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The secret ingredient is time: The role of timing in brain development

The study reveals that rats have a larger deep layer in their brains due to the prolonged expression of Wnt signaling genes, resulting in extended deep layer neuron production. This finding suggests that 'heterochrony' in neurogenesis is responsible for the interspecific diversity in the neuronal composition of the mammalian cortex.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

New synaptic formation in adolescence challenges conventional views of brain development

Researchers from Kyushu University found that the brain forms new, high-density clusters of synapses on specific segments of dendrites during adolescence, challenging the 'adolescent synaptic pruning' hypothesis. This discovery may offer new hope for understanding the biological basis of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental condi...

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Psychedelics offer healing for concussion, traumatic brain injuries

A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 17, 2025

Stem cells repair mouse brains post-stroke

Stem cell transplantation has been shown to reverse stroke damage in mice by regenerating neurons and restoring motor functions. The treatment also improved blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and promoted new blood vessel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025

New research confirms that neurons form in the adult brain

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have identified proliferating neural progenitors in the adult human hippocampus, confirming ongoing neuron formation. This discovery has implications for understanding brain changes during life and developing regenerative treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Antibody that neutralizes inhibitory factors involved in nerve regeneration leads to enhanced motor function after acute spinal cord injury

A clinical trial showed that an antibody blocking Nogo-A protein improves motor function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The treatment led to significant improvements in voluntary muscle activation and everyday life functional independence. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2024

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Tracking early signs of Alzheimer’s pathology in a mouse model

A new study in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease examines the effects of environmental enrichment on AD symptom progression and pathology. The researchers found that living in an enriched environment improved several measures of metabolism and reduced individual behaviors, which became more similar and rigid as the disease progressed.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Researchers investigate neuron differentiation in fruit fly brains

The study reveals that non-coding regions near sloppy-paired genes are essential for temporal transcription factor expression and that Notch-signaling regulates the transition to subsequent TTFs. This mechanism couples temporal patterning with neuron generation, providing insights into brain diversity.

Discovery of molecular signatures of immature neurons in the human brain throughout life provide new insights into brain plasticity and other functions, according to Penn Medicine researchers

A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2022

Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system

A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.