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University of Montreal

This shows a pregnant woman drinking wine.

·October 10, 2024·6 min read

Early Alcohol Exposure Leaves Molecular Signature in Fetal Placenta

A recent study shows that alcohol exposure in the earliest stages of pregnancy can lead to detectable molecular changes in the late-gestation placenta, even influencing gene expression through DNA methylation. These changes, particularly in growth and neurotransmitter pathways, could have lasting effects on fetal development, potentially impacting future health. Interestingly, the impact varies by sex, affecting growth-related genes in males and serotonin-related genes in females.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·3 min read

Brain Activity Syncs Differently in Autism and Neurotypical Interactions

A new study shows that brain synchronization between a neurotypical person and someone with autism is weaker compared to two neurotypical individuals interacting. Using EEG hyperscanning, researchers observed reduced inter-brain synchrony during hand movement imitation between mixed pairs, with autistic individuals more likely to follow than lead.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 12, 2024·5 min read

How Sex and Gender Shape Our Cognition

Researchers released a new study examining how sex and gender influence cognitive abilities. The study analyzed eight cognitive tasks and found that while spatial cognition correlates more with biological factors such as sex at birth and hormones, verbal cognition is more influenced by sociocultural factors like gender identity.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 4, 2024·7 min read

Pornography’s Broad Impact Across Genders

A new study examines the phenomenon of problematic pornography use (PPU) across 42 countries, involving over 82,000 people of diverse genders and sexual orientations. The research highlights how PPU affects a significant minority, leading to serious life consequences, yet remains largely unaddressed in terms of seeking help.

This shows a baby in a knitted brain hat.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 20, 2024·4 min read

Genes and Nutrition Shape Baby Brain Growth

Researchers uncovered how both maternal and fetal genes, alongside nutritional factors, influence the development of a baby's cerebral cortex. Their research, leveraging the UK Biobank's extensive data, found a direct association between higher birth weight, influenced by specific genetic variants, and increased cortical surface area.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·September 20, 2023·4 min read

Autism’s Language Path: Beyond Traditional Joint Attention

Joint attention, where a person's attention is drawn to an object someone else is looking at, is fundamental to typical language acquisition. However, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 71 studies suggests that individuals with autism might learn language differently.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 28, 2023·5 min read

AI Traces Emotional Contagion

Researchers artificial intelligence (AI) to measure the risk of "emotional contagion" among relationship professionals, such as social workers and psychologists. This emotional contagion, an unconscious transfer of emotions, can lead to burnout and depression.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 18, 2023·4 min read

Parkinson’s Stealth: The Decade-long Silent Progress Before Symptoms Arise

New findings suggests that Parkinson's disease may silently progress for over a decade before symptoms appear. The study found that movement circuits in the brain can maintain function even with a drastic reduction of active dopamine secretion, a phenomenon contrary to popular belief.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2023·5 min read

Boosting Brain Plasticity: A New Pathway for PTSD Therapy?

Researchers discovered that through temporary increases in brain malleability and simultaneous desensitization to fear memories, they could control fear responses in mice. This was achieved by inhibiting the Acan gene, thereby decreasing the presence of the protein Aggrecan, which solidifies and reduces malleability in the brain. The findings point towards potential new avenues for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 6, 2023·4 min read

Breaking the Darkness: Reactivating Dormant Cells in the Retina Brings New Hope for Vision Regeneration

Researchers discovered a way to reactivate dormant cells in the retina of mice to restore vision, without the need for transplantation. The team discovered dormant glial cells can be transformed into cells sharing properties with cone photoreceptors, which enable color perception, reading and driving. The approach, which uses two genes to transform Müller cells into retinal neurons, could offer new hope for developing regenerative therapies to replace lost cells in retinal degeneration.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 23, 2023·3 min read

Advance in Intelligent Neuroprosthetics May Benefit Those With Motor Diseases

It may be possible to optimize the stimulation parameters of brain implants in animals without human intervention. The study highlights the potential for autonomous optimization of prostheses implanted in the brain. The advance may prove to be beneficial for those with spinal cord injury and diseases that affect movement.