Brain News and Research

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The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. Enclosed in the cranium, it has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but is over three times as large as the brain of a typical mammal with an equivalent body size.

Breakthrough retina mapping sheds light on visual processing pathways

Vision is one of the most complex functions of our brain and requires a seamless interaction between many different brain structures to decode shapes, colours, depths, and movements and turn them into a meaningful whole.

15 Apr 2025

Pediatricians warn of measles resurgence and emphasize vaccine safety

Pediatric infectious diseases experts stress the importance of vaccination against measles, one of the most contagious viruses, which is once more spreading in the United States.

15 Apr 2025

Study reveals CT scan overuse could account for 1 in 20 new US cancers

A new study projects that CT scans performed in the US in 2023 could cause around 103,000 future cancers, potentially accounting for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses. Researchers highlight that while individual risks are small, the population impact of unnecessary or high-dose CT imaging is significant.

15 Apr 2025

Study reveals a novel link between body fat and anxiety

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at McMaster University have revealed a novel link between body fat (adipose tissue) and anxiety, shedding light on the intricate relationship between metabolism and mental health.

15 Apr 2025

Reserpine shows promise in treating retinitis pigmentosa in rat studies

New studies in rats suggest the drug reserpine, approved in 1955 for high blood pressure, might treat the blinding disease retinitis pigmentosa.

15 Apr 2025

Inherited mutations in healthy cells may contribute to cancer development

Most cancer genome studies have focused on mutations in the tumor itself and how such gene variants allow a tumor to grow unchecked.

15 Apr 2025

Cannabis use linked to increased dementia risk after emergency care

Individuals with an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization due to cannabis were at 23% and 72% greater risk of a new dementia diagnosis within five years compared to individuals with an ED visit or hospitalization for any other reason or the general population, according to a new study published in JAMA Neurology.

15 Apr 2025

Blood test detects Parkinson’s years before symptoms appear using RNA markers

A new study identifies a blood-based biomarker that detects pre-symptomatic Parkinson’s disease by measuring the ratio of specific nuclear and mitochondrial transfer RNA fragments. The test outperforms standard clinical tools and may also reflect disease mechanisms related to impaired protein synthesis.

14 Apr 2025

Scientists identify critical enzymes for astrocytic GABA production in Alzheimer’s disease

A research team at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has identified a previously unknown enzyme, SIRT2, that plays a key role in memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

14 Apr 2025

Scientists trace social challenges in autism to specific brain circuit

UNIGE scientists identified a brain circuit where lies the origin the social difficulties experienced by people with autism spectrum disorders.

14 Apr 2025

Multidimensional sleep health linked to better cardiometabolic outcomes

Healthy sleep includes multiple components, such as number of hours of sleep per night, how long it takes to fall asleep, daytime functioning and self-reported sleep satisfaction, and addressing these different dimensions of sleep may help to reduce cardiometabolic health and related risk factors, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

14 Apr 2025

Gut imbalances in autism linked to brain and behavior changes

A new USC study suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may create an imbalance of metabolites in the digestive system - ultimately disrupting neurotransmitter production and influencing behavioral symptoms.

14 Apr 2025

Can gut microbes help prevent Alzheimer’s?

A comprehensive review explores how gut microbiota diversity and fitness influence Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk through neuroinflammation, amyloid and tau pathology, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. It highlights the therapeutic potential of probiotics, dietary interventions, and omics technologies in restoring microbial balance and preventing neurodegeneration.

13 Apr 2025

What really causes keto flu, and how can you prevent it?

A scoping review from the University of Bergen identifies a wide range of transient symptoms—collectively known as "keto flu"—that occur during the initiation of a ketogenic diet. The review explores their physiological basis and highlights strategies, such as MCTs and electrolyte supplementation, to ease the transition.

13 Apr 2025

UVA researcher wins major grant to revolutionize breast cancer treatment

A promising approach to achieve safer, more effective, and more precise breast cancer treatment has earned a University of Virginia researcher a new $5.5 million grant.

11 Apr 2025

Low vitamin K intake may adversely affect cognition as people get older

As scientists seek to unravel the intricate potential connections between nutrition and the aging brain, a new study from researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University is shedding light on how insufficient consumption of vitamin K may adversely affect cognition as people get older.

11 Apr 2025

Better hearing and vision linked to stronger cognitive health in older adults

As we age, our cognitive abilities deteriorate - it becomes increasingly difficult to remember, orient ourselves in time and space, and solve problems.

11 Apr 2025

Study highlights link between childhood maltreatment and parental empathy

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a complex issue that is often passed on through generations. Studies have shown that parents who were abused as children may perpetuate a similar pattern of mistreating their children, creating a vicious cycle of abuse.

11 Apr 2025

Police officers at higher risk of traumatic brain injuries and PTSD

Police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. Officers who incur these injuries while on duty face more than double the risk of developing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

11 Apr 2025

Apathy and lack of motivation are symptoms of cancer cachexia, research suggests

Cancer ravages both body and mind. If you've ever lost loved ones to the disease, you might recognize the physical and emotional changes cancer patients often endure during their final months.

10 Apr 2025