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University of Virginia

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 2, 2025·6 min read

Blocking Brain Inflammation Molecule May Halt Alzheimer’s

A new study has uncovered a surprising culprit in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease: the immune molecule STING. Scientists found that STING, normally involved in defending the brain, becomes hyperactive with age, causing harmful inflammation and accelerating brain damage.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 19, 2025·6 min read

Sound-Powered Microbubbles Halt Brain Lesion Growth

A new, noninvasive technique using focused ultrasound and microbubbles has halted the growth of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) in mice, offering hope for safer treatment options. CCMs are abnormal clusters of blood vessels in the brain that can cause serious symptoms, often treated with risky surgery or radiation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

HIV Drugs Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk

New research shows that HIV drugs called NRTIs may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Analyzing two large health databases, scientists found that patients on NRTIs had a 6% to 13% annual decrease in Alzheimer’s risk.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 9, 2024·3 min read

Social Networks Drive Idea and Misinformation Contagion

A recent study examines how the structure of social networks influences the spread of both diseases and ideas, using data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers developed a model to analyze not only social connections but also the mechanisms driving contagion and information diffusion.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 9, 2024·4 min read

Near Death Experiences May Strengthen Human Interconnectedness

A new study shows that out-of-body experiences (OBEs), including near-death experiences, can dramatically increase empathy and transform how individuals connect with others. Researchers suggest this may result from "ego dissolution," where individuals lose their sense of self and feel deeply connected to the universe.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 28, 2024·5 min read

New Imaging Technique Identifies Autism Markers with 95% Accuracy

Researchers have developed a system that detects genetic markers of autism in brain images with 89-95% accuracy, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. This method, which identifies brain structure patterns linked to autism-related genetic variations, offers a personalized approach to autism care. The technique, called transport-based morphometry, could transform the understanding and treatment of autism by focusing on genetic markers rather than behavioral cues.

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 30, 2024·6 min read

Brain Activity in Dying Patients Does Not Indicate Consciousness

A recent study found increased brain activity in two dying patients, but it does not indicate consciousness. The research revealed gamma wave bursts in comatose patients with epilepsy, but no evidence these were tied to conscious experiences.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·3 min read

Brain-Boosting Gummies May Contain Illegal Hallucinogens

Researchers warn that mushroom gummies sold to boost brain function may contain illegal hallucinogens and other harmful ingredients, after five people, including a 3-year-old, fell ill. Testing revealed that three out of five brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, Schedule I drugs, which were not listed on the labels. This poses a public health threat, as consumers are unaware of what they are ingesting.

Autism Featured

·April 17, 2024·6 min read

Autism’s Brain Structure Secrets Revealed

Researchers developed a groundbreaking approach using Diffusion MRI to explore the brain structures of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This technique measures how water molecules move through the brain, revealing structural differences in the neural pathways of autistic versus non-autistic individuals.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2024·5 min read

Unexpected Literacy Skills in Nonverbal Autism

Nonspeaking autistic individuals may possess undervalued literacy skills, suggesting the potential for written communication as an expressive alternative. By adapting an innovative method akin to Whac-a-Mole, the research team demonstrated that a significant portion of the study's nonspeaking autistic participants could predict letter sequences in sentences, indicating a foundational understanding of written language.

This shows AI representations of bacterria.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2023·5 min read

Lactobacillus Bacteria May Guard Against Anxiety and Depression

Researchers have discovered the significant role of Lactobacillus, a bacterium in fermented foods and yogurt, in managing stress and potentially preventing depression and anxiety. This research is crucial for its specific focus on Lactobacillus, distinguishing it from other microbiota.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 28, 2023·2 min read

Afterlife Conversations: Healing Power in Grief’s Journey?

Interactions with the deceased, or ADCs, are reported by 30-34% of individuals. A recent study explored the effects of ADCs on those grieving a partner.