Brain
Articles tagged with Brain
Prior heart attack linked to faster declines in thinking and memory skills
Scientists show genes give neurons a ‘GPS’ to form the brain’s neural circuits
Exposure to air pollutants and Lewy body and Parkinson disease–related dementias
Ultrasound has potential to alter how the brain responds to pain
Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces are bringing robotic assistance closer to everyday life
How songbirds learn to sing, one brain connection at a time
Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.
Study unveils precise way to rewire brain circuits to boost resilience to stress
New McMaster-made drug candidate shows promise as a brain cancer treatment
Heavy caring responsibilities may hasten cognitive decline
New Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study report novel surgical strategy for moyamoya disease
Researchers develop tailored revascularization approach for moyamoya disease, improving circulation while minimizing complications. The technique, called STAPC, uses vessel diameter, blood-flow dynamics, and recipient brain arteries to guide surgical decisions.
Existing drug shows promise for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia — memory and decision-making problems that affect over 80% of patients
Supplemental prenatal progesterone reprogrammes gene linked to brain development in males
Rewiring the urge to smoke
Brain Health honors J. Craig Venter (1946–2026), the genomicist whose earliest breakthroughs began at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
J. Craig Venter's pioneering work in expressed sequence tags revolutionized brain-expressed genes identification, while his synthetic cells paved the way for synthetic biology as a working discipline. His legacy has reshaped our understanding of genomes and their functions.
One dose of psilocybin changes the human brain
Researchers found that psilocybin causes temporary shifts in brain entropy, leading to increased insight and emotional self-awareness. This correlates with improved well-being and cognitive flexibility, suggesting the psychedelic trip is key to its therapeutic effects.
A skull full of surprises: Discovering the evolutionary secrets of fish brains
A new study mapped the internal structures of 87 ray-finned species in three-dimensional detail, revealing a wide range of brain sizes and shapes. Environmental factors appear to drive this variation, with deep-sea fishes tending toward smaller brains relative to skull size.
Epilepsy "brain blips" revealed by high-definition probes
Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.
Severe narcolepsy found to damage a second brain region
Researchers found significant loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus, a second critical region involved in arousal and muscle tone regulation. This finding suggests an immune-mediated process and challenges the prevailing explanation for narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Choose longevity or happiness? The dual nature of neuroticism reveals an evolutionary trade-off
Research reveals two dimensions of neuroticism: one linked to mental disorders and life well-being, the other to emotional reactivity and internal stability. High-ERIS individuals live longer due to healthier habits and risk avoidance.
A USC team is targeting the spinal cord to solve paralysis’ most overlooked problem
A USC team has created a neuroprosthetic device that can restore coordinated bladder control in small animal models, proof of concept for a future treatment that could transform lives after spinal cord injuries. The device targets the dorsolateral funiculus region of the spinal cord to mimic the natural signals that trigger the need to...
Brain health shaped by lifetime mental, physical, environmental and lifestyle factors
Research highlights how everyday factors from early life through adulthood influence brain health and affect the risk of developing cognitive decline, dementia or stroke. Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and balanced eating patterns can support brain development and healthy aging.
No brain required: This is how the single-celled stentor learns
Researchers at UCSF discovered that single-celled organism Stentor learns through modifying existing proteins with calcium signaling, which is similar to the mechanism used by animal neurons. This finding suggests that learning may be a fundamental feature of life and could have evolved before the emergence of brains.
TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
Study finds three distinct patterns of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers found three distinct trajectories of cognitive decline: stable, slow and fast decline. Biomarker data showed that participants who declined faster had higher P-tau217 levels and smaller hippocampi.
One protein, two roles
Researchers found that Adgrl2 plays a crucial role in building both brain synapses and blood vessels, with different cell types producing distinct versions of the protein. Removing Adgrl2 from endothelial cells caused blood vessels to become leaky and lose their integrity.
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.
Freeze-dried platelet product slows swelling and bleeding in TBI
A new freeze-dried blood product called Thrombosomes has shown promise in treating traumatic brain injuries by reducing swelling and bleeding. The product, derived from platelets with trehalose preservation, has been tested on mice and found to be effective in stabilizing damaged blood vessels.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS): Mechanisms and clinical applications in neuropsychiatric disorders
tACS modulates brain oscillations, induces synaptic plasticity, and regulates neurotransmitter release to alleviate symptoms of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Personalized approaches are essential for treatment efficacy.
Individual Brain Charting: new data advances high-resolution mapping of human cognition
The Individual Brain Charting project has released its fifth update with a new set of cognitive tasks, expanding the dataset to 40 hours of scanned data per participant. This provides an exceptionally rich resource for studying individual variability in brain organisation and understanding brain function.
Scientists map the blackcap bird brain, opening a new era of 3D digital atlases
Researchers have mapped the first migratory bird brain using high-resolution light microscopy and open-source software tools, creating a valuable resource for neuroscience worldwide. The new Eurasian blackcap atlas enables consistency in brain data interpretation and fosters collaboration among researchers.
Neurobiologists hack brain circuits tied to placebo pain relief
Neurobiologists have identified the brain circuitry responsible for placebo pain relief, revealing a site where endogenous opioid peptides drive pain relief. The study offers hope for using expectancy-driven placebo effects as a substitute for painkillers and developing protocols to produce placebo pain resilience in humans.
Lab-grown mini-brains shed light on childhood epilepsy
Researchers developed mosaic mini-brains to study focal cortical dysplasia type II, a condition causing seizures in children. The findings support the two-hit model, suggesting that complete loss of DEPDC5 is necessary and sufficient to initiate the disease, with mosaicism determining lesion extent.
Researchers simulate novel brain architecture for fast and flexible decision-making
Researchers propose a novel brain architecture for efficient processing, integrating parallel cortical and subcortical pathways. This approach may improve decision-making tasks, suggesting current AI models are missing key brain function principles.
Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
How brain blood vessels develop after birth
Researchers created an atlas detailing the development of brain blood vessels from birth to adulthood, revealing three distinct stages. The Lambada atlas provides a high-resolution map of vascular development, enabling researchers to explore the developing brain in 3D.
Researchers test a two-way brain interface with wearable robotic legs that could one day restore walking and sensation after paralysis
Researchers at USC, Caltech, and UC Irvine have developed a two-way brain interface that allows patients to control wearable robotic legs using their thoughts. The system accurately detected brain signals indicating the intent to walk about 92% of the time and restored walking sensations with about 93% accuracy in an early proof-of-con...
New study identifies a key brain circuit for spatial memory in mice
Researchers discovered a crucial connection between the two hippocampal hemispheres in mice, which is necessary for navigation and remembering locations. The study also found that this circuit is altered in mice carrying a genetic mutation associated with schizophrenia.
Blast exposure linked to brain aneurysms in U.S. Special Operations Forces
A large sample of US Special Operations Forces personnel were found to have a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms with greater repeated blast exposure. The study suggests that repeated low-level blast exposure during years of service may leave a measurable vascular signature in the brain.
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.
Nature might have a universal rhythm
A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.
A complete rethinking of how our brains use categories to make sense of the world
A new review paper proposes that brain categorization is part of a predictive process to efficiently meet needs, rather than an intellectual exercise comparing sensory inputs to a fixed prototype. This approach predicts the world and anticipates actions, allowing for efficient survival and thriving in a fast-paced environment.
With navigating nematodes, scientists map out how brains implement behaviors
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute mapped the neural circuits that enable C. elegans worms to navigate towards attractive odors and avoid unappealing ones. The study revealed a specific sequence of neural activation, involving key neurons and the neuromodulator tyramine.
RNA barcodes enable high-speed mapping of connections in the brain
By tagging neurons with molecular “barcodes,” researchers created a platform that maps connections among thousands of neurons in the mouse brain with unprecedented speed and resolution. This approach enables simultaneous mapping of neural connections with single-synapse resolution, revealing previously unknown connectivity patterns.
Researchers increase understanding of brain’s default mode network
A research team identified distinct subregions within the default mode network (DMN) that act as senders and receivers of information, enabling flexible shifts between perception and memory-driven thought. The study reveals that the DMN is not functionally uniform but composed of subregions with distinct connectivity biases.
A layered approach sharpens brain signals in optical imaging
Researchers developed a new source-detector configuration and layered tissue models to improve fNIRS data interpretation. The approach separated superficial and cerebral contributions with high accuracy, revealing dominant brain responses with minimal scalp influence.
Consciousness: can science explain the experience of being?
Christof Koch argues that classical metaphysical frameworks like idealism and panpsychism should be reconsidered due to current scientific methods. He advocates for Integrated Information Theory, which posits that any system with high integrated information possesses subjective experience.
New study finds a missing link in how the brain regulates appetite
A collaboration between the University of Maryland and University of Concepción has discovered a previously unknown communication chain involving astrocytes and tanycytes that controls behavior. The study suggests that targeting the HCAR1 receptor in astrocytes could offer a novel approach to treating eating disorders.
Near-death experiences: brain illusion or genuine conscious state?
Near-death experiences challenge the scientific understanding of consciousness by reporting vivid and structured events during moments of extreme physiological failure. Charlotte Martial's research suggests these experiences may correspond to natural mental states serving an adaptive function in extreme situations.
BOLD variability modulation linked to age-specific bimanual performance
Researchers found that older adults exhibit higher BOLD variability in cerebellar lobule VIIIb and greater modulation across task conditions. This modulation predicts performance in an age-dependent manner, with increased modulation linked to better performance in older adults.
NIH investment totaling 30.7M will expand USC-led AI effort to decode Alzheimer’s disease
The NIH has renewed support for the USC-led AI4AD initiative, expanding its efforts to better classify Alzheimer's and related diseases, predict progression, and identify new treatment targets. The $12.6 million award will develop AI tools to uncover biological causes of Alzheimer's and improve disease diagnosis.
Stress in adolescence causes lasting brain changes, study with mice suggests
A study on mice suggests that adolescence stress causes permanent changes in the prefrontal cortex, increasing vulnerability to schizophrenia and depression. The researchers found that traumatic experiences during this stage of life disrupts communication between brain cells, compromising neural control.
Understanding language requires communication between multiple brain regions, UTHealth Houston researchers discover
The study found that concrete words activated regions of the brain responsible for sensory experiences and language, while abstract words relied more heavily on language-related areas. The team also discovered that multiple brain regions communicated with each other to process both concrete and abstract words.
Postoperative rebleeding: The sword of Damocles in minimally invasive surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage
Postoperative rebleeding is a critical complication of minimally invasive surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage, significantly reducing survival rates and functional recovery levels. The review outlines standardized definitions, dual pathogenic mechanisms, risk profiling, and stratified prevention strategies to address this challenge.
Stress and addiction: New research reveals what connects them
Researchers found a direct line of communication between the brain's stress centers and decision-making regions, which is disrupted by alcohol. This disruption can lead to unhealthy habits and relapse during recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Brain’s wiring and signal speed shape alpha waves and background activity across the lifespan
A new model, Xi–αNET, explains how brain structure and signal conduction speed shape alpha waves and background activity. The study found that faster conduction speeds in younger individuals correspond to higher alpha frequencies, while slower conduction speeds in older adults lead to declining alpha frequencies.
UCLA researchers receive $13.9 million CIRM grant to identify drug targets for autism and schizophrenia using human stem cell models
Researchers will use human stem cell-based models to uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia. They aim to identify genetic variants that alter brain development and pinpoint common underlying mechanisms for both conditions.
Premature placental separation may increase the child’s risk of heart disease by age 28
A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that children born to mothers with placental abruption are at a higher risk of developing heart disease or dying from cardiovascular disease by age 28. The risk was approximately 4.6 times higher compared to those born without this complication.
The brain’s ability to grasp the “gist” of a visual scene begins earlier than expected
A research team led by LEE Doyun and KIM Yee-Joon found that the primary visual cortex encodes motion summaries and variability before higher brain regions transform them into category signals. This process, known as ensemble perception, allows the brain to capture the overall structure of a scene at a glance.
USC study identifies brain rewiring mechanism that may aid stroke recovery
Researchers discovered that stroke survivors with severe motor impairment show signs of brain 'youthfulness' in undamaged regions, suggesting the brain's ability to adapt and compensate. This finding provides new insights into neuroplasticity and may guide personalized rehabilitation strategies.