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AI gets a cerebellum

A new brain-like electronic device consumes very little energy and detects novelties almost instantly, with over 98% accuracy. The device requires roughly 10,000 times fewer computer operations than conventional AI approaches, paving the way for more energy-efficient AI systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2026

Novel study shows physical activity reshapes neural connectivity and makes the brain more resilient after childhood trauma

Research in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reveals that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, strengthening the brain's internal communication and optimizing its response to stress. The study challenges traditional deficit-focused views of adversity, offering a more dynamic and hope...

SourceElsevier·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2026

Schizophrenia: The cerebellum’s unexpected role

Researchers discovered the cerebellum's key role in regulating the brain's reward system in people with schizophrenia. Stronger cerebellar regulation is associated with reduced negative symptoms, while weaker regulation increases symptoms. This finding opens up new avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 13, 2026

Researchers map how the cerebellum builds its connections with the rest of the brain during early development

A team of researchers has reconstructed how the cerebellum establishes its connections with the rest of the brain during earliest stages of life. The work describes the phases in which these neural connections emerge, expand, and are refined, offering a comprehensive map of cerebellar projections across the mouse brain.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

New insights into the molecular basis of ataxia

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·DateOct 10, 2025

It's never too late to start playing an instrument

Research from Kyoto University found that continuing to play a musical instrument into old age preserves brain function and prevents atrophy in the putamen. Long-term practice showed no decline in verbal working memory performance or gray matter volume, while short-term practice improved memory function for four months.

SourceKyoto University·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 4, 2025

Genomic evolution reshapes cell-type diversification in the amniote brain

A team of researchers constructed a cross-species single-nucleus RNA-seq atlas of amniote brains, uncovering conserved and divergent cell-type evolution. Functional divergence or loss of paralogous genes significantly drove the evolution of brain cell types, with distinct expression patterns across species.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

How the cerebellum controls tongue movements to grab food

Researchers discovered that Purkinje cells in the cerebellum signal to stop tongue movement as it approaches a target, allowing for precise control of tongue movements. This understanding is crucial for developing treatments for symptoms linked to cerebellar dysfunction, such as vocal muscle spasms and speech disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2025

Don't let this stress you out

Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of two-hit stress on mouse behavior, revealing significant changes in the cerebellum. The study found increased microglia turnover, neuronal loss, and decreased brain connectivity, correlating with anxiety-like behaviors and mental disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2025

Surgery may improve memory and psychological health for Chiari malformation patients, Pitt and UPMC surgeons report

A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that surgery can alleviate psychiatric distress and improve cognitive function in patients with Chiari Malformation type 1. Nearly 90% of patients showed improvements in cognitive function or psychiatric symptoms, with many reporting a significant reduction in brain fog.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateFeb 21, 2025

Researchers define new subtypes of common brain disorder

Researchers have identified three distinct subtypes of Chiari type-1 malformations with distinct characteristics, enabling physicians to develop treatment protocols for patients. The study used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 1,200 patients and identified patterns that can inform medical decision making.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeurosurgery·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review article explores cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease

Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 18, 2024

Trouble with trembling hands? The problem lies in the brain.

Researchers identified genes associated with a thinner cortex and smaller cerebellum, which can lead to uncontrollable shaking of hands. The study also found that faulty protein disposal affects cell function and disrupts neural pathways, making it difficult to treat the condition.

SourceSingHealth·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Knocking out one key gene leads to autistic traits

A recent study discovered that knocking out a key gene, ASTN2, in mice results in changes to cerebellar structure and behavior. The knockout mice exhibited reduced socialization and communication, increased hyperactivity and repetitive behavior, similar to hallmark traits of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2024

Preventing brain damage in preterm babies

A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

Synapses brought to the point

Researchers at ISTA investigated the crucial set of synapses between neurons within the cerebellum, uncovering details of their function and development. The study used advanced techniques to look at the inhibitory synapses in great detail, revealing how they delicately influence the cell's signal output.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 11, 2024

Traumatic stress associated with smaller brain region

A study from Duke University found that people with PTSD have a significantly smaller cerebellum, especially in areas related to emotion and memory. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to targeted treatments and more research on the brain region's role in PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2024

Glial tone of aggression

Researchers at Tohoku University found that Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellar vermis regulate the volume of aggression in mice. The study suggests that adjusting glial activity in the cerebellum could lead to therapeutic strategies for managing anger and aggression.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNeuroscience Research·DateDec 5, 2023

Our cerebellar nuclei turn out to be more important than initially thought

Researchers discovered that cerebellar nuclei make a surprising contribution to associative learning by strengthening connections with mossy fibers. Optogenetic experiments also showed that the nuclei can support well-timed learning. The study's findings have implications for understanding cerebellum function and potential treatments f...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Physical fitness since childhood predicts cerebellar volume in adolescence

A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that physical fitness since childhood is associated with increased cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. Those with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volume, while those with cardiorespiratory fitness had smaller to...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateNov 10, 2023

Research team discovers new role of cerebellum in coordinating the brain network essential for social recognition memory

A research team at the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified the cerebellum as a critical component in coordinating brain networks essential for social recognition memory. This discovery holds promise for the development of targeted therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, which often feature loss of recognition memory.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023

Complex brain cell connections in the cerebellum more common than believed

Researchers found that nearly all Purkinje cells in the human cerebellum have multiple primary dendrites, which contradicts the traditional understanding of a one-to-one relationship between climbing fibers and Purkinje cells. This discovery was made possible by analyzing thousands of cells from both human and mouse tissue using immuno...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

How music can prevent cognitive decline

A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuroImage·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2023

Discovery of a new function of the cerebellum

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new function of the cerebellum in storing emotional experiences, which is crucial for our survival. The study shows that increased activity in the cerebellum facilitates the storage of information in various areas of the cerebrum, leading to improved memory for emotional events.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2022

The role of the cerebellum in absence seizures

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that stimulating cerebellar nuclei cells can prevent abnormal brain activity associated with absence seizures. The study used mice and optogenetic stimulation to confirm the therapeutic potential of targeted cerebellar stimulation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·DateMay 4, 2022