Field: Brain
It may be possible to treat inherited blindness, even in adults
A new mouse study suggests that synthetic retinoids may be able to help restore vision in adults with Leber congenital amaurosis.
New Alzheimer’s drug slows mental decline by 27% in clinical trial
Eisai and Biogen are reporting that their new Alzheimer’s antibody slowed cognitive decline by 27% in a global trial.
Shape-shifting DNA is helping researchers decode the human brain
Researcher Nako Nakatsuka has turned to DNA to tackle an important challenge: how do we measure chemicals in the brain?
Brain-zapping tech improves memory by more than 50%
A brain-zapping "memory prosthesis" funded by DARPA improved trial participants' ability to retain new information by more than 50%.
New treatment “starves” aggressive brain tumors in mice
A treatment that “starved” aggressive glioblastoma tumors in the brains of mice suggests a way to finally fight the deadly cancer in humans.
Procrastinating is linked to health and career problems – but here’s how you can stop
In the long run, procrastination isn’t an effective way of managing emotions and causes health and work setbacks.
A new drug could repair stroke damage to memory and movement
A new drug can repair stroke damage in mice, improving memory and motor skills. If it works in humans, it could lead to a paradigm shift in stroke treatment.
The Singularity: When will we all become super-humans?
Are we really only a moment away from "The Singularity," a technological epoch that will usher in a new era in human evolution?
The Biden administration is preparing for legal psychedelics within two years
The Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services has sent a memo supportive of psychedelic therapies. What does that mean for the field?
Your genes may impact psychedelic experiences
UNC researchers have found evidence that the genetic makeup of a crucial receptor may impact your psychedelic experience.
The 5-hour rule: How to turn a wasted day into a successful one
The 5-hour rule asks us to devote at least one hour a day to learning, experimenting, and reflecting. Here's how to make it work for you.
Crows are self-aware just like us, says new study
Crows and the rest of the corvid family keep turning out to be smarter and smarter. A corvid's pallium has more neurons than a great ape's.
Potential cause of unexplained epilepsy cases uncovered
University of Arizona researchers have uncovered a protein that might be behind some epilepsy cases with currently unknown causes.
After death, you’re aware that you’ve died, say scientists
How can we know that we're dead after we die? Some evidence attributes a certain neurological phenomenon to a near death experience.
Psychedelic research returns to Veterans Affairs
After decades, the Department of Veterans Affairs is once again investigating psychedelic therapies.
Two FDA-approved drugs may improve Alzheimer’s symptoms
A retrospective study found that Alzheimer’s symptoms improved in patients who took two FDA-approved drugs that treat psychiatric disorders.
Yale study of DMT for depression is encouraging
Yale researchers have conducted a small study finding DMT is safe and tolerable enough for more research.
Discovery reveals how scary memories stick
Researchers believe they may have discovered the mechanism behind fear’s sticking power in our memory.
Magnetic robot can save lives after a brain hemorrhage
Researchers have developed a microbot-containing, magnetically controlled catheter for removing blood from brain hemorrhages.
Is our world ready for mind-controllable robotic body parts?
Advanced neuroprosthetics are here, and they could hook our brains into the Internet of Things.
Stimulating deep sleep may improve brain health, memory, and mood
Researchers are trying to harness deep sleep to bolster the glymphatic system, which helps flush brain tissue.
This already-approved drug could help repair the brain after stroke
Ohio State researchers have found that an already approved anticonvulsant drug helps increase stroke recovery in mice.
Can your mind ever “own” an extra body part?
A robotic finger can feel like a part of our hand after just a short time using it, suggesting that our brains can "own" extra body parts.
How a healthy sex life can help minimize depression and anxiety symptoms
When you struggle with anxiety or depression, sex may be the last thing on your mind. But it can be a tool for well-being.
Brain infusions from younger mice revive memory in older ones
Stanford researchers have found that an infusion of cerebrospinal fluid from young mice improves the memory of old ones.
‘Mad honey’: The rare hallucinogen from the mountains of Nepal
On the mountainsides of Nepal and Turkey, bees sometimes produce a strange and dangerous concoction: mad honey.
Neuralink rival will soon test brain implant in US clinical trials
It's the first time the FDA has approved clinical trials for a brain-computer interface.
Genes from over 5,000 stroke patients hint at surprising treatment
A study of nearly 6,000 stroke patient genomes suggests a treatment idea abandoned for decades should get a second look.
World’s smallest DBS device reverses Parkinson’s symptoms
An ultra-small deep brain stimulation (DBS) device could increase the number of Parkinson’s patients to receive the powerful treatment.
We overwash our bodies because bad odors are uniquely disgusting
Overwashing is bad for skin health, but many people do it anyway. One reason is that our brains intimately associate stink with disgust.
Stanford scientists can control specific brain cells at a distance
Using infrared light and a Nobel Prize-winning molecule that detects chili pepper heat, researchers can control brain cells from a distance.
In a hole in Earth’s magnetic field, neuroscientists are peering into the human brain
By using quantum physics to measure magnetic fields, researchers are pushing closer to measuring the brain in ways we couldn't before.
Brain implant lets man with locked-in syndrome share thoughts
A man with total locked-in syndrome has used a brain-computer interface to spell out sentences with his mind.
Michio Kaku makes 3 predictions about the future
Dr. Michio Kaku on what is likely and what is possible provides a stimulating vision of the future.
Newly discovered types of brain cells may hold the key to memory
Researchers believe they have discovered two new types of brain cells that play a key role in memory.
Clues to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder hidden in the dark genome
A new study suggests that the causes of these disorders are hidden in "dark genes," which may account for the enigma of their development.
Psychosomatic illness: Are some diseases caused by our memories?
The brain appears to remember immune responses, and memories can trigger them to happen again.
Magnetic “seed” heats and kills tumors in new cancer therapy
A novel cancer therapy uses a magnetic “seed” to precisely target and kill brain tumor cells without the need for open brain surgery.
Cataract surgery associated with lower risk of dementia
In a new study of thousands of patients, those who had cataract surgery had a reduction in dementia risk.
Here is how your brain understands one voice in a crowd
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered fresh insight into how the brain might deliberately hear one speaker while shutting out or ignoring another.
Researchers are testing neural stimulation as a long COVID treatment
Small pilot trials of two different types of external electrical brain stimulation suggest the technique may work as a long COVID treatment.
What the ancient, alien jellyfish can tell us about the human brain
The jellyfish nervous system, revealed by glowing genes, may help unlock the secrets of how our own brain evolved.
The DMT ‘elves’ people meet while tripping
Why do so many people encounter these 'elves' after smoking large doses of DMT?
How music can rewire the brain after an injury
MedRhythms, an experimental digital therapy combines sensors and music to help people with Parkinson's disease walk.
Scientists relieve depression with magnetic brain stimulation
Researchers at Stanford University believe they've developed an effective and quick-acting technique to treat challenging cases of depression — using magnetic brain stimulation.
Mini brains grown in the lab sprout primitive “eyes”
Researchers have grown mini brains with light-sensitive eye structures that could lead to breakthrough treatments for vision disorders.
How a brain implant can stop pain instantly (in rats)
A new brain implant can instantly detect pain signals and provide bursts of stimulation that are pain-relieving. Researchers have shown it to be successful in rodents.
Implantable “neurograins” may be the key to mind-controlled tech
A new kind of brain-computer interface uses tiny neural implants called “neurograins” to record brain activity in rats.
Fecal transplants reverse aging in brains of old mice
Fecal transplants from younger to older mice appear to reverse aging in the brains of the seniors, improving their memories and cognition.
Already-approved ALS drug may help Alzheimer’s patients
A small phase 2 study has found evidence that ALS medication riluzole may have potential as a drug for Alzheimer’s.
First neuron-level map of a monkey brain revealed
The first neuron-level 3D image of an entire macaque monkey brain could have a major impact on the world of neuroscience.
Researchers have created a brain sensor swarm
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed an injectable swarm of nanosenors they hope will measure the brain noninvasively.
Helmet worn at home shrank man’s brain tumor by a third
A new brain tumor treatment shrank a man’s aggressive glioblastoma tumor by nearly a third — and all he had to do was wear a helmet at home.
Neuroprosthesis lets paralyzed man “speak” whole words again
An experimental neuroprosthesis that translates brain activity into words on a computer screen has given a paralyzed man back his “voice.”
Scientists call Alzheimer’s amyloid theory into question
What if amyloid plaques are not the cause of Alzheimer’s, but instead a symptom? New research suggests restoring liquid amyloid may be key.
These mind-reading helmets could be a Fitbit for your brain
Kernel has developed two mind-reading helmets that record the same brain activity data as massive, million-dollar machines, but cost just $100,000.
Treatment appears to stop Alzheimer's in monkeys
NYU researchers have modified monkey’s immune system to slow their equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease and improve their cognition.
Urine test for brain cancer detects tumors of any size
A new urine test for brain cancer analyzed microRNAs to correctly identify 100% of patients with brain tumors, regardless of their tumor’s size.
Two opposite kinds of stroke. One promising treatment.
A new stroke treatment could give doctors a way to help victims sooner, improving their chances of avoiding permanent brain damage.
Old dogs are helping scientists combat human aging
By studying donated tissues stored in a pet dog biobank, researchers have uncovered a genetic link between brain aging in canines and humans.
New brain-computer interface turns mental handwriting into text
A new brain-computer interface translated a paralyzed man’s “mental handwriting” into text on a computer screen.
Four types of Alzheimer’s discovered in international study
A study has identified four distinct types of Alzheimer’s disease, based on how the tau protein spreads in patients’ brains.
These brain-sensing headphones could help you focus
Boston startup Neurable is now accepting preorders for Enten, brain-sensing headphones that use EEG data to help users’ maximize their focus.
Neuroscientists are making "bug brain soup"
A novel method for counting neurons that involves mashing insects’ brains into a “soup” has led to several new discoveries about bugs.
FDA authorizes mind-controlled exoskeleton for stroke rehab
Neurolutions’ IpsiHand — a brain-computer interface that uses an exoskeleton to assist with stroke rehab — has been authorized by the FDA.
Scientists may have figured out how to fight prion disease
Researchers believe they have found a spot on a mutated prion protein that can lead to brain-spongifying disease.
Injectable “glue” helps heal traumatic brain injury in rats
By injecting a “brain glue” into rats, researchers were able to speed up their recovery after a traumatic brain injury.
Deep brain stimulation: explained
Deep brain stimulation is being studied as a treatment for any number of neurological and psychological conditions. But what is it, exactly?
Wireless brain-computer interface moves out of the lab
A new wireless brain-computer interface was able to record and transmit brain signals as effectively as the “gold standard” wired systems.
AI uses sound waves to read the minds of monkeys
Functional ultrasound tech can be used to map the brain activity of monkeys, suggesting it might be useful for future brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers have built a mini-lab for mini-brains
Researchers have created a “tiny machine” to better study brain organoids, clumps of stem cells that simulate the brain.
Brain mapping: Explained
The brain is a difficult place to work. How can brain mapping help open the black box between your ears?
Is free will an illusion?
In partnership with John Templeton Foundation
Philosophers have been making the claim that free will is an illusion for hundreds of years. What does modern neuroscience have to say about it?
Help scientists figure out whether brain training apps work
To figure out how people might benefit from brain training apps, researchers are looking for 30,000 volunteers willing to play brain games science.
New brain implant reads minds from inside a blood vessel
A first-of-its-kind neural interface called the Stentrode sits in a blood vessel in the brain, picking up signals it can wirelessly transmit to a computer.
Left-handed people are “left-out” of brain research
Left-handed people are systematically excluded from brain research, due to an archaic doctrine. These neuroscientists want that to change.
New blood test for Alzheimer’s is as accurate as brain scans
A new blood test for Alzheimer’s is as accurate as the costly, invasive, and time-consuming methods currently used to detect the disease.
AI beats neurologists at making Alzheimer's diagnosis
Scientists have created an AI capable of making an Alzheimer’s diagnosis that’s more accurate than the one delivered by a group of neurologists.
CBD slows growth of brain cancer cells in a Petri dish
The cannabis compound CBD can slow the growth of brain cancer cells, but it’s a long way from a new cancer treatment.
New VR system uses strings to provide haptic feedback
Wireality is a new device that provides haptic feedback for someone using a VR system by pulling on their fingers and wrist with a series of strings.
Using Ebola to fight brain cancer
A lab-altered Ebola virus can hunt human brain cancer cells without killing healthy cells.
Brain implant restores sense of touch in man with paralysis
Researchers have used a brain implant to help a man with paralysis both move his arm again and regain a sense of touch.
Scientists are developing brain implants that improve memory
New research sheds hope for sufferers of traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s, and for all of us, old age.
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, Tourette’s
Deep brain stimulation surgeries have the power to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, and other involuntary movement disorders.
Diving deep into the brain to measure neurotransmitters
Researchers are taking the first measurements of neurotransmitters in active human brains, using computational psychiatry to understand how the mind works.
Addict-turned-neuroscientist on addiction and the brain
In our interview with neuroscientist Judith Grisel, she discusses the state of research on addiction and the brain, as well as society’s view of addicts.
Scientists grew a mini brain in a lab. It has human-like brain waves.
For the first time, a lab-grown mini brain has brain waves. Researchers can now launch new ways to study brain disorders. But the question of consciousness in the brain-like organoid could raise concern.
Is autism a mysterious medical condition or part of the spectrum of human diversity?
Rethinking Autism: Interview with NeuroTribes Author Steve Silberman
Can people with autism help create next-generation AI?
Daivergent is a new startup that hires people with autism to train artificial intelligence - and helps them start independent careers.
A new kind of headset “hears” words you don’t say
The project, named AlterEgo, intentionally crosses the line between what's "out there" and what's in your head.
The gut microbiome affects brain structure
What happens in your gut in childhood can change how your brain works later in life.
A new brain surgery robot can work inside an MRI
Metal robots and electric motors don't normally play well with giant magnets.
Neuroscientists want to beam experiences directly into your brain
It's a breakthrough for the blind and paralyzed, not the first step toward the Matrix. (Promise.)
A prosthetic memory can help you remember
Scientists have figured out how to hack the brain's memory.
Conor Russomanno on exploring our limits
Could linking our brains to computers allow the mind to control the world outside of our bodies?
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Superhuman
Open sourcing the brain
Open BCI has developed a 3D-printed headset that allows your brain to interact with computers in amazing ways.