are highly disputed, research has found that antisocial behaviour is linked to abnormalities in the chemistry and anatomy of the human... Tue, 17 Sep 2013 11:21 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1658/the-role-of-antisocial-personality-disorder-and-antisocial-behavior-in-crime http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/593/debating-genetics-as-a-predictor-of-criminal-offending-and-sentencing By Jeremy W. Wilson - Recent studies in behavioral genetics indicate that some violent criminals are genetically predisposed to violent behavior. One study has found that a mutation in the structural gene for monoamine oxidase A gives rise to an acute build-up of neurotransmitters associated with the body’s ‘fight or flight’ responses to stressful situations (Evansburg 2001). Many criminologists do not totally disregard genetic characteristics as a means of determining who will commit crimes but they do believe that “a genetic disorder may predispose an individual to aggressive behavior [but... Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:05 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/593/debating-genetics-as-a-predictor-of-criminal-offending-and-sentencing http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/586/addiction-to-altering-states-observable-tendencies-attributed-to-learning-and-neurology By Philip J. Spelman - Many of the older psychological theories are based on observational data and, although the more recent ones speculate on neurological processes, they are only valid insofar as they may predict behavior. Some recent developments in neuropsychology provide evidence of physiological-type mechanisms, which illustrate and supplement explanations of observed behavior. A comprehensive approach to addiction, and drug use in general, should include the integration of learning theories and recent neurological discoveries and research. The following essay is a preliminary attempt to lay out some of the elements... Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:58 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/586/addiction-to-altering-states-observable-tendencies-attributed-to-learning-and-neurology http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/419/the-influence-of-gaze-direction-on-approach-vs-avoidance-oriented-emotions By Hilary E. O'Haire - When investigating the effect of gaze direction on facial expressions of emotion, previous imaging research indicated that dynamic presentation of stimuli produced higher amygdala responses (Sato, Kochiyama, Uono, & Yoshikawa, 2010). A behavioral study further suggested that approach-oriented emotions are intensified by direct gaze, where as avoidance-oriented emotions are intensified by averted gaze (Adams & Kleck, 2005). We hypothesized that direct gaze would elicit higher amygdala activity for the approach-oriented emotion of anger, where as averted gaze would elicit higher amygdala... Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:05 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/419/the-influence-of-gaze-direction-on-approach-vs-avoidance-oriented-emotions http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/300/memory-replacement-confabulation-and-repression-remembering-creatively By Michael C. Wiseman - The specific purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the factors that would permit an individual to dissociate himself from his true identity, including at a minimum threshold the change in knowledge of some personal events. It is not required that a person believe he is superman to have dissociated from his true identity; all that is required to fit the definition is for the person to blot out a memory of a single event and replace it with another. If someone goes to the store and buys apples yet distinctly remembers buying pears, this would be a perfect example of the phenomenon. With this... Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:49 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/300/memory-replacement-confabulation-and-repression-remembering-creatively