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Boston University

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 30, 2024·4 min read

Prion Disease Mutations Impact Synapses Before Symptoms Appear

New research reveals that prion disease mutations can alter the structure of neuron synapses long before symptoms emerge. Scientists studied neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients with the E200K prion protein mutation, showing changes in neuron-to-neuron contact sites even in the absence of misfolded prion proteins.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 25, 2024·7 min read

AI Model Predicts Alzheimer’s Using Speech Analysis

can predict whether someone with mild cognitive impairment will develop Alzheimer's disease with 78.5% accuracy by analyzing speech. This tool could enable earlier diagnoses and more accessible cognitive impairment screening without expensive tests. The model uses machine learning to evaluate speech content, offering a non-invasive way to monitor dementia risk. Further research aims to improve and expand this technology.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 22, 2024·6 min read

Breaking Down Language Development in Autism

Researchers conducted a novel study on language development in autistic children, revealing that it does not follow a linear path but progresses through three distinct stages.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 12, 2024·4 min read

Breakthrough in Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Vulnerability

A gene named DEK has been identified as potentially responsible for the degeneration of neurons vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), particularly in the entorhinal cortex, a critical area for memory formation. By manipulating levels of DEK in experimental models and neurons in vitro, researchers observed increased tau accumulation and neuron degeneration, suggesting a new therapeutic target.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 7, 2024·6 min read

Study Confirms COVID Drove Unaccounted Mortality Surge

New research offers compelling evidence that many excess mortality cases during the pandemic were in fact due to COVID-19, countering claims attributing these deaths to vaccines or lockdowns. The study used novel statistical methods to analyze excess deaths from natural causes in US counties, revealing a significant undercount of COVID-19 fatalities.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 2, 2024·12 min read

Unlocking the Brain’s Fear Code: Memory, Behavior, and the Brain

Researchers investigate fear memories and their impact on behavior in various environments. Their study uncovers the concept of fear engrams, shedding light on the physical representation of memory in the brain.

This shows a man and empty drinking glasses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 1, 2023·4 min read

Peptide PACAP’s Key Role in Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol, the world's most common addictive substance, leads to $249 billion in annual costs and 88,000 deaths in the U.S. Alcohol use disorder affects millions but is under-treated. Researchers discovered a key player in alcohol addiction: pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP).

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2023·5 min read

Early Manganese Exposure Boosts Learning and Memory in Teens

New research reveals that manganese exposure in early life stages may enhance verbal learning and memory during adolescence. The study, utilizing tooth manganese levels as biomarkers, indicates that prenatal exposure is linked to improved cognitive functions, while postnatal exposure shows no significant association.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 28, 2023·5 min read

Not All Older Adults Reap Cognitive Benefits of Life Satisfaction

A new study delves into the link between life satisfaction and cognitive functioning in older adults. Surprisingly, while many studies advocate life satisfaction as a cognitive booster, this study suggests that it doesn't benefit everyone.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 11, 2023·6 min read

Playing Football Might Elevate Parkinson’s Risk

Researchers identified a potential link between playing tackle football and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In a study using a large online dataset, participants with a history of playing organized tackle football showed a 61% heightened odds of PD diagnosis.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2023·6 min read

Force, Not Frequency, Key to CTE Onset

Researchers redefined the leading factor contributing to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe neurological disorder. Traditionally, CTE was believed to stem from frequent head hits, regardless of concussions.

This shows a brain wrapped up in red string.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2023·6 min read

Brain Connectivity a Potential Indicator of Suicide Risk

Researchers have identified a potential marker in the brain that might indicate an increased risk of suicide. They observed that veterans with a history of suicide attempts demonstrated distinct functional connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks.

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Boston University

Prion Disease Mutations Impact Synapses Before Symptoms Appear

AI Model Predicts Alzheimer’s Using Speech Analysis

Breaking Down Language Development in Autism

Breakthrough in Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Vulnerability

Study Confirms COVID Drove Unaccounted Mortality Surge

Unlocking the Brain’s Fear Code: Memory, Behavior, and the Brain

Peptide PACAP’s Key Role in Alcohol Addiction

Early Manganese Exposure Boosts Learning and Memory in Teens

Not All Older Adults Reap Cognitive Benefits of Life Satisfaction

Playing Football Might Elevate Parkinson’s Risk

Force, Not Frequency, Key to CTE Onset

Brain Connectivity a Potential Indicator of Suicide Risk

Mapping Brain-to-Spinal Cord Pathways for Motor Control

Rare Brain Cells Offer Clues to Aging and Rejuvenation

Structural Sexism Tied to Faster Memory Decline in Older Women

Chronic Gut Virus May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Development

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