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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

This shows a child's head, a brain and smoke stacks.

·June 14, 2025·6 min read

Air Pollution Alters Fetal Brain Structures

A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to common air pollutants like NO₂, PM2.5, and black carbon is associated with subtle but measurable changes in fetal brain structure during the second and third trimesters. Using specialized ultrasound scans, researchers found increased volumes in brain cavities, including the lateral ventricles and cisterna magna, and changes in areas related to motor coordination and sensory processing.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 13, 2025·3 min read

Different Autism Genes, Same Brain Signature

New research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings in preclinical models, scientists observed that autism-linked mutations affected how expectations are updated during decision-making.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·5 min read

Across Generations, Humans Are Driven to Keep Culture Alive

A new paper proposes the cultural continuity hypothesis, suggesting that humans are universally driven to preserve essential aspects of their culture across generations. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and anthropology, the researchers argue that cultural retention fosters identity, belonging, and psychological well-being.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·7 min read

ECT Cuts Suicide Risk by 34% in Severe Depression

A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. The study, which pooled data from 26 high-quality studies, compared nearly 18,000 patients treated with ECT to over 25,000 who received standard care. ECT also modestly reduced suicidal thoughts, showing broader health benefits beyond mental health. While newer therapies like rTMS and VNS showed some promise, the evidence was too limited to draw firm conclusions.

This shows a baby and a child at an incubator.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·4 min read

No Link Found Between Preterm Siblings and Child Behavior Issues

A large-scale European study found no evidence that having a sibling born preterm leads to more behavioral problems in children born at term. Researchers analyzed data from over 65,000 children and found no significant differences in behavior between children with preterm versus term-born siblings.

This shows a person sleeping and a bowl of fruit.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 13, 2025·5 min read

Fruits and Veggies Boost Sleep Quality

A new study finds that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day is linked to improved sleep quality that same night. Researchers discovered that participants who consumed more produce experienced fewer sleep disruptions, including less waking and shallower sleep.

This shows a person on a treadmill and neurons.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 13, 2025·5 min read

Exercise Rewires Alzheimer’s-Affected Brain Cells

Using cutting-edge RNA sequencing, researchers mapped how exercise affects specific brain cell types in a model of Alzheimer’s disease. They found that physical activity alters gene activity in microglia and a newly identified type of astrocyte linked to blood vessels, which may protect memory.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·4 min read

Your Unique Breathing Patterns May Reveal Your Identity and Mental Health

New research reveals that each person has a unique breathing “fingerprint” that can be used to identify them with nearly 97% accuracy. By continuously monitoring nasal airflow over 24 hours using a lightweight wearable, scientists discovered that these patterns also reflect physical and mental health traits.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·5 min read

Oral Bacteria Diversity Linked to Depression Symptoms

A new study reveals that lower diversity of microbes in the mouth is associated with greater symptoms of depression. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 U.S. adults, comparing their mental health surveys with saliva samples to assess microbial diversity.

This shows a person laying down, surrounded by swirls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·5 min read

Out-of-Body Experiences Help the Mind Escape from Trauma

New research suggests that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) may serve as coping mechanisms triggered by trauma, rather than symptoms of mental illness. Based on data from over 500 individuals, those who had OBEs reported higher rates of mental health conditions, but also described lasting benefits from their experiences.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·2 min read

Weekend Catch-Up Sleep Boost May Lower Teen Anxiety

A new study reveals that teenagers who get moderate catch-up sleep—up to two extra hours—on weekends report fewer symptoms of anxiety. Sleeping significantly more or less on weekends than on weekdays, however, was linked to higher anxiety levels.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·4 min read

Social Status and Genes Interact to Shape the Aging Brain

A global study of nearly one million individuals has identified hundreds of genetic regions linked to socioeconomic status, revealing a shared genetic signal across income, education, occupation, and deprivation. Researchers found that about 9% of the variation in socioeconomic status could be attributed to genetics, while the rest was driven by social and environmental factors.