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Francis Crick Institute

·October 22, 2025·6 min read

Hungry Brain Rewrites Emotional Priorities

New research reveals that hunger can flip female mice from nurturing to aggressive—but only during specific hormonal phases. Scientists discovered that neurons controlling appetite (AgRP neurons) interact with a brain region linked to parental care, the medial preoptic area (MPOA).

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2025·5 min read

Silent Signals: How We Recognize Social Rank Instantly

Mice, like humans, navigate social hierarchies using subtle cues—but instead of reading facial expressions or clothing, they rely on chemical signals. A new study reveals that male mice can determine the social rank of unfamiliar opponents using airborne odors and physical scent cues.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 19, 2024·4 min read

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Scientists have developed human stem cell models containing the notochord, a critical tissue that guides spine and nervous system formation during embryonic development. Using precise chemical signals inspired by natural processes in chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, the researchers successfully coaxed human stem cells to form a notochord and a miniature trunk-like structure. This innovation mirrors key features of human development and could advance the study of spine-related birth defects and conditions like intervertebral disc degeneration.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 26, 2024·5 min read

Gut Microbiome and Aspirin May Reverse Hormonal Issues

Researchers found that mutations in the Sox3 gene cause hypopituitarism, a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient hormones, leading to growth issues and infertility. In a study on mice, they discovered that Sox3 mutations affect brain cells called NG2 glia, which are essential for hormone production.

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·April 25, 2024·5 min read

Vitamin D Boosts Gut Bacteria for Cancer Immunity

Vitamin D enhances a type of gut bacteria in mice, improving their immunity to cancer. The study shows that mice with higher levels of vitamin D resist tumor growth better and respond more effectively to immunotherapy.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 11, 2023·6 min read

AI Pinpoints Parkinson’s Subtypes Using Stem Cell Images

Researchers enabled machine learning to accurately predict Parkinson's disease subtypes using stem cell images. This breakthrough showcases computer models classifying four Parkinson’s subtypes, with top accuracies reaching 95%.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 7, 2023·5 min read

COVID Variants Can Affect the Brain in Different Ways

New research found that variants of COVID-19 can affect the brain in different ways and that the blood-brain barrier can be impacted. Scientists exposed brain cells to multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the original wild-type virus, alpha, beta, delta, eta and omicron.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 3, 2022·3 min read

Genes That Maintain Healthy Neurons Identified

Kinase enzymes are essential for neurons to perform autophagy. Researchers found deleting genes that encode kinase NDR1 and NDR2 impairs neuron health and spurs neurodegeneration in both young and old mice.

This shows cells from the olfactory bulb

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 25, 2022·4 min read

Scientists Build Subcellular Map of Entire Brain Networks

A new imaging technique captures information about the function and structure of brain tissue at the subcellular level.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 19, 2022·6 min read

Astrocyte Studies Reveal Harmful Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

In patients with ALS, astrocytes within the brain become pro-inflammatory and tend to lose their protective function, resulting in changes in the ability to uptake glutamate.

This shows a cross section of a mouse gut

Featured Neuroscience

·October 20, 2021·3 min read

Glial Cells Crucial to Maintaining Healthy Gut Immunity

Glial cells coordinate immune responses in the gut following infection. Researchers report glial cells could be targets for therapeutics to treat inflammatory bowel disorders.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 6, 2021·5 min read

Key Hallmark of ALS Reversed

Researchers reveal how proteins accumulate in the incorrect parts of brain cells in ALS, and demonstrate how it may be possible to reverse the accumulation.