FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 26, 2025·3 min readDaylight Boosts Immune DefenseResearchers have discovered that daylight enhances the infection-fighting power of neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in the body. Using transparent zebrafish, scientists observed that these immune cells contain internal circadian clocks that are activated by light, boosting their bacterial-killing ability during the day.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·May 25, 2025·5 min readChronic Stress Quietly Raises Your Stroke RiskChronic stress is increasingly recognized as a contributor to stroke risk by intensifying conditions like high blood pressure, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. While stress isn't as easily measured as cholesterol or blood pressure, long-term exposure to it can set the stage for vascular damage and increase both ischemic and, less commonly, hemorrhagic stroke risk.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 25, 2025·4 min readDementia Diagnoses Decline, But More Are Living Longer With the DiseaseA new study of over 25 million Medicare recipients found that while dementia incidence in the U.S. is declining, more older adults are living longer with the condition. From 2015 to 2021, new diagnoses dropped from 3.5% to 2.8%, yet prevalence increased to nearly 12%.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 25, 2025·9 min readALS Drug Shows Unprecedented Recovery in Patients With Rare MutationA groundbreaking experimental therapy for a rare, aggressive form of ALS caused by FUS gene mutations has produced surprising clinical improvements in some patients, including restored mobility and extended survival. The treatment uses antisense technology to silence the FUS gene, reducing toxic protein buildup in motor neurons. Two patients in a recent case series showed remarkable responses—one regained the ability to walk and breathe unassisted, while another has remained symptom-free for three years.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·May 24, 2025·4 min readPlacebo Triggers Brain’s Opioid System to Relieve PainResearchers have successfully induced the placebo effect in rats, uncovering the neural mechanisms behind how belief in pain relief can reduce the perception of pain. Using conditioning, rats learned to associate injections with pain relief, and later exhibited reduced pain responses even when injected with saline.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 23, 2025·4 min readBilly Joel Diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: What is NPH?Billy Joel has revealed a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare but potentially reversible brain disorder that causes symptoms like gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain's ventricles without increased pressure, often mimicking dementia or Parkinson’s.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 22, 2025·5 min readGene Amplifies Brain Sensitivity to Light During MigrainesResearchers have identified a molecule in the brain called NEAT1 that plays a key role in light sensitivity, a common and painful symptom of migraines. NEAT1 disrupts the normal balance of nerve signaling by interfering with microRNA activity, leading to increased levels of a pain-related protein called TRPM3.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 22, 2025·6 min readImplanted Device Restores Arm Function After Spinal Cord InjuryA groundbreaking clinical study shows that closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV), paired with rehabilitation, can significantly improve arm and hand function in people with chronic spinal cord injuries. The therapy uses a tiny implanted device that sends timed electrical pulses to the brain when patients perform successful movements, helping rewire neural circuits.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 21, 2025·5 min readAI-Guided Gene Vectors Precisely Target Brain and Spinal CellsScientists have engineered dozens of adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems that ferry genes to specific neuron and glial subtypes in the brain and spinal cord with unprecedented accuracy. Powered by AI-selected DNA “light switches,” the vectors can switch on therapeutic or research genes only in targeted cells—eliminating the need for transgenic animals and enabling fine-grained circuit mapping, activation, or silencing.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·May 21, 2025·3 min readLong COVID Is Fueling a Mental Health Crisis in ChildrenA new study reveals that nearly 40% of children with long COVID are experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety or depression, many for the first time. Using validated mental health screening tools, researchers found that 1 in 4 children had new anxiety symptoms and 1 in 7 had new depressive symptoms, despite no prior mental health history.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 21, 2025·6 min read8-Minute MRI Scan Can Diagnose MS Without Lumbar PunctureA groundbreaking study has shown that multiple sclerosis (MS) can now be accurately diagnosed with a specialized MRI scan, eliminating the need for invasive and often painful lumbar punctures. The scan, which takes just 8 minutes, detects brain lesions centered on veins—a hallmark of MS—using a technique called T2*-weighted MRI.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 21, 2025·4 min readNew Alzheimer’s Drug Boosts Brain Protection, Restores MemoryResearchers have identified a promising drug candidate, DDL-357, that improves memory in Alzheimer’s mouse models by increasing levels of a protective brain protein called clusterin (CLU). CLU helps prevent the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta plaques and tau proteins, both key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease.Read More
