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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

·June 3, 2025·7 min read

Ibudilast Fails to Beat Placebo in Alcoholism Trial, Except in Women

A recent clinical trial found that ibudilast, a drug once promising for alcohol use disorder, was no more effective than a placebo overall. While all participants reduced their drinking, women on ibudilast showed a greater drop in drinks per day, hinting at a gender-specific benefit.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2025·5 min read

Can Chatbots Spot Mental Health Drug Side Effects?

As mental healthcare gaps persist, people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for help with psychiatric medication side effects. A new study evaluated how well large language models detect and respond to these complex, high-risk situations. While AI often mirrors a psychiatrist's tone, researchers found it struggles with accurately identifying adverse drug reactions and offering actionable advice.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2025·3 min read

AI Links Early Life Risks to Behavioral Challenges at Age Five

A new study reveals that emotional and behavioral difficulties in five-year-old children can be predicted using prenatal and early-life risk factors, including maternal smoking, low birth weight, and lack of breastfeeding. Researchers used AI to analyze data from nearly 6,000 UK children, uncovering gender-specific vulnerabilities—boys were more impacted by smoking during pregnancy, while girls were more affected by early fussiness.

This shows an older woman with a tincture.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·5 min read

Cannabis Use Among U.S. Seniors Has Surged 46% in Just Two Years

Marijuana use among U.S. adults aged 65 and older has climbed to a record 7%, up nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023. The trend is especially pronounced among college-educated, married, and higher-income individuals, particularly women.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·4 min read

Adopting the MIND Diet May Lower Dementia Risk at Any Age

A large study suggests that following the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil—significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Drawing on data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults, researchers found the strongest and most consistent protective effects among African American, Latino, and White participants.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·6 min read

Seizures Often Precede Dementia in FTD

A large new study finds that epileptic seizures are significantly more common in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than previously believed. In some cases, seizures occurred up to 10 years before an FTD diagnosis, highlighting a potentially overlooked early symptom.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·3 min read

Daytime Sleepiness in Midlife Tied to Higher Mortality Risk

Excessive daytime sleepiness significantly raises the risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged women, according to a large study of over 40,000 female veterans. Women between the ages of 50 and 65 who scored high on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were 16% more likely to die from any cause, even after adjusting for health and demographic factors.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·5 min read

Self-Powered Synapse Brings Human-Like Vision to AI Devices

Researchers have developed a self-powered artificial synapse capable of color recognition with near-human precision. Unlike traditional systems that demand external energy and massive data processing, this device mimics biological vision and generates its own electricity using solar cells.

This shows an older woman drinking coffee.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 3, 2025·5 min read

Midlife Caffeine Intake Linked to Healthy Aging

A long-term study following nearly 50,000 women over 30 years found that drinking caffeinated coffee in midlife is linked to healthier aging. Women who drank regular coffee were more likely to avoid chronic disease, cognitive decline, and physical impairment later in life.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 2, 2025·4 min read

Board Game Helps Autistic Players Express Emotions Through Images

A new study finds that the storytelling board game Dixit may help people with autism express their thoughts and emotions. By selecting from illustrated cards, players can convey personal experiences and discuss complex topics like identity, anxiety, and social misunderstanding.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 2, 2025·6 min read

Blocking Brain Inflammation Molecule May Halt Alzheimer’s

A new study has uncovered a surprising culprit in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease: the immune molecule STING. Scientists found that STING, normally involved in defending the brain, becomes hyperactive with age, causing harmful inflammation and accelerating brain damage.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 2, 2025·6 min read

How Cocaine Hijacks the Brain

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have engineered fruit flies that voluntarily consume cocaine, creating the first fly model for cocaine addiction. Typically, flies avoid the drug due to its bitter taste, but by disabling their bitter-sensing receptors, scientists encouraged addictive behavior within just 16 hours of exposure.