Research on how the brain is built and how it governs body and behavior. Covers neural circuits, sleep, sensory systems, brain structure, and the brain-body connection.
Researchers found that brain circuits in 'deep-blind' zebrafish are fully functional and can drive normal visual behavior through direct stimulation. This study challenges the long-held assumption that neural development depends on visual experience.
A special supplement presents insights on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, affecting 55 million people worldwide. Researchers explore novel molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches, such as acupuncture therapy, to alleviate the burden of brain disorders.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a non-invasive gene delivery technique using ultrasound to efficiently deliver clinically used gene therapy vectors throughout the brain. The study, published in Gene Therapy, shows that opening more sites within targeted regions improves gene delivery efficiency.
An international team has decoded the TSPO protein to visualize neuroinflammation, revealing its relationship with microglial cells. The study's findings pave the way for optimizing observation of neuroinflammatory processes and re-reading previous studies.
Caribbean box jellyfish have demonstrated complex learning capabilities, including associative learning and memory formation, despite having only one thousand nerve cells. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary success of jellyfish and raises questions about the universality of advanced learning mechanisms in animals.
A team of researchers studied Claudio, a person with an inverted head position, to investigate the reasons behind human face recognition. They found that Claudio's performance in detecting and matching faces was not significantly different from that of typical individuals when faces were upright or inverted.
The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Neurology have announced a new scholarship program supporting early career trainees focused on brain health. The Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships will award two $150,000 scholarships annually to pursue research or public health service projects on prevention and maintenance of brain...
Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.
Scientists at OHSU elucidated the structure of Type A GABA receptors targeted by antidepressants and other pharmaceutical drugs, shedding light on their role in brain function and development. The study reveals dominant assemblies and states of the receptor, paving the way for the development of new compounds with improved efficacy.
A recent study suggests that higher intake of ultraprocessed foods, particularly those with artificial sweeteners, may be associated with an increased risk of depression. The exact mechanism is unknown, but researchers believe that artificial sweeteners could play a role in the development of depression.
Microglial cells age differently in male and female mice, with female microglia displaying a 'middle-aged' phenotype and male microglia switching suddenly to an aged phenotype. The researchers identified key genes and mechanisms contributing to this aging process, including the role of aged-like microglia in cognitive decline.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a blood biomarker called DOPA decarboxylase (DCC) that can identify Parkinsonian diseases by measuring elevated levels in the blood, regardless of disease progression
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that agency emerges from the coupled relation between humans and their environment. Infants are found to discover their causal powers and transition from spontaneous to intentional behavior at a critical level of coordination, marking an abrupt increase in movement rate.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new technique to protect sensitive AI-based applications from attackers. By adding random noise to the inner layers of neural networks, they improved the resilience of these systems. This approach promotes greater adaptability and reduces susceptibility to simulated adversarial at...
A UMass Amherst neuroscientist is mapping the brain of a sea slug to study how neurons are added to functional neural circuits, shedding light on how this process contributes to neurological conditions. The project aims to provide an unprecedented look at brain development and potentially inform human brain development.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.
Researchers discuss new drugs available for HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastasis, showing improved outcomes and quality of life. The development of targeted therapies has led to better survival rates among these patients.
A new study from UTHealth Houston finds that AI-powered algorithm can improve detection rates of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The study used a machine learning algorithm to analyze CT angiograms and identified 36 true aneurysms, with 24 previously not referred for follow-up.
A new study suggests that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a common cause of spontaneous brain hemorrhages, can be transmitted via blood transfusion. Patients who received blood from donors with CAA were more than twice as likely to suffer a brain hemorrhage themselves.
A new study published in JAMA found that adults over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day engaging in sedentary behaviors like sitting are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study used wearable accelerometers to track physical activity and found that the total time spent sedentary each day was a significant predictor of dem...
Researchers discovered that the blood-brain barrier in carpenter ants produces a hormone-degrading enzyme, Juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe), which controls JH3 hormone levels in the brain, affecting behavior. Manipulating Jhe levels can reprogram ant castes and even change food-seeking behavior in fruit flies.
Researchers developed a new model of hereditary Alzheimer's disease in marmosets by introducing mutations into the PSEN1 gene, which causes early-onset disease in humans. The study aims to characterize and validate genetic, molecular, functional, and cognitive features of aging and Alzheimer's disease in these animals.
A groundbreaking review paper reveals the importance of GABA tone, the amount of GABA that regulates continuous signaling in the brain. The study identifies key mechanisms and functions, including astrocytes' role in regulating GABA tone and its impact on cognitive processes.
Researchers found that tumors with metastasis to the brain respond better to immunotherapy due to effective priming outside the brain. Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, does not respond well due to impaired priming step.
A new blood-based test called p-tau217 has shown great promise in identifying Alzheimer's disease by stratifying patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups. The two-step workflow reduces the need for confirmatory testing in uncertain cases.
A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University improved AI classification tasks by choosing the most influential path to the output, rather than learning with deeper networks. This approach can enhance existing architectures and pave the way for improved AI systems without additional layers.
Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
A case series reveals that young brain donors with a history of repetitive head impacts exhibit severe symptoms, which may be caused by multiple factors. Further research is needed to clarify the association between exposure to head impacts and clinical symptoms in young athletes.
Researchers from Radboud University have successfully decoded brain signals into intelligible speech using a combination of implants and advanced artificial intelligence models. The technology has been tested with an accuracy of 92-100%, showing promise for individuals with locked-in states who are paralyzed and unable to communicate.
Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.
Researchers used Drosophila to investigate how similar neurons develop unique properties through differential gene expression. The study found that two closely related neuron types differed in over 800 genes, leading to distinct functional characteristics.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating Hurler syndrome using gene therapy. The new approach produced normal enzymes from the liver that were able to sustain normal connections within specific neural networks, restoring brain connectivity.
A new special issue of the Journal of Huntington’s Disease highlights the critical impact of sleep dysfunction on HD patients. Disrupted sleep can alter metabolism, increase vulnerability to infection, and exacerbate disease outcomes.
A team of scientists has developed a rigorous accounting of the neurons in the tiny brain of a humble C. elegans worm, mapping out how its brain cells encode essential behaviors such as movement and feeding. The atlas reveals the underlying logic of how the worm's brain produces a sophisticated repertoire of behaviors, even as environm...
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that Noelin proteins play a crucial role in learning and memory formation in the mammalian brain. The study found that these proteins act as 'universal anchors' controlling the distribution and dynamics of AMPA receptors, which are essential for synaptic plasticity.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to study circadian rhythm resilience and develop ways to improve it in individuals with weak internal clocks. Sustained disruptions can lead to disorders like diabetes and memory loss.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
A new study has identified thousands of shared genetic variants between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. This discovery provides a new understanding of the brain-gut axis and holds promise for developing effective treatments for IBS.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
A study found that border-associated macrophages play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Deleting MHCII from these cells reduced neuroinflammation, suggesting they are essential for presenting alpha-synuclein antigens to T cells.
Neuroscientists at Penn Medicine identified a brain mechanism that enables focus despite visual distractions. By analyzing neuron activity in animal models, they discovered 'beta bursts' in the lateral prefrontal cortex, which suppress distracting stimuli and direct attention towards tasks.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered a non-ectodermal and mesodermal origin for large numbers of enteric neurons born after birth. This finding overturns decades of scientific dogma and offers hope for disease-modifying cures to aging patients.
The USC NRV Center performs complex revascularization procedures and conducts innovative research to treat debilitating conditions. The center will use the funding to enhance clinical care and education with a focus on technological innovation.
A new portable EEG headset has been validated and tested for at-home stroke rehabilitation. The low-cost device connects the brain to powered exoskeletons, promoting motor recovery outcomes.
Research reveals that high blood pressure disrupts artery cell messaging, causing arteries to remain constricted and limiting blood flow to the brain. The study provides a potential route for developing first-ever drug treatments for vascular dementia.
Researchers used a mathematical theory called the free energy principle to predict how real neural networks learn and organize themselves. The study successfully mimicked this process in rat embryo neurons grown in a culture dish, demonstrating the principle's guiding force behind biological neural network learning.
Scientists have identified five distinct subtypes of sensory neurons in the colon that carry signals to the brain, with different subtypes responding to gentle and intense forces. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal conditions and inform the development of more effective therapies.
Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
A new economic model suggests that extreme climates during the Middle Pleistocene era drove human brain evolution through assortative mating. The study found that colder climates favored individuals with larger brains, leading to an increase in intelligence.
Researchers identified new cell types in the developing fly's visual system using a tool that combines single-cell sequencing data with a novel algorithm. This discovery could provide exceptional tools for neuroscience to investigate developmental questions with high precision.
The study reveals altered magnitudes and coherence between oscillations in brain vasculature and brain waves in older adults. This finding has significant implications for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
A new review paper suggests scrambler therapy can yield significant relief for approximately 80-90% of patients with chronic pain. The therapy works by capturing nerve endings and replacing pain signals with signals from adjacent areas, 'scrambling' the pain signals sent to the brain.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's patients exhibit heightened sensitivity to light changes, which can contribute to 'sundowning' and disease progression. Light therapy could help manage these symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.
Researchers have discovered a group of nerve cells in the midbrain that can completely stop all forms of movement and slow down breathing and heart rate when stimulated. The study provides valuable insight into how the nervous system controls movement and may help understand Parkinson's disease.
A comprehensive review of US-based Alzheimer's disease brain imaging studies found that all racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented. The gap is narrowing, but the research highlights the need for more diverse samples to capture details of participants' lived experience.
A study by UCLA psychologists found that consumers tend to remember marketing claims about products being 'clinically studied' as 'clinically proven'. This can lead to people wasting money on ineffective or useless products. The study highlights the importance of carefully reading product labels and consulting medical professionals.
Researchers discovered lactate's role in helping neural stem cells develop into specialized neurons. Lactate sends signals to cells, modifying and strengthening neuronal functions. The study provides insight into lactate signaling in the nervous system, with potential applications for preventing or controlling cognitive diseases.