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Neurology

·June 24, 2025·3 min read

PET Imaging Maps Brain Inflammation in Progressive Speech Disorder

A novel PET imaging study has identified unique patterns of neuroinflammation in patients with progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS), a rare disorder that impairs the brain’s ability to plan speech. Using TSPO PET scans, researchers found elevated inflammation in brain regions involved in movement and speech, particularly in patients who also showed signs of Parkinson-plus syndromes.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2025·5 min read

Rare Mutation Shields Brain from Alzheimer’s by Silencing Inflammation

A rare genetic mutation known as APOE3-R136S, or the “Christchurch mutation,” appears to protect against Alzheimer’s disease by suppressing inflammatory signaling in the brain’s immune cells. Researchers found that this mutation dampens the cGAS-STING pathway, a key innate immune mechanism that is abnormally activated in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2025·3 min read

Neuroimaging Pinpoints Brain Inflammation

A newly developed PET radiotracer, ¹⁸F-PDE-1905, offers high-resolution imaging of neuroinflammation by targeting a key enzyme inside microglia, the brain’s immune cells. Unlike traditional tracers that target general downstream markers, this novel tracer hones in on PDE4B, a critical regulator of inflammatory signaling.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·June 20, 2025·4 min read

Chronic Pain Linked to Neuron Overactivity in the Brainstem

A new study reveals that neurons in the brainstem respond very differently to acute versus chronic pain, potentially explaining why some pain persists long after injury. In acute pain, neurons in the medullary dorsal horn reduce their activity through a natural “braking” system involving A-type potassium currents, helping limit pain signals.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·June 19, 2025·5 min read

Pain Perception in Babies Develops in Stages After Birth

A new study shows that the networks responsible for processing pain in infants develop gradually, with emotional and cognitive pain responses maturing only after birth. Researchers scanned the brains of 372 infants, primarily born prematurely, to track how three brain subsystems related to pain perception matured over time.

This shows a man holding his head in pain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 19, 2025·6 min read

How Sleep Deprivation Amplifies Pain in Migraine

New research reveals that sleep deprivation alters how the brain processes pain in people with migraines. Using EEG and pain stimulation, scientists found that migraine sufferers’ brains respond differently after poor sleep, showing reduced ability to suppress pain signals.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 19, 2025·4 min read

Brain Age Gap May Predict Cognitive Decline

A new study reveals that the brain age gap—the difference between a brain’s biological age and chronological age—may influence how risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure affect cognitive function. Using machine learning to analyze brain scans from over 1,400 older adults, researchers found that a greater brain age gap was linked to poorer thinking and memory skills.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·4 min read

Ear Wax Reveals Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers

A novel screening method for Parkinson’s disease (PD) analyzes the volatile compounds in ear wax to detect early signs of the condition. Researchers found that four specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significantly different in people with PD.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·3 min read

Alzheimer’s Risk Linked to Increased Social Activity, Not Isolation

Contrary to popular belief, a new study suggests that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may become more socially engaged—not less. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals and found that higher-risk participants reported lower social isolation and more positive family interactions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2025·5 min read

RyR1 Channel Triggers Sedation from Anesthetics

A new study uncovers the long-elusive mechanism of inhalational anesthetics by identifying the RyR1 calcium channel as a key molecular target. Researchers demonstrated that anesthetics like isoflurane activate RyR1 to trigger calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum, a crucial step in inducing general anesthesia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

3D-Printed Brain Model Mimics Neural Damage

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D brain model that closely mirrors the architecture and function of the human brain. Built using biomimetic 3D printing, the Bioengineered Neural Network (BENN) features distinct gray and white matter regions and responds to electrical stimulation like real brain tissue.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

Glial Cell Transplants Slow Huntington’s Symptoms and Extend Life

A new study reveals that transplanting healthy human glial progenitor cells into adult mice with Huntington’s disease can delay motor and cognitive decline and extend lifespan. These support cells restored key neuronal functions, reversed synaptic damage, and reactivated gene expression even after symptoms began.