https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ Learn about Alzheimer's Disease symptoms such as memory loss and senile dementia. Find out about the treatments and causes, as well as the stages of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:15:51 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:15:51 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm Engineers at Northwestern University have taken a striking leap toward merging machines with the human brain by printing artificial neurons that can actually communicate with real ones. These flexible, low-cost devices generate lifelike electrical signals capable of activating living brain cells, a breakthrough demonstrated in mouse brain tissue. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:32:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417224527.htm Extra virgin olive oil might help protect your brain by working through your gut. A two-year study found that people who consumed it had better cognitive performance and more diverse gut bacteria than those using refined olive oil. Researchers even identified specific microbes linked to these benefits. The findings suggest that choosing high-quality olive oil could be a simple way to support brain health as you age. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:45:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417224527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260415043626.htm Feeling mentally “on” isn’t just in your head—it can significantly boost what you accomplish. Researchers found that sharper thinking on a given day leads people to set bigger goals and actually follow through. That edge can equal up to 40 extra minutes of productivity. But push too hard for too long, and the effect reverses. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:44:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260415043626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075648.htm A lifetime of mental stimulation—like reading, writing, and learning new skills—may help protect the brain as we age. People with the highest levels of cognitive enrichment had a much lower risk of Alzheimer’s and experienced symptoms years later than those with the lowest levels. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:09:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075648.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075633.htm Loneliness may quietly affect how well older adults remember things—but it might not be speeding up mental decline after all. A large European study tracking over 10,000 people for seven years found that those who felt lonelier started off with weaker memory, yet their memory didn’t deteriorate any faster than those who felt more socially connected. The findings challenge the idea that loneliness directly accelerates cognitive decline or dementia, suggesting instead that it impacts baseline brain performance. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:56:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075633.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411043048.htm Losing your sense of smell might signal Alzheimer’s far earlier than expected. Scientists found that immune cells in the brain actively destroy smell-related nerve fibers after detecting abnormal signals on their surfaces. This damage begins in early stages of the disease, well before cognitive decline. The discovery could help identify at-risk patients sooner and improve treatment timing. Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:13:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411043048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260409101111.htm Alzheimer’s isn’t just one problem—it’s a tangled mix of biology, aging, and overall health. That’s why drugs targeting a single factor have fallen short, even as new treatments show modest benefits. Scientists are now pushing toward multi-pronged strategies, from gene editing to brain-cell rejuvenation and gut health interventions. The goal: stop treating Alzheimer’s as one disease and start tackling it as a complex system. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:12:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260409101111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225944.htm A new study reveals that gut bacteria may play a key role in triggering ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Harmful sugars produced by these microbes can spark immune responses that damage the brain. This breakthrough explains why some genetically at-risk people develop the diseases while others don’t. Even more promising, reducing these sugars improved brain health in experiments, hinting at new treatment possibilities. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:36:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225944.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225943.htm Your brain might be quietly deciding what tastes good before you even take a sip. Researchers found that simply changing what people thought they were drinking—sugar or artificial sweetener—could dramatically shift how much they enjoyed it. When participants believed a drink had artificial sweeteners, real sugar tasted less enjoyable, but when they expected sugar, even artificially sweetened drinks became more pleasurable. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:34:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225943.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225941.htm Scientists are uncovering a surprising connection between autism and ADHD that goes deeper than labels. Instead of diagnoses, it’s the severity of autism-like traits that seems to shape how the brain is wired—even in children who don’t officially have autism. The study found that certain brain networks tied to thinking and social behavior stay unusually connected in kids with stronger autism symptoms, hinting at a different developmental path. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:21:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225941.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225934.htm A hidden waste-removal pathway in the brain has finally been caught in action. Using cutting-edge MRI scans, researchers discovered that fluid flows along the middle meningeal artery in a slow, lymphatic-like pattern—very different from blood. This confirms the presence of a previously unknown drainage hub in humans. The finding could transform how scientists approach brain aging, injury, and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:11:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225934.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225933.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising new player in Alzheimer’s disease: a protein called CSE that helps produce tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas in the brain. In experiments with genetically engineered mice, removing this protein led to memory loss, brain damage, and other hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, including weakened blood-brain barriers and reduced formation of new neurons. The findings suggest that this “rotten egg” gas, when carefully regulated, may actually protect brain cells and support memory. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:59:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225933.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408095346.htm A new survey reveals a striking disconnect in how Americans think about autism research. While nearly everyone agrees that studying the autistic brain is essential, most people are unaware that brain donation after death is a key part of making that research possible. Unlike organ donation, brain donation is a separate process, and widespread confusion remains about how it works, when it must occur, and who can participate. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:18:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408095346.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193848.htm Researchers have developed a cutting-edge technique that uses RNA “barcodes” to map how neurons connect, capturing thousands of links with single-synapse precision. The method transforms brain mapping into a sequencing task, making it faster and more scalable than traditional approaches. In mice, it revealed surprising new connections between brain cells that were previously unknown. This could open the door to earlier detection and targeted treatment of neurological diseases. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:37:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407073850.htm Vitamin D levels in midlife may play a bigger role in long-term brain health than previously thought. In a study following nearly 800 people over 16 years, those with higher vitamin D levels in their 30s and 40s had lower levels of tau protein later on, a key marker linked to dementia. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:47:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407073850.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407004815.htm Scientists have finally uncovered the missing link in how our bodies absorb queuosine, a rare micronutrient crucial for brain health, memory, stress response, and cancer defense. For decades, researchers suspected a transporter had to exist, but it remained elusive—until now. By identifying the gene SLC35F2 as the gateway into cells, this breakthrough opens new possibilities for therapies and highlights how diet and gut microbes profoundly shape human health. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:57:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407004815.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192922.htm Scientists at Oregon State University have captured something researchers have long struggled to see: the real-time chemical interactions that help drive Alzheimer’s disease. By watching how metal ions—especially copper—trigger harmful protein clumping in the brain, the team uncovered a clearer picture of how the disease develops at a molecular level. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:37:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192922.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192913.htm A single week of intensive meditation and mind-body practices led to measurable changes across the brain and body. Researchers observed improved brain efficiency, boosted immune signaling, and increased natural pain relief chemicals in participants’ blood. The effects even promoted neuron growth and stronger brain connectivity. Surprisingly, the experience mirrored psychedelic-like brain states—without any drugs involved. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:56:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192811.htm Your brain’s “stop eating” signal may come from an unexpected source. Researchers found that astrocytes—once thought to just support neurons—actually play a key role in controlling appetite. After a meal, glucose triggers tanycytes, which send signals to astrocytes that then activate fullness neurons. This newly discovered pathway could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and eating disorders. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:28:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192809.htm Is consciousness something the brain produces, or is it woven into the fabric of reality itself? Renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch is challenging long-held scientific assumptions by confronting the “hard problem” of consciousness — why and how subjective experience exists at all. He highlights growing tensions between neuroscience, physics, and unexplained phenomena like near-death experiences and sudden moments of clarity before death. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:58:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192809.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405065236.htm Scientists have uncovered a powerful new clue in the mystery of brain aging: a single protein called FTL1. In aging mice, higher levels of this protein weakened connections between brain cells and led to memory decline. But when researchers reduced FTL1, something remarkable happened — the brain began to recover, rebuilding lost connections and restoring memory performance. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:08:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405065236.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003933.htm Scientists in Canada have uncovered a surprising weakness in glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers. They found that certain brain cells—once believed to only support healthy nerves—can actually help tumors grow by sending signals that strengthen cancer cells. When researchers blocked this communication, tumor growth slowed dramatically in lab models. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:48:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003933.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224508.htm Astrocytes, once thought to be mere brain “support cells,” are now revealed to be key players in fear memory. Researchers found they actively help form, recall, and weaken fear responses by interacting with neurons in real time. Changing astrocyte activity directly altered how strong fear memories became. This breakthrough could lead to entirely new treatments for anxiety-related disorders. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:47:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224508.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042740.htm A newly identified gene mutation may help explain why schizophrenia patients struggle to update their understanding of reality. The mutation disrupts a brain circuit involved in flexible decision-making, causing mice to stick with outdated choices even when conditions change. Researchers pinpointed the issue to a key thalamus–prefrontal cortex pathway. By reactivating this circuit, they were able to restore normal behavior—raising hope for future therapies. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:10:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042737.htm Fast fashion might come with a hidden danger: lead. Researchers testing children’s shirts from multiple retailers found every sample exceeded U.S. safety limits, raising concerns about toxic exposure—especially since young kids often chew on clothing. Brightly colored fabrics like red and yellow showed particularly high levels, likely due to chemicals used to fix dyes. Simulations suggest that even brief mouthing could expose children to unsafe amounts of lead, a substance known to harm brain development and behavior. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:25:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042737.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071936.htm Millions of people start work before sunrise—but their brains aren’t ready for it. A new clinical trial has found that the wake-promoting drug solriamfetol can significantly boost alertness in early-morning shift workers struggling with shift work disorder. Participants who took the drug were able to stay awake and function better throughout full shifts, with improvements in productivity, safety, and daily performance. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:10:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071936.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071931.htm A surprising new study suggests that genetics may change how diet affects brain health—especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s risk. Researchers found that older adults carrying high-risk APOE gene variants didn’t show the expected cognitive decline if they ate relatively high amounts of meat. In fact, those with these genes who consumed the most meat had slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, challenging conventional dietary advice. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:54:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071931.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001105.htm Drinking coffee at night might come with an unexpected downside: increased impulsivity. In a new study, fruit flies given caffeine after dark behaved more recklessly, ignoring signals that normally make them stop. Daytime caffeine didn’t have the same effect, pointing to a strong link between timing and behavior. Even more striking, females were far more sensitive than males. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:11:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001105.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330210905.htm Deep sleep does far more than rest the body — it activates a powerful brain-driven system that controls growth hormone, fueling muscle and bone strength, metabolism, and even mental performance. Scientists have now mapped the neural circuits behind this process, uncovering a delicate feedback loop in which sleep boosts growth hormone, and that same hormone helps regulate wakefulness. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:39:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330210905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330001126.htm Just a few minutes of getting out of breath each day could dramatically cut your risk of major diseases—including heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. A large study of nearly 100,000 people found that it’s not just how much you move, but how intensely you move that matters. Short bursts of vigorous activity—like rushing for a bus or climbing stairs quickly—were linked to striking reductions in disease risk, especially for inflammatory conditions and brain health. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:07:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330001126.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043602.htm What teens eat might matter more for their mental health than previously thought. A sweeping review of nearly 20 studies found that healthier diets are often linked to fewer depressive symptoms, while poor eating habits may go hand in hand with greater psychological distress. Interestingly, focusing on whole dietary patterns—not just individual nutrients—showed more consistent benefits, suggesting that overall eating habits could play a meaningful role during this critical stage of brain development. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:02:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043558.htm Scientists have developed a new gene therapy that quiets pain at its source in the brain—without the addictive risks of opioids. Using AI to map how pain is processed, they created a targeted “off switch” that mimics morphine’s benefits but skips its dangerous side effects. In early tests, it delivered lasting relief without affecting normal sensations. The discovery could mark a major step toward safer, non-addictive pain treatments. Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:57:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043556.htm After a stroke, the brain may do something surprisingly hopeful—it can “refresh” parts of itself. Researchers analyzing brain scans from over 500 stroke survivors found that while the damaged side of the brain appears to age faster, the opposite, unaffected side can actually look younger. This unexpected shift seems to reflect the brain’s effort to rewire itself, strengthening healthy regions to compensate for lost function. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 06:34:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043556.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328024519.htm Scientists have uncovered how your body actually tells your brain to stop eating when you’re sick. In a new study, researchers found that specialized cells in the gut detect parasites and send signals that ultimately trigger the brain to suppress appetite. This process builds over time, explaining why you may feel fine at first but then suddenly lose interest in food as an infection takes hold. Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:35:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328024519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326011458.htm Vivid dreams might be doing more than just entertaining your mind at night. Researchers found that immersive dreaming can actually make sleep feel deeper and more refreshing, even when brain activity is high. Surprisingly, people reported their deepest sleep after intense dream experiences, not just during quiet, inactive periods. This suggests dreams may play a key role in helping us feel truly rested. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:00:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326011458.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325055441.htm A major discovery reveals that metformin works not just in the body, but in the brain. By switching off a key protein and activating specific neurons, the drug lowers blood sugar through a previously hidden pathway, opening new doors for diabetes treatment. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:47:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325055441.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325005920.htm Researchers have identified a crucial ion channel, TMEM175, that acts like an overflow valve in the cell’s recycling system. It regulates acidity inside lysosomes, ensuring they function properly. When TMEM175 is faulty, toxic buildup can occur, contributing to diseases like Parkinson’s. This breakthrough reveals a promising new target for future therapies. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:35:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325005920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324230102.htm Balance problems in aging and Parkinson’s may come from the body working too hard, not too little. Scientists found that the brain and muscles become overactive during even minor disturbances, yet this actually weakens balance recovery. At the same time, muscles can stiffen against each other, making movement less stable. This unexpected pattern could help predict who is more likely to fall. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:29:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324230102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324230057.htm New fathers appear to have fewer mental health diagnoses during pregnancy and the early months after birth. But that early stability does not last. About a year later, depression and stress-related disorders increase significantly, surprising researchers. The findings suggest that the emotional toll of fatherhood builds over time rather than hitting immediately. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:10:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324230057.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024249.htm A new neural implant is so small it can rest on a grain of salt, yet it can track and wirelessly transmit brain activity for over a year. It’s powered by laser light that safely passes through tissue and communicates using tiny infrared signals. This ultra-miniature device could transform how scientists study the brain without invasive wiring. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:23:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024249.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024247.htm Scientists have found that your brain separates memories into “what” and “where/when” using two different groups of neurons. One set responds to specific objects or people, while another tracks the context or situation. When you remember something correctly, these groups briefly connect and reconstruct the full memory. This system may be the secret behind how we recognize the same things across totally different experiences. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:13:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005526.htm Scientists have uncovered a hidden “death switch” in the brain that may be driving Alzheimer’s disease—and even found a way to turn it off in mice. The culprit is a toxic pairing of two proteins that, when combined, triggers the destruction of brain cells and fuels memory loss. By using a new compound to break apart this deadly duo, researchers were able to slow disease progression, protect brain cells, and even reduce hallmark amyloid buildup. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:34:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005526.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020302.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising brain-based trigger for high blood pressure, tracing it to a small region in the brainstem that normally controls breathing. This area, which kicks in during forceful exhalations like coughing, laughing, or exercise, also appears to activate nerves that tighten blood vessels—raising blood pressure. When researchers switched off this region in experiments, blood pressure dropped back to normal, suggesting it plays a direct role in hypertension. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:30:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020302.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020250.htm GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) may offer unexpected mental health benefits alongside weight loss. A large study found major drops in depression, anxiety, and psychiatric-related hospital visits among users. Even substance use disorders were significantly lower during treatment. Researchers suspect both lifestyle improvements and direct brain effects could be at play. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:03:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020250.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260320073819.htm Many people believe closing their eyes sharpens hearing, but that is not always true. In noisy settings, participants struggled more to hear faint sounds with their eyes closed, while matching visuals made it easier. Researchers found that shutting the eyes leads the brain to over-filter incoming sounds. Keeping your eyes open may actually improve how well you hear in noise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:49:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260320073819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:27:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033138.htm Your morning coffee or tea could be quietly supporting your brain health. A long-term study found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea was linked to an 18% lower risk of dementia and better cognitive performance over time. The benefits appeared strongest at 2–3 cups of coffee or 1–2 cups of tea daily—and even held true for people genetically predisposed to dementia. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:47:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033138.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064457.htm A key Alzheimer’s drug has finally revealed its secret. Researchers discovered that lecanemab works by activating the brain’s immune cells—but only through a specific part of the antibody called the Fc fragment. This piece acts like a trigger, prompting microglia to clear harmful amyloid plaques. The finding could reshape how future Alzheimer’s therapies are designed. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:44:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064444.htm Early life stress may set the stage for long-term digestive problems by disrupting the gut-brain connection. Studies in both mice and thousands of children found links to symptoms like pain, constipation, and IBS. Scientists discovered that different biological pathways control different gut issues, hinting at more personalized treatments in the future. The research also highlights how a child’s early environment can have lasting physical effects—not just emotional ones. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:08:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064444.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015928.htm Researchers have identified a surprising brain pattern that may help explain why people with ADHD often struggle to stay focused. Even while awake, their brains can slip into brief episodes of “sleep-like” activity during demanding tasks. These moments are linked to more mistakes, slower reaction times, and lapses in attention. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:25:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225125.htm A new UCLA Health study suggests that long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos may dramatically raise the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers found that people living in areas with sustained exposure had more than 2.5 times the likelihood of developing the disorder. Lab experiments reinforced the finding: animals exposed to the chemical developed movement problems, lost dopamine-producing neurons, and showed the same toxic protein buildup seen in Parkinson’s patients. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:49:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225125.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030507.htm A protein tied to ALS and dementia may have a much bigger role in disease than scientists realized. Researchers found that TDP43 controls a key DNA repair process, but when the protein becomes imbalanced, the repair system can spiral out of control, harming neurons and destabilizing DNA. The team also discovered that high levels of the protein are linked to increased mutation rates in cancer. The discovery places TDP43 at the center of both neurodegeneration and cancer biology. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:05:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002637.htm Tiny plastic particles may be quietly threatening brain health. New research suggests microplastics—now widely found in food, water, and even household dust—could trigger inflammation and damage in the brain through multiple biological pathways. Scientists estimate adults may consume about 250 grams of these particles each year, and some can accumulate in organs including the brain. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:38:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002637.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020107.htm Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:09:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020104.htm A new study suggests Alzheimer’s disease may be detectable through subtle shape changes in proteins found in the blood. Researchers discovered that structural differences in three blood proteins closely track the progression of the disease. By analyzing these changes in more than 500 people, the team was able to distinguish healthy individuals from those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s with impressive accuracy. The approach could help move diagnosis and treatment to earlier stages. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004720.htm Scientists have developed a promising new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease by turning ordinary brain cells into powerful plaque-clearing machines. Instead of requiring frequent antibody infusions like current therapies, the experimental treatment uses genetically engineered astrocytes — abundant support cells in the brain — that are equipped with a CAR “homing device” similar to those used in cancer immunotherapy. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:01:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004720.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004711.htm THC doesn’t just blur memories—it can create new ones that never happened. In a controlled experiment, cannabis users were much more likely to recall words that were never shown and struggled with tasks like remembering to do something later. Researchers found that THC disrupted many different memory systems at once. Surprisingly, moderate doses caused memory problems similar to higher doses. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:47:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213244.htm A massive UK study of more than 165,000 dementia patients has uncovered troubling new evidence about risperidone, a commonly used drug for severe agitation. Researchers found the antipsychotic increases stroke risk in dementia patients across the board—including those with no prior heart disease or stroke—challenging the long-held belief that some patients might be safer candidates than others. Because risperidone is the only drug of its type licensed for dementia, doctors often use it as a last resort when distressing symptoms become unmanageable. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:45:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213234.htm A new brain-imaging study has revealed how ketamine produces its fast antidepressant effects in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers tracked changes in a critical brain receptor that helps neurons communicate and found that ketamine reshapes its activity in specific brain regions tied to mood and reward. These shifts strongly matched improvements in patients’ symptoms. The findings could help scientists develop better ways to predict who will benefit from ketamine therapy. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:40:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213234.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213232.htm Scientists are exploring a new way to harness the medical promise of psychedelic compounds without the mind-bending side effects. Researchers created modified versions of psilocin — the active form of psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” — that still target key serotonin pathways linked to depression and other brain disorders but appear to cause far fewer psychedelic-like effects. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 06:26:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213232.htm