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UCR

·November 17, 2025·6 min read

Animal-Free Brain Tissue Breakthrough Could Transform Drug Testing

Researchers have created functional brain-like tissue without relying on any animal-derived materials, marking a major step toward more ethical and reproducible neurological research. By transforming a chemically inert polymer (PEG) into a porous, maze-like scaffold, scientists enabled donor brain cells to organize into active neural networks.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 9, 2025·8 min read

Compound Could Repair Nerve Damage in Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers have identified two compounds capable of repairing the protective myelin sheath damaged by multiple sclerosis, a major advance toward reversing nerve injury rather than just slowing it. The lead compound, K102, not only promotes remyelination but also balances immune function—key for long-term neurological recovery.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 16, 2025·5 min read

Mitochondrial Link to Cerebellar Decline in MS

A new study reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the loss of Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum, contributing to motor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found that inflammation and demyelination in the cerebellum disrupt the mitochondria—key cellular power sources—leading to energy loss, neuron damage, and ataxia.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2025·5 min read

Single Gene Links Autism, Epilepsy via Brain Circuit Development

The gene neuropilin2 regulates inhibitory neuron migration and excitatory neuron connections, essential for balanced brain activity. A study revealed that deleting neuropilin2 disrupts inhibitory circuits, leading to autism-like behaviors and a higher seizure risk.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 11, 2024·6 min read

Skin Pigmentation May Influence Drug Response

A new study highlights that skin pigmentation can influence how quickly medications reach their intended targets, with melanin potentially binding to certain drugs and slowing their efficacy. Researchers argue that this overlooked factor in drug testing could lead to varied drug responses across skin tones, impacting drug safety and dosing. Current FDA guidelines lack provisions addressing pigmentation’s effects on drug interactions, raising concerns for inclusivity in treatment efficacy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 7, 2024·4 min read

Monitoring Spinal Cord Activity During Surgery in Real-Time

fUSI technology is offering new hope to chronic back pain sufferers by providing high-resolution images of the human spinal cord during surgery. This innovative tool not only visualizes the spinal cord but also tracks the cord's real-time response to treatments, marking a significant leap over traditional imaging methods like fMRI, with its superior sensitivity to neuroactivation and reduced susceptibility to motion artifacts.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·6 min read

High-Fat Diets Impact Health, Immunity, and COVID-19 Risk

A new study highlights the effects of high-fat diets on genes associated with obesity, colon cancer, immune function, brain health, and potentially COVID-19 risk. Researchers fed mice three different high-fat diets and observed changes in gene expression, gut bacteria, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 6, 2023·7 min read

Thymus’ Surprise: M Cells, Key Immune Players, Found Where Least Expected

Researchers identified Microfold cells, or M cells, typically seen in intestines, in the thymus—a vital organ for immune system development. These thymic M cells are similar to their intestinal counterparts and may play a role in the body's overall immune response.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2023·5 min read

Medi-Mojis: Emojis Are A Game-Changer in Patient-Physician Communication

Emoji could revolutionize health care communication. These universally appealing and accessible symbols can bypass barriers of language, education, and age, offering an intuitive language system for patient-provider interaction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 24, 2023·5 min read

Virtual Village Shields Vulnerable People from Pandemic Isolation

Researchers developed a virtual village to combat heightened isolation among older people living with HIV (OPLH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This online environment provides access to health, community, and personal resources for OPLH aged 50 and above.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 10, 2023·7 min read

Age Amplifies Distraction: How Physical Tasks Impact Focus in Older Adults

Older adults are more likely to be distracted by irrelevant items while performing physical tasks, compared to younger adults.

This shows a woman breastfeeding her child

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 20, 2023·5 min read

Exposure to Alcohol Through Breastmilk Affects Brain and Behavioral Development

Exposure to alcohol through a mother's breastmilk can have serious and lasting implications for brain and behavioral development in children. Researchers found alcohol exposure via breastmilk resulted in smaller body and brain growth and decreased cortical length in mouse models.