Summary: Classical psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline are best known for activating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, but new research shows their actions are far more complex. In a comprehensive profiling study, researchers tested 41 psychedelic compounds against more than 300 human receptors and found strong activity not only at serotonin sites but also … Read more

Summary: A systematic meta-analysis of gene expression studies in humans and rodents identifies key biological pathways linked to response to the SSRI fluoxetine. The work highlights immune-related networks—especially toll-like receptor signaling—and neural signal transduction mechanisms that distinguish responders from non-responders, while also revealing consistent changes in protein metabolism and GABAergic signaling following treatment. These findings … Read more

Summary: Decision-making is often shaped by trial and error, yet many traditional models assume people and animals always act optimally based on past outcomes. A new study uses very small, interpretable artificial neural networks to reveal how individuals actually make choices—highlighting systematic, but frequently suboptimal, strategies used in real settings. These compact models predict individual … Read more

Summary: The brain remains highly active during sleep, and detailed mapping of that activity can reveal early signs of neurological and sleep disorders. Using rare intracranial EEG data, researchers refined computational techniques to distinguish functional regions of the cerebral cortex by their characteristic electrical signatures, even when the brain is at rest. These results suggest … Read more

Summary: The anterior temporal lobe (ATL) is a central hub for interpreting social hierarchies and facial emotions, and new neuroimaging work links its function to anxiety and mood processes. By applying improved imaging methods, researchers overcame previous technical obstacles and found robust ATL engagement when people make social or emotional judgments. The study suggests that … Read more

Summary: New research reveals that neurons maintain their own glycogen stores, acting as internal “backup batteries” that help preserve brain function during periods of metabolic stress. Using the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans and advanced fluorescent biosensors, scientists tracked how neurons tap glycogen reserves when oxygen levels drop or mitochondrial activity is impaired. This form of metabolic … Read more

Summary: The brain continually balances attention between incoming sensory information and internally generated mental representations such as memories, plans, and thoughts. This ability to alternate smoothly is essential for flexible behavior, but the mechanisms that enable these transitions are only beginning to be understood. Recent studies reveal both overlapping and distinct neural systems that support … Read more

Summary: A new study from Keio University shows that the “sight-over-sound” effect—where visual information can outweigh audio when people judge musical performances—depends strongly on the listener’s musical background. Using recordings from Japanese high school brass band competitions, researchers found that general musicians often relied more on visual cues, while brass band specialists evaluated performances more … Read more

Summary: New research finds that elevated glutamate-glutamine (Glx) levels in the anterior insular cortex (AIC) are linked to greater sensitivity to mistakes and to higher symptoms of anxiety and depression. Using functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) together with reinforcement-learning tasks, investigators showed that higher resting AIC Glx predicted a general internalizing symptom score, and that … Read more

Summary: Recent research highlights how certain parasitic infections can alter brain chemistry and behavior in humans. Parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii influence neurotransmitter systems and immune signaling, and have been associated with increased risk-taking, impulsivity, and aggression in some studies. These behavioral shifts may benefit the parasite by promoting actions that increase its chances of … Read more