FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 23, 2024·5 min readDoes Multiple Sclerosis Lower Dementia Risk?Research has revealed that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly less likely to exhibit the molecular signs of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a protective element in MS that could inspire new Alzheimer's treatments. The study found that MS patients had 50% less amyloid plaque accumulation, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s, compared to non-MS individuals. This connection between MS and reduced Alzheimer's risk highlights potential immune-related mechanisms that may be leveraged for therapeutic strategies.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·August 1, 2024·8 min readSkin Cells Turned Neurons Reveal Alzheimer’s Aging EffectsResearchers have developed a method to transform skin cells into brain neurons, capturing the aging effects crucial for studying late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This technique accurately mimics Alzheimer's hallmarks, like amyloid beta buildup, in lab-derived neurons, allowing for detailed analysis.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 17, 2024·5 min readMind-Bending: Psilocybin Reshapes Brain Networks for WeeksA new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, like daydreaming and memory. These changes persist for weeks, potentially making the brain more flexible and improving mental health. The findings could pave the way for psilocybin-based therapies for depression and PTSD. The research underscores the importance of using these drugs under medical supervision.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·July 12, 2024·6 min readInfection Brain Inflammation Triggers Muscle WeaknessA new study reveals how brain inflammation from infections and neurodegenerative diseases causes muscle weakness by releasing the IL-6 protein. Researchers found that IL-6 travels from the brain to muscles, reducing their energy production and function. This discovery could lead to treatments for muscle wasting in diseases like Alzheimer's and long COVID. Blocking the IL-6 pathway may prevent muscle weakness associated with brain inflammation.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 5, 2024·6 min readPrenatal Cannabis Use Impacts Brain DevelopmentA new study suggests prenatal cannabis exposure may influence long-term brain development and mental health. Researchers used data from the ABCD Study to examine neuroimaging of children exposed to cannabis in utero.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 21, 2024·7 min readCannabis Use Linked to Severe COVID-19Cannabis use increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Analyzing records of 72,501 patients, researchers discovered that cannabis users were significantly more likely to require hospitalization and intensive care. This elevated risk was comparable to that of tobacco smokers. The study challenges the perception of cannabis as a safe substance in the context of COVID-19.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·April 3, 2024·6 min readImmunotherapy Shows Promise as Alzheimer’s TreatmentResearchers unveiled a novel approach to combat Alzheimer’s disease by activating microglia, the brain's immune cells, to devour amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark of the condition. This study highlights the potential of using immunotherapy to not only tackle Alzheimer’s but also other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by harmful protein accumulations.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·February 28, 2024·5 min readSleep Brainwaves Flush Brain of WasteA new study unveiled a crucial role of sleep: brainwaves facilitating the cleansing of the brain by flushing out waste. This discovery not only underscores the brain's non-dormant state during sleep but also highlights a sophisticated system where neurons' synchronized activity powers the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, effectively removing metabolic waste and potentially neurodegenerative disease-causing toxins.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 20, 2024·6 min readDecision Making: The Brain’s Blueprint for Future InsightsResearchers made a breakthrough in understanding how the brain makes decisions about future information, pinpointing the lateral habenula as a key player in this process. Their study demonstrates that humans and animals evaluate the worth of cognitive rewards, such as information about the future, using mental rules that the brain applies to both tangible rewards and the intangible satisfaction of curiosity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 9, 2024·6 min readUnlocking the Fountain of Youth: Brain-Fat Tissue Feedback Loop Holds KeyA new study reveals a vital brain-fat tissue feedback loop that plays a pivotal role in aging. The research identifies specific neurons in the hypothalamus that, when activated, signal the body's fat tissue to release energy, facilitating physical activity and brain function.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 8, 2024·6 min readThe Science of Sleep: Brain’s Reset Mechanism RevealedSleep has long been a mystery, but a new study offers fresh insights. By tracking brain activity in sleeping rats, they propose that sleep's primary function is to reset the brain's computational state to achieve "criticality."Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·December 12, 2023·6 min readRare Gene Mutation Shields Woman from Alzheimer’sResearchers uncovered why a Colombian woman, despite carrying a genetic defect for Alzheimer’s, remained cognitively healthy into her 70s. The key lies in her possession of two copies of the rare Christchurch mutation in the APOE gene, which they replicated in a mouse study.Read More