Psilocybin Rewire Brain Circuits Tied to Pain and Mood
Summary: New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, can reduce both chronic pain and pain-related depression by modulating brain circuits rather than acting at the site of injury. In mouse studies, a single dose provided pain relief and mood benefits lasting nearly two weeks by targeting the anterior cingulate cortex. Unlike […]
From Cancer to Alzheimer’s: Decoding RNA-Protein Signals
Summary: Scientists have created a breakthrough technology that reveals the entire network of RNA-protein interactions in human cells, offering new insights into how diseases develop. The method freezes and tags RNAs and proteins as they touch, turning them into unique DNA barcodes that can be decoded with sequencing. In tests, the system uncovered more than […]
Dietary RNA Molecules May Hold the Key to Slowing Cellular Aging
Summary: Living longer doesn’t always mean living healthier, and researchers are exploring how diet can extend healthspan. A study in worms shows that specific dietary RNA molecules protect cells from harmful protein build-up, a major driver of aging and age-related disease. These RNAs activate stress responses and autophagy, enhancing resilience and slowing cellular aging across […]
ALS May Be an Autoimmune Disease
Summary: A groundbreaking study has shown that ALS may actually be an autoimmune disease. Researchers discovered that CD4+ T cells attack neuron-associated proteins, driving rapid disease progression. Crucially, patients with more anti-inflammatory T cells survived significantly longer, revealing a protective immune response. These findings not only reframe ALS but also point to new treatment strategies […]
Early vs. Late Autism Diagnoses Linked to Distinct Genetic Profiles
Summary: A large-scale international study has revealed that autism diagnosed in early childhood is genetically and developmentally distinct from autism diagnosed later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 45,000 autistic individuals and found that early-diagnosed children often show social and behavioral difficulties from a very young age. In contrast, later-diagnosed individuals tend to experience […]
Pianists Can Shape Piano Timbre Through Touch
Summary: A new study has scientifically confirmed that pianists can change piano timbre mid-performance through touch alone. Using high-speed sensors, researchers captured key movements and showed that subtle differences in motion aligned with the timbre that listeners perceived. The findings prove that timbre manipulation isn’t just a metaphor, but a skill rooted in precise motor […]
Psilocybin Worsens Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Summary: New research shows psilocybin, often studied as a treatment for mental health disorders, may worsen symptoms of postpartum depression in mice. Mothers given the drug showed more anxiety, avoidance of their pups, and lasting depressive-like behaviors. Even more concerning, offspring of treated mothers developed long-term anxiety and depression-like symptoms, likely due to psilocin passing […]
Brain-Inspired Chip Learns and Adapts Like Neurons, Cuts Energy Use
Summary: Scientists have developed a brain-inspired semiconductor that can adjust its responses based on experience, much like human neurons do through “intrinsic plasticity.” Called the “Frequency Switching Neuristor,” the device combines two types of memristors to regulate spiking frequency, enabling it to learn and adapt autonomously. Simulations showed the technology reduced energy consumption by 27.7% […]
Income Inequality Reshapes Children’s Brains and Mental Health
Summary: A large-scale neuroimaging study of over 10,000 U.S. children reveals that income inequality in society is tied to structural and functional brain changes that predict poorer mental health outcomes. Unlike individual family income, societal inequality impacts children across socioeconomic groups, suggesting that social environments exert powerful biological effects. Brain scans showed reduced cortical surface […]
Facial Movements Reveal Hidden Thoughts
Summary: A groundbreaking study shows that mice’s facial movements can reveal their problem-solving strategies, offering a non-invasive way to infer hidden thoughts. Researchers found that analyzing subtle facial cues was just as informative as tracking neural activity, suggesting that the mind leaves visible traces on the face. The similarity of patterns across different mice indicates […]