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Neuroscience News is an independent open access science magazine. Since 2001, we have featured neuroscience research news from labs, universities, hospitals and news departments around the world. Topics include brain research, AI, psychology, neuroscience, mental health and neurotech.

Latest Neuroscience News

Science news articles cover neuroscience, neurology, psychology, AI, mental health, robotics, neurotechnology and cognitive sciences.

This shows a pregnant woman and a brain.

Folic Acid Reduces Lead’s Impact on Autism Risk

A study has shown that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the link between maternal blood lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. By examining data from pregnant women and their toddlers, researchers found stronger associations between lead exposure and autism traits in cases of low folic acid intake.

Cannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to Psychosis

Frequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves unique molecular marks on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function. Researchers found that DNA methylation—an epigenetic modification—differed between frequent cannabis users who had experienced psychosis and those who had not, suggesting a possible genetic link to psychosis risk.

New Tech Boosts Precision in Hand Neuroprostheses

Scientists have developed a novel approach to improve neuroprostheses, making them more precise and practical for everyday tasks. By analyzing neural signals linked to hand postures, researchers demonstrated enhanced control of virtual hands in rhesus monkeys, closely mimicking fine motor skills.

Neurology News Articles

Neurology news articles cover neurology, brain cancer, traumatic brain injuries, neurosurgery, neuroanatomy, brain research and neurological disorders.

Microglia Found to Protect Neurons Post-Spinal Cord Injury

Researchers discovered a neuroprotective mechanism in spinal cord injury (SCI) involving microglia, the brain’s immune cells, which could provide new therapeutic targets. Using advanced in vivo imaging, the team revealed that microglia form protective wraps around injured axons, preventing further damage. This interaction, regulated by P2Y12 receptors and sodium channels, sheds light on neuron-glia communication after injury. The study's insights into spinal cord protection could eventually lead to new treatments for SCI and related neurological diseases.

“Brain on Fire”: When Antibodies Attack the Brain

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease, can cause extreme psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and memory loss, often mimicking bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This condition, often affecting women in their 20s to 30s, results from antibodies attacking brain receptors essential for cognition and memory.

AI-Enhanced MRIs Show Potential for Brain Abnormality Detection

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that upgrades 3T MRI images to mimic the higher-resolution 7T MRI, providing enhanced detail for detecting brain abnormalities. The synthetic 7T images reveal finer features, such as white matter lesions and subcortical microbleeds, which are often difficult to see with standard MRI systems. This AI-driven approach could improve diagnostic accuracy for conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis (MS), though clinical validation is needed before wider use.

AI News Articles

AI news articles cover science articles about artificial intelligence including ChatGPT, Bard, Dalle, neural networks, machine learning, LLMs, AGI and other AI related topics.

People Empathize with Bullied AI Bots

People empathize with AI bots excluded from a virtual game, treating them like social beings in need of fairness. Participants favored giving the AI bot a fair chance in play, with older adults showing a stronger inclination to rectify the perceived unfairness.

This shows the outline of a computerized head.

Vulnerability Found in AI Image Recognition

A new study reveals a vulnerability in AI image recognition systems due to their exclusion of the alpha channel, which controls image transparency. Researchers developed "AlphaDog," an attack method that manipulates transparency in images, allowing hackers to distort visuals like road signs or medical scans in ways undetectable by AI. Tested across 100 AI models, AlphaDog exploits this transparency flaw, posing significant risks to road safety and healthcare diagnostics.

This is a drawing of a doctor looking at a computer monitor.

Integrating Machine Learning Boosts Disease Prediction Accuracy

A recent review explored how integrating machine learning with traditional statistical models can enhance disease risk prediction accuracy, a key tool in clinical decision-making. While traditional models like logistic regression are limited by certain assumptions, machine learning offers flexibility but has inconsistent results in some cases. The study revealed that combined models, especially stacking methods, outperform individual methods by harnessing each approach’s strengths and addressing their weaknesses.

Psychology News Articles

Science research articles cover psychology, depression, mental health, schizophrenia, mental disorders, happiness, stress, PTSD, autism, psychiatry and therapy.

Genetic Influences on Youth Behavior and Mental Health

Researchers have used an innovative approach to explore genetic links to mental health issues in youth, identifying associations with behaviors such as screen time and caffeine consumption. By focusing on polygenic scores that reflect genetic predispositions, the study highlights a range of potentially modifiable factors that may contribute to psychiatric risk.

This shows a woman looking through a cell phone with numerous thought bubbles surrounding her.

25% of Adults Suspect Undiagnosed ADHD

A new survey reveals that 25% of adults in the U.S. suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD, though only 13% have consulted a doctor. Social media has driven greater awareness, especially among younger adults, but experts warn of the risks associated with self-diagnosis.

When Dogs and Humans Connect, So Do Their Brainwaves

Research reveals that dogs’ and humans’ brain activity can synchronize when they gaze into each other’s eyes. Known as neural coupling, this phenomenon has been seen in interactions within species, but observing it between different species highlights the unique human-dog bond.

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Key Brain Protein Tied to Motivation and Mood Identified

A new study has identified a brain protein, vesicular nucleotide transporter (Vnut), as essential for regulating mood and motivation in mice. When Vnut was removed from brain cells called astrocytes, the mice displayed higher anxiety, depression-like behavior, and decreased motivation, especially in females.

Gut Microbiome and Aspirin May Reverse Hormonal Issues

Researchers found that mutations in the Sox3 gene cause hypopituitarism, a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient hormones, leading to growth issues and infertility. In a study on mice, they discovered that Sox3 mutations affect brain cells called NG2 glia, which are essential for hormone production.

This shows a child thinking about a traumatic event.

Child Trauma Recovery Tied to Thoughts, Not Event Severity

A new study reveals that how children mentally process traumatic events is the most significant factor in predicting their mental health outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive factors—like how children remember the event and view themselves afterward—play a more critical role than the event’s objective severity. Researchers found that children with more negative self-perceptions or distorted memories were at higher risk for long-term psychological impacts.

Targeting Glucose May Spark Neurogenesis

Neural stem cells, which create new neurons in the brain, become less active with age due to elevated glucose levels. Researchers found that by knocking out the glucose transporter gene GLUT4 in older mice, they could significantly increase the production of new neurons.

Screen Time Linked to Mental Health Symptoms in Kids

A recent study finds that increased screen time is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and attention issues among 9- and 10-year-olds. Following a diverse group over two years, researchers discovered that activities like video chatting, texting, and gaming were most strongly linked to depressive symptoms.