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brain research

Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research

·September 20, 2025·5 min read

Dementia Prevention Must Begin in Childhood, Not Just Midlife

A large international study shows that the accumulation of social hardships across life—known as the social exposome—has lasting effects on the brain. Adverse exposures, including low education, food insecurity, and limited healthcare, were linked to cognitive decline, mental health issues, and altered brain structure and function.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 19, 2025·5 min read

How Neurons Pick Just One Scent Receptor

Researchers studying clonal raider ants have uncovered how each sensory neuron manages to express just one odorant receptor gene from a library of hundreds. Unlike fruit flies or mammals, ants employ a unique system of transcriptional interference: once one receptor gene is chosen, surrounding genes are silenced by readthrough and antisense transcripts.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 19, 2025·5 min read

Eye Movements Reveal Hidden Memories Beyond What People Report

A new study demonstrated that eye movements can serve as a powerful tool for detecting memory, even when people report not remembering. In experiments, participants rewatched animation clips with surprising events, and their gaze naturally shifted toward the spot of the surprise, indicating stored memory.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 19, 2025·4 min read

Protein Filaments That Build Brain’s Inhibitory Synapses Identified

Researchers discovered that gephyrin, a key protein at inhibitory synapses, forms organized filaments that act as the structural basis for postsynaptic densities. This finding overturns previous assumptions that proteins in synapses were disordered, revealing instead a surprising level of organization.

This shows a person walking and neurons.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2025·4 min read

Neural Control of Balance and Motion Revealed

Researchers studying fruit flies discovered that nerve cells sensing limb motion are turned off when the insect moves, allowing the brain to switch between stabilizing posture and enabling dynamic action. This neural circuit, mediated by interneurons, ensures flies can balance while also reacting quickly to external disturbances.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 19, 2025·5 min read

Parenting Styles Shape Teen Anxiety

A new study shows that both mothers and fathers significantly shape their adolescent children’s social anxiety, but in different ways. Warmth, affection, and acceptance from either parent reduce anxiety, while rejection, coldness, and controlling behaviors heighten it.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 19, 2025·4 min read

Unlocking Brain Cell Crosstalk Reveals New Path in Alzheimer’s

A new study reveals that Alzheimer’s disease involves more than just plaques and tangles; it also stems from disrupted communication between brain cells. Using advanced imaging and computational modeling, scientists mapped how neurons and glial cells interact at the molecular level.

This shows a dog and toys like balls and ropes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 19, 2025·5 min read

Dogs Can Classify Objects by Function, Not Just Appearance

A new study demonstrates that some highly gifted dogs can categorize objects not just by appearance, but by how they are used. When taught words like “pull” or “fetch,” these dogs later applied the concepts to brand-new toys through natural play, without training or explicit labeling.

This shows a brain, immune cells, and a scale.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2025·5 min read

Alzheimer’s Research Shifts Toward Immune System Balance

Alzheimer’s disease affects over 55 million people worldwide and has long been linked to toxic protein buildup and chronic inflammation in the brain. A new review shows that adaptive immune cells—T and B cells—also play a crucial role, sometimes worsening brain damage, sometimes offering protection.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2025·6 min read

When Brain Cancer Cells Stick Together, They’re Less Dangerous

A groundbreaking study has revealed that glioblastoma cells behave differently depending on whether they cluster or disperse. Cells that remain in clusters are less aggressive, while dispersed cells are more plastic, meaning they can adapt and resist treatments more easily.

This shows a brain and a clock with speech bubbles.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·September 18, 2025·6 min read

Speeding Up Speech Doesn’t Speed Up Brain Processing

New research shows that when people listen to speech at different speeds, the auditory cortex does not adjust its timing but instead processes sound in a fixed time window. This discovery challenges the long-standing idea that the brain flexibly adapts its processing pace to match speech rhythms.

This shows a happy pregnant woman cradling her belly.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2025·4 min read

Fetal Movements Boost Maternal Attachment

A new study shows that fetal movement frequency in late pregnancy is directly tied to stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Using an actocardiograph, researchers objectively measured movements and found that higher activity was associated with greater emotional bonding, even when controlling for other factors like maternal mood or gestational age.