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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.

How air pollution may be undermining your brain—one breath at a time

Research reveals air pollution, particularly from industry and fuels, negatively affects cognitive function in older adults, with language skills most impacted.

8 Apr 2025

New studies reveal how cytokines affect mood and behavior

Physicians have long observed a mystifying phenomenon: After a bout of infection or an autoimmune disease flare-up, some people experience prolonged mood swings, emotional dysregulation, and changes in behavior.

7 Apr 2025

Human dental stem cells can be transformed into excitable neuronal cells, study shows

The cells with electrophysiological activity obtained at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) are opening up new avenues for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of future autologous transplants.

7 Apr 2025

Mayo Clinic study highlights a new approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy

A study published in Brain Communications highlights a new approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy.

7 Apr 2025

Early life adversities linked to reduced brain connectivity and cognitive performance

Mass General Brigham investigators have linked difficult early life experiences with reduced quality and quantity of the white matter communication highways throughout the adolescent brain.

7 Apr 2025

Supplements over salmon? Study finds pregnant women choose capsules over food

Researchers surveyed 1,780 pregnant women across four European countries and found that half used fish oil and 10% used probiotics, with awareness and beliefs about supplementation varying widely.

7 Apr 2025

The thalamus could be a strategic target for treating cognitive dysfunction

Years ago, as a neurology resident, Chinfei Chen, MD, PhD, cared for a 20-year-old woman who had experienced a very small stroke, affecting only the thalamus.

7 Apr 2025

Paxlovid found ineffective for long COVID relief in new trial

Antiviral medications nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) were not effective in relieving long COVID symptoms, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on April 3.

7 Apr 2025

New neurons rebuild damaged circuits in Huntington’s disease

New research shows that the adult brain can generate new neurons that integrate into key motor circuits. The findings demonstrate that stimulating natural brain processes may help repair damaged neural networks in Huntington's and other diseases.

7 Apr 2025

Novel computational tool helps scientists detect hidden cell types behind disease

Cells throughout the body work together like singers in a choir to keep us healthy, as long as they work in perfect harmony.

7 Apr 2025

AI tool helps track treatment progress in multiple sclerosis patients

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can help interpret and assess how well treatments are working for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been developed by UCL researchers.

7 Apr 2025

Brain health in older adults threatened by prolonged air pollution

Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may harm the brain health of older adults in England, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

7 Apr 2025

New antibody research sparks hope for better whooping cough vaccines

Whooping cough, or pertussis, was once a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. and worldwide before the introduction of vaccines in the 1940s.

7 Apr 2025

Scientists cast new light on how fasting impacts the immune system

New research from The University of Manchester may reshape our understanding of what happens to the immune system when we fast.

7 Apr 2025

Triple therapy reduces tumor burden and improves survival in glioblastoma models

A new research paper was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 27, 2025, titled "Imipridones ONC201/ONC206 + RT/TMZ triple (IRT) therapy reduces intracranial tumor burden, prolongs survival in orthotopic IDH-WT GBM mouse model, and suppresses MGMT."

4 Apr 2025

Cornell researchers discover brain mechanisms behind psilocybin's effects

Psilocybin is the active ingredient that gives so-called "magic mushrooms" their hallucinogenic kick. It also has a therapeutic potential for treating depression.

4 Apr 2025

Small molecular shifts can drastically alter encephalitis virus behavior

New research shows how small shifts in the molecular makeup of a virus can profoundly alter its fate. These shifts could turn a deadly pathogen into a harmless bug or supercharge a relatively benign virus, influencing its ability to infect humans and cause dangerous outbreaks.

4 Apr 2025