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University of Pennsylvania

·December 17, 2024·6 min read

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Researchers have developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and precisely target brain cells, a major step toward treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. By attaching short peptides to LNPs, scientists achieved targeted mRNA delivery to neurons and endothelial cells, avoiding invasive procedures. Peptides are smaller, more stable, and easier to use than antibodies, making them ideal for LNP-based therapies.

This shows a brain and a person at a bus stop.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 10, 2024·7 min read

Brain’s Quit-or-Wait Dilemma: How We Decide to Persist or Move On

New research sheds light on how the brain's prefrontal cortex evaluates whether to persist or quit in uncertain situations. Using tasks mimicking real-life dilemmas, researchers found that different brain regions influence patience and adaptability.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 9, 2024·6 min read

Lab-Grown Tumor Models Mirror Glioblastoma Treatment Response

Glioblastoma organoids, lab-grown replicas of a patient’s tumor, accurately predict how the tumor responds to CAR T cell therapy. This breakthrough allows real-time testing of therapies, showing that responses in the organoid closely mirror those in the patient.

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·December 7, 2024·5 min read

Ketogenic Diet Enhances CAR-T Cancer Therapy

Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet boosts CAR T cell therapy effectiveness by enhancing tumor control and survival in mice with lymphoma. The key is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a metabolite produced during ketosis, which CAR T cells prefer as an energy source over glucose. Laboratory models showed that BHB supplementation led to complete cancer remission in most mice and enhanced CAR T cell expansion.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 9, 2024·4 min read

Disrupted Eating Cycles? Liver-Brain Signals Hold Key to Balance

A new study highlights how signals from the liver to the brain influence eating patterns tied to our circadian rhythms. This liver-brain communication can become disrupted in people working night shifts or irregular hours, leading to weight gain and metabolic issues.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 26, 2024·8 min read

How Curiosity Styles Shape Wikipedia Use and Learning

A study of global Wikipedia browsing patterns reveals three curiosity styles: the focused "hunter," the exploratory "busybody," and the creative "dancer." Data from 482,760 readers in 50 countries shows that cultural factors, such as gender equality and education levels, influence browsing styles, with more egalitarian countries showing greater exploratory browsing.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 7, 2024·8 min read

AI Enhances Early Detection of Health Issues

Penn AInSights, an AI-based imaging system, enhances radiology by creating precise 3D views of internal organs, enabling early detection of health issues like fatty liver disease and diabetes. By analyzing 2,000 scans per month, it helps clinicians screen for conditions beyond their primary focus. The system's seamless integration into existing workflows and its cost-effectiveness make it a game changer in healthcare, potentially extending lives through early intervention.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 14, 2024·3 min read

34 Neuron Subtypes Linked to Addiction

Researchers identified 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region crucial for reward and addiction. This discovery challenges previous views of MSNs as a homogeneous group, revealing a complex diversity with potential implications for understanding addiction and developing targeted therapies. The study suggests these findings may be conserved across species, offering insights into human brain function.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 4, 2024·6 min read

MMR Vaccine Myths Persist Amid Rising Cases

A new survey found that 24% of U.S. adults incorrectly believe the MMR vaccine causes autism, despite CDC evidence to the contrary. This misconception contributes to vaccine hesitancy and rising measles cases. The survey highlights the need for better public education on vaccine safety.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 28, 2024·5 min read

Omega-3 Supplements May Reduce Aggression

A new study found that omega-3 supplementation can reduce aggression by 30%. The study reviewed 29 randomized controlled trials, showing short-term benefits across various demographics.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 23, 2024·7 min read

Dehydration Impairs Attention in Middle-Aged Adults

Mild dehydration can impair sustained attention in middle-aged and older adults, though it doesn't affect other cognitive functions. The study involved 78 adults, ages 47 to 70, and assessed their hydration levels and cognitive performance. Results showed that dehydration, common during typical daily activities, reduced attention span over 14 minutes. The findings highlight the need for regular hydration to maintain cognitive function in older adults.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 3, 2024·7 min read

Predicting Human Behavior and How We Can Change It

Researchers identify effective behavior change interventions across different crises, such as pandemics and climate change. The study found that common approaches focusing on changing knowledge or beliefs are often ineffective.

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University of Pennsylvania

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Brain’s Quit-or-Wait Dilemma: How We Decide to Persist or Move On

Lab-Grown Tumor Models Mirror Glioblastoma Treatment Response

Ketogenic Diet Enhances CAR-T Cancer Therapy

Disrupted Eating Cycles? Liver-Brain Signals Hold Key to Balance

How Curiosity Styles Shape Wikipedia Use and Learning

AI Enhances Early Detection of Health Issues

34 Neuron Subtypes Linked to Addiction

MMR Vaccine Myths Persist Amid Rising Cases

Omega-3 Supplements May Reduce Aggression

Dehydration Impairs Attention in Middle-Aged Adults

How Ketamine Binds to Brain Receptors to Alter Mood

Prozac Shows Promise in Fighting Infections & Sepsis

Perfect Pitch Can Be Learned: Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs

AI vs. Human Therapists: Study Finds ChatGPT Responses Rated Higher

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