Heavy Alcohol Use Causes Long-Term Brain DamageFor the first time, scientists have shown how heavy alcohol use leads to long-term cognitive impairments by damaging brain circuits responsible for decision-making. In a rat model, animals exposed to high alcohol levels performed significantly worse on a complex, shifting-reward task, even after nearly three months of sobriety.Read More
Pregnant Women Face Lower Odds of Long COVIDA large study of over 72,000 pregnant women found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were less likely to develop Long COVID than non-pregnant peers. Using data from two national databases, researchers found consistent results: about 16% of pregnant women developed Long COVID symptoms versus 19% of matched non-pregnant women.Read More
Brain-to-Voice AI Streams Natural Speech for People with ParalysisResearchers have developed a brain-computer interface that can synthesize natural-sounding speech from brain activity in near real time, restoring a voice to people with severe paralysis. The system decodes signals from the motor cortex and uses AI to transform them into audible speech with minimal delay—less than one second.Read More
Weight Training May Slow Cognitive Decline and Protect Aging BrainsA new study shows that weight training not only boosts physical strength but also protects the brains of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. After six months of twice-weekly resistance training, participants showed memory improvements and protection against brain atrophy in regions linked to Alzheimer’s disease.Read More
Less Deep Sleep Linked to Brain Shrinkage, Alzheimer’s RiskNew research shows that reduced time in slow wave and REM sleep is associated with smaller brain volumes in regions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Using sleep studies and brain imaging data from 270 participants, researchers found that poor sleep architecture was linked to brain atrophy over time—particularly in the inferior parietal region, an area affected early in Alzheimer’s.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
AI Thinks Like Us: Flaws, Biases, and All, Study FindsA new study finds that ChatGPT, while excellent at logic and math, exhibits many of the same cognitive biases as humans when making subjective decisions. In tests for common judgment errors, the AI showed overconfidence, risk aversion, and even the classic gambler’s fallacy, though it avoided other typical human mistakes like base-rate neglect.Read More
Infomorphic Neurons Bring AI One Step Closer to Brain-Like LearningResearchers have developed a new kind of artificial neuron—called infomorphic neurons—that can independently learn and self-organize with nearby neurons, mimicking the decentralized learning of biological brains. Inspired by pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex, these neurons process local signals to adapt and specialize in tasks without external control.Read More
AI-Powered Brain Implant Lets Paralyzed Man Control Robotic ArmA new brain-computer interface (BCI) has enabled a paralyzed man to control a robotic arm by simply imagining movements. Unlike previous BCIs, which lasted only a few days, this AI-enhanced device worked reliably for seven months.Read More
Childhood Adversity Dulls Joy and Deepens Daily Emotional SwingsA new study reveals that adverse childhood experiences make adults more emotionally reactive—not only to negative events, but also to positive ones.Read More
Psychedelics May Enhance Intimacy, Attraction, and Sexual ExpressionIn the first study of its kind, researchers found that psychedelic use can positively affect sexuality, romantic relationships, and gender expression. Surveying nearly 600 users of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine, the study revealed that many participants reported increased partner attraction, improved intimacy, and enhanced sexual experiences.Read More
Fear of Emotions Fuels PTSD-Related Conflict in Romantic RelationshipsNew research reveals that fear of emotions may explain why individuals with PTSD symptoms often struggle to communicate with romantic partners. The study found that people with higher PTSD symptoms were more likely to fear strong emotions, which led to less constructive and more conflict-driven communication styles.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
Herpes Virus Linked to Long-Term Brain and Neurological ProblemsA new study reveals that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly known for causing cold sores, can travel through the nasal cavity directly to the brain, causing severe and lasting neurological symptoms. In animal experiments, nasal HSV-1 infection led to persistent neurological dysfunction, including anxiety and cognitive impairment.Read More
Glutamate Unlocks Brain Cell Channels to Enable Thinking and LearningResearchers used advanced cryo-electron microscopy to capture atomic-level images of how glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, opens channels in brain cells. These channels, known as AMPA receptors, are essential for neuron-to-neuron communication and play a role in learning, memory, and disorders like epilepsy.Read More
Targeting Brain’s Drainage Pathways Rejuvenates MemoryRejuvenating the brain's lymphatic vessels can enhance memory in aging mice by improving the removal of waste products from the brain. This research suggests that targeting the meningeal lymphatics—vessels outside the brain—could be a novel approach to treating age-related cognitive decline without directly crossing the blood-brain barrier.Read More
Poor Sleep Linked to Brain’s Waste-Removal BreakdownA new study reveals that poor sleep in older adults disrupts the brain’s glymphatic system, responsible for clearing harmful waste and toxins. Researchers found that compromised sleep quality leads to dysfunction in this crucial system, potentially increasing risks for memory decline and cognitive impairments.Read More
