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 at the University of Surrey have developed a brain-inspired approach to improve artificial neural networks' performance without sacrificing accuracy. The method, called Topographical Sparse Mapping (TSM), rethinks how AI systems are wired by connecting each neuron only to nearby or related ones.
Researchers at UTA are exploring how guided cognitive training can improve brain performance, particularly in navigation and memory. The study found that functional brain changes support behavioral differences, rather than increased brain volume.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified a previously unknown hub in the brain's lymphatic drainage system, which helps remove waste from the brain. The study provides evidence of a slow-moving fluid flow through true lymphatic vessels, rather than blood vessels.
A high-resolution growth chart of the mouse brain has been created to study key brain cell types and their changes during development. The atlas reveals a dynamic sequence of brain growth and maturation in response to genetics and external stimuli, with implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with high brain pressure disorder are more likely to experience vision problems, especially scotomas and reduced visual acuity. The study identified two mechanisms leading to vision loss and developed an assessment to predict who may develop persistent vision problems.
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.
Researchers discovered how newly created neurons rely on blood flow to migrate through the brain. The study found that blood vessels act as physical 'scaffolds' and that blood flow influences migration speed, with higher speeds seen in regions with abundant blood flow.
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.
Recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland suggest that an active lifestyle, good physical fitness and moderate screen time are crucial for brain development in adolescence. Better physical fitness was associated with increased excitability and stronger inhibition of the motor cortex, while passive screen time weakened corti...
Researchers at Northwestern University captured a detailed look at TRPM3, a core temperature sensor, revealing how it turns on when temperatures rise. The finding uncovers a new way that cells sense temperature, helping explain how the nervous system distinguishes harmless warmth from dangerous heat.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that adjusting molecular processes can improve memory in older subjects. They used CRISPR-dCas13 and CRISPR-dCas9 to target age-related changes in K63 polyubiquitination and IGF2, two genes linked to memory formation.
A recent study has found an association between gum disease and changes in the brain's white matter, which can affect memory, thinking, balance, and coordination. Adults with gum disease had more white matter hyperintensities, a type of damage that can increase stroke risk.
A study published in Neurology Open Access found that people with both gum disease and cavities have a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Researchers analyzed data from 5,986 adults and found that those with both conditions had an 86% higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy mouths.
Researchers from USC Neurorestoration Center and Caltech created a simple, noninvasive device using laser technology to measure brain blood flow. The tool has already been tested with humans in small proof of concept studies demonstrating its utility for assessing stroke risk and detecting brain injury.
Researchers developed a non-invasive system using optical spectroscopy to measure cerebral blood flow, distinguishing between scalp and brain signals. The device uses an array of detectors to isolate brain signals from noise, enabling real-world data on its scalp versus brain sensitivity.
Scientists analyzed thousands of proteins in blood samples to understand when multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath and nerve fibers. Researchers identified a protein called IL-3, which plays a key role in this early phase of damage.
A new MIT study found that a theta-frequency brain wave scans the mental image and a region of the cortex maps visual information. The researchers observed that performance depends on the phase of this wave when the changed square appears, and the vertical location on the screen of that target square.
A new virtual reality training task has been developed to help stroke survivors living with visuospatial neglect, a disabling condition affecting attention and awareness of one side of space. The VR task incorporates interactive exercises and audiovisual cues to engage patients and support rehabilitation.
This review of research on music- and nature-based strategies for mental health and wellbeing found that these interventions can offer adaptable low-cost, multi-sensory approaches for people of all ages. Studies showed that combined therapeutic use of music and nature facilitates self-expression, improving mood and emotional well-being.
A new computer model called CogLinks simulates brain circuit decisions and adaptability, helping researchers understand how the brain misfires in psychiatric disorders. The model's results suggest that a specific pathway is essential for adaptability, and its predictions are confirmed by an fMRI study
Researchers discovered a common relational structure across all participants when observing relationships between general activity patterns in neurons. This structure may be the brain's way of organizing information to ensure similar perceptions despite underlying neural coding differences.
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.
Researchers have discovered a link between maternal PFAS levels during pregnancy and their children's brain structure and function. The study found that maternal PFAS were linearly associated with many aspects of their children's brain structure, including the corpus callosum, posterior grey matter volume, and hypothalamus.
A cohort study found that early extracranial surgery was associated with adverse outcomes in function, cognition, and disability after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that further research is needed to determine if surgical timing or other interventions can improve long-term deficits.
Researchers identified the α1D norepinephrine receptor as a key player in stress-induced motor incoordination associated with ataxias. The team showed that blocking this receptor restored normal activity of Purkinje cells, which could lead to new treatment approaches for patients with ataxia type 2.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
Researchers use microchips with human tissue to study brain damage caused by sepsis and neurodegenerative diseases, finding that the blood-brain barrier breaks down under stress. The technology also reveals how pericytes support the barrier and may lead to new treatments for preserving or introducing these cells.
A study by UC Riverside researchers identifies a strong connection between demyelination and seizure activity in multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest targeted treatments could address the root cause of seizures without suppressing overall brain activity.
A large-scale international study found that creative experiences slow brain aging and promote healthier brain function. Creative activities such as music, dance, and video games were linked to 'younger' brain profiles, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Senescent astrocytes lose their ability to support brain endothelial cells, leading to BBB dysfunction. Increased angiotensin signaling is implicated in this process.
A nationwide study found a small but measurable increase in Parkinson's risk among older adults exposed to high levels of trichloroethylene in outdoor air. The study identified geographic hot spots with high TCE levels, particularly in the Rust Belt region.
Florida Atlantic University has joined the Neuroarts Academic Network, a global initiative exploring how creative expression can improve brain health and transform care. The partnership aims to harness the power of aesthetic experiences to enhance brain function and support emotional well-being.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown used machine learning techniques to show that mice's facial movements reflect their hidden thoughts. This discovery could offer unprecedented insight into brain function and potential new research tools.
Researchers found a significant increase in AMPA receptors across Long COVID patients' brains, correlating with cognitive impairment severity. This discovery provides a direct biological explanation for brain fog symptoms and may lead to novel treatments.
A study of 27,500 people found that poor sleep leads to brains appearing older than their actual age. Low-grade inflammation is estimated to explain around 10% of the link between poor sleep and older brain age.
Researchers developed a fiber-optic method to track Alzheimer's plaques in freely behaving mice, allowing for real-time monitoring and long-term tracking of pathological changes. The technique uses fluorescent dye to bind specifically to amyloid fibrils and provides a minimally invasive way to study disease progression.
Researchers at USC have developed a groundbreaking brain imaging technique that reveals how tiny blood vessels in the brain pulse with each heartbeat, which may hold clues to aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. The method shows that microvascular pulsatility increases with age, especially in deep white matter, a region critical for co...
A new study found that healthy habits such as optimism, good sleep, and social support are strongly linked to healthier brains. Study participants who reported the most protective factors had brains eight years younger than their chronological age, and their brains aged more slowly over time.
A study published in Neurology found that preterm infants who received more skin-to-skin contact had stronger brain development in areas related to emotion and stress regulation. The study also linked longer skin-to-skin sessions to improved brain connectivity and lower stress markers.
Researchers have uncovered how mosquito-borne viruses invade the brain by exploiting specific proteins on blood-brain barrier cells. The study highlights promising molecular targets for future vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent severe neurological complications.
The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...
The USC team is developing a new drug aimed at a previously unexplored biological target in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on a trigger of brain inflammation. They have identified an enzyme that predisposes the brain to inflammation and are now working to find a drug that can block it without harmful side effects.
The brain divides vision between its two hemispheres to enable seamless perception. Researchers at the Picower Institute found that different frequencies of brain waves are encoded and transferred information from one hemisphere to the other before an object crosses the middle of the field of view.
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.
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.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
Scientists at UCSF successfully used CRISPRa to increase SCN2A levels in mice with the genetic disorder, resulting in reduced seizures and improved brain function. The therapy offers hope for treating neurodevelopmental issues related to SCN2A haploinsufficiency.
A study published in Neurology found that amateur soccer players who frequently head the ball experience changes within the folds of their brain, including disruptions in a specific layer of white matter. This association was linked to poorer performance on thinking and memory tests.
A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC found that a stem cell transplant performed one week after an ischemic stroke in mice led to significant brain cell growth and functional recovery. The treated mice showed improved fine motor skills, gait, and reduced inflammation compared to untreated mice.
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.
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
A prospective study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort found that modifiable parental factors, such as screen use and emotional regulation, are associated with specific adolescent sleep outcomes. Parental warmth is also linked to sleep chronotype, highlighting potential targets for evidence-based interventions.
Researchers found that lung cancer cells can form functional synapses with neurons, supporting their growth and survival. Disrupting glutamate signalling led to lower tumour burden and longer survival in experimental mice, highlighting promising therapeutic targets.
A new preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that inflammation during pregnancy may prime offspring for anxiety. The researchers discovered that adversity in the womb configured a small percentage of brain cells to be overly active when faced with a threatening situation, creating a vulnerability to anxiety.
A new study reveals that brain lateralization is essential for the emergence of left-to-right spatial-numerical associations in newborn chicks. Strongly lateralized chicks showed a clear preference for selecting food from the left, while weakly lateralized chicks had no consistent directional preference.
Two Hebrew University researchers, Dr. Anat Arzi and Dr. Ariel Goldstein, have received prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their innovative research on the dynamics of brain activity and neural basis of language generation. Their work aims to advance our understanding of transitions between unconscious and conscious states and the fou...
A UNIGE team has discovered a 9,000-year-old quartz knapping workshop in Senegal, providing new insights into the stone-knapping techniques used by West Africa's last hunter-gatherers. The findings suggest technical similarities among these communities and potential shared traditions.
A new study using two-photon microscopy shows that brief interruptions in brain capillary flow can cause rapid drops in oxygen levels, potentially leading to tissue damage. The research found that even minor stalls can lead to significant hypoxia, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted blood flow to the brain.
A team developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) neuron that perceives dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. The device demonstrated synaptic plasticity, integrate-and-fire dynamics, and spike tuning, mirroring biological neurons' behavior.
Researchers developed a safe method to obtain prefrontal cortex biopsies during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in living patients, demonstrating no increased risk of adverse events or cognitive decline. The study's findings establish the safety of this approach and open up new avenues for neuroscience research.