Summary: A new study shows that a specially designed, child-friendly action video game can help develop children’s reading skills by boosting attention and other executive functions involved in literacy. Source: University of Geneva Decoding letters into sounds is essential when learning to read, but it is not sufficient on its own. “Reading draws on several … Read more

Summary: A new study clarifies how astrocytes contribute to neurodegeneration across multiple diseases. Source: University of Melbourne. Astrocytes illuminate mechanisms of neurodegeneration across many disorders Recent research reveals how astrocytes—glial cells usually essential for healthy brain function—can become damaging after injury or in disease and contribute to the death of neurons and other central nervous … Read more

Summary: Scientists have identified a reliable brain biomarker that signals recovery from treatment-resistant depression during deep brain stimulation (DBS). This discovery sheds light on how DBS produces sustained antidepressant effects and offers a way to track treatment progress objectively. Using explainable artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze recordings from implanted DBS devices, researchers detected consistent shifts … Read more

Whitehead Institute researchers have used a discovery platform that spans baker’s yeast to human stem cell–derived neurons to pinpoint a new drug target for Parkinson’s disease and a compound that repairs neurons from patients with the disease. The platform and its capabilities are described in two papers published this week in Science. By combining simple … Read more

Summary: Artificial intelligence models trained on MRI scans can now distinguish brain tumors from healthy tissue with high accuracy, approaching human performance. By combining convolutional neural networks with transfer learning—specifically training on camouflage detection tasks—researchers enhanced the models’ ability to detect tumors in brain MRIs. The study places strong emphasis on explainability, giving the AI … Read more

Summary: Researchers show that silver and zinc oxide nanomaterials can traverse an in vitro blood–brain barrier model as both intact particles and dissolved ions, with their shape and composition influencing passage and potential neurological effects. Source: University of Birmingham Metal-based nanomaterials used in consumer and health-care products can move from the blood side to the … Read more

Summary: Gastrointestinal symptoms, when accompanied by fever or a history of exposure to COVID-19, may signal coronavirus infection in children. Source: Frontiers Key finding: A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics recommends that children who present with vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal complaints—especially when they also have a fever or a known exposure to the … Read more

Summary: The World Health Organization has added “gaming disorder” to its classification of diseases. Researchers say only a small share of gamers meet the strict criteria for diagnosis. This article reviews what the diagnosis means, why many young people play intensively, and practical advice for parents concerned about their child’s gaming. Source: The Conversation. Could … Read more

Summary: A recent Harris Poll conducted for the University of Phoenix finds that many Americans are worried about their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. Two in five report heightened anxiety, more than two-thirds feel a loss of control, yet many also express gratitude and hope about the future. Source: University of Phoenix University of … Read more

Summary: Researchers report evidence that newly identified protein assemblies in neuronal nuclei may play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease and could prompt hypotheses beyond the classical amyloid model. Source: RUB. Key factors that promote formation of potentially toxic nuclear structures in Alzheimer’s disease Researchers led by Dr. Thorsten Müller of the Cell Signaling in … Read more