Research on the structure and workings of the human brain. Covers prenatal brain development, structural changes in disease, gray and white matter, and brain stimulation.
Research suggests that altered lipid signaling in brain cells contributes to mental disorders, with specific inhibitors showing promise in rebalancing this mechanism. The study found similar changes in both human patients and healthy relatives, as well as mice with genetic disorders, opening up new treatment opportunities.
Researchers used virtual reality to test whether humans can feel embodiment toward prosthetic
Researchers investigate Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis connection, discovering cross-reactivity between viral proteins and brain proteins. The study suggests that differences in immune cell function may explain why some people develop MS after EBV infection.
A Finnish study found that adolescents with higher blood pressure and arterial stiffness exhibit poorer cognitive functions, particularly attention and learning. The study also reveals interesting sex differences in the associations between blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and cognition in adolescents.
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, work by restoring connections between brain regions, rather than correcting a chemical imbalance. The framework highlights the importance of these medications in alleviating depressive episodes, even if MDD isn't caused by a lack of serotonin.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham created an algorithm to generate personalized DBS treatment plans based on four major PD symptoms. The algorithm improved patients' symptoms in four of five cases, demonstrating its potential to improve treatment beyond standard-of-care approaches.
A survey of over 5,000 smokers found that mental health conditions do not affect the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids. The most effective aids were vaping products, varenicline, and heated tobacco products, with no differences in efficacy between people with mental health conditions.
A novel wearable brain scanner has given the clearest ever picture of young children's developing brains, measuring electrical brain activity with millisecond-by-millisecond precision. The study, published in eLife, opens up new possibilities for tracking developmental milestones and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
A recent study discovered a critical brain signal mediated by dopamine and its 'D2' receptors that plays a crucial role in timing actions. The research team used novel imaging techniques to observe this activity before self-timed presses, finding a gradual increase in brain signals about half a second prior.
A new study found that internet addiction in adolescents can lead to changes in the brain's neural networks, resulting in addictive behaviors and tendencies. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction.
A team of researchers discovered a group of neurons in the brain associated with compulsive eating and food craving. The discovery found that activation of these cells triggered vigorous foraging behavior in mice, even when they were already full.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that negating adjectives affects brain processing, with slower reaction times and varied interpretations. The researchers used magnetoencephalography to capture brain activity while participants rated affirmative or negated phrases.
A new study shows how the brain processes phrases with negation, revealing that it mitigates rather than inverts meaning. Researchers found participants took longer to interpret negated phrases, initially perceiving them as more extreme, but later shifting to a nuanced understanding.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel non-invasive technique to target deep brain regions involved in neurological disorders. By applying low-level electrical stimulation on the scalp, they can selectively stimulate key brain regions without invasive procedures.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that reports of cognitive decline were associated with the accumulation of tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study used imaging to detect levels of tau and amyloid beta in participants who were cognitively unimpaired but at risk for Alzheimer's.
A study in the Panamanian rainforest found that larger-brained primates did not outperform smaller-brained mammals in finding fruit. The research suggests that intelligence may not be directly linked to foraging efficiency, but could be related to other factors such as episodic memory or social complexity.
A study by the University of Turku found that regular caffeine consumption reduces dopamine transporter binding in Parkinson's disease patients, but has no impact on symptoms or motor function. High caffeine intake may also complicate brain imaging results, suggesting a 24-hour caffeine-free period before diagnosis is recommended.
A study led by the University of Turku has identified the brain network responsible for stuttering, which may lead to effective treatments. The research found that stuttering is associated with structural changes in a specific brain network involving the putamen, amygdala, and claustrum.
A study published in Radiology found that low-level light therapy increased resting-state functional connectivity in patients with moderate traumatic brain injuries. The treatment showed improved brain connectivity within the first two weeks, but its long-term effects are still unclear.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is critical for prosocial behaviors, including helping others. Participants with vmPFC damage exhibited reduced motivation to help, exert less effort, and earned less money compared to control groups.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin discovered distinct molecular differences in brains of people with PTSD and depression compared to neurotypical controls. The study's findings may lead to novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
Researchers create largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. The study uses postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.
A recent study has cataloged gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain, providing crucial insights into neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The research found thousands of isoform switches that occur during brain development, implicating previously uncharacterized RNA-binding proteins.
A comprehensive study by McLean Hospital researchers reveals both shared and unique molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
Researchers found that early exposure to limited color information helps the brain develop robust object recognition skills. Children born blind who have their sight restored later in life struggle with identifying objects in black-and-white images due to overreliance on color cues. The study suggests that early visual experience plays...
Two studies published in Science reveal significant advances in understanding the molecular biology of neuropsychiatric disease, including a comprehensive map of regulatory components of the brain. The research provides critical insights into the pathogenesis of mental health disorders and holds promise for therapeutic applications.
A new study has uncovered unprecedented insights into the cellular basis of schizophrenia, linking genetic risk factors to specific neuronal populations. The research found that excitatory neurons were the most affected cell group, with transcriptional changes implicating neurodevelopment and synaptic signaling.
A new study found significant differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls, with autistic females showing a thicker cortex at age 3 and faster cortical thinning into middle childhood. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies that include both sexes to better understand sex-specific changes in autism.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that urolithin A, a naturally occurring substance in pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia. The substance shows promise in improving brain function by removing damaged mitochondria.
A new study reveals that preteens are using online dating apps at an alarming rate, with LGB adolescents being 13 times more likely to report engagement. The study also found that preteen boys spend more time on screens than girls, highlighting the need for guidance and media literacy programs to mitigate risks.
Newborns of bilingual mothers exhibit greater sensitivity to a range of sound pitches compared to those from monolingual mothers. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to multiple languages may shape the fetus's auditory system, influencing its ability to process speech sounds at birth.
A new study developed a Touch-Motion Algorithm to explore tactile sensation with spatial components, enabling participants to localize 3D motion through fingertips. The results demonstrated accurate integration of audio and tactile information in challenging environments, opening pathways for enhancing human perception and interaction.
Researchers have created the world's first human mini-brain that incorporates a fully functional blood-brain barrier, mimicking human neurovascular development. This breakthrough model promises to accelerate understanding and treatment of brain disorders like stroke, cerebral vascular disorders, and Parkinson's disease.
The study found that people of African ancestry are more likely to experience Alzheimer's disease and stroke, while being less likely to manifest Parkinson's disease. Genetic ancestry was found to influence gene expression in the brain, with 15% of variation attributed to environmental differences.
Researchers at IIT have identified a brain network that enables the recognition of others' emotions, which could lead to more effective treatments for neurodevelopmental conditions. The discovery provides insight into how the brain processes social functions and may help develop targeted therapies.
Researchers developed a game-changing blood test that can quickly and accurately identify large vessel occlusion strokes, which have the potential to bring life-saving care to patients globally. The test combines biomarkers with a clinical score to detect strokes with 93% specificity and 81% sensitivity.
A study by Duke and Columbia Universities found that non-white older adults with mild cognitive impairment reside in areas with more environmental injustices than their white peers. The study suggests that location, race, and environmental factors may interact to impact brain health.
A study found that individuals taking probiotic supplements showed increased sensitivity to fairness and a greater inclination to reject unequal offers. This was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition and levels of dopamine precursors. The findings suggest a potential causal mechanism linking gut bacteria to social behavior.
Researchers at BIH developed a theory on traveling waves of activity in the human brain, which influences cognitive processes such as learning and remembering. Understanding these waves can support treatment of patients with cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.
A newly discovered connection between two brain regions may help regulate how much we eat, according to a Northwestern University study. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's BMI, suggesting that individuals with weak brain circuits may overeat even when full.
Researchers are studying the early brain development of babies born to mothers with diabetes to understand the link between prenatal exposure and later childhood obesity. They aim to identify key differences in brain structure and function that may contribute to the increased risk of obesity.
This Neuron special issue highlights recent findings on consciousness research, including neural theories, sleep, anesthesia, coma recovery, and prefrontal cortex roles. It showcases how these areas contribute to our understanding of the complex topic.
Researchers have developed a new weight loss drug that combines GLP-1 with molecules blocking the NMDA receptor, exploiting its effects on appetite control and neuroplasticity. This approach shows promise for greater weight loss in mice than existing medications.
A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.
A University of Saskatchewan researcher is building tiny pseudo-organs from stem cells to help diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease. These 'mini-brains' more accurately reflect a fully-fledged adult human brain, allowing for closer examination of neurological conditions.
A new study using AI technology analyzed MRI scans from 471 men and 560 women, revealing differences in brain organization at a cellular level. The findings highlight the need for diversity in neurological research and may offer new insights into how psychiatric and neurological disorders develop differently in men and women.
Salk scientists develop new method to quantify synaptic features, revealing high precision of plasticity and up to 10 times more storage capacity. The technique uses information theory to analyze synapse pairs from a rat hippocampus, offering a scalable approach for studying brain function.
A new study found that transgender preteens reported 13 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was 4.5 hours more than their cisgender peers. The researchers highlight the importance of managing the risks associated with excessive screen use for this vulnerable population.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a framework to address the complex challenges of brain health, environment, and sustainability. The 'brain economy' concept aims to create a stronger future by reversing brain capital loss, which affects cognitive abilities and socioemotional stability.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.
A team of Harvard researchers, led by Jeff Lichtman, has created the largest synaptic-resolution, 3D reconstruction of a piece of human brain to date. The dataset contains 1,400 terabytes of data on neural connections in a tiny piece of human temporal cortex.
Scientists from Nagoya University identified signaling from serotonin neurons as important for maintaining reproductive function by sensing glucose availability. This discovery provides an explanation and possible treatment for decreased fertility observed in people with depression.
Macquarie University researchers debunked a 75-year-old theory about sound localization, revealing that humans use a simpler neural network. This finding could unlock next-generation hearing devices and improve smart devices' ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
Researchers created an ultra-small vision implant with single-neuron sized electrodes, allowing for thousands of 'pixels' to be stimulated simultaneously. The implant's unique combination of flexible materials ensures long-term functionality and stability.
Researchers created a corticolimbic index tool that categorizes Alzheimer's disease into three subtypes based on brain changes. The study found demographic and clinical differences among sex, age at onset, and rate of cognitive decline.
Researchers have pinpointed the location of an internal neural compass in the human brain, which helps orientate itself in space and navigate through the environment. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, where navigation and orientation are often impaired.
A groundbreaking study found that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke, suggesting other factors are at play. White matter hyperintensities were associated with more severe motor impairment, independent of corticospinal tract damage.
A Swansea University-led study investigates the impact of omega-3 supplements on children's behavior, mood, and mental wellbeing. The research aims to identify which children may benefit most from supplements and how they can be best identified.
Researchers have discovered a small molecule compound called ESI1 that can regenerate vital myelin coatings, potentially treating multiple sclerosis and age-related cognitive deficits. The treatment promotes healing by clearing a roadblock in the repair process, allowing oligodendrocytes to produce myelin sheaths.
A new atlas of early brain development has been created, allowing researchers to understand the genetic processes behind brain tumor formation in children. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for this rare but deadly disease.