AI Uncovers New Cause of Alzheimer’sResearchers have discovered that a gene previously seen as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, PHGDH, actually plays a causal role by disrupting gene regulation in the brain. Using AI, the team revealed that PHGDH has a hidden DNA-binding function unrelated to its known enzymatic activity. This malfunction triggers early Alzheimer’s development, offering a new target for prevention.Read More
Flexibility Beats Instinct: How Adaptable Learning Drives SuccessHumans have an exceptional ability to learn socially, but most studies have focused on overly simplified tasks. In a new study using Minecraft, researchers found that the most successful participants dynamically balanced individual exploration and social learning. Adaptability, rather than relying solely on one strategy, predicted better performance across various environments.Read More
Infant Social Skills Thrive Despite HardshipA large international study finds that babies living in insecure conditions, including as refugees, display key social skills on par with children raised in more stable environments. Using eye-tracking technology, researchers found that over 800 children from Sweden, Uganda, Bhutan, and Zimbabwe equally followed social cues like shared attention, regardless of poverty, trauma, or parental mental health.Read More
Low and Moderate Exercise May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s DeclineNew findings from the EXERT study reveal that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise may help preserve cognitive function in older adults with mild memory problems, a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Over 12 months, participants who engaged in either form of exercise showed significantly less cognitive decline and reduced brain volume loss, especially in the prefrontal cortex, compared to a usual-care group.Read More
AI Predicts Brain Cancer Recurrence in KidsResearchers have developed an AI model that analyzes sequences of brain scans to accurately predict tumor recurrence in children with gliomas. By applying a method called temporal learning, the model interprets subtle changes in MR images taken post-treatment over time. The study found that using multiple images significantly outperforms traditional single-scan analysis, reaching prediction accuracy rates as high as 89%.Read More
Blood Test Tracks Brain Tumor Growth with Patient-Specific DNA MarkersResearchers have developed a personalized blood test that may offer a faster, less invasive way to track high-grade glioma progression. By identifying unique DNA junctions from each patient's tumor, the test can detect tumor DNA in the bloodstream, even before changes appear on MRI scans.Read More
AI Still Falls Short in Understanding Human Social InteractionsHumans significantly outperform AI models in interpreting dynamic social interactions, a skill critical for technologies like autonomous vehicles and assistive robots. In a new study, participants reliably judged short videos of social scenes, while over 350 AI models struggled to match human accuracy or predict brain responses.Read More
People Worry More About Today’s AI Harms Than Future CatastrophesA new study finds that people are more concerned about the immediate risks of artificial intelligence—like job loss, bias, and disinformation—than they are about hypothetical future threats to humanity. Researchers exposed over 10,000 participants to different AI narratives and found that, while future catastrophes raise concern, real-world present dangers resonate more strongly.Read More
AI Teaches Robots Tasks from a Single How-To VideoResearchers have developed RHyME, an AI-powered system that enables robots to learn complex tasks by watching a single human demonstration video. Traditional robots struggle with unpredictable scenarios and require extensive training data, but RHyME allows robots to adapt by drawing on previous video knowledge.Read More
Facts Can Heal Divides, Not Just Deepen ThemA new study challenges the belief that exposure to facts only deepens political divisions. Researchers found that when Americans were presented with balanced, credible information about gun control, and incentivized to engage with it, they retained the facts and even revised their views.Read More
Only Children Face Unique Struggles as Parental CaregiversAs single-child families rise in the U.S., more adults are navigating the intense responsibility of caregiving without the support of siblings. A new study reveals that only children experience greater emotional and financial stress when caring for aging parents, and support from friends or extended family doesn't offer the same relief it does for those with siblings.Read More
Neural Rewiring May Hold the Key to Psychosis RecoveryA new study has uncovered the brain connectivity patterns that differentiate patients who recover from psychosis from those who do not. Using whole-brain computational models, researchers found that patients in remission show increased neural connectivity, while those with persistent symptoms show reduced connectivity.Read More
Early Maternal Affection Shapes Key Personality Traits for LifeAffectionate mothering in early childhood may play a lasting role in shaping personality traits that influence educational, professional, and health outcomes. A study of over 2,200 identical twins found that maternal warmth between ages 5 and 10 predicted higher levels of openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness at age 18.Read More
Gut Microbiome Shifts Rapidly After Alcohol UseA new study shows that combining heavy alcohol use with burn trauma causes severe disruptions in the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and a weakened gut barrier. Within a day of injury, beneficial bacteria plummet, harmful microbes rise, and levels of butyrate—a key anti-inflammatory compound—drop significantly.Read More
Smell Test at Home May Sniff Out Early Cognitive DeclineA new study highlights that olfactory testing could offer a simple, cost-effective way to detect early cognitive impairment from home. Researchers found that older adults with mild cognitive issues performed worse on odor identification and memory tasks than cognitively normal individuals.Read More
Gold Nanoparticles Restore Vision in Macular DegenerationA new study shows that gold nanoparticles injected into the retina can restore vision in mice with retinal degeneration, offering a less invasive alternative to current retinal prostheses. When activated by patterned infrared light, these nanoparticles stimulate retinal cells, bypassing damaged photoreceptors.Read More
Energy Starvation Triggers Dangerous Glutamate Surges in the BrainThe brain needs constant energy to function, especially for managing neurotransmitter activity. A new study shows that when energy is depleted—such as during a stroke—neurons begin releasing glutamate in abnormal, self-amplifying bursts that can damage nerve cells.Read More
