Brain, intellect, IQ

Shed from the surfaces of astrocytes, “zombosomes” flit between cells, carrying proteins linked to disease

Experiencing multiple acute stresses at the same time, as in natural disasters or mass shootings, can leave lasting memory scars.

Brain microphysiological systems are reshaping in vitro neurotoxicity testing through functional validation and advanced disease modeling.

Analyzing brain growth across pregnancy and early life, this study offers new insights into sex-specific development and its implications for neurodevelopment.

A study led by researchers at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Lleida (IRBLleida), the University of Lleida (UdL), the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV) has developed and internally validated a clinical prediction model called the Goliat score, which can be used by emergency services to estimate the risk of acute complications in patients suffering from minor and moderate traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

A new brain imaging study reveals that remembering facts and recalling life events activate nearly identical brain networks. Researchers expected clear differences but instead found strong overlap across memory types. The finding challenges decades of memory research. It may also help scientists better understand conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The loss of social connectedness as people age increases the odds of cognitive-related disorders and can worsen health outcomes in older populations. But is there a direct relationship between social behavior and cognition? Subhadeep Dutta Gupta, Peter Rapp, and colleagues, from the National Institute on Aging, developed a rat model to probe social cognition in the aging brain.

As we age, we begin to lose the connections that wire up our brains-and neuroscientists aren't sure why.

A UK Biobank suggests hormone replacement therapy may offer only limited protection for mental health and cognition in menopausal women.

Technology created at The University of Queensland could improve the odds of surviving brain cancer and change how we treat a range of neurological conditions.

Researchers studying nearly 2 million older adults found that cerebral amyloid angiopathy sharply raises the risk of developing dementia. Within five years, people with the condition were far more likely to be diagnosed than those without it. The increased risk was present even without a history of stroke. Experts say this makes early screening for memory and thinking changes especially important.

When the brain rests, it usually replays recent experiences to strengthen memory. Scientists found that in Alzheimer’s-like mice, this replay still occurs — but the signals are jumbled and poorly coordinated. As a result, memory-supporting brain cells lose their stability, and the animals struggle to remember where they’ve been.

Some people don’t develop dementia despite showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain, and we're starting to understand why

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Yawning and deep breathing each have different effects on the movement of fluids in the brain, and each of us may have a distinct yawning "signature"

FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2026 — Having trouble powering through your afternoon workload?A brief nap can rejuvenate your brain power, a new study says.Even a short afternoon nap helps the brain recover and improve its ability to learn, researchers recently r...

New research by UCLA Health and UC San Francisco has uncovered why certain brain cells are more resilient than others to the buildup of a toxic protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, potentially leading to new targets for therapies or treatments.

Evosep is proud to announce a major advancement in quality assurance for pharmaceutical and regulated laboratories with the introduction of Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols for its Evosep Eno system.

The sensory proteins that control the motion of bacteria constantly fluctuate. AMOLF researchers, together with international collaborators from ETH Zurich and University of Utah, found out that these proteins can jointly switch on and off at the same time. The researchers discovered that this protein network operates at the boundary between order and disorder. The findings are published in Nature Physics on January 29.

People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID experience a disruption to their brain connectivity during a mentally demanding task.

Artificial intelligence allows tracing the evolution of genetic control elements in the developing mammalian cerebellum. An international research team led by biologists from Heidelberg University as well as the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie and KU Leuven (Belgium) has now developed advanced AI models that can predict the activity of these elements based solely on their DNA sequence.

Fungal supplements are everywhere, promising happiness, energy, focus, you name it. But what they deliver is something else entirely.

Research investigating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on individuals with depression and comorbid anxiety reveals a dual impact of this noninvasive form of brain stimulation.

Memory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease may be linked to impairment in how the brain replays our recent experiences while we are resting, according to a new study in mice by University College London (UCL) scientists.

Analysis of hospital registry data found that people who were hospitalized due to bleeding in the brain and who had taken multiple antiplatelet medications, or medications stronger than aspirin, were more likely to die before leaving the hospital compared to those not taking any antiplatelet medication, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026.

A type of therapy that stimulates specific brain pathways with electromagnetic pulses combined with physical therapy significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors compared to survivors who received sham (inactive) electromagnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026.

THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2026 — Larry Duncan valued driving as part of his independence.But Duncan — a retired business owner from Pinehurst, North Carolina — started to become more nervous behind the wheel prior to his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease...

Scientists in South Korea have discovered that one of the most common malignant brain tumors in young adults may begin years before a tumor can be seen. IDH-mutant glioma, long treated by removing visible tumor tissue, actually starts when normal-looking brain cells quietly acquire a cancer-linked mutation and spread through the brain’s cortex. Using advanced genetic mapping and animal models, researchers traced the cancer’s true origin to glial progenitor cells that appear healthy at first.

Microgravity alters the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems, requiring intensive countermeasures and lifelong medical monitoring for astronauts.

Taking certain antidepressants at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery or longer hospital stays, according to a study published on January 28, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a targetable driver of brain metastases in patients with aggressive inflammatory breast cancer.

Brain organoids offer insight into common neurobiological features of autism by revealing how autism-associated genetic mutations converge on shared molecular pathways during early human brain development. The post Brain Organoids Map How Distinct Autism Mutations Converge in Early Development appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.

Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified a hazardous waste collector in the brain that disposes of the toxic clumps of tau protein that can lead to dementia.

A massive international study of more than 3,100 long COVID patients uncovered a striking divide in how brain-related symptoms are reported around the world. In the U.S., the vast majority of non-hospitalized patients described brain fog, depression, and anxiety, while far fewer patients in countries like India and Nigeria reported the same issues. The difference doesn’t appear to be about the virus itself, but about culture, stigma, and access to mental health care.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2026 — Red light therapy might be able to protect football players from brain damage caused by frequent head impacts, a new small-scale study says.College football players treated with red light therapy over the course of a s...

Researchers created an atlas outlining which lysosomal proteins are associated with lysosomes across different brain cell types, and suggest the resource could aid scientists’ understanding of lysosomal function and dysfunction in the context of neurological disorders. The post Cell-Type Atlas of Brain Lysosomal Proteins May Clarify Neurological Disorders appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.

Clumps of cells known as organoids are helping us to understand the brain, and the latest version comes equipped with realistic blood vessels to help the organoids live longer

Stanford scientist Dr Gary Nolan reveals shocking CIA UAP research, describing brain injuries as if 'their brains looked fried'

Where your body stores fat may matter just as much as how much you carry—especially for your brain. Using advanced MRI scans and data from nearly 26,000 people, researchers identified two surprising fat patterns tied to faster brain aging, cognitive decline, and higher neurological disease risk. One involves unusually high fat buildup in the pancreas, even without much liver fat, while the other—often called “skinny fat”—affects people who don’t appear severely obese but carry excess fat relative to muscle.

A common parasite long thought to lie dormant is actually much more active and complex. Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii cysts contain multiple parasite subtypes, not just one sleeping form. Some are primed to reactivate and cause disease, which helps explain why infections are so hard to treat. The discovery could reshape efforts to develop drugs that finally eliminate the parasite for good.

A neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into pain that can last months or years, according to new University of Colorado Boulder research.

Arteries become clogged. Blood flow is restricted and oxygen is cut off. The result is a heart attack, the world's leading cause of death.

Gifu University scientists have uncovered how a brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function.

This narrative review examines how gastrointestinal dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and altered gut-brain axis signaling are closely associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. It synthesizes evidence supporting a possible bottom-up disease model while highlighting integrative, gut-targeted strategies as adjuncts to symptom management rather than proven disease-modifying therapies.

Gifu University scientists have uncovered how a brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function. These insights could inform future research into glycan-related brain disorders and open new avenues for therapeutic investigation.

The effect of obesity on brain health may depend not only on how much fat is in the body, but also on the areas of the body where fat is stored, according to a study published today in Radiology, the flagship journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

UCLA scientists have developed advanced miniature 3D tumor organoid models that make it possible to study glioblastoma tumors in a setting that closely mirrors the human brain, shedding light on how the aggressive cancer interacts with surrounding brain cells and the immune system to become more invasive and resistant to therapy.

A newly discovered collection of neurons suggests the brain and heart communicate to trigger a neuroimmune response after a heart attack, which may pave the way for new therapies

TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2026 — Grandkids are a blessing in more ways than one for seniors, a new study says.Grandparenting is good for the aging brain, potentially serving as a buffer against cognitive decline, according to findings published Jan. 26 in t...

Findings could create new opportunities to treat and study neurodegenerative diseasesScientists discovered that sugar metabolism plays a surprising role in whether injured neurons collapse or cling to life. By activating internal protective programs, certain metabolic changes can temporarily slow neurodegeneration—hinting at new ways to help the brain defend itself.

A new study into how different parts of memory work in the brain has shown that the same brain areas are involved in retrieving different types of information, the findings could redefine how memory is understood and studied.

Brain changes during menopause could help explain why some people experience neurological symptoms such as anxiety, depression and memory problems

Menopause is linked to a loss of grey matter in regions involved with memory and emotion, study suggests.

Functioning brain cells need a functioning system for picking up the trash and sorting the recycling. But when the cellular sanitation machines responsible for those tasks, called lysosomes, break down or get overwhelmed, it can increase the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.

Menopause is linked to reductions in grey matter volume in key brain regions as well as increased levels of anxiety and depression and difficulties with sleep, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.

Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the brain, and experimental evidence suggests they can interact with biological pathways central to Parkinson’s disease pathology. This review synthesises mechanistic data indicating that plastic particles may influence protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the gut–brain axis, while emphasising the need for prospective human studies.

Studying chaperone proteins in the fruit fly, researchers report what they say is the first direct evidence that the nervous system can deliberately form amyloids to help turn sensory experiences into lasting memories. The post How Brain May Deliberately Form Amyloids to Turn Experiences Into Memories appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.

Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) is not to be mistaken for angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2), but both appear problematic in similar contexts. Angiopoietins are in the vascular growth factor family, and angiopoietin-like proteins are, as the name suggests, somewhat similar. They are involved in the inflammatory response to damage that resolves into regeneration in the vascular system. Unfortunately, as in the rest of the body, the mechanisms involved in this response to damage run awry with advancing age and contribute to dysfunction rather than helping to address it. So, to pick a few examples, the presence of ANGPTL2 is a marker of cellular senescence and contributes to inflammatory heart disease. Meanwhile, ANGPT2 is known to be involved in the maladaptive reaction to ischemic injuries such as a heart […]

Why can people watch the same video footage and see different things? Neuroscience can help explain

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are equipped with an almost alien-like anatomy. Despite lacking a brain, blood, and central nervous system, these odd creatures still have locomotive abilities. The structure of their many flexible tube feet has been well-studied, but it is still unclear exactly how they function without a brain and central nervous system. But a new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that starfish seem to employ a local mechanical feedback system to get around.

An inquest concludes that "it is likely that repetitive head impacts, sustained by heading the ball while playing football, contributed to the CTE" which was a factor in the former footballer's death.

Columnist Helen Thomson investigates the neurological benefits of saunas, and how heat therapy can have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body

Alzheimer’s may destroy memory by flipping a single molecular switch that tells neurons to prune their own connections. Researchers found that both amyloid beta and inflammation converge on the same receptor, triggering synapse loss. Surprisingly, neurons aren’t passive victims—they actively respond to these signals. Targeting this receptor could offer a new way to protect memory beyond current amyloid-focused drugs.

A multidisciplinary USC research team has identified new compounds that may target a key driver of brain inflammation linked to Alzheimer's disease. Their research just published in the Nature publication npj Drug Discovery.

People with spinal cord injuries often lose movement even though their brains still send the right signals. Researchers tested whether EEG brain scans could capture those signals and reroute them to spinal stimulators. The system can detect when a patient is trying to move, though finer control remains a challenge. Scientists hope future improvements could turn intention into action.

Donald Trump mocked online after confusing 'peace' with 'destructive' aboard Air Force One, raising fresh concerns about his cognitive decline and mental fitness amid his new Board of Peace initiative at the World Economic Forum.

Sleep is a universal biological state that allows all animals, from mammals to amphibians, fish and even insects, to restore their energy and consolidate knowledge that can contribute to their survival. Neuroscientists and zoologists have been investigating the biological underpinnings of sleep and its vital functions for centuries, more recently by measuring the brain activity of animals or people while they are asleep.

The retirement of West Midlands police chief Craig Guildford is a wake-up call for those of us using artificial intelligence (AI) tools at work and in our personal lives. Guildford lost the confidence of the home secretary after it was revealed that the force used incorrect AI-generated evidence in their controversial decision to ban Israeli football fans from attending a match.

New research suggests that auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia may come from a brain glitch that confuses inner thoughts for external voices. Normally, the brain predicts the sound of its own inner speech and tones down its response. But in people hearing voices, brain activity ramps up instead, as if the voice belongs to someone else. The discovery could help scientists develop early warning signs for psychosis.

Neurodiversity research has reshaped how we think about autism and ADHD, revealing that a “normal” brain doesn’t exist – and that unusual brains also come with unique strengths

FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2026 — Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in or around the brain. They can be primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastatic, spreading to the brain from cancer elsewhere). They can also originate from the s...

Ageing slows neuronal protein degradation in mice, leading to widespread accumulation and aggregation of long-lived proteins, particularly at synapses. As neuronal clearance declines, microglia selectively accumulate synaptic proteins, suggesting a compensatory but potentially strained proteostasis pathway in the ageing brain.

Scientists are developing a "sponge" that can soak up pain signals in the body before they reach the brain, potentially offering an alternative to painkillers.

In experiments with mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists report new evidence that precursors of myelin-producing cells - one of the few brain cell types that continue to be produced in the adult brain - undergo differentiation widely and at a constant pace, rather than "as needed" in response to injury or advancing age.

As individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) move from the mild cognitive impairment stage to moderate and severe dementia, complex awareness deteriorates although lower-level sensory awareness is relatively maintained.

Even a short afternoon nap can help the brain recover and improve its ability to learn. In a study published on January 22, 2026, in the journal NeuroImage, researchers at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and University of Geneva, show that even a nap is enough to reorganize connections between nerve cells so that new information can be stored more effectively.

How discovering that different parts of the brain work together as networks has transformed our understanding of everything from daydreaming and emotions to planning and memory

Regular aerobic activity significantly reduces brain-PAD, indicating that exercise is crucial for maintaining brain health and reducing dementia risk.

New research suggests that consistent aerobic exercise can help keep your brain biologically younger. Adults who exercised regularly for a year showed brains that appeared nearly a year younger than those who didn’t change their habits. The study focused on midlife, a critical window when prevention may offer long-term benefits. Even small shifts in brain age could add up over decades.

Punch-drunk syndrome, boxer's madness, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The name has changed over the years, but the cause is clear: repeated impacts can affect long-term brain health, with symptoms ranging from confusion to memory loss and potentially dementia.

In a recent paper, SFI Professor David Wolpert, SFI Fractal Faculty member Carlo Rovelli, and physicist Jordan Scharnhorst examine a longstanding, paradoxical thought experiment in statistical physics and cosmology known as the "Boltzmann brain" hypothesis—the possibility that our memories, perceptions, and observations could arise from random fluctuations in entropy rather than reflecting the universe's actual past. The work is published in the journal Entropy.

Six-year-old Woody has recovered well enough to take his daily walks again.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2026 — Ever notice how hard it is to stay sharp after a rough night of sleep? A recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience points to a surprising reason why: The brain may briefly shift into a sleep-like cleaning m...

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2026 — So-called “super agers” have a couple of genetic advantages that help them maintain their brain health into late old age, a new study says.These folks are less likely to harbor the gene variant most associated with late-...

A new doctoral dissertation shows that gambling disorder is linked to brain networks involved in self-control and brain reward functions.

A popular idea suggests a link between big brains and a rich social life, but octopuses don't fit the pattern, which suggests something else is going on

Tracking daily expenses can help UK households save more, reduce impulse spending, and control lifestyle inflation naturally.

Lachlan Lindsay and Hazel Dempster were both diagnosed with brain tumours as children.

Scientists have discovered that the human brain understands spoken language in a way that closely resembles how advanced AI language models work. By tracking brain activity as people listened to a long podcast, researchers found that meaning unfolds step by step—much like the layered processing inside systems such as GPT-style models.

Many people are familiar with histamine, a biological molecule, that serves as a key driver of allergic reactions