Category: Weekly Round-Up

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Credit: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2024). 

In a new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers used low-intensity ultrasound technology to noninvasively alter a brain region associated with activities such as daydreaming, recalling memories and envisioning the future. They found that the technique can ultimately enhance mindfulness, marking a major advancement in the field of neuroscience.

New research finds that semaglutide, known as Ozempic/Wegovy, does not negatively impact brain health and may reduce cognitive problems and nicotine dependence.

Exposure to parental smoking (ParS) is associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) in later life in certain populations, according to a study presented at EAN 2024, the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, held from June 29 to July 2 in Helsinki.

Researchers have identified a new mutation in the ARPP21 gene linked to ALS. This discovery could improve ALS diagnosis and open avenues for personalized therapies. 

A new approach to improving uncertainty estimates in machine-learning models enhances prediction accuracy. The method uses the minimum description length principle to provide more reliable confidence measures for AI decisions, which is crucial in high-stakes settings like healthcare.

A recent study suggests that consciousness evolved not for individual survival, but for social purposes, helping humans communicate ideas and emotions. 

Researchers have discovered a neural activity pattern that can accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of OCD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). This study highlights how this biomarker can guide DBS therapy, improving treatment outcomes for those with severe, treatment-resistant OCD.

New research could transform how we understand the way opioids affect the brain. 

A new study has found how the protein CGRP affects the brain’s lymphatic system, contributing to migraine pain. Their study reveals that CGRP prevents cerebrospinal fluid from draining, influencing migraine attacks.

Researchers have developed a neural network that mimics human decision-making by incorporating elements of uncertainty and evidence accumulation. 

Research published in Science Advances shows neurobiological underpinnings of sex and gender in children to better understand how sex (assigned at birth) and gender (identity and expression) influence the brain, and ultimately a person’s health.

A new study shows that by age three, children can understand others’ intentions using active mirror neurons.

For the first time, scientists have found that sleep can be detected by patterns of neuronal activity just milliseconds long, 1,000 times shorter than a second, revealing a new way to study and understand the basic brain wave patterns that govern consciousness. They also show that small regions of the brain can momentarily “flicker” awake while the rest of the brain remains asleep, and vice versa from wake to sleep.

A neuroimaging study of young people who exhibit a persistent pattern of disruptive, aggressive, and antisocial behavior, known as conduct disorder, has revealed extensive changes in brain structure.

Retired rugby players who have suffered multiple concussions have higher levels of certain proteins in their blood, which may make them more prone to developing diseases such as motor neuron disease (MND), according to a new study.

Researchers have used machine learning to define three subtypes of Parkinson’s disease based on the pace at which the disease progresses.

A 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.

Scientists have established new criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults that specifically impacts the brain’s limbic system.

A recent study links sleep preferences to brain performance, finding that “night owls” often score higher on cognitive tests than “morning larks.” Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 people, highlighting that sleeping 7-9 hours a night optimizes brain function.

Finally this week, new research has demonstrated that activation of the brain’s reward system could boost recovery from a heart attack. 

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Distribution of cholesterol in the human brain. Credit: Maria Osetrova

Scientists have found that 93% of the lipids in brain tissue are distributed differently in the white and gray matter, the subcortex, the visual and motor cortices, and the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, social behavior, and other functions.

Researchers have shown how glial cells are reprogrammed into neurons via epigenetic modifications.

Young adults who have higher levels of inflammation, which is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress and smoking, may experience reduced cognitive function in midlife, a new study has found.

A paper recently published in Nature Communications advances our understanding of how the brain responds to emotionally charged objects and scenes.

A new study finds that higher inflammation in young adulthood is associated with reduced cognitive function in midlife. Inflammation due to factors like obesity and smoking can impact memory and processing speed. This link, previously noted in older adults, now extends to early adulthood, suggesting long-term brain health effects. Reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes may help prevent cognitive decline.

Researchers have discovered why migraines are often one-sided, revealing that proteins released during aura are carried to pain-signaling nerves via cerebrospinal fluid.

A recent study has pinpointed brain regions associated with mood fluctuations and pleasure responses in bipolar disorder. The findings revealed that people with bipolar disorder show heightened activity in the ventral striatum during rewards, explaining extreme mood shifts.

In groundbreaking research, scientists have determined the structure of molecules within a human brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. 

A global research team has discovered a gene whose variants potentially cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in hundreds of thousands of people across the world. The findings published in Nature, are an exciting first step towards the development of future treatments for the disorders which have devastating impacts on learning, behavior, speech, and movement.

A longitudinal study has found that high-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to five years.

A new research collaboration has harnessed a powerful machine learning model to predict concussion status in patients.

A new study shows that human biases in handedness and visual field processing have social and cognitive implications. Researchers found that people with a reversed bias (left hand, right visual) are more likely to have social difficulties and conditions like autism or ADHD.

A recent study sheds light on how the brain adapts hearing in different listening situations.

Finally this week, a study investigating the effect of sleep on brain performance has found a link between an individual’s preference for morning or evening activity and their brain function, suggesting that self-declared “night owls” generally tend to have higher cognitive scores.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Credit: Science Translational Medicine (2024).

A large team of neuroscientists, biochemists and Alzheimer’s specialists affiliated with institutions in the U.S. and Iceland has created a protein map to look for patterns in cerebrospinal fluid that may serve as markers for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease decades before diagnosis.

How much trust should we put in our memories? New research shows we have a good awareness of when we are recalling events accurately—and when our brain is filling in gaps with general knowledge.

Researchers at the Perron Institute and The University of Western Australia have discovered a new set of cells that can protect blood vessel structure in the central nervous system (CNS) known as the blood-brain barrier. Their findings have been published in the journal Science Advances.

As temperatures rise, so do chances for migraine attacks, according to a new study.

Researchers have discovered how the brain prioritizes immediate and distant goals. Their study found that the hippocampus processes urgent goals faster and differently than future goals. This insight could help understand psychiatric disorders like depression, which affect goal-setting abilities. The findings reveal crucial differences in brain activity and behavior related to goal prioritization.

A new study has found multiple doses of anesthetics do not compromise brain function in young children. The research paper was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

A new slow-release ketamine tablet has shown potential in treating severe depression, offering a convenient and safe at-home alternative to existing treatments. In a randomized-controlled trial, patients on the highest dose of ketamine saw significant reductions in depression symptoms compared to placebo.

A pilot study shows promise for a new treatment option for individuals with memory impairments caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).

A new study reveals that mindfulness helps improve sleep quality and reduce stress by focusing on the present and minimizing negative thoughts. The study tracked 144 nurses over two weeks, highlighting how mindfulness influences emotion regulation and overall well-being.

Finally this week, scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioural problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Temporally removed goals activated the left anterior hippocampus and current goals activated the left posterior hippocampus. a Activation maps for the contrasts comparing the remote (distant future + near future + distant past + near past) > current are overlaid in yellow. b Activation maps for the contrasts comparing the current > remote are overlaid in green. c Activation for the temporally removed goals (yellow) and the current goals (green) shown concurrently on the brain. d The same goal, for instance fixing the space helmet, was anatomically dissociated along the longitudinal axis based on whether it was currently relevant, or relevant at a point removed in time. The left hippocampal region of interest (ROI) is displayed in white. Credit: Nature Communications (2024).

How does our brain distinguish between urgent and less urgent goals? Researchers have explored how our brain remembers and adjusts the goals we set for ourselves on a daily basis.

Ever heard just a snippet of a song and instantly known what comes next? Or picked up the rhythm of a chorus after just a few notes? New research has uncovered what happens in our brain when we recognize and predict musical sequences.

A new study provides the first anatomical, functional representation of the ocular surface in the central nervous system.

In a small study, researchers have discovered how a set of genes could cause neurons to die in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results, published in Nature Aging, provide insight into the root causes of ALS and may lead to new ways to halt disease progression.

New research shows that the brains of sighted and blind people adapt in a similar way when they learn to use sound echoes to understand the world without vision.

People with type 2 diabetes who are treated with GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic have a decreased risk of developing dementia, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal eClinicalMedicine.

A class of drugs already on the market to lower blood pressure appears to reduce adults’ risk of developing epilepsy, a team of researchers has discovered.

In a recent study, a Yale-led research team described for the first time a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome that begins affecting patients during infancy and typically causes developmental delays, severe seizures, cardiac dysrhythmia, and recurring infection.

Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has the potential to help those with dementia or cognitive decline sleep better, reveals a new study.

Not all patients with depression respond to medication. Two recently published studies provide additional information on how an alternative treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), could be further enhanced. TMS differs from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is also used to treat depression.

New research provides insights into the brain regions involved in paranoia.

A new study reveals variations of the visual saltation illusion, where rapid light flashes in peripheral vision create perceptual errors. The study shows that our brains misplace the second flash near the midpoint, regardless of its actual position. This finding challenges our understanding of visual processing and questions the reliability of eyewitness testimony. The research opens doors for further studies on visual perception and attention.

Researchers worldwide can now create highly realistic brain cortical organoids—essentially miniature artificial brains with functioning neural networks—thanks to a newly released proprietary protocol.

A new study reveals that a balanced ratio of neural excitation (E) and inhibition (I) is crucial for brain development and cognitive performance. Researchers found that lower E/I ratios in children correlate with better memory and intelligence. This balance is vital for preventing brain disorders and was measured using a novel AI and MRI technique. The findings could inform personalized treatments for mental health conditions.

A new ultra-high-performance brain PET system allows for the direct measurement of brain nuclei as never before seen or quantified.

Tau positron emission tomography (PET) has the best performance as a standalone marker for prediction of progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia, according to a study published online in JAMA Neurology.

Murdoch University’s Center for Healthy Aging is identifying new interventions to treat resting tremor in people with Parkinson’s disease.

New research reveals that sildenafil (Viagra) enhances brain blood flow and improves blood vessel function in patients at risk of vascular dementia. This study marks a significant advancement in addressing this condition.

Finally, this week, do our brains process natural voices and deepfake voices differently? Research conducted at the University of Zurich indicates that this is the case.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Credit: Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2024)

By super cooling a molecule on the surface of brain cells down to about minus 180 degrees Celsius—nearly twice as cold as the coldest places in Antarctica—scientists say they have determined how a widely-used epilepsy drug works to dampen the excitability of brain cells and help to control, although not cure, seizures.

Scientists have identified a positive molecular feedback loop which could explain stroke-induced memory loss.

A team of Australia’s leading health researchers has developed a new “dictionary” to better predict outcomes for people who have experienced a moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The work is published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

Research to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 annual meeting found that low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, can reduce inflammatory responses to sleep restriction.

A new study has found that resilient people exhibit neural activity in the brain regions associated with improved cognition and regulating of emotions, and were more mindful and better at describing their feelings. The same group also exhibited gut microbiome activity linked to a healthy gut, with reduced inflammation and gut barrier.

A blood test can accurately detect the ongoing effects of sport-related concussion and help determine when it’s safe to return to the field, new research has found.

Researchers have developed a method to predict dementia with over 80% accuracy up to nine years before diagnosis. Using fMRI scans, the team analyzed changes in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is affected early in Alzheimer’s disease.

Poor olfaction in older adults may predict the development of heart failure according to new research.

A new study finds that adults’ phobias can be correlated with changes in the structure of their brains. What’s more, the neurological differences seen in adults with phobias are more extensive than those observed in people with other forms of anxiety.

Neuroscientists have discovered a special type of human white blood cell that can potentially regrow nerve fibers.

Researchers have identified six depression subtypes through brain imaging and machine learning, revealing tailored treatment options. This breakthrough in precision psychiatry can improve treatment outcomes by matching patients with the most effective therapies based on their brain activity patterns.

Finally this week, scientists have discovered a protein that prunes nerve endings, regulating sensitivity to pain.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Reading Pleasure and Pain from the Brain

Functional brain networks that are connected to the affective intensity and valence information. Left: The affective valence information is connected to the limbic and default mode networks, and the affective intensity information is connected to the ventral attention network. Right: The probability that the affective intensity and valence is connected to each of seven functional brain networks. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024).

A team of researchers has revealed how the brain processes emotional information of sustained pain and pleasure.

Scientists have uncovered the inner relay of a molecular switch that protects the brain against the development of Parkinson’s disease. The research provides new potential strategies to develop drugs that may benefit patients with Parkinson’s.

Brain-to-brain technology boosts brain-computer interface performance, a new study demonstrates.

Researchers have identified, for the first time, disease-specific reduction in emotional expressivity in Lewy body dementia by quantifying vocal expression of emotions using deep neural network techniques. This reduction in vocal emotional expressions was associated with cognitive impairment and specific brain region atrophy and could serve as a distinguishing factor for individuals with Lewy body dementia.

A new study finds the timing of brain waves shapes the words we hear.

New research has given a precise picture of young children’s developing brains, using a wearable brain scanner to map electrical brain activity. The work opens up new possibilities for tracking how critical developmental milestones, like walking and talking, are underpinned by changing brain function, and how neurodevelopmental conditions like autism emerge.

A new AI technique can identify seizure types, including rare forms of epilepsy.

A new study reveals that a poor quality diet may lead to brain changes associated with depression and anxiety. Researchers found that unhealthy eating habits reduce grey matter and alter neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Research sheds new light on the contribution of dopamine to reinforcement learning.

A new study uncovered neural mechanisms used in planning, revealing an interplay between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The study shows how the brain imagines future outcomes to guide decisions.

Losing the ability to smell properly—a common sensory deficit as people age—may help predict or even contribute to the development of heart failure, new research suggests.

A new study reveals that the main psychoactive component in cannabis or marijuana disrupts the normal connections and activity of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a region that is crucial for decision-making and self-control.

Finally this week, people tend to underutilize their visual working memory rather than maxing out its capabilities according to new research.

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 Credit: Radiological Society of North America

Low-level light therapy appears to affect healing in the brains of people who suffered significant brain injuries, according to a study published in Radiology.

An international team of clinicians and neuroscientists has published a new perspective on the process of neurodegeneration. Their findings review evidence for a mechanism upstream of amyloid including the key neurochemical driving this process.

A new study reveals the brain mechanisms behind speech impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers designed and implanted a transparent window in the skull of a patient, then used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through the window. Their preliminary findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that this sensitive, non-invasive approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research, as well as broader studies of how the brain functions.

New research finds that reports of cognitive decline from patients and their partners are linked to the accumulation of tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study finds a link between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. This association was particularly pronounced among Black participants. While more research is needed, the findings highlight the potential impact of food processing on brain health.

New research has found a distinct relationship between sleep duration, social media usage, and brain activation across brain regions that are key for executive control and reward processing.

For patients with chronic migraine, nerve decompression surgery effectively reduces the number of headache days—the outcome measure preferred by neurologists—along with other measures including the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, reports a study in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

A new study uncovers a key biological process targeted by SSRIs, suggesting new clinical applications.

Researchers have reported that patients with Parkinson’s disease exhibiting sympathetic denervation in the major salivary glands and the heart tend to have more advanced non-motor symptoms as they age, suggesting that age plays an important role in disease progression.

An international study, published in Nature Communications, may facilitate the creation of new personalized treatments for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

A World Health Organization-commissioned systematic review finds that radio wave exposure from mobile phones does not affect learning, memory, attention span and other cognitive functions like coordination.

Researchers have leveraged the power of artificial intelligence analytical models to match a patient’s medical history to the most effective antidepressant, allowing patients to find symptom relief sooner.

A new study finds a strong association between teen cannabis use and a significantly increased risk of developing psychotic disorders. This risk appears to be age-dependent, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis on their developing brains. While further research is needed, these findings raise concerns about early cannabis use and highlight the importance of prevention strategies.

Does sleep clear more toxins from the brain than when we’re awake? The latest research casts doubt on the theory.

A new study finds that urolithin A, a substance found in pomegranates, can improve memory and may help treat Alzheimer’s disease. This natural compound works by removing damaged mitochondria from the brain, similar to the effects of NAD supplements. While dosage is still being determined, this discovery offers promising potential for treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Finally this week, our willingness to help others is governed by a specific brain region pinpointed by researchers in a study of patients with brain damage to that region.

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Massively parallel characterization and prediction of gene regulatory activity in the developing brain. Credit: Science (2024).

Scientists have leveraged machine learning to decode gene regulation in the developing human brain.

A new study has unveiled the most detailed view of the complex biological mechanisms underlying autism, showing the first link between genetic risk of the disorder to observed cellular and genetic activity across different layers of the brain.

Researchers have identified the unique features of an exceptionally rare set of childhood brain tumors—a discovery that could pave the way for more effective treatments.

Scientists have found that a new class of light-sensitive proteins are capable of turning off brain cells with light, offering scientists an unprecedentedly effective tool to investigate brain function. The study, published in Nature Communications, opens exciting new opportunities to apply optogenetics to investigate the brain activity underlying neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and depression.

A new study suggests that increased nightmares and hallucinations can signal the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Researchers are investigating the connection between gut bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. They believe harmful metabolites from bad bacteria can travel to the brain, causing inflammation and potentially triggering dementia.

Nostalgic music activates brain areas linked to memory, reward, and self-processing. This discovery could help improve the quality of life for those with dementia.

A new study finds widespread differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls ages 2-13. The study found that girls have a thicker cortex at age 3 and faster cortical thinning into middle childhood compared to boys.

A research team has made a major stride in using AI to replicate how the brain organizes sensory information to make sense of the world, opening up new frontiers for virtual neuroscience.

Researchers who have studied how dehydration affects cognitive performance found that even mild dehydration can diminish a person’s ability to pay attention to tasks over time. The findings underscore the importance of proper hydration to the healthy functioning of people as they age.

By exploring the effects of sport on memory, scientists have discovered compensatory mechanisms in the brains of young individuals at genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A new 3D model shows how implantable stimulators—the kind used to treat chronic pain—can target neurons that control specific muscles to provide rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders such as stroke and spinal cord injuries.

A new study published in the journal Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering.

Regular high caffeine consumption affects dopamine function in patients with Parkinson’s disease, shows a new international study. Caffeine consumption before undergoing diagnostic brain dopamine imaging may also affect the imaging results. The research results were published in the Annals of Neurology.

Finally this week new research shows aging reduces sensitivity and discriminative ability for heat pain, but not pressure pain. 

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This illustration depicts a single cell RNA-sequencing study of PTSD, major depression and normal controls. In this plot, more than 363,000 nuclei are represented and categorized into eight broad cell types, allowing researchers to visualize the cellular and molecular changes associated with these conditions. Credit: Dell Medical School

In a new study, investigators have uncovered both shared and distinct molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

New research has revealed that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke—a phenomenon that may be under-recognized in stroke research.

A large study using pre-pandemic brain scans of adolescents reveals that brain wiring before COVID-19 predicted mental health outcomes during the pandemic. Adolescents with stronger connections within the brain’s “salience network,” responsible for emotion and reward processing, demonstrated greater resilience to stress and negative emotions. Conversely, weaker connections in the prefrontal cortex and other areas linked to emotional processing were associated with higher levels of stress and sadness.These findings highlight the importance of understanding individual brain differences in predicting and addressing mental health vulnerabilities during challenging times.

A team of medical researchers at the National Children’s Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, China, has developed a technique to freeze and thaw brain tissue without causing damage.

Singing can improve language recovery in stroke patients by repairing the brain’s language network. This positive effect is attributed to increased grey matter volume in language regions and improved connectivity within the network.

A new AI tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumours has been developed by researchers at The Australian National University.

An international research collaboration investigated how highly organised patterns of neural activity emerge during development and found the cortex of the brain can transform unorganised inputs into highly organized patterns of activity.

Results from a new study suggest that long-term exposure to air pollution leads to increased risk in dementia in Denmark.

A recent study published in Health Data Science reveals the significant impact of high cumulative body mass index (BMI) on brain health. The research found that high BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity.

A team of neurosurgeons and AI specialists has found some success in restoring speech to a patient who lost the ability after a stroke.

A study published in iScience from researchers from the Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Technology at Reichman University offers a new perspective towards the plasticity of the brain, and integration of the senses, paving the way for the enhancement of prosthetics and assistive technologies, and even our interactions with virtual and augmented realities.

Finally this week, research addresses a gap in understanding how ketamine’s impact on individual neurons leads to pervasive and profound changes in brain network function.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Variant definition, splitting and classification as border or ectopic. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2024)

A new study has revealed brain differences that may explain why humans demonstrate a variety of cognitive abilities and behaviors. The research shows that two forms of individual differences may predict cognitive abilities, explain behavioral differences and even pinpoint biomarkers of brain disease.

A team of neuroscientists has found that so-called superagers maintain memory as they grow older because they do not experience a decline in the integrity of their white brain matter.

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence technique that can effectively estimate an individual’s brain age based on electroencephalogram (EEG) brain scans. The technology could help to make early, regular screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible.

A simple blood test could allow doctors to determine whether a person may be at higher risk for stroke or cognitive decline during their lifetime, according to a new study.

A brief episode of anger triggered by remembering past experiences may negatively impact the blood vessels’ ability to relax, which is essential for proper blood flow, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Using neuroimaging, researchers have identified a brain network crucial to human consciousness. 

An individual’s experience of pain from medical treatment can be heightened by witnessing other people’s responses to the same treatment, with this negative experience subsequently spreading to others, scientists have discovered.

Listening to music benefits older adults’ cognitive health, even if it’s music they haven’t heard before or don’t enjoy very much, according to a new study.

Researchers have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson’s disease, pointing toward a new approach for a disease with no cure and few effective treatments.

An international research team led by Karolinska Institutet has mapped the early genetic development of the brain and can now present an atlas of embryonic development between weeks 6 and 13.

Researchers have identified a key mechanism in brain stem cells that prevents identity conflicts during gene expression. This mechanism allows the cells to retain stemness while being primed for neuronal differentiation. The discovery includes finding that keeping neuronal gene messengers within the nucleus, while allowing stem cell gene messengers to be translated, avoids premature differentiation.

A new study demonstrates the potential of virtual reality in treating major depressive disorder.

Exercise prompts muscles to release molecular cargo that boosts brain cell function and connection, but the process is not well understood. Now new research has found that the nerves that tell muscles to move also prompt them to release more of the brain-boosting factors.

A pattern of brain activity that helps prevent us from getting lost has been identified in a new study, published in Nature Human Behaviour.

A new study highlights a novel mechanism of brain plasticity involving chondroitin sulfate clusters outside nerve cells. Researchers identified these cartilage-like structures as crucial for the brain’s ability to adapt and store information.

Finally this week, a new computer model may have cracked the code on helpful memory cues.