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Weekly Neuroscience Update

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An extensive study has shed new light on the global lifespan changes in the brain’s functional connectivity. Their findings reveal developmental patterns in the brain that could provide valuable information for future investigations into various neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders.

A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. 

The difference between the brain’s predicted age and actual chronological age, called a brain age gap, may influence the relationship between cognitive impairment risk factors, like high blood pressure and diabetes, and a person’s cognitive performance, also known as thinking and memory skills, according to a study published in Neurology.

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking 3D brain model that closely mirrors the architecture and function of the human brain.

New findings challenge the idea that curiosity simply fades with age. Instead, “state curiosity”—a specific drive to learn—actually intensifies later in life. This increased interest in personally relevant topics among older adults may be a key factor in maintaining cognitive health.

A recent study reveals that prenatal exposure to common air pollutants is associated with subtle but measurable changes in fetal brain structure during the second and third trimesters.

New research shows that the brain’s cortex can rapidly reorganize itself after losing neurons, allowing other nerve cells to take over lost functions. Scientists studied neural networks in the auditory cortex and found that although sound-processing patterns were briefly disrupted, the brain formed nearly identical patterns within days.

A novel study aimed at disentangling the neurological underpinnings of depression shows that multiple brain profiles may manifest as the same clinical symptoms, providing evidence to support the presence of both one-to-one and many-to-one heterogeneity in depression.

Heading a soccer ball alters the brain, research spearheaded by the University of Sydney has found, despite having no immediate impact on cognition.

Results from a new clinical trial reveal that a single dose of psilocybin—a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms—can provide sustained reductions in depression and anxiety in individuals with cancer suffering from major depressive disorder. The findings are published in Cancer.

Finally, this week, new research has found a compelling link between the composition of the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment in adults.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Overview of experimental paradigm and analysis. Credit: Science Advances

A recent study has shown that the hippocampus sends signals to the visual cortex to predict what we are about to see.

Researchers have achieved a significant milestone in the treatment of depression, demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy offering a new treatment option for people who have had little success with other therapies.

A large study suggests that following the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil—significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

New research finds that patients with insomnia often retain accurate sleep-wake perception and intact regulatory systems, despite feeling as though they sleep poorly. Using serial awakenings during sleep lab monitoring, researchers found no significant difference in sleep perception between healthy individuals and those with insomnia.

A recent study has found that physical exercise helps maintain brain size as we age, regardless of body mass.

Emerging research indicates that psychedelics such as psilocybin don’t just change brain activity; they also modify the communication network between the brain and the immune system. Scientists have pinpointed a mechanism where persistent stress interferes with signals from the amygdala, setting off immune reactions that amplify feelings of fear and anxiety.

A large study suggests that following the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil—significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. 

By pinpointing hospitalized patients at high risk for delirium, an artificial intelligence (AI) model has quadrupled the rate at which the condition is both detected and treated. The model’s alerts prompt a dedicated team to assess these patients and implement a treatment plan if needed, leading to significantly better outcomes.

Areas of the brain that help a person differentiate between what is real and what is imaginary have been uncovered in a recent study.

A new predictive model combining genetics with developmental milestones may help forecast which autistic children are at risk of developing intellectual disabilities. In a large study of over 5,600 children, researchers were able to correctly predict 10% of such cases and differentiate between low and high-risk groups twice as well as current methods.

New research finds that elevated cortisol levels in midlife are linked to increased brain amyloid deposition—a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease—specifically in post-menopausal women. 

Scientists explored the associations between telomere length—which decreases as a person ages or is exposed to unhealthy environments—and the risk for age-related brain diseases and found evidence suggesting that healthier lifestyle choices could mitigate telomere length-associated risks.

Finally this week, greater symptoms of depression are linked to less microbial diversity in the mouth, according to a recent study.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Credit: Nature Mental Health (2025)

Pioneering research has identified the brain mechanisms that enable psychosis to remit. These findings could significantly inform the development of novel intervention strategies for patients with psychosis.

Contrary to fears of “digital dementia,” new research finds that using digital technology is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults. A large-scale meta-analysis of over 400,000 participants revealed that digital engagement correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment.

A simple method of brain stimulation has been shown to change how people make decisions. These were the findings of a new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.

A team of researchers has identified the key brain regions that are essential for logical thinking and problem solving. The findings help to increase our understanding of how the human brain supports our ability to comprehend, draw conclusions, and deal with new and novel problems—otherwise known as reasoning skills.

Medial temporal lobectomy is effective in improving seizure outcomes among patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, according to a recent study.

New research links fatty, sugary diets to impaired brain function. The findings build on a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets on cognitive ability, adding to their well-known physical effects.

A recent study reveals that the basolateral amygdala plays a key role in calibrating prosocial behavior based on emotional closeness.

New research reveals that gut imbalances in children with autism may influence brain activity and behaviour by disrupting the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin. Scientists found that changes in gut-derived metabolites are linked to differences in brain structure and function in children with autism.

Chronic pain is closely intertwined with depression. Individuals living with pain’s persistent symptoms may be up to four times more likely to experience depression according to a new study.

Our brains can adapt to filter out repeated distractions, according to a new EEG study. Participants learned to ignore frequent visual distractions, such as a red shape in the same location, while searching for a target.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is showing promise in Alzheimer’s treatment.

A new international study reveals a possible connection between GLP1 receptor agonists—used in drugs like Ozempic—and increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, especially in people with low dopamine function.

Researchers have found a potential link between the trauma of climate-related events, exemplified by devastating wildfires, and persistent effects on cognitive function.

Researchers have developed a personalized blood test that may offer a faster, less invasive way to track high-grade glioma progression. By identifying unique DNA junctions from each patient’s tumour, the test can detect tumor DNA in the bloodstream, even before changes appear on MRI scans.

A new study demonstrates for the first time that listening to favorite music activates the brain’s opioid receptors.

Promising a more personalized approach to treating major depressive disorder (MDD), a new study reveals that brain connectivity patterns, especially in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, can significantly predict patient response to antidepressant medications. This finding was validated in two large, independent clinical trials using brain imaging and clinical information.

Contrary to potential assumptions, recent research demonstrates that the spatial working memory of older people with autistic traits and neurotypical individuals shows no difference in change over time.

A major international study has provided the most comprehensive evidence to date on treatments for neuropathic pain —defined as pain caused by disease of the nervous system, affecting up to 10% of the population worldwide.

Finally, this week, exercise appears to be vital for maintaining sharp minds, even when a key brain energy source is lacking, according to a new study.

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Credit: Brain Communications (2025)

The parts of the brain that are needed to remember words, and how these are affected by a common form of epilepsy, have been identified by a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons.

New research published in PLOS ONE, reveals that witnessing trauma triggers unique brain changes, distinct from those caused by experiencing trauma firsthand. The study is the first to shed light on the molecular differences between directly acquired PTSD and bystander PTSD and could pave the way for changes in how the disorders are treated.

Scientists have discovered that neural changes in teens may predict how decision-making and behavioural control develop.

A new study shows that the rubber hand illusion can reduce the intensity of pain caused by heat. Researchers found that when participants viewed a rubber hand being illuminated while their hidden hand received a heat stimulus, they reported feeling less pain. This suggests that integrating visual and sensory cues can influence pain perception. The findings may one day help develop new treatments for chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome.

Verbal fluency, the ability to recall and use vocabulary, is the strongest cognitive predictor of longevity in a 20-year study of elderly adults. This suggests a link between linguistic ability and overall health.

Neuroscientists have discovered a way to control how much zinc is released to specific locations in the brain. The essential mineral plays a major role in the brain’s function, including improving memory and lessening symptoms of some neurological disorders, but getting the right amount to the right place is key.

According to new research, inflammation inside and outside the brain may contribute to neurological complications in COVID-19.

A study published  in the British Journal of Psychiatry has found that nearly half of people diagnosed with depression don’t respond to multiple antidepressant medications and are considered “treatment-resistant.” The study found that 48% of patients whose electronic health care records reported a diagnosis of depression had tried at least two antidepressants, and 37% had tried four or more different options.

Scientists have developed a computational framework that maps how the brain processes speech during real-world conversations.

For children with autism who severely injure themselves, a pilot study suggests that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the brain’s reward centre (nucleus accumbens) is a safe and possible treatment that could be beneficial, especially when behavioural therapies don’t work.

New research suggests that factors present in the placenta during pregnancy might play a role in increasing the risk of a child developing schizophrenia.

Scientists at Peking University have used a new method to discover that dopamine helps protect and control the function of a protein called Tau. This finding helps us better understand how dopamine works normally and in diseases of the brain.

A research team has uncovered the neural mechanisms underlying the processing of pain and itch in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).

A new study finds that women in their 80s who develop increasing daytime sleepiness over five years are twice as likely to develop dementia. Researchers tracked 733 women without cognitive impairment, using wrist devices to monitor sleep and circadian rhythms. Those who showed stable sleep patterns had the lowest dementia risk, while those with increasing sleepiness faced the highest risk. Surprisingly, declining nighttime sleep was not significantly linked to dementia risk.

A research team has developed an electrode capable of safely encasing nerves without causing damage.

Finally this week, new research shows that even 12-month-old babies can form memories, as indicated by activity in the hippocampus. This challenges the idea that infants can’t remember and suggests that infantile amnesia (not remembering early childhood) might be because we can’t access those memories later, rather than not forming them in the first place.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Cortical gray matter volume trajectories based on the functional location of the changes in gestational mothers (N = 179). Credit: Nature Communications (2025).

A new study has analyzed the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time using neuroimaging techniques. The research shows that there is a reduction and partial recovery of almost 5% of gray matter in 94% of the total gray matter volume of the brain, especially in regions linked to social cognition.

An international team has shown the relationship of activity of neurotransmitters to how humans process the emotional content of language.

More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviours, according to new research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London. Structural brain differences appear to play a role in the development of these eating habits.

A new framework links brainwaves to individual cognitive states.

In a recent study, scientists have shown neurotransmitters in the human brain are active during the processing of the emotional content of language, providing new understanding into how people interpret the significance of words.

A new study shows stem cell therapy ‘jump-start’ brain repair after stroke.

Researchers have developed a flexible, biodegradable electrode capable of stimulating neural precursor cells in the brain, offering a safer and more precise alternative for neural repair. The electrode dissolves naturally after seven days, eliminating the need for surgical removal while promoting tissue regeneration.

Music supports babies in neonatal intensive care units, according to a recent neuroimaging study.

A study analyzing data from over 130 million individuals found that antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory medications are associated with a reduced risk of dementia. This supports the idea that infections and inflammation contribute to dementia and highlights the potential of repurposing existing drugs for prevention or treatment.

New research has uncovered psychological profiles associated with mental and brain health in middle-aged and older adults.

An experimental treatment for depression that triggers seizures with magnets significantly improved mental health in patients without some cognitive effects associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), according to a clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

A research team has gathered new insight into the neural underpinnings of human cooperation.

A new study has identified three psychological profiles that influence brain health, cognitive decline, and dementia risk in aging adults. Profiles with high protective traits, like purpose and openness, show better cognition and brain integrity, while those with low protective traits or high negative traits face accelerated brain atrophy and mental health issues.

Stanford Medicine scientists are generating a periodic table of sorts for psychiatric disorders, providing a better understanding of these conditions and paving the way toward targeted treatment.

A study analyzing data from over 2 million veterans found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, provide significant neurological and behavioral health benefits, including reduced risks of addiction, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. However, they also pose risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions.

Finally, this week, a brain signal that lights up when we anticipate rewards may hold the secret to helping people overcome depression, and researchers are working to unlock its potential.

Weekly Neuroscience Update

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Regional Cortical Volume and Thickness Associations With Early Substance Use Initiation in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2024). 

A new study has identified neuroanatomical differences in children associated with early substance use initiation.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) shows a positive treatment effect and improved quality of life (QoL) among patients with treatment-resistant depression according to two studies published in Brain Stimulation.

A new analysis of U.S. mortality data reveals the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries on older adults, males and certain racial and ethnic groups.

Gender differences define how the human brain ages and telltale biomarkers in the blood may be strongly suggestive of cognitive impairment and dementia, according to a comprehensive new study involving more than 500 people.

Researchers have identified genetic variations in brain cells, particularly microglia and oligodendrocytes, that influence both aging and Alzheimer’s risk.

New research shows that not all brain cells age equally, with certain cells, such as those in the hypothalamus, experiencing more age-related genetic changes. These changes include reduced activity in neuronal circuitry genes and increased activity in immunity-related genes.

A recent study has found that menopause revs up the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Researchers have discovered that pupil size during non-REM sleep correlates with memory consolidation. When pupils contract, the brain focuses on consolidating new memories; when dilated, it processes older ones. This separation prevents “catastrophic forgetting,” allowing the brain to efficiently manage both new and existing knowledge. These findings could lead to better memory enhancement techniques for humans and inspire more efficient artificial neural networks.

A new study shows head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration.

A collaborative effort between Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has shed valuable light on how monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and now histamine help regulate brain physiology and behavior through chemical bonding of these monoamines to histone proteins, the core DNA-packaging proteins of our cells.

Finally this week, sex differences in brain structure are present from birth, new research shows.

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The Brain Connectivity Model of Intelligence. Schematic illustration of selected brain connections that have been linked to intelligence differences across studies. Adapted from Hilger & Sporns, 2021. Credit: Thiele et al.

Neuroscientists have developed machine learning models to predict human intelligence.

Researchers have found that incorporating specific nutrients into a regular diet may reduce iron buildup in the brain—a factor associated with cognitive decline in normal aging. The research team said the findings offer valuable insights for future clinical trials aimed at evaluating the impact of similar nutritional intake on brain iron accumulation and cognitive function.

The short-term boost our brains get after we do exercise persists throughout the following day, suggests a study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.

Thirteen proteins linked to brain aging in humans are identified in a Nature Aging paper. Changes in the concentrations of these blood proteins may peak at 57, 70, and 78 years old in humans, and suggest that these ages may be important for potential interventions in the brain aging process.

Brain scans show vulnerability to gaming addiction in teens.

A team of scientists has uncovered a novel mechanism that reshapes our understanding of how blood flow is regulated in the brain. The study, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences introduces Electro-Calcium (E-Ca) Coupling, a process that integrates electrical and calcium signaling in brain capillaries to ensure precise blood flow delivery to active neurons.

Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine found structural and functional alterations in specific brain regions of individuals with opioid use disorder. The study’s results were published in Radiology.

A new study has identified a unique brain network that links varied patterns of brain atrophy, or shrinkage, associated with schizophrenia. By combining neuroimaging data from multiple studies involving more than 8,000 participants, the research team found a specific connectivity pattern of atrophy that was present across different stages and symptoms of schizophrenia—and distinct from brain networks associated with other psychiatric disorders.

New research provides valuable insights into the brain-body immune connection, identifying key communication hubs in the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow at the back of the head.

New research shows that slow-wave sleep strengthens synaptic connections in the neocortex, making it more receptive to long-term memory formation. Researchers found that during deep sleep, synapses in the neocortex reach peak efficiency at precise moments within slow-wave oscillations.

A new study suggests how brain, with sleep, learns meaningful maps of spaces.

A large-scale study revealed that genetic variants linked to dyslexia are associated with differences in brain areas controlling motor coordination, vision, and language. Using data from over a million individuals, researchers calculated genetic “polygenic scores” for dyslexia and analyzed their relationship to brain structures. Higher genetic risk for dyslexia was tied to lower volumes in brain regions related to speech processing and movement, and increased volumes in the visual cortex. Differences in the brain’s internal capsule, which connects regions, were also observed.

Cognitive impairment, especially in learning and memory, is more likely among people with epilepsy, according to a newly published study.

A recent study explores how connections across the entire brain predict human intelligence, moving beyond traditional focus on specific brain areas like the prefrontal cortex. Using fMRI data from over 800 individuals, researchers analyzed communication between brain regions to predict fluid, crystallized, and general intelligence scores. Findings reveal that distributed brain-wide connections play a crucial role, surpassing existing models that emphasize localized regions. This research highlights intelligence as a global property of the brain, offering fresh perspectives for understanding cognitive processes.

The chromosomal disorder 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q) has emerged as one of the strongest risks for schizophrenia.

New research reveals that brain structure varies with reading ability, particularly in the left hemisphere. Better readers have distinct traits, including a larger anterior temporal lobe for integrating word meaning and a thicker left Heschl’s gyrus for phonological processing.

Night shifts and poor sleep quality are associated with an increased risk for incident epilepsy, according to a study published in BMC Public Health.

People with severe, treatment-resistant depression who received a nerve-stimulating therapy showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life and ability to complete everyday tasks after a year, according to the results of a national, multicenter clinical trial.

Finally this week, researchers have found a relationship between lifestyle choices that affect dementia risk and early signs of aging in the brain.

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EEG setup with e-tattoo electrodes. Credit: Nanshu Lu

For the first time, scientists have invented a liquid ink that doctors can print onto a patient’s scalp to measure brain activity. The technology offers a promising alternative to the cumbersome process currently used for monitoring brainwaves and diagnosing neurological conditions. It also has the potential to enhance non-invasive brain-computer interface applications.

People who have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) who have a family history of mental illness may have a higher risk of aggression in middle age, according to a new study.

A loss of brain volume associated with new immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by the removal of amyloid plaques, rather than the loss of neurons or brain tissue, finds a study led by UCL researchers.

A common heart drug may slow the progression of Huntington’s disease according to new research.

Men with cardiovascular disease risk factors, including obesity, face brain health decline a decade earlier—from their mid 50s to mid 70s—than similarly affected women who are most susceptible from their mid 60s to mid 70s, suggest the findings of a long term study, published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

In a new study published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, researchers have found that depression can increase the chances of a person experiencing menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).

Researchers have achieved a major milestone in the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI). By applying deep brain stimulation (DBS) to an unexpected region in the brain—the lateral hypothalamus (LH)—the team has improved the recovery of lower limb movements in two individuals with partial SCI, greatly improving their autonomy and well-being.

Soccer heading may cause more damage to the brain than previously thought, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

New research reveals subtle changes in the visual pathways of individuals with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), even when standard eye examinations show no abnormalities. These findings include structural and functional deficits despite participants showing normal visual acuity during clinical examination.

A recent study identifies research strategies for tying brain function and structure to behaviour and health.

COVID-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). This has been shown by new research at Örebro University and Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. The study is published in the journal Brain Communications.

A study appearing in Nature Neuroscience has linked distinct neural and behavioral characteristics in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to a simple computational principle.

Everyday physical activity, like going for a short walk or playing with the kids, may provide short-term benefits for cognitive health, equivalent to reversing four years of cognitive aging. That was a key finding a new study, published in the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Voice experiments in people with epilepsy have helped trace the circuit of electrical signals in the brain that allow its hearing center to sort out background sounds from their own voices.

A study led by University College London researchers found that large language models, a type of AI that analyzes text, can predict the results of proposed neuroscience studies more accurately than human experts.

Skeletal muscle loss is a risk factor for developing dementia, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

A pioneering study has meticulously mapped the brain’s intricate neural pathways, shedding light on how specific regions work together to control impulsive actions. By employing advanced neuroimaging and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, researchers uncover the mechanisms that allow us to halt unwanted actions.

Finally this week, new research reveals the unique human ability to conceptualize numbers may be rooted deep within the brain. 

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The four sensory networks of the brain network partition. The partition comprises four sensory networks, with the somatomotor network encompassing the somatosensory cortex. The thalamus contains parcels of each sensory network. Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2024).

Researchers have uncovered a potential new biomarker for psychosis diagnosis.

A new approach to analyzing brain scans could help researchers better understand psychiatric illness using much smaller groups of patients than previously thought necessary, potentially accelerating the development of more precise mental health treatments.

A new study reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers. The findings are published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Younger and middle-aged patients seem to be disproportionately affected by neurologic manifestations of post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (Neuro-PASC), according to a study published in the Annals of Neurology.

Investigators have defined new biologic and clinical biomarkers for better identifying patients with different stages of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

Researchers have developed the most detailed 3D computational models of key brain regions, including the hippocampus and sensory cortices, to better understand their roles in memory formation and connectivity.

Healing the gut may be the key to improving long-term recovery in stroke patients, scientists at Texas A&M University have found.

New research provides critical insights into the role of sleep in motor learning for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study sheds light on how sleep, specifically a short nap, influences brain activity associated with motor skill improvement, with implications for optimizing rehabilitation strategies.

A recent study of high school football players found that concussions affect an often-overlooked but important brain signal.

Researchers have uncovered that stress changes how our brain encodes and retrieves aversive memories, and discovered a promising new way to restore appropriate memory specificity in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cognitive neuroscientists at Trinity College Dublin have published new research describing a brand new approach to making habit change achievable and lasting.

A new study uncovers constant communication between the human brain’s social cognitive network, responsible for understanding others’ thoughts, and the amygdala, known for processing fear and emotions. High-resolution brain scans revealed that this connection helps the brain integrate emotional importance into social interactions. This insight could lead to non-invasive treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for anxiety and depression by targeting these regions. The findings highlight how evolutionary brain expansion enhances social understanding while linking it to ancient emotional processing centers.

Neuroscientists have demonstrated that dopamine and serotonin work in opposition to shape learning.

Researchers have identified a novel role for the brain’s ‘locus coeruleus’ in sleep and its disruptions. This brain region facilitates the transition between NREM and REM sleep states while maintaining an unconscious vigilance toward the external world. Stress disrupts its functions and negatively impacts on sleep quality.

A future treatment for Alzheimer disease may involve a nasal spray. 

A new method to profile gene activity in the living human brain has been developed by researchers at FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Center for Translational Brain Science and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with international partners. This innovative approach, published in JCI Insight, opens new avenues for understanding and treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy.

A study led by the University of Glasgow has revealed differences in the brains of pediatric and adult patients that might explain the sometimes catastrophic outcomes seen in children following a traumatic brain injury.

Finally this week, new research has examined the relationship of emotion regulation to real-world responses to stress to better understand stress-related increases in suicide risk in depression.

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Large-scale functional networks are embedded along two principal gradients. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2024).

Scientists have uncovered how different types of brain cells work together to form large-scale functional networks in the human brain—interconnected systems that support everything from sensory processing to complex decision-making—paving the way for new insights into brain health and disease.

A new neuroimaging marker of cerebral small vessel disease is related to general cognition and may serve to identify persons at risk of dementia in future clinical trials, a landmark study has found.

A recent study reveals that the genetic mutation causing Huntington’s disease (HD) enhances brain development and intelligence in early life, but leads to degeneration in adulthood. Children with the HD gene exhibit larger brains and higher IQs than those without the mutation.

In what could one day become a new treatment for epilepsy, researchers have used pulses of light to prevent seizure-like activity in neurons.

A team of researchers has found that certain factors are linked to faster brain shrinkage and quicker progression from normal thinking abilities to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with type 2 diabetes and low levels of specific proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid showed more rapid brain changes and developed MCI sooner than others.

A new study explores how brain waves reflect melody predictions while listening to music.

Neuroscientists have identified the binding site of low-dose ketamine, providing critical insight into how the medication, often described as a wonder drug, alleviates symptoms of major depression in as little as a few hours with effects lasting for several days.

New research indicates that cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors by disrupting mitochondria and damaging DNA. 

Fampridine, used for improving walking in multiple sclerosis, may also enhance working memory in individuals with schizophrenia or depression. A study found that the drug significantly improved working memory in participants with initially poor performance, but had no effect on those with strong baseline memory.

A recent study links satellite and brain imaging data to identify how environmental factors can impact mental health, cognition and brain development in young people.

A new Alzheimer’s test collects just a few drops of blood from a finger prick, which can be mailed to a lab for analysis. The test measures biomarkers like pTau217 and has shown similar accuracy to traditional venous blood sampling.

Children born to mothers who take antiseizure medications during pregnancy may face increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions, according to new data.

Researchers have shed light on the puzzling relationship between dopamine and rest tremor in Parkinson’s disease, finding that preserved dopamine in certain brain regions may actually contribute to tremor symptoms, challenging common beliefs.

New research has revealed the diverse assembly and regulation of Type-A GABA receptors (GABAARs), which are crucial for balancing brain activity. 

A recent study has found fascinating similarities in how the human brain and artificial intelligence models process language. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the brain, like AI systems such as GPT-2, may use a continuous, context-sensitive embedding space to derive meaning from language, a breakthrough that could reshape our understanding of neural language processing.

A team of researchers has investigated the composition and communication of cells in so-called subcortical lesions, tissue damage to deep brain structures at different stages of multiple sclerosis.

Care for stroke survivors urgently needs to focus on non-motor skill outcomes such as fatigue, anxiety and reduced social participation to improve survivors’ quality of life and minimize care needs, according to a new study.

An international research collaboration has discovered how unusual spherical structures form in the brains of people with a mutation that causes a form of inherited Alzheimer’s disease. 

A new study identifies previously hidden brain network patterns in schizophrenia by focusing on nonlinear connectivity, offering potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. Traditional imaging methods often overlook these patterns, but researchers developed advanced statistical tools to uncover this new dimension of brain organization.

Finally this week, research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has identified several community-level factors that may increase people’s risk of experiencing cognitive impairment.