Latest

brain stimulation

·July 1, 2025·6 min read

Brain Stimulation Reverses Synaptic Damage in Alzheimer’s

New research shows that low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can restore key synaptic structures in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that axonal boutons—sites where neurons form connections—had reduced turnover in Alzheimer’s mice, indicating impaired brain plasticity. After a single rTMS session, the turnover of one bouton type significantly increased, matching levels seen in healthy mice.

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.

Neuroscience

·June 7, 2025·6 min read

Symptom Provocation Boosts Brain Stimulation Effectiveness

A new meta-analysis suggests that provoking symptoms just before delivering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve clinical outcomes for OCD and nicotine dependence. Researchers examined data from multiple studies and found that rTMS was nearly twice as effective when paired with targeted symptom provocation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2025·7 min read

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Erases PTSD

A pioneering clinical study found that pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with traditional therapy eliminated PTSD diagnoses in all participants up to six months post-treatment. The trial combined prolonged exposure therapy with brief bursts of VNS via an implanted device, enhancing neuroplasticity and sustaining remission.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2025·3 min read

Noninvasive Sound Wave Therapy Eases Depression and Anxiety

New research shows that low-intensity focused ultrasound can safely target the amygdala and significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In a double-blind study, patients experienced marked improvements after three weeks of daily, noninvasive ultrasound sessions.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 15, 2025·5 min read

Mild Brain Stimulation Alters Decision-Making Speed and Flexibility

A new study shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, can influence how quickly and flexibly people make decisions. Researchers targeted the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—key in planning and action—while participants performed simultaneous visual and auditory tasks.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 27, 2025·6 min read

Synchronizing Nerve Stimulation With Heartbeat Boosts Effectiveness

Synchronizing vagus nerve stimulation with natural body rhythms, such as the heartbeat and breathing, significantly improves its effectiveness. This "electric pill" technique uses ear-mounted electrodes to stimulate the vagus nerve, targeting chronic conditions like pain and inflammation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 2, 2024·6 min read

Brain Stimulation Aids Walking Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Researchers have identified the lateral hypothalamus (LH) as a key brain region for walking recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, demonstrating that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can significantly enhance mobility and autonomy. Unlike traditional DBS applications, targeting the LH promotes long-term neurological improvements, even when stimulation is off. A clinical trial showed dramatic outcomes in participants, with restored walking ability and improved daily independence.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

Cerebellum Plays Key Role in Social and Cognitive Abilities

The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor functions, also plays a vital role in social and cognitive abilities, according to new research. Abnormalities in this brain region not only impair movement but are linked to emotional and behavioral issues, particularly in autism.

This shows a chip with a neuron drawn on it.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·5 min read

New Neural Chip Boosts Efficiency and Safety in Brain Stimulation

Researchers have developed an 8-channel neural stimulation chip that delivers exponential waveforms with 98% power efficiency, marking a breakthrough for brain-machine interfaces and neural modulation. The chip addresses key challenges in neural stimulation, including charge imbalance and the need for high power efficiency, ensuring safer and more effective treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 21, 2024·5 min read

Home-Based Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Depression

A new study demonstrates that home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective method for treating depression. Participants in the study who used tDCS at home showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to those in a control group.

This shows a diagram of the magnetic discs.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 13, 2024·7 min read

Magnetic Nanodiscs Offer Implant-Free Brain Stimulation

Scientists have developed magnetic nanodiscs that enable targeted brain stimulation without invasive implants or genetic modifications. The tiny discs, activated by an external magnetic field, deliver electrical pulses to neurons, showing potential in treating neurological conditions. Initial tests in mice demonstrated that these nanodiscs effectively stimulate brain regions linked to reward and motor control, with fewer foreign body responses compared to traditional implants.