FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 26, 2025·4 min readRapidly Evolving DNA May Explain Human Brain ComplexityA new study reveals that human accelerated regions (HARs)—segments of DNA that evolved much faster than expected—may be key to the brain’s advanced cognitive abilities. Researchers compared human and chimpanzee neurons and found that HARs drive the growth of multiple neural projections, which enhance communication between brain cells.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·February 25, 2025·4 min readFDA Approves Adaptive DBS for Parkinson’s PatientsThe FDA has approved adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), a breakthrough therapy that adjusts in real time to Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Unlike traditional DBS, which delivers constant stimulation, aDBS monitors brain activity and responds with precise electric pulses to prevent stiffness and involuntary movements.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 23, 2025·5 min readLow-Normal B12 Levels Linked to Slower Brain ProcessingEven when within the normal range, lower levels of vitamin B12 may contribute to cognitive decline, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults with lower biologically active B12 had slower cognitive processing and more white matter lesions, despite meeting current nutritional requirements.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 27, 2025·5 min readREM Sleep Delays May Indicate Early Alzheimer’sDelayed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that participants with delayed REM sleep had higher levels of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 22, 2025·7 min readMaternal X Chromosome Accelerates Brain AgingNew research shows that female mice expressing only a maternal X chromosome experience faster brain aging and cognitive decline compared to those expressing both maternal and paternal X chromosomes. The maternal X accelerates aging in the hippocampus, a key region for memory and learning, and silences certain genes essential for brain health.Read More
AutismBrain CancerFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 9, 2025·8 min readYouthful Brain Stem Cells Linked to Autism and Brain CancerResearchers have identified a unique stem cell in the young brain capable of maturing into multiple cell types, potentially explaining the origins of autism and glioblastoma. These stem cells show gene expression patterns that regulate early brain development and, when disrupted, could lead to neurological conditions.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 6, 2025·5 min readExtended Paxlovid May Relieve Long Covid SymptomsExtended courses of Paxlovid may alleviate symptoms in some patients with long Covid, though its effectiveness varies widely. Of 13 patients studied, five experienced sustained improvements, while others reported temporary or no benefits.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 6, 2024·7 min readTargeted Immune Cells Destroy Brain TumorsResearchers have created a "molecular GPS" to guide immune cells directly to the brain, enabling precise targeting of tumors like glioblastoma. These cells use a unique protein code to navigate and attack cancer while sparing healthy tissue, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments. In mice, this technology successfully cleared tumors, prevented recurrences, and reduced brain inflammation in models of multiple sclerosis.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 4, 2024·6 min readNewly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to StressResearchers identified a brain circuit involving the amygdala and hippocampus that predicts resilience to stress in mice. Mice with disrupted neural communication in this circuit struggled to seek rewards, but activating the neurons restored resilience and improved decision-making.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 4, 2024·4 min readKeto Diet May Ease Multiple Sclerosis SymptomsNew research suggests the ketogenic diet could help manage multiple sclerosis (MS) by promoting the production of beneficial compounds in the gut. In a study, mice on a keto diet produced the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), which worked with gut bacteria to create immune-modulating metabolites.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·October 15, 2024·3 min readAI-Enhanced MRIs Show Potential for Brain Abnormality DetectionResearchers have developed a machine learning model that upgrades 3T MRI images to mimic the higher-resolution 7T MRI, providing enhanced detail for detecting brain abnormalities. The synthetic 7T images reveal finer features, such as white matter lesions and subcortical microbleeds, which are often difficult to see with standard MRI systems. This AI-driven approach could improve diagnostic accuracy for conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis (MS), though clinical validation is needed before wider use.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 8, 2024·2 min readScreen Time Linked to Mental Health Symptoms in KidsA recent study finds that increased screen time is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and attention issues among 9- and 10-year-olds. Following a diverse group over two years, researchers discovered that activities like video chatting, texting, and gaming were most strongly linked to depressive symptoms.Read More
