Brain

Scientists have discovered a brain circuit that gives pain its emotional sting, explaining why some hurts linger as suffering. The breakthrough challenges our beliefs about how we process pain and may transform chronic pain treatments.

Humans have been getting infected by ancient bacteria and viruses for at least 37,000 years. Now, for the first time, pathogen DNA has uncovered a pivotal disease "turning point" that happened 6,500 years ago, which would forever change our lives.

A safe and affordable treatment to effectively combat the progress of Parkinson's dementia has emerged – in the form of a commonly available cough syrup that's already being studied for its brain-protecting power in other degenerative diseases.

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers zoomed in on PTSD at the single-cell level to better understand how it affects the brain. The findings revealed how trauma can lead to specific molecular changes in some brain cells.

Alternating between a calorie-restricted plan and one high in fat and sugar, resulting in weight gain, is not just down to psychology and behavior. This kind of weight-loss-gain cycle – yo-yo dieting – has a surprising biological driver: The gut.

Remarkable new findings about the sugar stores in neurons have unlocked an entire new method of treating cognitive decline, and it furthers our understanding of why GLP-1 weight loss drugs appear to provide a shield against Alzheimer's disease.

A study found that psychopaths have structural changes in particular areas of the brain that deal with impulse control and emotional regulation. This improved understanding may help to formulate targeted treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

Exposure to common metals has again been linked to ADHD and specific symptoms. It builds on existing research that has found a strong association between environmental contaminants like lead and a higher rate of people diagnosed with the condition.

A protein found in our cells has emerged as a secret weapon against biological aging, acting like a glue to repair damaged DNA and ward off neurological degeneration including that seen in motor neuron, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Talk about thinking small: researchers at Harvard University have devised a new way to implant flexible bioelectronic devices in the embryos of frogs, mice, and lizards, enabling them to monitor brain activity as these creatures develop.

In another advancement in the field of brain-computer interfaces, a new implant-based system has enabled a paralyzed person to not only talk, but also 'sing' simple melodies through a computer – with practically no delay.

Taking inspiration from the CAR T-cell technology used to provide personalized cancer treatments, researchers have conducted a proof-of-concept study showing how similar compounds can precisely target protein tangles and plaques in the brain.