Latest

Duke University

·July 1, 2025·8 min read

Brain Scan Predicts Dementia Risk and Aging Speed in Midlife

A new tool developed by researchers can estimate how fast someone is aging by analyzing a single MRI brain scan, predicting chronic disease risk and dementia years before symptoms appear. Unlike traditional “aging clocks,” this model was trained using longitudinal data from the same individuals, eliminating generational biases.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·May 20, 2025·4 min read

Next-Gen Painkiller Blocks Pain Without the High

Summary: A new experimental drug, SBI-810, may deliver potent pain relief without the addictive and harmful side effects of opioids....

Featured Neuroscience

·May 14, 2025·5 min read

Eureka Moments Double Memory by Rewiring the Brain

New brain imaging research reveals that sudden “aha!” moments not only feel satisfying but actually restructure how the brain stores information, enhancing long-term memory. Participants solving visual puzzles were more likely to recall solutions that came to them in a flash of insight than those they reached methodically.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 2, 2025·4 min read

New 3D Atlas Offers Unmatched Precision in Mapping the Mouse Brain

Researchers have unveiled the Duke Mouse Brain Atlas, a cutting-edge, three-dimensional map that captures brain structures from large regions down to individual cells. Combining MRI, microCT, and light sheet microscopy, the atlas resolves imaging distortions and enables precise comparison across studies.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 26, 2025·4 min read

How Oxytocin Tames “Mean Girl” Behavior

A new study finds that in some lemur species, evolving gender equality is linked to changes in the brain’s oxytocin system. Researchers compared seven closely related species, finding that more egalitarian species had higher numbers of oxytocin receptors, particularly in the amygdala.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·November 21, 2024·4 min read

Immune System Gene Linked to Hyperactivity, ADHD and Autism

Researchers have uncovered a link between the immune gene regulator STAT1 and hyperactive behaviors in mice, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. STAT1, vital for infection response, also influences brain cell activity, particularly dopamine neurons involved in motivation and learning. In mice with prolonged STAT1 signaling, hyperactivity and reduced neural activity in key brain regions were observed. The study opens the door to targeting STAT1 for potential therapies to address neurobehavioral disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2024·4 min read

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve to Tackle Gut Inflammation in IBD

Researchers have discovered that vagus nerve stimulation may reduce gut inflammation and improve outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study reveals how electrical stimulation of this brain-gut nerve impacts SUMOylation, a cellular process driving immune responses, to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 23, 2024·5 min read

Robots Gain Ability to “Hear” Objects Through Vibration

New research introduces SonicSense, a system that gives robots the ability to interpret objects through vibrations. Equipped with microphones in their fingertips, robots can tap, grasp, or shake objects to detect sound and determine material type, shape, and contents.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 23, 2024·6 min read

“Sleeping on It” Helps With Rational Decision Making

A new study reveals that while snap judgments heavily influence decisions made immediately, "sleeping on it" helps people make more rational choices. Researchers found that participants who made instant decisions about valuable items overestimated their worth based on first impressions.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 30, 2024·5 min read

Genetic Factors Linked to Rare ALS Recovery

A new study reveals that certain genetic factors may protect against ALS, enabling partial or full recovery. Researchers found that a specific genetic variation reduces a protein blocking the IGF-1 pathway, which is crucial for motor neuron protection. This discovery provides a potential new approach for ALS treatment. The findings highlight the importance of further studying the IGF-1 pathway in ALS therapy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 10, 2024·5 min read

Link Between Smaller Cerebellum and PTSD

New research uncovered a significant association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a reduction in cerebellar volume. This study, one of the largest of its kind, demonstrates that individuals with PTSD have cerebellums that are approximately 2% smaller than those without the disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 30, 2023·6 min read

Brainless Brittle Stars Learn by Association

Researchers discovered that brittle stars, brainless marine creatures, can learn through experience, a finding that challenges our understanding of learning and intelligence. The study revealed that brittle stars, relatives of starfish, could learn to associate darkness with feeding times through classical conditioning, similar to Pavlov's dogs.