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Study identifies increased levels of meprin-β in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers identify elevated levels of meprin-β in brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in advanced stages. This finding suggests a possible relationship between meprin-β and beta-amyloid accumulation, a hallmark of the disease.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

Autism-risk mutations reveal two opposing patterns of brain gene activity

Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Microproteins provide new playbook for Alzheimer’s research

Scientists at Salk Institute create first microprotein atlas of human frontal cortex with and without Alzheimer's disease, identifying 1,067 new microproteins and a potential link to immune cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's. The atlas provides a system for investigating microproteins in aging and neurodegeneration, bringing scientists cl...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Aging·DateSep 14, 2026

The brain's blood vessels may hold a key to Alzheimer's and protection from it

A new study found that a rare mutation in the fibronectin gene limits the accumulation of fibronectin in the blood-brain barrier, protecting against Alzheimer's disease. High levels of fibronectin were associated with vascular damage, inflammation, and disrupted communication between astrocytes and blood vessel cells.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

Researchers discover rare cortical neurons that can help put the brain to sleep

Researchers have discovered a rare population of neurons in the cortex that can synchronize activity across large areas of the brain and promote sleep. These Sst-Chodl neurons were found to be active during the transition to sleep and could even help drive the process, suggesting that the cortex is not simply passive during sleep.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

Three herbal extracts protect mitochondrial function in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found three herbal extracts protect mitochondrial function in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a potential treatment. The extracts, including Uncaria rhynchophylla, Gardenia jasminoides, and Scutellaria baicalensis, improved cell viability and mitochondrial function in cells with reduced VPS13C expression.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2026

Efficient and safe peripheral macrophage replacement by Mr BMT expands the therapeutic potential of microglia replacement beyond the CNS

Researchers from Fudan University developed a strategy to achieve efficient engraftment of macrophages in peripheral organs using Mr BMT, a technique that replaces microglia in the CNS. The study shows that Mr BMT preserves tissue homeostasis and innate immune response, with durable macrophage replacement lasting at least 9 months.

SourceFudan University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

How the developing human brain takes instructions: Two UCLA studies reveal what guides its most important stem cells

Two UCLA studies published in Cell and Science uncover the role of metabolism and physical signals in guiding radial glia to produce specific cell types in the developing human cortex. Metabolic research found that the pentose phosphate pathway influences cell fate, while thalamic projections make direct physical contact with radial gl...

Boston University study provides first window into the cognitive impairments that people experience from autopsy proven CTE

A Boston University study analyzed 33 NFL players with confirmed CTE, revealing cognitive impairments in memory, executive function, language, and attention. The findings provide an important roadmap for recognizing CTE in living patients and highlight limitations of the NFL Concussion Settlement's testing program.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2026

Researchers discover dozens of genes tied to OCD and tic disorders

A Rutgers-led international team identified 36 genes linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders, providing a detailed biological understanding of how these conditions develop. The findings suggest that many of the genes are shared between the conditions and can be targeted using whole-network approaches.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Engineering enters the operating room

A new T32 training program connects bioengineers and neurosurgeons to work on research projects improving neurosurgical practice. The program brings together postdoctoral associates and residents to collaborate on team-based research projects, closing the gap between neurosurgery and bioengineering.

Low-frequency deep brain stimulation improves speech and swallowing after traumatic brain injury, Pitt study shows

A new University of Pittsburgh study found that low-frequency deep brain stimulation improves control of facial and tongue muscles involved in speaking and swallowing after traumatic brain injury. The treatment showed small but significant improvements in word intelligibility for one participant with TBI.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2026

Towards better detection of lifelong difficulties in face processing using a screening questionnaire

A study confirms the 20-item prosopagnosia index questionnaire is an effective screening tool for detecting developmental prosopagnosia, a condition where individuals struggle to recognize familiar faces. The researchers also identified opportunities for refinement to improve the questionnaire's accuracy.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2026

Hebei Medical University researchers review prolonged disorders of consciousness management

Researchers from Hebei Medical University review current evidence on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC) management. They propose a brain communication network model to explain how brain injury leads to long-term unconsciousness, identifying key brain electrical signaling activity measures for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 17, 2026

New study helps explain why brain stimulation responses vary

Researchers analyzed EBRAINS-hosted brain data to determine that whole-brain activity patterns predict stimulation outcomes better than local recordings. Targeting specific sensorimotor and visual networks reduces response variability by up to 24%. This study highlights the value of open datasets for enabling large-scale analyses.

SourceEBRAINS·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateAug 14, 2026

Experts lead European study into childhood survival inequalities

A major European study published in PLOS One found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to die from congenital anomalies, with the risk increasing after infancy. The research highlights the influence of social and economic factors on health outcomes, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2026

Epilepsy burden shifts as aging and health inequalities persist

The study found that epilepsy-associated disability-adjusted life years were concentrated in low- and lower-middle-income countries, with significant regional inequality. Progress has been made in China, including declining mortality rates, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where treatment gaps reach 60%–90%.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroprotection·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 14, 2026