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.

U.S. dementia cases expected to surge with aging population

A new study shows that the risk of developing dementia anytime after age 55 among Americans is 42%, more than double the risk reported by older studies.

13 Jan 2025

CeVD-related brain network phenotype can provide insights into cognitive decline trajectory

Researchers have uncovered novel insights into how brain function disruptions related to cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) interact with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology to impact neurodegeneration and cognition in older adults.

13 Jan 2025

Study reveals how Zika virus hijacks host protein for reproduction

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head.

13 Jan 2025

Obesity at cancer diagnosis linked to higher risk of death in children

A recent population-based study indicates that among children with cancer, those with obesity at the time of diagnosis may face an elevated risk of dying.

13 Jan 2025

Financial incentives prove successful in supporting pregnant smokers to quit

Rewards and financial incentives are successful methods to help people quit smoking, according to a new Cochrane review co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst public health and health policy researcher.

13 Jan 2025

Gut bacterium associated with reduced dietary sugar intake

This study links Ffar4, gut microbiota, and sugar preference, highlighting potential strategies for managing diabetes and obesity through dietary interventions.

13 Jan 2025

Sleep loss triggers intrusive memories by disrupting REM sleep

Sleep deprivation affects the brain's memory control, with REM sleep essential for effective suppression of intrusive memories and cognitive function.

13 Jan 2025

UTHealth project aims to improve clinical trials for underserved people with neurological conditions

In an effort to close the gap in neurological outcomes for underserved populations, a UTHealth Houston project funded with $2.9 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will engage community partners to improve the design of clinical trials.

10 Jan 2025

Scientists uncover evolution of ventral nerve cord in ecdysozoan animals

An international team of scientists has uncovered a fascinating piece of the evolutionary puzzle: how the ventral nerve cord, a key component of the central nervous system, evolved in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes insects, nematodes, and priapulid worms.

10 Jan 2025

Early diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies could be improved by cognitive profiling

Cognitive profiles for early diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) have been outlined in a new study, out today in Alzheimer's & Dementia.

10 Jan 2025

NIH grant supports study of copper's role in killing harmful bacteria

A researcher at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson received a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his research into uncovering the mysteries of copper – specifically, how it can be harnessed to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.

10 Jan 2025

Researchers identify causes of grammatical tense impairments in aphasia

An international team of researchers, including scientists from the HSE Centre for Language and Brain, has identified the causes of impairments in expressing grammatical tense in people with aphasia.

10 Jan 2025

Brain maturation delays linked to unhealthy eating behaviors in youth

More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviors, according to new research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London.

10 Jan 2025

New biomaterial could redefine recovery from brain and central nervous system injuries

A new electrically active transplantable material that can help to regrow cells in the brain and spinal cord could redefine the recovery prospects of patients who sustain life-altering injuries or suffer from neurodegenerative diseases.

10 Jan 2025

Analysis highlights high TBI death rates among older adults and men

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

10 Jan 2025

Sex-specific mitochondrial marker deficiencies linked to early cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Research reveals sex-specific free-carnitine deficiency in women with cognitive impairment, linking mitochondrial metabolism to Alzheimer's disease progression.

10 Jan 2025

Groundbreaking research uncovers how neurons organize natural behaviors

Eight years of work. A collaboration between the Laboratory of Neuroethology of Non-Human Primates of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Parma, led by Luca Bonini, and a team from the Biorobotics Institute of the Sant'Anna School of Pisa, coordinated by Alberto Mazzoni, principal investigator at the Computational Neuroengineering Lab, with the contribution of Silvestro Micera, professor in Bioingeneering.

10 Jan 2025