Summary: A new study examines whether people with musical training are better at understanding vocoded speech—a degraded form of speech that models what cochlear implant users hear—than those without musical experience. Source: Acoustical Society of America. Cochlear implants are widely used to treat sensorineural hearing loss by electrically stimulating auditory nerve fibers via an electrode … Read more

MRI study links reading to young children with measurable brain activity tied to early literacy Many parenting guidelines recommend reading aloud to infants and toddlers, with the aim of supporting language growth and preparing children for reading. New research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) now provides evidence that shared book reading in the preschool … Read more

Summary: A recent study used the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as a controlled scientific probe to examine how psychedelics change brain dynamics and disrupt the sense of self. The researchers found that DMT suppresses alpha-band activity and pushes brain activity away from a balanced, near-critical state — a balance thought to support coherent, time-extended self-awareness. These … Read more

Summary: In older adults, major depression is associated with accelerated mitochondrial aging. Source: UConn Depression often saps energy and motivation. In older adults, new research suggests a biological explanation: major depression is linked to deterioration of mitochondria, the tiny energy-producing structures inside cells. Mitochondria serve several vital roles in cells, foremost among them generating the … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that harmful plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease may accumulate in the brain as a result of high blood pressure combined with reduced cerebral blood flow. Source: USC Dornsife. USC researchers will investigate whether this early warning sign could be addressed using drugs already approved for other conditions. USC scientists have identified a … Read more

Summary: A large new analysis finds that people who have used classic psychedelics are significantly less likely to engage in antisocial or criminal behavior. By contrast, lifetime use of many other illicit substances is associated with an increased likelihood of criminal activity. Source: University of Alabama at Birmingham. Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms), … Read more

Summary: Higher dietary intake of antioxidant flavonols is associated with a slower rate of memory and overall cognitive decline in older adults, according to new research. Source: AAN A large observational study reports that people who consume more foods and beverages rich in flavonols—antioxidant compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, tea and some wines—tend to … Read more

If you struggle to stick to a diet, researchers at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus say the culprit may be hunger-sensitive brain cells called AGRP neurons. New experiments show these cells produce aversive feelings that compel animals — including people — to seek food, helping explain why snacking can feel irresistible. Hunger often feels unpleasant, and … Read more

Summary: Researchers are developing a wearable system designed to detect subtle motor delays—one of the earliest and most frequently missed signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over five years, the project will test miniature sensors, similar to fitness trackers, that record infants’ natural movements at home to enable earlier identification and referral to intervention. By … Read more

Stony Brook-led fMRI study identifies brain activity patterns linked to childhood social reticence, pointing toward prevention of later anxiety In a brain imaging study of children with high social reticence, elevated activity appears in the left and right insula, regions involved in processing salience and distress. Image adapted from the Stony Brook press release. A … Read more