A new study provides evidence that supplementing infant formula with compounds found in breastmilk may lead to improved cognitive abilities years later in childhood. Key findings: Children fed formula with added milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and lactoferrin for their first year scored higher on IQ and executive function tests at ages 5-6 compared to …
Researchers have discovered that classic psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin (‘magic mushrooms’) flatten the energy landscape of the brain. This effect makes it easier for the brain to transition between different states of activity and leads to more diverse and entropic neural dynamics overall. Key Facts: Using fMRI data and network modeling, researchers found …
Obesity has been linked to faster brain aging, but can losing weight turn back the clock? A new study provides compelling evidence that shedding pounds through lifestyle changes may attenuate brain aging. Key facts: Participants lost an average of 5% of body weight after 18 months of diet and exercise Just 1% weight loss corresponded …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction and communication. A new brain imaging study provides insights into how disruptions in the brain’s social networks may relate to core autism symptoms. The research identifies specific brain regions and circuits that differ in children with ASD compared to typically developing peers. Key Facts: Children with ASD showed …
Researchers have found signs of ongoing inflammation in the brains of athletes still experiencing concussion symptoms months or years after their injury, according to a new study published in Journal of Neuroinflammation. The findings suggest the concussion triggered chronic neuroinflammation that may be contributing to their persistent symptoms. Key Facts: The study examined athletes who …
Researchers have for the first time reconstructed all neurons and their connections in the brain of a fruit fly larva, revealing fundamental principles of brain organization. The study provides an important scaffold for understanding the neural basis of behavior in this model organism. Key Facts: The larval Drosophila brain contains around 3000 neurons. The full …
Summary: A new study reveals how certain genes and education levels impact Alzheimer’s disease risk, even in individuals destined to develop dementia. Key facts: The APOE gene influences Alzheimer’s onset in people with a genetic mutation causing early-onset Alzheimer’s. Having APOE e4 accelerates onset of decline while APOE e2 delays it. More years of education …
Summary: New mouse study shows woodsmoke causes lasting brain inflammation and chemical changes, which may explain long-term effects seen in humans after smoke exposure. Major Findings: Woodsmoke Causes Lasting Brain Inflammation & Chemical Changes in Mice Smoke from wildfires and wood-burning stoves may have lingering effects on the brain, according to new research in mice. …
Buddhist meditation practices have been shown to create different states of consciousness. A new study looked at how traditional Buddhist meditation affects how the brain processes sounds. The results show that these meditations change brain activity in a way that tunes out sensory information. Key Facts: 115 Tibetan Buddhist monks with at least 3 years …
Loneliness is a painful feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between one’s desired social connections and actual relationships. Chronic loneliness is increasingly prevalent in modern societies and strongly tied to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including higher risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. New genetic research provides key insights into the …
