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UCSF

·May 22, 2025·6 min read

More Social Media, More Depression: Study Links Cause and Effect

A new study has found that as preteens increase their social media use, depressive symptoms also rise—but not the other way around. Researchers tracked nearly 12,000 youth over three years and discovered that increased screen time predicted later depression, while depressive symptoms did not predict more social media use.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·4 min read

Clues in Spinal Fluid Could Unlock Early FTD Diagnosis

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a common form of early-onset dementia, is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with psychiatric and neurological disorders. In a new NIH-funded study, researchers identified key protein changes in spinal fluid that may serve as the first specific biomarkers for FTD in living patients.

This shows a person sitting and mushrooms.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 30, 2025·6 min read

Psilocybin Shows Promise for Parkinson’s Mood and Motor Symptoms

A new pilot study reveals that psilocybin—the compound found in psychedelic mushrooms—may significantly improve mood, cognition, and motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease. The compound was well tolerated, with only mild side effects, and benefits persisted for weeks after dosing. While the study was primarily designed to test safety, researchers observed meaningful and lasting improvements in multiple symptoms.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·April 4, 2025·5 min read

Female Hormones Trigger Pain Relief via Immune Cells

Scientists have discovered that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger immune cells near the spinal cord to release natural opioids, easing pain before it reaches the brain. These immune cells, known as T regulatory cells (T-regs), are located in the meninges and produce the painkilling molecule enkephalin in response to hormonal signals.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2025·5 min read

AI-Powered Brain Implant Lets Paralyzed Man Control Robotic Arm

A new brain-computer interface (BCI) has enabled a paralyzed man to control a robotic arm by simply imagining movements. Unlike previous BCIs, which lasted only a few days, this AI-enhanced device worked reliably for seven months.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 26, 2025·4 min read

Rapidly Evolving DNA May Explain Human Brain Complexity

A 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 25, 2025·4 min read

FDA Approves Adaptive DBS for Parkinson’s Patients

The 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 23, 2025·5 min read

Low-Normal B12 Levels Linked to Slower Brain Processing

Even 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 27, 2025·5 min read

REM Sleep Delays May Indicate Early Alzheimer’s

Delayed 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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 22, 2025·7 min read

Maternal X Chromosome Accelerates Brain Aging

New 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.

Autism Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 9, 2025·8 min read

Youthful Brain Stem Cells Linked to Autism and Brain Cancer

Researchers 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.

This shows a man's head and the covid virus.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 6, 2025·5 min read

Extended Paxlovid May Relieve Long Covid Symptoms

Extended 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.