https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/neuroscience/ Neuroscience research. Learn how the brain's physical, chemical and electrical structure can affect everything from motivation and sensory perception to disease recovery. en-us Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:10:53 EDT Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:10:53 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/neuroscience/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033350.htm A study of 225 newborns suggests prenatal estrogen may have played a role in the evolution of larger human brains. Boys with finger-length patterns linked to higher estrogen exposure before birth tended to have larger head circumferences, which are strongly associated with brain size. The same connection was not seen in girls. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:02:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033350.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033213.htm Several popular sugar substitutes may not be as harmless as they seem. Adults who consumed the most artificial sweeteners showed substantially faster declines in memory and thinking, especially if they were under 60 or had diabetes. The highest intake was linked to cognitive aging roughly 1.6 years faster than the lowest intake. Researchers stressed that more studies are needed before concluding that sweeteners are the cause. Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:55:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023605.htm The Mediterranean diet may influence aging through tiny proteins produced inside the cell’s mitochondria. Older adults who followed the diet most closely had higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which have been linked to heart and brain protection. Olive oil, fish, legumes, and fewer refined carbohydrates appeared especially important. The findings could eventually help scientists develop more personalized nutrition plans for healthy aging. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:24:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023605.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260715083542.htm A new experimental treatment may have found a way to outsmart glioblastoma’s toughest defense: the blood-brain barrier. Researchers used sugar-coated nanoparticles to ferry genetic instructions that restore a key tumor-suppressing protein directly into brain cancer cells. In mouse studies, the therapy increased median survival by 50% while shrinking tumors without noticeable damage to other organs. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:51:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260715083542.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225542.htm Researchers have discovered that a microscopic skeleton inside neurons does much more than hold cells together. It acts as a gatekeeper that controls what brain cells absorb and when they absorb it. When this protective structure weakens, neurons rapidly take in harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that stabilizing it could become a promising new strategy for preventing brain cell damage. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:37:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225542.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011912.htm Practice may do more than make perfect. Researchers found that extensive training physically reorganizes the brain, allowing learned tasks to bypass the prefrontal cortex and run through specialized circuits instead. By freeing the brain's "thinking" center, people became better at performing another task at the same time, challenging the long-held idea that humans only switch rapidly between tasks rather than truly multitask. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:42:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011912.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011757.htm A new study suggests the brain begins making decisions much earlier than scientists previously thought. Researchers found that even primary sensory regions are influenced by higher brain areas through rapid feedback loops, rather than simply passing information forward. This more dynamic view of brain function could help engineers design future AI systems that think more like biological brains while using far less power. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:12:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011757.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011751.htm An existing constipation drug may have an unexpected new use: helping clear the "brain fog" that often lingers after depression. In a small clinical trial, people with a history of depression who took the medication prucalopride for about a week performed better on tests of memory, attention, and thinking speed than those who received a placebo. The drug targets a serotonin receptor found in both the gut and the brain, and researchers saw no significant side effects. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:49:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011751.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010125.htm Researchers found that every pregnancy rewires the brain in its own way, with a second pregnancy bringing a different pattern of changes than the first. The discoveries could lead to better ways to recognize and treat maternal mental health challenges, including peripartum depression. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:37:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010125.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010118.htm A drug originally developed for spinal cord injury may offer a fresh approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease. In mouse studies, KCL-286 repaired dangerous DNA damage, reduced inflammation, and targeted multiple disease-related pathways instead of focusing on just amyloid or tau. Since it has already cleared an initial human safety trial, researchers believe it could move more quickly into Alzheimer’s clinical testing. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:19:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003535.htm Researchers found that tau is essential for turning new experiences into lasting memories by helping organize the brain's memory-storing cells. The mouse study also revealed how abnormal tau may contribute to Alzheimer's by disrupting both the formation of new memories and the recall of existing ones. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:53:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003535.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003529.htm Yale scientists discovered two neuron surface proteins that appear to help spread the toxic protein linked to Parkinson’s disease. Blocking these proteins in mice dramatically reduced disease progression, offering a potential new target for future therapies. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:06:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260630020521.htm A common brain protein may be giving Alzheimer’s disease an unexpected way to spread, carrying toxic Tau proteins from damaged neurons into healthy ones. By blocking these harmful protein packages before they reach new cells, researchers believe it may one day be possible to slow the disease's relentless progression. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:21:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260630020521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626125709.htm Some brains appear to fight back against Alzheimer's by helping immature brain cells survive damage instead of succumbing to it. Understanding this natural resilience could point researchers toward entirely new ways to protect memory and slow dementia. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:54:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626125709.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626124701.htm Researchers have identified a previously overlooked mechanism of brain cell death that appears to play a major role in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The finding could lead to new treatments aimed at slowing neuron loss by interrupting the process before cells are destroyed. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:58:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626124701.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030437.htm Using alcohol to cope with stress when young may permanently alter the brain, making it harder to adapt to challenges and increasing the risk of returning to drinking later in life. Researchers also found signs of brain damage associated with early dementia, suggesting the effects can linger long after alcohol use has stopped. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:43:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030437.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030433.htm Researchers have identified the brain circuitry that links deep sleep with the release of growth hormone, revealing how the two regulate each other. The newly discovered feedback loop helps explain why poor sleep can interfere with growth, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and brain function. Understanding this system could pave the way for new therapies for sleep disorders and diseases tied to metabolism and the brain, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:39:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030428.htm Could something as simple as vitamin C help support a healthier aging brain? In a study of more than 2,000 older adults in Japan, researchers found that people with lower vitamin C levels in their blood also tended to have less gray matter and weaker connections in a key brain network involved in memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:22:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260626030428.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060159.htm Healthy older adults experienced measurable improvements in memory, physical performance, and stress after taking placebo pills for just three weeks. The most surprising finding was that the placebo often worked even when participants knew the pills were completely inactive. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:23:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060159.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625014811.htm What if Sigmund Freud was onto something that modern neuroscience is only now beginning to explain? A new paper argues that today's leading theory of the brain—as a prediction machine constantly anticipating the world—closely mirrors ideas psychoanalysis has explored for more than a century. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:24:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625014811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625014755.htm Bumble bees astonished researchers by inventing a new way to reach a hidden reward, despite never being taught the trick. The discovery adds to growing evidence that these tiny insects are far smarter and more adaptable than once believed. Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:53:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625014755.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025514.htm The unconscious brain appears to be far more capable than scientists once believed. Researchers found that patients under general anesthesia could still process language at a sophisticated level, distinguishing nouns, verbs, and adjectives while listening to stories. Even more remarkably, neural activity showed signs of predicting upcoming words before they were heard. The results challenge traditional ideas about consciousness and hint at new possibilities for brain-computer interfaces. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:55:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025514.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025426.htm Scientists have discovered a tiny group of neurons in an ancient brain region that acts like a built-in focus filter, helping the brain ignore distractions and zero in on what matters most. When researchers temporarily switched off these neurons in mice, the animals became unusually distractible—similar to what is seen in ADHD—but regained normal focus as soon as the neurons were reactivated. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:30:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260624025426.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083116.htm Vitamin B12 is needed in microscopic amounts, but a shortage can have major effects on health and energy. The vitamin was first linked to a lifesaving liver treatment for pernicious anemia nearly 100 years ago. Today, researchers are finding that B12 may also help keep cellular powerhouses called mitochondria functioning properly. This could explain why some people experience fatigue and brain fog even before traditional signs of deficiency show up. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:57:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083116.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083106.htm A new study found that fructose and glucose may look the same on a nutrition label, but the brain treats them very differently. In mice, glucose strongly reduced activity in hunger-promoting brain cells, while fructose had a much weaker effect. High-fructose corn syrup triggered a stronger response and was preferred by the animals. The findings suggest that the type of sugar—not just the calories—can influence appetite and food preferences. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:28:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083106.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014004.htm A surprising discovery is overturning a long-held assumption about how the brain’s movement center works. Researchers found that two key cerebellar cell types—thought to be tightly linked—often don’t behave in predictable ways, even though one directly influences the other. The finding suggests scientists may have been relying on the wrong signals when studying disorders such as dystonia, ataxia, and tremor. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:10:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014004.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622091521.htm Scientists have discovered that a common type of stroke may have a very different cause than doctors once thought. Instead of fatty plaque clogging arteries, the strongest link was found with enlarged and damaged blood vessels deep within the brain. The finding helps explain why standard treatments like aspirin are often less effective and is driving the search for new therapies that target the brain’s tiny blood vessels directly. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:42:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622091521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622014300.htm Fish oil supplements successfully delivered omega-3s to the brain, but a two-year study found no meaningful benefits for memory, cognition, or Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The results challenge the idea that fish oil pills can help prevent Alzheimer’s and shift attention toward overall diet and lifestyle instead. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 03:19:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622014300.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621111113.htm Scientists at UCLA have linked long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with a sharply increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. People exposed to the chemical near their homes were more than twice as likely to develop the condition. Laboratory studies showed that chlorpyrifos damages dopamine neurons and interferes with the brain’s ability to remove toxic protein buildup. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:35:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621111113.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060307.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising clue that may help explain why multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses rapidly in some people but not others. In brain tissue from patients with severe MS, researchers found large numbers of “foamy” immune cells packed with fat droplets after absorbing damaged myelin. These overloaded cells appear to switch from helping repair the brain to fueling ongoing damage and inflammation. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:10:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060307.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100432.htm Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine may have uncovered a promising new way to combat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Instead of trying to stop Tau and alpha-synuclein proteins from gathering into tiny droplets inside brain cells, the researchers found that tubulin—the protein that builds the cell’s internal transport network—can redirect these proteins away from forming toxic clumps and toward healthy, productive work. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:08:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100432.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100428.htm A long-term Yale study is challenging one of the biggest myths about aging. Nearly half of adults over 65 improved physically, mentally, or both over time, despite the common belief that aging means constant decline. Researchers found that people with more positive attitudes about getting older were significantly more likely to show these gains. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:02:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100428.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100422.htm As newborn neurons make their way through the developing brain, they must squeeze through incredibly tight spaces to reach their final destinations. Researchers discovered that this physical journey routinely causes some of the most severe forms of DNA damage—double-strand breaks—yet the young brain has evolved an impressive ability to repair the damage almost immediately. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 02:30:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100422.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020514.htm A new study suggests that learning and remembering speech relies more on how the brain processes sounds and sensations than on the areas that control mouth and face movements. The discovery could reshape speech therapy and help improve future brain-based communication technologies. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:06:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020514.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020506.htm A newly identified molecule called OLE helped restore the brain’s immune cells to a more protective state in Alzheimer’s models. The treatment reduced toxic plaque buildup and improved memory, raising hopes for a new therapeutic approach. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:47:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020506.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260618041524.htm How does a single cell build a brain with billions of precisely organized neurons? Researchers suggest that brain cells use their lineage—their cellular family tree—as a kind of positional map. Cells that come from the same ancestor stay near one another, helping the brain organize itself without relying solely on chemical signals. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:46:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260618041524.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260617032209.htm Scientists may have uncovered a hidden trigger behind Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of plaques being the root cause, amyloid beta appears to interfere with tau, a protein that helps keep neurons functioning properly. This disruption could set off the damage that eventually leads to the disease’s most recognizable brain changes. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:49:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260617032209.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260616103128.htm Diabetes and dementia appear to be closely intertwined, with each condition potentially influencing the other. Problems with insulin and glucose can affect the brain’s energy supply, increase inflammation, and damage blood vessels linked to memory loss. Researchers are also finding that some popular diabetes medications may lower dementia risk. These discoveries are opening new possibilities for protecting brain health as people age. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:42:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260616103128.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260615033835.htm A copper-based compound restored the brain’s ability to clear toxic Alzheimer’s proteins, dramatically reducing amyloid buildup and improving memory in laboratory experiments. The findings point to a potentially fast-tracked new treatment strategy because the drug has already been tested in humans for other neurological conditions. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:38:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260615033835.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260615025119.htm A large-scale study suggests that men with higher levels of the amino acid tyrosine may have shorter lifespans, potentially losing close to a year of life expectancy. The finding is especially intriguing because tyrosine is commonly associated with brain health and is often used in supplements aimed at boosting focus and performance. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:27:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260615025119.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613215430.htm A new international study finds that middle-aged Americans are lonelier, more depressed, and experiencing worse memory and health than earlier generations. Researchers say growing financial strain, weaker social supports, and chronic stress may explain why the U.S. is falling behind other wealthy nations. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:24:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613215430.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034222.htm A three-year study of nearly 4,000 adults ranging from age 19 to 94 found that brain health can improve at any age, challenging the common belief that mental sharpness must decline as we get older. Participants spent just a few minutes a day on brain-training activities, and researchers found measurable gains across multiple aspects of brain health, including thinking clarity, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:47:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034217.htm Learning a musical instrument later in life may help keep the brain younger for longer. In a four-year study, older adults who continued practicing maintained their memory performance and showed less age-related brain shrinkage than those who quit. The benefits were especially noticeable in brain regions tied to memory and learning. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:24:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034206.htm A child psychologist says grandparents are more important than ever as youth mental health challenges continue to rise. He argues that children need supportive relationships, meaningful conversations, and a sense of purpose—not just pressure to achieve. Grandparents can help by listening, encouraging, and creating positive experiences that strengthen emotional resilience. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:11:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032046.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising new genetic cause of a rare movement disorder after analyzing nearly 3,000 patients with conditions affecting coordination and muscle control. The team identified mutations in a gene called CD99L2, previously linked only to the immune system, and showed that it plays an essential role in keeping nerve-cell communication running smoothly. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:32:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032046.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032044.htm Researchers discovered that mutations linked to blood cancers may help trigger Alzheimer’s disease by creating overly inflammatory immune cells in the brain. The unexpected finding could lead to new blood-based screening methods and potential treatments borrowed from cancer medicine. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:47:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032044.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003049.htm Researchers gave top AI models a classic attention test used in psychology and found a major flaw. While the models could correctly name colors in short lists, their performance deteriorated sharply as the task became longer and more complex. Some leading systems fell from over 90% accuracy to nearly complete failure. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:52:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003049.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003047.htm A groundbreaking new connectome maps every neural connection in an adult fruit fly’s central nervous system, creating an unprecedented view of how the brain and body work together. The findings suggest that complex behaviors emerge from distributed local circuits rather than a single central controller, offering new clues about intelligence, movement, and brain function. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:10:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003047.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003044.htm A major study suggests glucosamine, a popular supplement for joint pain, could be linked to faster progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found a 25% higher likelihood of developing dementia among glucosamine users and uncovered biological clues that may explain why. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:17:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260610003044.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040019.htm “Chemo brain” affects up to 80% of people receiving chemotherapy, making everyday tasks harder. In a new trial, cancer patients who followed a home-based exercise program showed better attention and fewer noticeable cognitive problems than those who received a placebo. Low-dose ibuprofen also improved some cognitive measures, though its effects were less consistent. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:16:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040019.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040017.htm A study of more than 2,100 adults found that eating more ultra-processed foods was linked to poorer attention and slower mental processing, even among people with otherwise healthy diets. Researchers also found higher consumption was associated with increased dementia risk factors, raising concerns about the hidden cognitive costs of heavily processed foods. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:36:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040017.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608035959.htm Researchers have identified a new Alzheimer’s target and created an experimental compound that blocks a damaging process inside brain cells. In mice, the treatment slowed nerve cell loss, reduced Alzheimer’s-related changes, and even appeared to promote healthier aging. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:23:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608035959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260603015356.htm A newly identified group of amygdala neurons appears to play a central role in anxiety and social behavior. Restoring normal activity in this tiny brain circuit reversed anxiety and social deficits in mice, revealing a promising new target for future treatments. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:16:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260603015356.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260602021634.htm Scientists have uncovered evidence that autism may include at least two biologically distinct subtypes, each marked by a different pattern of brain communication. By combining brain scans from nearly 1,000 people with autism with insights from 20 genetically engineered mouse models, researchers identified a “hyperconnectivity” subtype, where brain regions communicate more than usual, and a “hypoconnectivity” subtype, where communication is reduced. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:46:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260602021634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053424.htm Scientists at Scripps Research have uncovered a molecular “switch” that appears to fuel the damaging brain inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s disease. They found that a protein called STING becomes chemically altered in a way that keeps the brain’s immune system stuck in overdrive, harming the connections between nerve cells. Sun, 31 May 2026 11:30:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260529043654.htm Scientists discovered that sleep deprivation damages a key brain circuit responsible for social memory, making it harder to recognize familiar individuals. In laboratory studies, caffeine restored communication between neurons in this pathway and reversed the memory deficits caused by lost sleep. The effect was remarkably targeted, helping the impaired circuit recover without overstimulating normal brain function. Sat, 30 May 2026 01:27:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260529043654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082507.htm CBD may be doing far more than just easing pain or anxiety — new research suggests it could help fight Alzheimer’s disease by calming the brain’s runaway immune response. In experiments using Alzheimer’s mice, scientists found that inhaled CBD reduced key drivers of neuroinflammation, a damaging process increasingly linked to memory loss and brain degeneration. Thu, 28 May 2026 21:35:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082505.htm Scientists at Stanford may have uncovered a hidden reason our brains decline with age. Studying the ultra-short-lived turquoise killifish, researchers discovered that the cellular machinery responsible for building proteins begins to jam and malfunction over time. Tiny structures called ribosomes start colliding and stalling while reading genetic instructions, triggering a chain reaction that leads to faulty proteins and harmful clumps linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Fri, 29 May 2026 10:17:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082501.htm Feeling constantly drained might not just be about poor sleep or working too hard. Researchers in Japan found that low levels of key vitamins — especially vitamin B12 and folate — may quietly contribute to fatigue and lack of motivation, even in otherwise healthy people. Thu, 28 May 2026 23:23:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082501.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082459.htm Cambridge researchers created miniature brain-and-spinal-cord systems in the lab that can send signals and even trigger tiny muscle contractions. They discovered that human neurons gradually lose their ability to regrow after damage during development — but that ability can potentially be switched back on. The team identified a gene network controlling this process and found that an existing hormone drug dramatically boosted nerve fiber regrowth. Thu, 28 May 2026 22:55:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260528082459.htm