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Monash University

This shows an older lady listening to music.

·October 26, 2025·6 min read

Listening to Music After 70 May Cut Dementia Risk by Nearly 40%

Older adults who regularly listen to or play music may significantly lower their risk of dementia, according to a study of more than 10,800 people over age 70. Those who always listened to music showed a 39% lower risk of developing dementia and better memory performance, while those who played instruments had a 35% lower risk.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 8, 2024·5 min read

Short Sleep and High Blood Pressure Linked to Brain Aging

Research reveals that people with high blood pressure who also sleep less than six hours per night face increased risks of brain injury, accelerated brain aging, and impaired executive function. The study assessed 682 participants from the Framingham Heart Study, analyzing sleep patterns, blood pressure, cognitive performance, and brain MRIs.

This shows a happy person surrounded by psychedelic swirls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 8, 2024·3 min read

Optimism Boosted by Psilocybin, Hinting at Depression Relief

Researchers have discovered that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, increases optimism and motivation in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for treating depression. Using computational modeling, scientists observed that rats given psilocybin were more likely to engage in reward-based tasks, indicating enhanced optimism.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·4 min read

Vagus Nerve Signals Regulating Heart Function Discovered

Researchers have isolated the electrical activity of individual neurons in the vagus nerve responsible for regulating cardiovascular function in humans. By identifying neurons that fire in sync with the heartbeat, scientists can now study how these neurons monitor or control heart activity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 25, 2024·5 min read

Blood Tests Uncover Lasting Damage Following Single Brain Injury

A new study reveals that moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have long-lasting effects, persisting for decades. Using advanced MRI scans, blood biomarkers, and cognitive tests, researchers found that survivors show signs of chronic brain pathology even 22 years after their injury.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2024·3 min read

Psilocybin Shows Promise in Anorexia Treatment

A new study highlights the potential of psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, as a treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. The research demonstrated that psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility and body weight maintenance in an animal model of AN.

This shows a model of a brain on a plate.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 30, 2023·5 min read

High ‘Good Cholesterol’ Linked to Dementia Risk

A new study found that abnormally high levels of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), often referred to as 'good cholesterol', may increase the risk of dementia in older adults. This large-scale study, part of the ASPREE project, observed over 18,668 participants, noting that those with very high HDL-C levels had a 27% higher risk of dementia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 30, 2023·5 min read

Less Deep Sleep in Seniors May Be A Silent Alarm for Dementia Risk

A mere 1% reduction in deep sleep yearly for those above 60 translates to a 27% higher dementia risk. Monitoring 346 participants over 60 from the Framingham Heart Study, the research observed declining deep sleep patterns and found 52 dementia cases in 17 years.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 20, 2023·6 min read

Mapping Psychosis Reveals The Brain’s Epicentre of Schizophrenia

Researchers charted the brain's response to psychosis, specifically how it spreads, revealing potential therapeutic targets. Their study, which examined 534 individuals across various stages of psychosis, identified the hippocampus as an initial site of change.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2023·3 min read

3D-Printed Nerve Networks Come Alive

Engineers have pioneered the 3D printing of nerve networks using "bioinks" packed with living neurons. This novel technique allows for the creation of 3D neural circuits that emulate the intricate connections seen in a living brain.

This shows a pregnant woman holding an apple.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 3, 2023·4 min read

Fruitful Discovery: Pregnancy Diet Influences Brain Health across Generations

A new study highlights that a mother's diet during early pregnancy, specifically consumption of apples and herbs, may safeguard the brain health of her offspring and even grandchildren. Using roundworms as a genetic model due to their genetic similarities to humans, the study identified a molecule in apples and herbs known as ursolic acid that helps maintain brain function by preventing the breakdown of axons.