Neuroscientists use brain implants and AI to map language processing in real time
Researchers recorded brain activity during unscripted conversations and compared it to patterns in AI language models. The findings reveal a network of brain areas that track speech meaning and speaker transitions, offering a detailed picture of how we communicate.
A dose of psilocybin stirred the brain of a barely conscious woman
In a groundbreaking case report, scientists administered psilocybin to a woman in a minimally conscious state and observed increased brain complexity and new spontaneous behavior—offering a glimpse into how psychedelics might influence consciousness in severe brain injury patients.
Maltreatment in childhood linked to smaller hippocampus volume through adolescence
A new longitudinal brain imaging study in Brazil reveals that childhood maltreatment is linked to reduced volume in the right hippocampus—a key brain region for memory and emotion. This change persists through adolescence, even after accounting for symptoms of depression.
Scientists shed new light on the mysterious memory-altering power of sleep
Scientists found that sleep plays an active role in transforming how memories are stored. After an immersive experience, participants remembered the order of events better after sleeping, suggesting the brain prioritizes storylines over details during deep sleep.
Genetic risk for alcoholism linked to brain immune cell response, study finds
New research shows that microglia—the brain’s immune cells—respond more strongly to alcohol in people with a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder. The findings offer insight into how inherited factors can shape brain responses to alcohol exposure.
Neuroscientists uncover a fascinating fact about social thinking in the brain
Our brains process social similarity in two ways—by comparing people to each other and by comparing them to ourselves. A new study using brain imaging reveals that these forms of person knowledge are represented in separate areas of the brain.
A neuroscientist explains how cancer hijacks the brain’s motivation circuit
A new study published in Science reveals that advanced cancer can disrupt a key brain circuit responsible for motivation, offering insights into the debilitating apathy many patients experience and pointing to potential treatments that could restore drive and engagement.
Neuroscientists identify a shared brain circuit for creativity
A large neuroimaging study has identified a brain circuit linked to creativity—and found that damage to this network, from injury or disease, can sometimes enhance creative expression. The findings offer new insight into how the brain enables creative thinking.
Enhancing glucose metabolism in glia cells reduces retinal damage in Alzheimer’s model
A study in fruit flies suggests that impaired glucose metabolism in glial cells contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s. Enhancing glucose transport in these cells reduced inflammation and preserved neurons, highlighting a new potential angle for therapeutic intervention.
Scientists pinpoint memory-related neurons that drive eating behavior
Your brain’s memory center plays a surprising role in appetite. A study in mice reveals that neurons storing sugar and fat memories influence eating behavior and weight gain, opening new paths for treating overeating.
Scientist discover ancient brain-cleaning system that may break down in Alzheimer’s disease
A surprising discovery in spider brains has led scientists to uncover a hidden waste removal system in the human brain. Its breakdown may explain the progressive neuron loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease, offering a new target for early intervention.
New research uncovers a surprising role for brain-derived estrogen
As obesity rates climb worldwide, a new study highlights the brain’s own estrogen as a key player in appetite control. Researchers show that neuroestrogen increases the activity of hunger-suppressing pathways in mice, suggesting a novel hormonal target for future interventions...
Neuroimaging shows limited value in predicting treatment response in pediatric anxiety
Researchers tested whether brain structure or connectivity could forecast how children with anxiety would respond to therapy—but found little predictive power. Despite using advanced imaging and machine learning, the models failed to identify meaningful patterns linked to treatment outcomes.
Neuroscience discoveries: 5 new studies offer unexpected insights into the brain
Neuroscience continues to reveal how our brains respond to the world around us in unexpected and powerful ways.
Neural responses to mistakes may help explain how depression risk is passed from mothers to daughters
A new study suggests that the way the brain responds to mistakes could help explain how depression is passed from mothers to daughters. Researchers found that certain neural signals related to error processing were altered in mothers with depression and...
