Human Brain

ALS is driven by a domino‑like chain reaction that begins in nerve cells

Ultrasound has potential to alter how the brain responds to pain

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.

Supplemental prenatal progesterone reprogrammes gene linked to brain development in males

New Nature Scientific Reports study challenges the inevitability of cognitive decline and proves brain gain is possible at any age

Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware

Lesions as a window into cause: a psychiatrist bets that circuits, not regions, explain psychiatric disorders

Gonçalo Cotovio uses lesion network mapping to identify the circuits responsible for psychiatric symptoms, aiming to develop personalized brain stimulation treatments. His work has produced striking findings in mania and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with ambitions to extend to disordered feeding behavior.

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.

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal of lifelong brain resilience, with inaugural interview featuring Luísa Pinto on glial plasticity

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.

We may be born with 2 complex cognitive functions already established

A new study suggests that language and theory of mind, two complex cognitive functions, have distinct origins in the brain in young children. Researchers found separate but related brain regions for these skills, which do not overlap or grow more distinct as the mind matures.

EBRAINS Roadmap Symposium to convene neuroscience community in Munich

The EBRAINS Roadmap Symposium will bring together the global neuroscience community to shape the EBRAINS 10-Year-Roadmap. A total of 159 submissions from 134 unique contributors across 25 countries have been received, reflecting the momentum of Europe's digital neuroscience landscape.

Bial Foundation opens applications for Grants for Scientific Research 2026/2027

The Bial Foundation is launching a new call for Grants for Scientific Research 2026/2027 in psychophysiology and parapsychology. The maximum grant amount is €60,000 per project, with applications open until 31 August 2026.

Mapping long range brain wiring with label free optical imaging

A study published in Biophotonics Discovery uses spectral-focusing coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy to image human white matter microstructure. The method enables automated measurement of axon size and myelin thickness, revealing new insights into brain connectivity and behavior.

Can a deaf person's brain turn silence into vision?

Researchers found that a deaf person's brain can reorganize sensory systems through selective deactivation, not just increased activation. The auditory cortex in deaf individuals responds to visual stimuli with organized deactivations, representing visual spatial features.

University of Houston psychologist reveals how distraction breaks memory

Researchers at the University of Houston found that distraction disrupts memory consolidation primarily due to demands on central executive processing. To improve short-term memory, focus attention on a task for a few seconds before switching, and avoid multitasking.

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.

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.

Physical and social environmental exposures shape the biological brain age in global populations

An international study reveals that environmental risk factors, social inequalities, and protective factors interact to accelerate or delay brain aging. The study identifies distinct brain markers associated with structural and functional changes in brain areas critical for memory, emotions, and social behavior.

Sleep cleans the brain – University of Oulu researchers develop a fast, non-invasive way to measure the process

Scientists have developed a method to track increased movement of brain fluids during sleep without invasive procedures. This allows for the study of how sleep enhances brain cleaning processes.

MIT scientists show how the brain handles the “cocktail party problem”

Using a computational model, neuroscientists at MIT showed how the brain selectively focuses attention on one voice among others in a noisy environment. The model found that amplifying the activity of neural processing units that respond to features of a target voice allows that voice to be boosted to the forefront of attention.

USC study reveals differences in early Alzheimer’s brain markers across diverse populations

Researchers at USC identified differences in early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes across racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic participants showing higher levels of tau in key memory-related regions. The study highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to studying and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

Overlooked brainstem pathway controls human hands

A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.

UH researcher disputes claim that multilingualism promotes better brain aging

A University of Houston researcher disputes a study claiming multilingualism promotes healthy brain aging, finding that wealth and healthcare systems may drive longevity instead. Hernandez argues that individual behavioral solutions, such as learning a language, are oversold and distract from structural factors that support healthy aging.

How stepping into nature affects the brain

A comprehensive review of over 100 brain-imaging studies reveals that connecting with nature triggers changes in the brain, calming stress and restoring attention. The study supports the emerging field of nature connectedness, suggesting that spending time outdoors can lead to measurable changes and has a broader societal impact.

Don’t Panic: ‘Humanity’s Last Exam’ has begun

A global consortium created an exam with 2,500 questions spanning multiple subjects to assess AI capabilities. Current AI models consistently fail the exam, highlighting gaps in their understanding. The project aims to provide a long-term benchmark for evaluating advanced AI systems and demonstrate the importance of human expertise

Key alterations in the cerebral cortex of people with psychosis

The study reveals that psychosis does not follow a single trajectory but is influenced by individual differences and treatment. It shows that cortical volume reduction, particularly in regions with high serotonin and dopamine receptor density, is a hallmark of the disease.

Scientists find a mechanism for how exercise protects the brain

Scientists have discovered a mechanism that explains how exercise improves cognition by shoring up the brain's protective barrier. The study found that an exercise-induced liver protein strengthens the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Applications of endovascular brain–computer interface in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed an innovative endovascular brain-computer interface (EBCI) that enables precise and minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The EBCI can reach key deep brain regions involved in memory circuits, providing a natural implantation pathway for electrode delivery.

Gentle implant can illuminate, listen, and deliver medication to the brain

Researchers have developed a long, needle-thin brain electrode with channels that enables neural signal recording and precisely targeted medication delivery across different brain regions. The technology has primarily been developed for basic research but may be important for future treatments in epilepsy and other neurological diseases.

Breakthrough study reveals early neural circuit that determines food reward

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.

New research connects heart attacks to brain, nervous and immune systems

Researchers have uncovered a new understanding of how cardiac events are interconnected with the brain and nervous/immune systems. They found that sensory neurons in the vagus nerve detect injury and transfer signals to dedicated brain structures, leading to activation of the immune system.

Rice establishes Global Brain Economy Initiative in Davos, aligned with new report on brain health and AI

The Global Brain Economy Initiative aims to establish brain capital as an essential asset for the 21st century, connecting neuroscience with economic policy. The initiative's mission is to address disparities in support for brain capital across various sectors and promote long-term growth, workforce resilience, and social well-being.

Adverse prenatal exposures linked to higher rates of mental health issues, brain changes in adolescents

Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.

Artificial intelligence gives a clearer picture of functional MRI brain data

Boston College researchers have developed an AI-assisted method to remove 'noise' from functional MRI brain data, a major obstacle for fMRI research. The new method, known as DeepCor, outperforms previous approaches and could pave the way for new discoveries about the brain and its disorders.

Musical improvisation: pure inspiration or dynamic brain reconfiguration?

Research finds that musical improvisation involves a dynamic reconfiguration of the brain between emotion, technique, and structure. The study proposes a scalable method for exploring the neural basis of spontaneous creative behavior, highlighting the importance of interaction between networks over time.

Scientists ID potential way to prevent brain injuries from triggering Alzheimer's

Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.

AI helps explain how covert attention works and uncovers new neuron types

Researchers used AI to study covert attention and found emergent properties in artificial neural networks, including new neuron types with response properties never highlighted before. The findings have implications for our understanding of the human brain and its ability to process information.

Epilepsy can lead to earlier deaths in people with intellectual disabilities, study shows

A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.

MIT researchers identified three cognitive skills we use to infer what someone really means

Researchers at MIT have identified three clusters of pragmatic skills that are based on the same kinds of inferences and may have similar underlying neural processes. These skills include interpreting social conventions, understanding physical world knowledge, and distinguishing between tones to convey emphasis or emotion.

EBRAINS Summit brings world-leading neuroscientists to Brussels

The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.

UT Health Science Center researchers use ‘brain-on-a-chip’ to revolutionize fight against deadly encephalitis viruses

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are using a human brain-on-a-chip system to study lethal encephalitis viruses and develop treatments. The chip replicates the function of the human brain, allowing scientists to test antiviral drugs in a more accurate and human-like environment.

UBC ‘body-swap’ robot helps reveal how the brain keeps us upright

The UBC robotic platform helps scientists understand how the brain keeps us standing by mimicking delays in sensory feedback. By tweaking forces and adding short delays, the robot reveals that our sense of space and time work from the same playbook.

Scientists identify five ages of the human brain over a lifetime

Researchers identified five phases of brain structure, each supported by four turning points between birth and death, revealing key developments in cognitive performance, neural efficiency, and regional compartmentalization. The study provides context for understanding why brains develop differently at various stages of life.

Scientists uncover new on-switch for pain signaling pathway that could lead to safer treatment and relief

Researchers at Tulane University discovered a new nerve cell signaling mechanism that can turn on pain signaling after injury, potentially leading to safer treatments. The discovery of enzyme vertebrate lonesome kinase (VLK) offers a new way to influence cell behavior and could simplify drug development.

New findings in split-brain science: Even minimal fiber connections can unify consciousness

Researchers found that a small section of intact corpus callosum is enough to sustain full integration of the two brain halves, contrary to previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for epilepsy surgery and brain injury recovery.

FAU Engineering secures NIH grant to explore how the brain learns to ‘see’

Researchers will study neural mechanisms of visual perceptual learning (VPL) to generalize across the visual field, improving vision rehabilitation and AI systems. The project aims to develop a unified model of visual processing, VPL, and attention.

Brain pathway may fuel both aggression, self-harm

A recent study by Sora Shin has identified a shared brain circuit that contributes to both aggression and self-harm in individuals with a history of early-life trauma. The research found that pain, including emotional pain, can serve as a gateway for these behaviors to emerge.

UTA expands brain health research

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.

Women better protected against early neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease

A large international study reveals that women with a precursor condition to Parkinson's disease exhibit significantly less brain atrophy compared to men. The research suggests that estrogens may play a crucial role in protecting the brain from neurodegeneration.

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.

Why our brain agrees on what we see: New study, at Reichman University, reveals the shared neural structure behind our common perceptions

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 AI tool makes medical imaging process 90% more efficient

MetaSeg achieves the same segmentation performance as U-Nets but requires 90% fewer parameters, making medical image segmentation more cost-effective. The new approach leverages implicit neural representations to quickly adjust to new images and decode accurate labels.

PFAS levels in mothers’ blood associated with children’s brain structure and function

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.

Creative minds, younger brains: International study shows creative experiences delay brain aging

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.

Vision therapy reverses concussion-related double and blurred vision, NJIT-led study finds

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that vision therapy can effectively treat concussion-related eye coordination disorders, including convergence insufficiency and accommodation insufficiency. Nearly 90% of patients in the treatment group were able to see normally after 12 weeks of therapy.

Parkinson’s ‘trigger’ directly observed in human brain tissue for the first time

Scientists have developed an imaging technique to visualize and quantify alpha-synuclein oligomers in human brain tissue, a major advance in Parkinson's research. The study found that oligomers exist in both healthy and Parkinson's brains, but are larger, brighter, and more numerous in disease samples.

Scientists read mice’s ‘thoughts’ from their faces

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.

How does the brain differentiate painful from non-painful touch?

Salk scientists pinpoint gracile nucleus as brain area responsible for differentiating between painful and non-painful touch, with dysfunction leading to chronic pain. Altered neuronal activity in the dorsal column nuclei drives mechanical allodynia, causing the brain to misinterpret innocuous light touch as painful.

Neural basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder found in brain organoids

Johns Hopkins researchers used machine learning to analyze electric activity of mini-brains grown in a lab, revealing unique firing patterns associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study improves accuracy in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy brain organoids, paving the way for potential diagnostic tests and p...

Researchers reveal how autism-linked mutation triggers PTSD-like fear

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.