Summary: New research shows individual neurons in the hippocampus can track slow theta and fast gamma brain rhythms at the same time by switching their firing patterns. This phenomenon, called interleaved resonance, enables single cells to carry layered information: bursts of spikes align with theta-frequency inputs, while isolated spikes resonate with gamma-frequency inputs. These results … Read more

Summary: Researchers have developed a standardized library of mouse embryonic stem cells carrying 63 genetic variants strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a combination of precise CRISPR gene editing and established stem cell techniques, the team produced both diverse cell types and live mice with these modifications, enabling consistent study of ASD-related changes … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that the SLK protein is a key regulator of neuronal excitability and sensitivity. Source: University of Bonn Neurons are capable of adjusting their responsiveness to incoming signals on their own. A new study led by the University of Bonn identifies a molecular mechanism that enables this autonomous tuning. Researchers from the German … Read more

Summary: A new systematic review examined how medications used to treat bipolar disorder interact with the gut microbiome, revealing meaningful links between treatment response and gut microbial composition. The authors analyzed 12 studies that compared the gut microbiomes of medicated, unmedicated and healthy individuals to explore how psychotropic drugs and the gut-brain axis may influence … Read more

Summary: Survival is often framed as an individual struggle, but new research shows that social species can operate as a single, self-regulating system. When one member’s social drive falters, the group adapts to preserve the collective’s wellbeing. A UCLA study finds that the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s decision-making and social-evaluation center—does more than monitor an individual’s … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that genetic variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show evidence of positive selection during human evolution and may have contributed to enhanced cognitive traits. Source: Yale. New research indicates that some genetic variants linked to autism spectrum disorder may have been favored in human evolution because they also support higher cognitive … Read more

Summary: Researchers have demonstrated that MR-guided focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly open the blood-brain barrier in people with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a non-invasive route to deliver therapies to the brain. Source: University of Ontario Focused ultrasound safely opens the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s patients In the first peer-reviewed report of its kind, researchers at … Read more

Gene mutations that disrupt cell signaling during embryonic development and cause major birth defects may also produce more subtle brain alterations that contribute to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder, according to new research from scientists at the University of California, San Francisco. Researchers in the laboratory of psychiatrist Benjamin Cheyette, MD, … Read more

Summary: Lower brain levels of FAAH, the enzyme that breaks down the endocannabinoid anandamide (which activates the cannabinoid 1 receptor), may help sustain excessive alcohol use and increase vulnerability to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Source: Elsevier Heavy drinking during young adulthood raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), the most common substance use … Read more

Summary: New analysis of school records shows that about one in 57 children in England (1.76%) is on the autism spectrum—higher than earlier estimates. The study also found differences in diagnosis rates across ethnic groups and that autistic children are more likely to experience social disadvantage. Source: University of Cambridge A comprehensive study of more … Read more