Summary: A new study examining variability of symptoms in children with autism found that exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with greater symptom severity in some children. Source: University of Washington Researchers say the findings support careful adherence to FDA guidance on prenatal ultrasound A team of researchers from … Read more

Summary: We are all susceptible to conspiratorial thinking when our identity feels threatened and our emotions run high. Source: NTNU Joe Biden is the president of the United States, yet half of the country’s Republicans believe the election was stolen. Conspiracy theories are widespread on the other side of the Atlantic, but they are not … Read more

Summary: Older adults classified as “superagers” show stronger functional connectivity in both the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN) compared with typical older adults, and their connectivity resembles that seen in young adults. Superagers also outperform typical older adults and perform similarly to young adults on recognition and episodic memory tasks. Source: … Read more

Summary: Researchers describe a possible new syndrome in infants whose mothers used fentanyl during pregnancy, characterized by distinctive facial features, small head size (microcephaly), short stature, and a range of congenital anomalies. A clinical team at Nemours Children’s Hospital observed a pattern of similar features in newborns referred for feeding difficulties or complex neonatal care. … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified an early immune response in people who carry genetic mutations that predispose them to Alzheimer’s disease. Source: DZNE. Immune cells in the brain become active years before symptoms of dementia appear Scientists at the Munich site of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) hospital … Read more

Summary: Engineering natural killer (NK) cells to resist immune suppression may enable NK cell–based immunotherapies for glioblastoma by preventing tumor stem cells from blocking NK activity. Source: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Preclinical research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shows that glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) can be recognized by natural killer (NK) … Read more

How SYT1 Mutations Disrupt Neurotransmission and a Possible Treatment Path Summary: New research explains how mutations in the synaptotagmin-1 (syt1) protein impair neurotransmitter release and cause a rare condition called syt1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder. Mutations in the SYT1 gene reduce the protein’s sensitivity to calcium, and researchers identify a potential drug-based strategy to partially compensate for … Read more

Summary: New research published in Science shows that glial cells play a crucial role in coordinating nerve cell development in the brain. Source: NYU Biologists have discovered an unexpected driver of brain development: glial cells. This finding changes how scientists understand the timing and coordination of nerve cell formation across different brain regions. Published in … Read more

Summary: Gut microbes that metabolize tryptophan release indoles that promote the generation of new neurons in the adult brain, with implications for memory, aging and repair after injury. Source: Singhealth Researchers from an international consortium have identified a direct biochemical link between gut microbes and the birth of new nerve cells in the adult brain. … Read more

Summary: Practical tips from a psychiatrist on developing a healthier, more positive self-image. Source: Baylor. How to Improve Body Confidence and Build a Positive Self-Image Many people struggle with self-acceptance and how they feel about their bodies. Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of … Read more