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UCSD

·August 13, 2025·4 min read

Genetic Switch May Be Key to Human Brain’s Unique Abilities

Researchers have identified a genetic region, HAR123, that may help explain what makes the human brain unique. Acting as a transcriptional enhancer, HAR123 influences the development of neural progenitor cells, which give rise to neurons and glial cells, and plays a role in determining their ratio.

This shows the outline of two boys and leaves.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·June 23, 2025·4 min read

CBD Shows Promise in Easing Behavior Challenges in Autism

Summary: A new clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and potentially helpful in reducing problematic behaviors in boys with severe autism. While broad behavioral measures showed no significant differences from placebo, clinicians observed meaningful improvements in aggression, hyperactivity, and communication in many children taking CBD.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·June 10, 2025·2 min read

Sticky Molecules May Hold the Key to Preventing Vision Loss in AMD

A new study reveals how sticky molecules called heparan sulfate (HS) may trap lipoproteins in the eye and trigger early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These fat-protein particles, similar to HDL, accumulate between retinal layers, forming drusen that damage vision over time.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2025·6 min read

Early Autism Traits Show No Sex Differences in Toddlers

A large-scale study of over 2,500 toddlers found no significant clinical differences in autistic traits between males and females at the time of early diagnosis. Conducted over two decades, the study used comprehensive assessments across language, motor skills, cognitive traits, and social behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2025·7 min read

Rethinking Brain Drain: Emigration Fuels Global Prosperity

A recent study overturns the conventional idea that skilled emigration harms developing countries by showing it can actually enhance economic development and innovation. Researchers found that when people have the opportunity to migrate to higher-income countries like the U.S., it motivates greater educational investment in their home countries. es shared prosperity rather than loss. With current immigration restrictions tightening in the U.S., experts warn this mutual benefit could be at risk.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·6 min read

How Learning Reshapes Your Brain’s Connections

New research reveals that learning doesn't just alter brain activity — it physically rewires the connections between key brain regions to make communication faster and more precise. Scientists used advanced imaging and a new data analysis method to map how the thalamocortical pathway, connecting the thalamus and motor cortex, changes during motor learning in mice.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 25, 2025·7 min read

AI Uncovers New Cause of Alzheimer’s

Researchers have discovered that a gene previously seen as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, PHGDH, actually plays a causal role by disrupting gene regulation in the brain. Using AI, the team revealed that PHGDH has a hidden DNA-binding function unrelated to its known enzymatic activity. This malfunction triggers early Alzheimer’s development, offering a new target for prevention.

This shows an older lady exercising and a brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 25, 2025·9 min read

Low and Moderate Exercise May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Decline

New findings from the EXERT study reveal that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise may help preserve cognitive function in older adults with mild memory problems, a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Over 12 months, participants who engaged in either form of exercise showed significantly less cognitive decline and reduced brain volume loss, especially in the prefrontal cortex, compared to a usual-care group.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2025·5 min read

Synapses Use Multiple Learning Rules to Encode New Information

New research reveals that individual neurons follow multiple learning rules simultaneously, challenging the long-held belief that synaptic plasticity operates uniformly throughout the brain. Using advanced two-photon imaging, scientists tracked changes in synapses during learning in mice, uncovering that different regions within a single neuron adapt using distinct plasticity mechanisms.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 17, 2025·5 min read

Natural Disaster Trauma Disrupts Brain’s Decision Circuits

Survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire in California exhibit long-term cognitive changes, particularly in decision-making. Participants directly exposed to the wildfire showed reduced ability to choose long-term rewards and displayed hyperactivity in brain regions tied to rumination.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 21, 2025·5 min read

Mutations Drive Aging and Shape Epigenetic Clock

A new study has uncovered a direct link between somatic mutations and epigenetic modifications, challenging established views on aging. Researchers found that random genetic mutations drive predictable changes in DNA methylation, offering new insights into the relationship between mutation accumulation and epigenetic clocks.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·3 min read

Neural Stem Cell Transplants Show Promise for Spinal Injuries

A Phase I clinical trial has demonstrated the long-term safety of neural stem cell transplantation for chronic spinal cord injuries. Researchers followed four patients for five years, with two showing sustained neurological improvements, including better motor function and sensory responses.