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UCSD

·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.

This shows a brain, shopping carts, and bags.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 15, 2024·7 min read

Why We Buy What We Buy: The Neuroscience of Shopping

New research in neuroeconomics explores the brain processes behind shopping decisions, revealing how factors like brand recognition, pricing, and online versus in-person experiences influence purchases. The ventral striatum, a brain region linked to reward, evaluates products even without active decision-making.

This shows a dog and a communication board.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 10, 2024·5 min read

Dogs Using Soundboards Show Intentional Communication

Dogs trained to use soundboards can combine two-word buttons purposefully to communicate needs and desires, rather than randomly or by imitating their owners. Researchers analyzed over 260,000 button presses from 152 dogs, finding meaningful combinations like "outside + potty" occurring more often than chance.

This shows a teen on a phone and one jogging.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Excessive Sedentary Time in Teens Linked to Social Media Use

A global study reveals adolescents spend 8-10 hours daily on sedentary activities, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s 2-3 hour recommendation. Social media accounts are significantly linked to increased screen time and overall sedentary behavior, raising concerns about its impact on physical health.

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UCSD

Early Autism Traits Show No Sex Differences in Toddlers

Rethinking Brain Drain: Emigration Fuels Global Prosperity

How Learning Reshapes Your Brain’s Connections

AI Uncovers New Cause of Alzheimer’s

Low and Moderate Exercise May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Decline

Synapses Use Multiple Learning Rules to Encode New Information

Natural Disaster Trauma Disrupts Brain’s Decision Circuits

Mutations Drive Aging and Shape Epigenetic Clock

Neural Stem Cell Transplants Show Promise for Spinal Injuries

Why We Buy What We Buy: The Neuroscience of Shopping

Dogs Using Soundboards Show Intentional Communication

Excessive Sedentary Time in Teens Linked to Social Media Use

SSRIs Restore Brain Function in Alzheimer’s

Why Some Individuals Adapt to Fear Faster Than Others

Blood Fat Links Found Between Heart Risk and Alzheimer’s

Study Ties Racial Inequality to Psychosis in Young Adults

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