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Turning scar-forming cells into neurons helps restore movement after spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2026

Bigger brain atlases are not enough: Editorial sets out a path from brain multi-omics to clinical value

The editorial highlights the gap between prioritization and mechanism in brain multi-omics research, emphasizing the need for functional testing and harmonized metadata to establish biological meaning and clinical relevance. It proposes three complementary strategies: dynamic comparisons, joint measurements, and targeted perturbation e...

SourceMedicine Discovery·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 23, 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

Study uses living human brain tissue to map how electric stimulation affects neurons, genetic activity

Researchers used real human brain tissue samples to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. They found that brain cells became more synchronized in communicating, similar to memory formation, while altering gene expression across different types of brain cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

New paper outlines roadmap for next generation of brain-computer interfaces designed to treat cognitive disorders

A new review proposes a roadmap for developing cognitive brain-computer interfaces to treat cognitive disorders, integrating BCI research and clinical neuromodulation. The emerging field aims to detect dysfunctional brain states and respond with adaptive neurostimulation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2026

Decoding the brain’s timekeeping machinery

Researchers discovered that brain regions switch between shared and independent timing, allowing for flexibility in coordination. This finding provides a new framework for understanding how brain regions communicate and enables the development of brain-inspired artificial intelligence and robotic control systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

A sleepless night increases connections between brain cells

A study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased markers of brain cell connections, including synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), in areas such as the hippocampus. This suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in restoring cellular balance and may be important for maintaining neural health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Understanding Rett syndrome before symptoms appear

Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital identified a set of dysfunctional genes and specific cell types that are vulnerable to genetic changes in female mice modeling Rett syndrome before symptoms appear. They found that even healthy cells with normal MECP2 gene had changes in gene activity due to neighboring defective cells.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2026

Video game stroke rehab restores arm movement in chronic stroke survivors

A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports KRAS gene as key driver for brain arteriovenous malformation

A study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports KRAS gene overexpression associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) pathogenesis. The research found altered gene expression profiles linked to cell adhesion, signaling, and mitochondrial function, suggesting KRAS-driven molecular alterations play a role in bAVM de...

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal of lifelong brain resilience, with inaugural interview featuring Luísa Pinto on glial plasticity

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

​​​​​​​Research identifies slow-wave sleep activity as regulator for anxiety in older adults

A new study from Center for BrainHealth researchers found that declining slow-wave activity during sleep explains why anxiety rises in older adults. Participants who generated fewer slow waves woke up more anxious the next morning, while those with stronger slow-wave sleep did not show the same pattern.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial

A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study develops a new protocol for determining location of paraclinoid aneurysms

Researchers developed a modified high-resolution MRI technique to differentiate intra-dural from extra-dural PAs, providing a refined risk assessment for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study found that Type S aneurysms had a higher rupture risk and required individualized imaging assessment.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Cellular changes linked to depression related fatigue

Researchers at the University of Queensland have made a breakthrough in understanding the cellular changes that occur in depression. They found that cells in people with depression produce more energy molecules when resting, but have a reduced ability to increase energy production under stress. This study offers a new potential approac...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 10, 2026

Many patients want to talk about their faith. Neurologists often don't know how.

Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 9, 2026

Why does chronic back pain make everyday sounds feel harsher? Brain imaging study points to a treatable cause

A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2026

Chronic alcohol use reshapes gene expression in key human brain regions linked to relapse vulnerability and neural damage

Chronic alcohol consumption alters endocannabinoid gene expression in reward- and decision-related brain regions, offering insights into addiction biology. This study reveals changes in CB1 and CB2 receptor genes, as well as GPR55 and FAAH enzymes, potentially leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAddiction·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2026

Insights from brain’s waste-flushing system may improve diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Researchers used MRI analysis to measure glymphatic system activity, finding changes related to IIH stage and pressure levels. The findings suggest a noninvasive test could diagnose IIH more reliably, improving treatment options for patients with symptoms including headaches and vision loss.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Neuro-Ophthalmology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026