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Boston University

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2023·8 min read

Shared Interests, Shared Essence: Unraveling the Psychology of Instant Connections

New research sheds light on the similarity-attraction effect, a psychological principle that governs how we form relationships based on shared interests. The study highlight the critical role of 'self-essentialist reasoning', a belief system where individuals perceive an inherent essence as the driver of their preferences and dislikes.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2023·5 min read

Centenarians Possess Unique Immunity That Helps Them Achieve Exceptional Longevity

Centenarians harbor a unique immune cell type, immune activity, and highly functioning immune system that has adapted to a history of illness, allowing for exceptional longevity.