Summary: The genes GRB10 and ABTB1 influence nutrient-sensing pathways and are linked to memory performance. Researchers propose these genes may be molecular connectors between diet, the aging of neural stem cells, and cognitive ability. Source: King’s College London Researchers combined laboratory experiments on human neural stem cells (NSCs) with epidemiological analysis of over 2,000 people … Read more

Summary: Researchers applied artificial intelligence (AI) to track how infants shift from seemingly random movements to intentional actions. Using motion capture data from a classic baby-mobile experiment, AI models—especially a deep learning model called 2D-CapsNet—successfully classified infant movement patterns and revealed that changes in foot movement are the clearest sign infants are learning to affect … Read more

Summary: Researchers show that the sleeping brain continues to monitor sounds in the environment and selectively amplifies meaningful speech during light sleep. This selective listening may help keep us safe and allow us to wake at the appropriate moment. Source: Monash University. Research teams from the CNRS and ENS Paris, together with Monash University (Australia), … Read more

Summary: Loss of the sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia) is a frequent early sign of Parkinson’s disease and can appear years before motor symptoms. New anatomical findings help explain why smell deteriorates in people with Parkinson’s. Source: University of Auckland Researchers identify an anatomical deficit in the olfactory bulb linked to smell loss in … Read more

Summary: A large Australian study suggests that actively challenging the mind through literacy and problem-solving tasks is linked to a larger reduction in dementia risk for older adults than socializing or pursuing passive creative hobbies. Researchers analyzed data from 10,318 Australians aged 70 and older and found that regular engagement in activities that demand mental … Read more

Summary: Researchers at Penn State have developed the Genetic Progression Score (GPS), an AI-driven method that integrates genetic studies and electronic health record (EHR) data to predict which individuals with preclinical autoimmune symptoms will progress to full disease. By combining genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics with biobank data using a transfer-learning approach, GPS improves … Read more

Summary: A new USC-led study links age-related increases in distractibility to changes in the locus coeruleus, a small brainstem region that helps sharpen attention under stress or emotional arousal. The findings help explain why older adults can struggle to focus when aroused or stressed. Source: USC Older adults become more prone to distraction when emotionally … Read more

Summary: A new study from UT Arlington finds that using reminders can offset age-related declines in memory, particularly for prospective memory tasks such as taking medication or keeping appointments. The research shows that reminders improve performance for both younger and older adults when cognitive load is high, suggesting practical digital solutions can help older adults … Read more

Scientists develop prosthesis to bypass brain damage by re-encoding memories Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a neuroprosthetic device designed to help people with memory loss. The implantable system, based on a small array of electrodes and an advanced computational algorithm, has shown promising results … Read more

Summary: Short-term, high-protein dietary periods were linked with instability in the gut microbiome, which appears to correspond with reduced endurance performance in elite athletes. Source: Anglia Ruskin University New research indicates that instability in the gut microbiome may undermine performance in highly trained endurance athletes, and that short-term high-protein diets are associated with such instability. … Read more