Cardiovascular Risk Factors Linked to Smaller Brain Regions Associated with Early Alzheimer’s and Dementia Risk Specific cardiovascular risk factors—such as alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and diabetes—are associated with smaller volumes in distinct brain regions that may serve as early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to a study published in Radiology. “We already know … Read more

Is Your Smile Male or Female? AI Uses Smile Dynamics to Recognize Gender Summary: Researchers at the University of Bradford developed an AI system that can infer a person’s gender from the dynamic movement of a smile. Their findings indicate that female smiles tend to be wider and more expansive than male smiles. Source: University … Read more

Summary: Young children in this study showed stronger preferences for urban scenes, while older children increasingly favored natural environments. The findings indicate that an affinity for nature appears to develop gradually across childhood rather than being present from an early age. Source: University of Chicago Introduction Imagine two scenes: a quiet lake framed by snow-capped … Read more

Summary: A cerebral organoid enables researchers to monitor dynamic changes in calcium signaling and to visualize the coordinated activity of large groups of cells. Source: Cell Press Cerebral organoids are three-dimensional, lab-grown tissue cultures that replicate many features of the developing human brain. Researchers in Japan report a new functional analysis method for neural networks … Read more

Summary: Immersive virtual reality can reduce painful sensations associated with nerve injury and strengthen the body’s own pain‑inhibiting mechanisms. Source: University of Plymouth People experience pain in different ways, and those with nerve damage often develop impaired pain‑suppression systems that make everyday sensations painful or unpleasant. New research finds that virtual reality (VR) can reduce … Read more

Summary: Researchers have completed the most comprehensive analysis to date of genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic alterations in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. By examining over 2 million cells from roughly 400 postmortem samples, the team mapped detailed molecular changes that underlie the disorder. These studies reveal a complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that several FDA-approved artificial sweeteners and some sports supplements can be toxic to gut bacteria. Researchers report that exposure to certain concentrations of these sweeteners alters microbial activity, a change that could be linked to a variety of health concerns. Source: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Study overview Researchers at … Read more

Summary: Bartonella infection may contribute to progressive psychiatric symptoms associated with schizophrenia and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) in a subset of patients. Source: North Carolina State University In a recent case study, researchers at North Carolina State University describe an adolescent initially diagnosed with sudden-onset schizophrenia who was ultimately found to have a Bartonella … Read more

Summary: A novel regenerative therapy uses small molecules to instruct progenitor cells derived from inner-ear stem cells to produce new sensory hair cells in the cochlea, with the goal of restoring hearing. Source: MIT Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide and brings more than reduced sound perception. It can cause social isolation, increased frustration, … Read more

Summary: UV exposure and certain mosquito-transmitted viruses activate the inflammasome sensor NLRP1 via the p38 signaling pathway, driving inflammatory responses in the skin. Source: University of Bonn The skin, our body’s largest organ, acts as a frontline barrier against environmental stressors and pathogens. When that barrier is damaged—by excessive UV exposure or by infections—painful inflammation … Read more