FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 9, 2025·6 min readBrain Cell Genetics Shape Aging and Alzheimer’s RiskResearchers have identified genetic variations in brain cells, particularly microglia and oligodendrocytes, that influence both aging and Alzheimer’s risk. These variations impact how cells function as they age, potentially priming some individuals for dementia.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 7, 2025·4 min readFalse Memories Are Harder to Create Than Once ThoughtA new analysis challenges long-standing claims about the ease of implanting false memories, often cited in court cases to discredit witnesses. Researchers re-evaluated data from a 2023 replication of the "Lost in the Mall" study, finding that none of the participants formed fully false memories of a fabricated childhood event.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 7, 2025·3 min read“Sandwich” Generation Face Health Toll of Caring for Parents and KidsSandwich carers—those who care for both children and aging relatives—face significant mental and physical health declines, particularly when caregiving exceeds 20 hours weekly. A study tracking carers over nine years found persistent mental health challenges and worsening physical health during this transition.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 10, 2024·7 min readExercise Boosts Memory for 24 HoursNew research reveals that the cognitive boost from moderate to vigorous exercise lasts up to the next day, enhancing memory performance in adults aged 50 to 83. The study also found that adequate sleep—particularly deep, slow-wave sleep—adds to these benefits.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 4, 2024·6 min readMost Teens Recover From Long Covid Within Two YearsA large study tracking young people with long Covid found that 70% of those affected had recovered within two years, though 30% continued to experience symptoms. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants, defining long Covid as experiencing multiple symptoms like fatigue and headaches alongside functional impairments.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 29, 2024·5 min readAI Outperforms Experts in Predicting Study OutcomesA new study demonstrates that large language models (LLMs) can predict the outcomes of neuroscience studies more accurately than human experts, achieving 81% accuracy compared to 63% for neuroscientists. Using a tool called BrainBench, researchers tested LLMs and human experts on identifying real versus fabricated study abstracts, finding that the AI models excelled even when neuroscientists had domain-specific expertise.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 26, 2024·3 min readAlzheimer’s Drug Shrinks Brain Volume by Removing Amyloid PlaquesBrain volume loss linked to new Alzheimer’s immunotherapies, such as lecanemab, is caused by the removal of amyloid plaques rather than neuronal damage. Researchers analyzed data from multiple trials and coined the term "amyloid-removal-related pseudo-atrophy" (ARPA) to describe this phenomenon.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 25, 2024·4 min readMoms’ Baby Talk Boosts Infant OxytocinA new study reveals that when mothers regularly discuss their infants’ thoughts and feelings, it is associated with higher oxytocin levels in their babies. Oxytocin, a hormone crucial for social bonding and emotional development, is influenced by the way mothers reference their child’s internal states during interactions.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 14, 2024·5 min readNeural Flexibility: Prioritizing Memories to Guide BehaviorMale worms can activate two conflicting memories—mating and starvation—when encountering the same odor, but only one influences their behavior.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 1, 2024·5 min readSocioeconomic Factors Influence Cognitive Health and Dementia RiskA new study reveals that socioeconomic factors like education, occupation, and wealth play a role in the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in later life. Tracking over 8,000 adults in England, researchers found that people with higher socioeconomic status were less likely to transition from healthy cognition to impairment and more likely to recover from mild impairment.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·October 4, 2024·6 min readAlzheimer’s Brain Shrinkage Follows No Single PatternA new study finds that brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients does not follow a uniform pattern. Researchers examined thousands of brain scans and found that individuals showed varied shrinkage patterns over time. Those with faster shrinkage in specific brain regions were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This personalized approach to brain mapping may lead to tailored treatments based on individual brain changes.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 30, 2024·4 min readExercise Boosts Motivation to Combat DepressionA new study suggests that exercise reduces depression by boosting motivation through decreased inflammation and enhanced dopamine function. This understanding could lead to personalized exercise programs as treatment. The review highlights how aerobic exercise combats anhedonia and low energy in depression. Large trials are needed to further test this hypothesis and explore barriers to exercise.Read More
