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Molecular mechanism of short-term synaptic plasticity was discovered

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism of synaptic facilitation, a process that strengthens synaptic transmission and is thought to be the basis for instantaneous memory. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that a calcium binding protein called Synaptotagmin 7 plays a crucia...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Brain aging may be detected decades before symptoms appear, with links to gut health

A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

The brain’s rhythm signals may help memory circuits communicate

A new study suggests that slow electrical rhythms traveling along individual nerve fibers may help coordinate communication between key memory centers in the hippocampus. Researchers detected theta-band signals in individual axons connecting hippocampal subregions, linked to stronger bursts of activity in downstream neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

Researchers increase understanding of brain’s default mode network

A research team identified distinct subregions within the default mode network (DMN) that act as senders and receivers of information, enabling flexible shifts between perception and memory-driven thought. The study reveals that the DMN is not functionally uniform but composed of subregions with distinct connectivity biases.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Memory justifications remain reliable over time, BGU study finds

A new study published in Communications Psychology found that verbal justifications supporting memories remain rich, detailed, and consistent even after a delay of 24 hours. The study suggests that memory justifications provide a temporally stable window into episodic memory, making them a reliable basis for evaluating memory credibility.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2026

Researchers identify the molecular mechanisms linking early-life environments with memory

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism linking early-life environments with memory by activating AP-1, which regulates genes involved in neuronal plasticity and learning. Early-life experiences produce long-lasting modulation of AP-1 activity, boosting gene networks that strengthen neuronal connections.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Astrocytes are superstars in the game of long-term memory

A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are responsible for stabilizing memories through repeated engagement. The researchers found that Fos activity in astrocytes only occurs during recall, and that these cells can be activated to produce stable memories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2025

Knowing your Alzheimer’s risk may ease anxiety but reduce motivation for healthy habits

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Move more, think sharper

A new study found that staying active through moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. Even small changes to daily activities can have big impacts on brain health.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2025

Advancing understanding of lucid dreaming in humans

A large-scale study published in JNeurosci reveals distinct brain activity patterns during lucid dreaming compared to rapid eye movement sleep and wakefulness. The findings suggest shifts in brain region activation and communication that may be linked to changes in perception, memory processing, self-awareness, and cognitive control.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 21, 2025

Study shows addressing working memory can help students with math difficulty improve word problem-solving skills

A new study from the University of Kansas explores the role of working memory in word problem-solving for students with and without math difficulties. Researchers found that using interventions to improve working memory can benefit students who struggle with math, reducing cognitive load and improving word problem-solving ability.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalChild Neuropsychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Scientists identify key enzyme in Alzheimer’s disease that links brain inflammation to memory loss

Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Zuchongzhi-3 sets new benchmark with 105-qubit superconducting quantum processor

Zuchongzhi-3 achieves quantum supremacy by outperforming classical supercomputers by 15 orders of magnitude, demonstrating the strongest quantum computational advantage in a superconducting system to date. The processor features 105 qubits and 182 couplers, with a coherence time of 72 μs and simultaneous gate fidelities exceeding 99%.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

How the brain distinguishes between pain and itch

Researchers discovered distinct neuronal populations in the ACC process pain and itch information separately, with stimulus-specific neurons receiving differentiated synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus. Suppressing these neurons reduced corresponding sensations without affecting the other.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Air pollution clouds the mind and makes everyday tasks challenging

Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

Sliding into novel materials: A new frontier in material science

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to transform graphite into novel materials with controlled atomic layers, enabling the creation of tiny electronic memory units. This process, known as 'Slidetronics,' allows for precise manipulation of material properties, opening doors to innovative applications in electronic...

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateFeb 5, 2025