New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Memory-preserving particles could form part of an Alzheimer's vaccine puzzle

Nick Lavars June 12, 2019

Scientists have developed what they describe as a vaccine to keep the brain clear of clumps of tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, and found that treating mice in this way helped stave off the kind of memory decline associated with the disease.

A new type of virus-like particle has been shown to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice. Could ...

Biology Audio available

How our immune system evolved to take control of our decision-making processes

Rich Haridy June 4, 2019

Two new research papers are shedding light on the fascinating relationship between inflammation and behavior, suggesting our immune system can play a significant role in both our motivation and decision-making abilities.

New research suggests inflammatory actions in the brain could reduce motivation and influence the decisions people ...

Biology Audio available

How the gut overrides the throat in telling the brain whether it's thirsty

Michael Irving May 29, 2019

Strangely enough, the mechanisms behind thirst and satiation are somewhat of a mystery to science. Now researchers from Caltech have investigated and found two connections between body and brain that control the process.

Researchers have found two pathways that tell the brain when the body has had enough water

Medical Audio available

Incredible study shows music can help build the brains of premature babies

Rich Haridy May 29, 2019

The vast majority of neural growth for a baby occurs during the last trimester of a pregnancy. An exciting new study has demonstrated how specially composed music can aid brain growth in premature babies, resulting in neural development similar to that of full-term infants.

Just a few eight-minute listening sessions a week were enough to significantly improve neural growth of ...

Science Audio available

The incredible science exploring how to edit our memories

Rich Haridy May 23, 2019

Two remarkable new studies are suggesting sci-fi stories of memory manipulation may not be so far-fetched. The research describes early proof-of-concept experiments showing how negative emotional associations with traumatic memories can potentially be weakened or even entirely edited out.

Two new studies are suggesting neuroscientists may be able to suppress, or even completely erase, traumatic ...

Science Audio available

Study shows how diet can prevent a mid-life microbiome crisis and improve brain health

Rich Haridy May 22, 2019

A fascinating new study is suggesting that a shift in gut bacteria in our middle-age could trigger a process that plays a role in cognitive decline in our later years. And diet may be the key to encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria that benefit healthy brain aging.

An animal study revealed prebiotic dietary interventions in middle-aged mice reduced signs of brain inflammation and ...

Medical Audio available

Xenon gas revealed to offer long-term protection following traumatic brain injury

Rich Haridy May 22, 2019

A study has affirmed the anesthetic xenon can help prevent long-term damage associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The research demonstrated in mice that if xenon is administered within a few hours of a TBI it can prevent brain tissue damage that would result in long-term cognitive problems.

The anesthetic gas, if administered within three hours of a head injury, could help prevent long-term ...

Medical Audio available

Lamprey molecules squirm into the brain to deliver cancer drugs

Michael Irving May 17, 2019

The lamprey is not something you’d normally want anywhere near your brain. But now, researchers have used molecules taken from the freaky fish’s immune system to deliver drugs inside the body – and even managed to sneak them into the brain.

Researchers have used molecules from the lamprey's immune system to help fight brain cancer

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

URGOnight uses EEG-based brain training to help improve your sleep

Rich Haridy May 15, 2019

URGOnight is a novel sleep training device designed to improve your ability to get to sleep, and stay asleep, through the use of neurofeedback and brain training. The system, comprising an EEG headset and accompanying mobile app, is currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo.

The device uses neurofeedback to train the user into entering a brainwave state claimed to improve ...

Science Audio available

Yale research suggests brain scan can detect suicide risk in PTSD sufferers

Rich Haridy May 14, 2019

Researchers believe they have homed in on a specific biomarker that can be linked to suicidal thoughts in subjects suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The new study adds to a growing body of research into novel ways clinicians can identify patients at high risk of suicide.

New research suggests increased activity of a certain brain receptor can signal suicidal thoughts in patients ...