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UC Irvine

·March 19, 2025·5 min read

Early-Life Adversity Reshapes Brain Development and Behavior

Early-life adversity affects over half of children worldwide, increasing the risk of cognitive and mental health issues later in life. A new review highlights how unpredictable sensory experiences, beyond traditional stressors like abuse and neglect, can disrupt brain development.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 7, 2025·4 min read

Vascular Risk Factors Affect Brain Health Differently in Older People

A new study reveals that common cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, known to damage brain blood vessels in younger populations, are not linked to increased brain vessel harm in individuals aged 90 and older. Researchers analyzed data from 267 participants in the National Institute on Aging’s 90+ Study and found no significant relationship between these risk factors and brain changes in this age group. Interestingly, blood pressure-lowering medications such as diuretics and beta blockers were associated with reduced risks of specific brain conditions, suggesting potential protective effects.

This shows a woman looking at a brain model.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·4 min read

Brain Circuits for Spatial Memory and Navigation Identified

Researchers have identified two neural circuits in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) that are critical for spatial navigation and memory storage. The M2-projecting pathway links spatial thought to action, while the AD-projecting pathway supports location-specific memory.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 5, 2024·5 min read

New Molecule Offers Hope for Parkinson’s by Outperforming L-Dopa

A new study has discovered that ophthalmic acid, a molecule in the brain, acts like a neurotransmitter to regulate motor function, similar to dopamine. In Parkinson’s mouse models, this molecule improved movement for over 20 hours—far longer than the effects of the current treatment, L-dopa.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 14, 2024·5 min read

Sleep Apnea During REM Linked to Memory Decline

Sleep apnea events during REM sleep are linked to verbal memory impairment in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of focusing on sleep-stage-specific apnea severity for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 14, 2024·4 min read

Dreams Dull the Distress of Emotional Memories

Dreaming helps prioritize and diminish the severity of emotionally charged memories. Participants who reported dreaming had better recall and were less reactive to negative images.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 10, 2024·4 min read

Hippocampus Generates Deep Sleep Waves

Scientists discovered a surprising new source for brain waves essential for deep sleep. These waves, traditionally thought to come from a different area, were also found to be generated by the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·February 22, 2024·4 min read

Eye-Opening Insights Into Human and Insect Vision

Researchers unveiled significant findings on the production of 11-cis-retinal, a molecule crucial for vision in both humans and insects. By studying the NinaB protein in insects and comparing it to the human RPE65 protein, both essential for synthesizing 11-cis-retinal, the team discovered key differences in their operational mechanisms despite their structural similarities.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 14, 2024·4 min read

Brain Mapping With Novel Rabies Viral Vectors

Researchers developed 20 novel recombinant rabies viral vectors that present unparalleled advantages for neural circuit mapping in aging and Alzheimer’s disease studies. These vectors are engineered to highlight microstructural changes in brain neurons through enhanced fluorescent proteins, offering insights into neural networks at both micro and macro scales.

This shows an older woman surrounded by flowers.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 1, 2023·5 min read

Scentful Slumbers: Enhancing Memory in Older Adults Through Nightly Aromatherapy

A new study demonstrates how nightly aromatherapy can enhance memory in older adults. Over six months, subjects were exposed to various natural oil fragrances for two hours each night, leading to a remarkable 226% increase in cognitive capacity.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 1, 2023·4 min read

Getting the Skinny on Cannabis Use: The Effect of Cannabis on Weight and Metabolism

Researchers shed light on the enigma of cannabis users tending to be leaner and less diabetes-prone despite appetite stimulation. The study shows that cannabis exposure during adolescence disrupts energy balance and adipose organ (fat storage) homeostasis.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 24, 2023·4 min read

Alzheimer’s Pathology Found in Superagers With Superior Cognition

A new study found people who are 90+ and have superior cognitive skills have similar levels of brain pathology as Alzheimer's patients. However, they also have less brain pathology of other neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers are now looking at how lifestyle habits and health conditions are associated with superior cognition in individuals who are 90+.

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UC Irvine

Early-Life Adversity Reshapes Brain Development and Behavior

Vascular Risk Factors Affect Brain Health Differently in Older People

Brain Circuits for Spatial Memory and Navigation Identified

New Molecule Offers Hope for Parkinson’s by Outperforming L-Dopa

Sleep Apnea During REM Linked to Memory Decline

Dreams Dull the Distress of Emotional Memories

Hippocampus Generates Deep Sleep Waves

Eye-Opening Insights Into Human and Insect Vision

Brain Mapping With Novel Rabies Viral Vectors

Scentful Slumbers: Enhancing Memory in Older Adults Through Nightly Aromatherapy

Getting the Skinny on Cannabis Use: The Effect of Cannabis on Weight and Metabolism

Alzheimer’s Pathology Found in Superagers With Superior Cognition

How the Brain Forms Indirect Associations to Guide Complex Decisions

Brain Fatigue: How the Mind Decides When to Push or Quit

Death Isn’t the End: AI Brings Lost Voices Back to Life

How the Brain Filters Distractions to Stay Focused on a Goal

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