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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

Why brains lose their flexibility in psychiatric conditions

A new Rutgers study reveals that individuals with psychiatric conditions exhibit reduced brain network dynamics, which can be used to distinguish between patients and healthy individuals. The findings also suggest that dynamic features of brain function may provide a more precise way of understanding mental illness.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 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

New study reveals early healthy eating shapes lifelong brain health

A new study reveals that a high-fat, high-sugar diet during early life can lead to long-lasting changes in feeding behavior and disrupt brain pathways involved in appetite control. However, targeting the gut microbiota with specific strains of beneficial bacteria or prebiotic fibers may help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2026

Getting a grip on aging

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that a specific brain region known as the caudate nucleus is strongly linked to physical strength in older adults. The discovery could help detect and prevent frailty before it begins.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 12, 2026

A 3D atlas of brain connections

Researchers created BraDiPho, a 3D atlas of brain connections, combining clinical neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and neuroanatomy. The tool facilitates precise identification of white matter connections, opening up new therapeutic perspectives for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversità di Trento·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2025

‘Split-brain’ study: just a few fibres enable communication between the two hemispheres of the brain

A recent study found that preserving just one centimeter of corpus callosum fibers is enough to maintain information exchange between the two brain hemispheres, preventing neurological symptoms. The research challenged long-held assumptions about the relationships between brain structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Rapid blood pressure fluctuations linked to early signs of brain degeneration in older adults

A new study by USC researchers reveals that short-term 'dynamic instability' in blood pressure is linked to loss of brain tissue and nerve cell injury in older adults. This phenomenon, where blood pressure fluctuates wildly from one heartbeat to the next, may be a key risk factor for brain shrinkage and neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2025

Drinking for two? Prenatal alcohol exposure rewires the brain and fuels compulsive behavior, new study finds

A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 28, 2025

Two Mount Sinai research papers present evidence of distinct molecular differences between brain tissue from living people and tissue collected after death

New research papers from Mount Sinai present unprecedented evidence that brain tissue from living individuals has a unique molecular character, differing significantly from postmortem samples. These findings challenge the conventional practice of using postmortem brain tissue for studying the human brain and its diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Less invasive brainwave recording breakthrough

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a minimally invasive method for recording brain activity through blood vessels, offering high-fidelity recordings without the risks associated with traditional invasive approaches. This breakthrough could transform the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like epilepsy.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2025

AI model offers accurate and explainable insights to support autism assessment

A deep learning model achieved up to 98% accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants, providing clear insights into brain regions most influential to its decisions. The model could benefit autistic people and clinicians by offering accurate and explainable results to inform assessment and support.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025

Brain organoids could unlock energy-efficient AI

The team will study neurons within a brain organoid, a millimeter-sized, three-dimensional structure grown in the lab from adult stem cells, to design smarter and more sustainable artificial intelligence. They aim to replicate complex computations that occur in the human brain to improve AI efficiency.

The first 25 years of SuperAger research

SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateAug 7, 2025

Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Groundbreaking study reveals changes in brain cell composition and gene activity in Tourette syndrome

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from individuals with severe Tourette syndrome and identified three key changes: altered gene activity, regulatory element modifications, and interneuron loss. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the disorder's biology and may explain why individuals experience involuntary movements and ...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Deep-learning framework advances tissue analysis in spatial transcriptomics

Researchers developed a deep-learning framework, STAIG, to automatically map distinct genetic activity to tissue regions without manual alignment. The study demonstrates superior performance across various conditions, showcasing its potential for cancer research and understanding complex biological systems.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2025