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Northwestern University

·September 6, 2024·5 min read

Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth

Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes are more sensitive to negative social environments, amplifying depressive symptoms over a two-year period.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 23, 2024·3 min read

COVID’s Spike Protein Enhances Ability to Infect Brain

Researchers have discovered a mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that enhances its ability to infect the central nervous system, potentially explaining neurological symptoms and “long COVID.” The mutation was found to allow the virus to better infiltrate the brain, with implications for future treatments targeting COVID-19’s effects on the brain. The findings highlight the need for specific therapies to address these neurological complications.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 10, 2024·6 min read

Brain Structures Near Phase Transition Across Species

New research reveals that brain structures in humans, mice, and fruit flies are near a phase transition, suggesting a universal principle. The study found that brain cells exhibit fractal patterns, indicative of criticality. This discovery could enhance computational models of brain complexity. The finding highlight a new dimension in understanding brain dynamics and structure.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 6, 2024·6 min read

New Hope for Treating Brain Cancer with Ultrasound

Researchers used ultrasound to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, delivering a chemotherapy and immunotherapy drug combo to treat glioblastoma. This innovative approach boosted the immune system's recognition of cancer cells, showing promise for a new treatment method.

This shows a brain and a measuring tape.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2024·5 min read

High BMI Linked to Weak Smell-Eating Circuit in Brain

A new study reveals a novel brain circuit linking the sense of smell and eating behavior. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's Body Mass Index (BMI).

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 5, 2024·7 min read

Physics Proves Old Saying Right: Friends and Foes Unveiled

Researchers, using statistical physics, have validated the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" axiom. The researchers applied advanced network modeling to confirm Heider’s social balance theory, which suggests that humans innately seek harmonious relationships in social networks.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 30, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness Peaks in Youth and Old Age

A new study revealed a U-shaped pattern of loneliness across the lifespan, with higher levels in younger and older adults and the lowest during middle adulthood. The research identified risk factors for loneliness including social isolation, lower education, and physical impairments.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 26, 2024·7 min read

SCN2A Gene Variants Dictate Neurological Disorder Severity

A new study reveals how genetic variants in the SCN2A gene influence the severity and type of neurological impairments, including epilepsy and autism. This study analyzed the function of sodium channels affected by SCN2A mutations, revealing a spectrum of effects from hyperactivity to inactivity.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 25, 2024·5 min read

Longer Genes May Drive Aging

Four independent studies converge on the groundbreaking conclusion that the activity of long genes may be the key driver behind aging. This insight, marking a significant shift from traditional gene-specific aging theories, suggests that conditions affecting long gene activity, like smoking or caloric restriction, can accelerate or slow down aging, respectively.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 24, 2024·4 min read

Unlocking the Brain’s Fear Circuitry: A Pathway to Survival Responses

Scientists have identified a new neural pathway that plays a crucial role in how the brain shifts to high-intensity fear responses. This discovery pinpoints a previously unknown connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, crucial for emotional regulation and decision-making during fearful situations.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 9, 2024·4 min read

Blood Immunity Altered in Alzheimer’s

A new study reveals epigenetic alterations in the immune system of Alzheimer's patients' blood, suggesting environmental or behavioral factors could influence Alzheimer's risk. The study indicates these epigenetic changes affect genes associated with Alzheimer's susceptibility, potentially due to factors like viral infections or pollutants.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 18, 2024·5 min read

RNA Interference Plays Key Role in Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study suggests that RNA interference plays a crucial role in the disease. Researchers discovered that aging and Alzheimer’s-affected brains have an imbalance between toxic and protective short RNAs (sRNAs), leading to brain cell death and DNA damage.