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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

·June 19, 2025·6 min read

Gut Microbiome May Influence Bipolar Medication Response

A new review has examined how bipolar disorder medications interact with the gut microbiome, revealing important links between treatment response and gut microbial composition. Researchers analyzed 12 studies comparing the microbiomes of treated, untreated, and healthy individuals.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·4 min read

Ear Wax Reveals Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers

A novel screening method for Parkinson’s disease (PD) analyzes the volatile compounds in ear wax to detect early signs of the condition. Researchers found that four specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significantly different in people with PD.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2025·6 min read

New Genetic Link to OCD Found

Summary: In a groundbreaking study, researchers have linked rare “de novo” genetic mutations—copy number variants (CNVs)—to pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)....

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·3 min read

Alzheimer’s Risk Linked to Increased Social Activity, Not Isolation

Contrary to popular belief, a new study suggests that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may become more socially engaged—not less. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals and found that higher-risk participants reported lower social isolation and more positive family interactions.

This shows a man sitting in a room full of post-it notes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2025·6 min read

How Memory and Habits Shape Mental Health Outcomes

Despite being rooted in science, evidence-based psychological treatments often fail to deliver lasting results because people forget much of what they learn and struggle to build new habits. A new study highlights the disconnect between what patients remember from therapy sessions and what they implement in real life.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2025·5 min read

Most People Overestimate Their Moral Courage Under Pressure

A new study reveals that most people believe they would defy immoral orders from authority figures more than others would. This cognitive bias, known as the “better-than-average effect,” causes individuals to underestimate their own susceptibility to social pressure.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·5 min read

RyR1 Channel Triggers Sedation from Anesthetics

A new study uncovers the long-elusive mechanism of inhalational anesthetics by identifying the RyR1 calcium channel as a key molecular target. Researchers demonstrated that anesthetics like isoflurane activate RyR1 to trigger calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum, a crucial step in inducing general anesthesia.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·4 min read

Teen Sleep Patterns May Shape Brain Disorder Risk

Disrupting circadian rhythms during adolescence may alter how the brain responds to prenatal infections, a known risk factor for disorders like schizophrenia and autism. In a new mouse study, researchers found that each factor alone changed behavior and brain activity, but their combination produced unique effects—sometimes even counteracting one another.

$This shows Legos.$

Featured Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·4 min read

LEGO Lessons Boost Kids’ Math and Spatial Skills in 6 Weeks

Incorporating LEGO-based activities into daily classroom instruction can significantly improve children’s math and spatial reasoning abilities, according to a new study. Researchers evaluated a six-week program called SPACE, where teachers guided structured LEGO-building sessions with students aged 6 to 7.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

3D-Printed Brain Model Mimics Neural Damage

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D brain model that closely mirrors the architecture and function of the human brain. Built using biomimetic 3D printing, the Bioengineered Neural Network (BENN) features distinct gray and white matter regions and responds to electrical stimulation like real brain tissue.

This shows a brain surrounded by stinky objects.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

How the Brain Decides a Smell Is Stinky

A new study reveals how the brain determines whether a smell is pleasant or revolting, highlighting why scent evokes such strong emotional responses. Researchers focused on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional hub, and found two genetically distinct cell types that can make any odor feel good or bad, depending on where they project in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

Low Sodium Linked to Anxiety Through Brain Chemistry Disruption

Chronic hyponatremia—long viewed as symptomless—is now shown to disrupt brain chemistry and cause anxiety-like behaviors, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that prolonged low sodium levels reduced serotonin and dopamine in the amygdala, a brain region vital for emotional regulation.