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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.

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

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.
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.
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a challenging-to-diagnose neurodegenerative disease with symptoms similar to both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, including hallucinations, cognitive issues, and movement disorders. To study LBD’s progression, researchers developed mini brain models from LBD patient stem cells, replicating key disease characteristics seen in human brains. These models helped identify four promising drugs that may inhibit alpha-synuclein buildup, a key protein associated with LBD.

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

A recent study reveals that the toxic trimer form of the protein SOD1 affects the brain, spinal cord, and muscle tissues differently in ALS, shedding light on its complex progression. The study found SOD1 trimers bind uniquely to different proteins in each tissue type, potentially impacting cellular communication, structure, and energy production. For instance, SOD1 trimers in neurons affect cellular aging and communication, while in muscle cells, they disrupt metabolic processes.
A study found people with long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have lingering SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood, suggesting a persistent viral reservoir may drive some ongoing symptoms. Researchers analyzed blood from 706 individuals and found that 43% of those with multisystem long COVID symptoms had viral proteins present months post-infection, compared to 21% of those without symptoms. This discovery hints at potential benefits from antiviral treatments for those with persistent symptoms. However, the study also reveals that not all long COVID cases show persistent viral proteins, indicating other causes may contribute to this complex condition.

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

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.
Emotion recognition extends far beyond facial expressions, involving a rich interplay of context, physical attributes, and background knowledge. Researchers propose that recognizing emotion is part of forming an overall impression of a person, shaped by cues like clothing, perceived social roles, and personal history. For instance, a facial expression of fear might be interpreted as anger if background context suggests it.

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

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.
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.
New research reveals that teenage friendships lay crucial foundations for adult wellbeing, with the timing and nature of these friendships playing a pivotal role. Early adolescence social acceptance is linked to better adult mental health, while close friendships in later teens impact job satisfaction and romantic stability.

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.