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Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory

Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2026

How do people quickly respond to scary sounds?

A new brain pathway has been identified that enables humans to quickly detect and respond to 'scary' sounds, leading to increased self-reported fearfulness. This pathway is associated with better hearing ability in noisy environments.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 16, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBrain and Language·DateMar 9, 2026

Why oxytocin treatments for social behavior are inconsistent

A study by Steve Chang explores how oxytocin influences brain activity to shape social behavior in rhesus monkeys. The researchers found that oxytocin increased activity in the basolateral amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex when monkeys were socially motivated, maintaining beneficial decisions and social task behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 11, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Neuroanatomy of social dominance

Researchers explored neuroanatomy underlying social dominance in nonhuman primates, focusing on the uncinate fasciculus and its correlation with social dominance measures. The study found a significant correlation between this brain tract and social aggression, supporting human studies linking it to social dominance.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJul 21, 2025

CTE and normal aging are difficult to distinguish, new study finds

A recent Northwestern University study analyzed brain tissue from 174 donated brains, including some from former amateur football players. The researchers found no elevated levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is often associated with CTE and normal aging.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateJul 11, 2025

Investigating how stress may cause sleep and memory deficits

Researchers discovered that stress activates neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, leading to impaired sleep and memory. Inhibiting these neurons reduced stress-related memory issues while slightly improving sleep.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 9, 2025

New study reveals how the brain integrates pain prediction and stimuli

Researchers used fMRI to observe brain activity in participants exposed to varying levels of pain stimuli, manipulating their expectations about the level of pain. The study found that higher-level networks integrated pain-related signals into the experience of pain by adding preserved expectation and stimulus information together.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mayo Clinic scientists define new type of memory loss in older adults

Mayo Clinic scientists have established criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults that specifically impacts the brain's limbic system. The syndrome, called Limbic-predominant Amnestic Neurodegenerative Syndrome (LANS), progresses more slowly and has a better prognosis than Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalBrain Communications·DateJul 17, 2024

‘Fight or flight’ – unless internal clocks are disrupted, study in mice shows

Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

Maternal care influences brain chemistry into adulthood

Research shows that intensive maternal care during infancy promotes the effect of neuropeptide Y in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and increased body weight in adulthood. The study found that maternal care stimulated the persistent formation of certain NPY receptors in the forebrain.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2011