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Northwestern University

·November 23, 2024·5 min read

Our “Reptilian” Brain Areas’ Role in Emotion and Social Skills

A new study uncovers constant communication between the human brain's social cognitive network, responsible for understanding others' thoughts, and the amygdala, known for processing fear and emotions. High-resolution brain scans revealed that this connection helps the brain integrate emotional importance into social interactions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 2, 2024·7 min read

Polymer Therapy Shows Promise Against Huntington’s Disease

Scientists have developed a novel polymer-based therapy that could slow Huntington's disease progression by preventing harmful protein clumps in the brain. In a mouse model, this polymer therapy effectively halted cell death, improved neuron health, and enhanced motor function.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 24, 2024·6 min read

Lucid Dreaming Increased with Sensory Cues

A new study shows that a lucid dreaming app, using the method called Targeted Lucidity Reactivation (TLR), can increase lucid dreaming frequency from 0.74 to 2.11 dreams per week. This research demonstrated that sensory cues delivered during sleep significantly enhanced dream awareness, with participants reporting improved emotional states after lucid dreams. The app combines pre-sleep training with auditory cues, showing promise for sleep-based self-improvement.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·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.