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FAU study maps first brain blueprint of a fly’s split-second great escape

A new study at Florida Atlantic University maps the neural wiring system linked to a fly's split-second escape behaviors, revealing a decentralized communication strategy. The findings provide insight into how brains process information at extraordinary speed and may represent a conserved blueprint shared across species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2026

Nerves in skin can slow melanoma growth

Researchers found that nerves of the sympathetic nervous system inhibit tumor growth by reducing local tumor-supportive macrophages, a type of immune cell. The findings may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting sympathetic nerves within tumors or alpha adrenergic receptors on tumor-associated macrophages.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 29, 2026

‘Split-brain’ study: just a few fibres enable communication between the two hemispheres of the brain

A recent study found that preserving just one centimeter of corpus callosum fibers is enough to maintain information exchange between the two brain hemispheres, preventing neurological symptoms. The research challenged long-held assumptions about the relationships between brain structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

New hope for MS

Scientists have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could promote remyelination and modulate immune function in multiple sclerosis. These compounds showed promising results in mouse models and human cells, suggesting potential for treating MS and possibly other neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

Optimizing electrical stimulation therapies with machine learning

Researchers at Duke University have developed a computer model that simulates nerve responses to electrical stimulation, enabling the efficient design of more effective and targeted neuromodulation therapies. The new tool, called S-MF, runs thousands of times faster than current industry standards without sacrificing accuracy or detail.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2024

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

How an internal body clock keeps roundworms free from constipation

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have identified the key mechanism behind roundworms' precise bowel movements, revealing a synchronized nerve impulse between the brain and gut. The study found that the AVL nerve cell in the head regulates the defecation rhythm by relaying and modulating pacemaker signals from the gut.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Elucidating the brain's white matter

Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Unique 3D-images reveal the architecture of nerve fibers

Researchers at Lund University have used synchrotron light to create high-resolution 3D images of nerve fibers in diabetes. The study reveals that damaged nerve fibers grow back in a spiral pattern, leading to regenerative clusters. Understanding this process could lead to new treatment principles for diabetes-related nerve damage.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 6, 2020

How texture deceives the moving finger

A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores how texture affects the way we perceive speed when touching objects. The researchers found that finer textures produce more vibrations in the skin, leading to a greater perceived speed. This is because specific nerve fibers in the skin are highly sensitive to these vibrations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 27, 2019

Autoimmunity may underlie newly discovered painful nerve-damage disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immunoglobulin infusions can improve pain and function in patients with autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), a condition previously thought to be idiopathic. The treatment has shown significant symptom relief for 75% of patients, allowing some to discontinue treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders·DateNov 8, 2017

Computer model simulates sense of touch from the entire hand

A computer model developed by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago can simulate the entire nerve response of the hand to any pattern of touch stimulation, providing insights into how the nervous system perceives touch. This tool will enable scientists to create realistic touch sensations in bionic hands for amputees.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Small nerve fibers defy neuropathy conventions

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that even prediabetes can cause nerve damage in people with small fiber neuropathy, challenging the conventional wisdom of how nerves deteriorate. The research showed that patients with prediabetes lost about 10% of their nerve fiber density each year, similar to those with diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 11, 2016

Brain's 'amplifier' compensates for lost inner ear function

Researchers found that the adult brain's natural plasticity can compensate for a near-complete loss of auditory nerve fibers, restoring sensitivity to faint sounds but not complex sounds like speech. The brain's 'amplifier' at higher stages of processing acts as an amplifier, increasing sound detection abilities within normal limits.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNeuron·DateJan 28, 2016

New research sets stage for noninvasive monitoring of HIV-induced peripheral neuropathy

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has great potential as a tool to diagnose and monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The study found that SIV-infected macaque model showed decreased corneal nerve fiber density and correlated with epidermal nerve fiber length.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 12, 2014

Learning a language depends on good connection between regions of the left hemisphere of the brain

A study by researchers from IDIBELL and University of Barcelona found that language learning depends on the structure and function of the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of nerve fibers connecting auditory regions with motor areas. Individuals with more myelinated connections in this area performed better at word learning.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Hot sauce ingredient reduces 'beer belly' fat as a weight-loss surgery alternative

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a potential new weight loss surgery alternative using capsaicin, which significantly reduced visceral abdominal fat and total body fat in lab tests. The procedure, vagotomy or vagal de-afferentation, may offer fewer side effects than traditional bariatric surgeries.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences·DateMay 9, 2012

Regeneration after a stroke requires intact communication channels between brain hemispheres

A study published in Human Brain Mapping found that damaged corpus callosum and impaired interhemispheric communication hinder motor skill recovery in stroke patients. The researchers used imaging methods to show increased activity on both sides of the brain and lower tapping speed in stroke patients compared to healthy controls.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 21, 2011