Summary: New research shows that transposable elements (TEs)—previously labeled “junk” DNA—played a central role in the evolution of the mammalian brain by expanding gene regulatory networks active during neural development. The study demonstrates that mobile DNA sequences spread binding sites for key transcription factors, expanding regulatory modules that guide stem cells into neuronal lineages. These … Read more

Summary: New evidence from Pennington Biomedical shows that combining obesity medications—specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists—with a digital behavioral weight-management program produces a larger and faster reduction in persistent, intrusive thoughts about food, commonly referred to as “food noise,” than behavioral treatment alone. This observational cohort study provides the first empirical data supporting widespread anecdotal reports that … Read more

Summary: New research shows that transposable elements (TEs) — long labeled “junk” DNA — played a crucial role in shaping gene regulation during the evolution of the mammalian brain. These mobile DNA sequences spread binding sites for key transcription factors during neural development, expanding regulatory networks that guide neuronal differentiation. The findings could improve methods … Read more

Summary: Global dementia cases are projected to reach 139 million by 2050. To accelerate prevention and treatment efforts, researchers at Texas A&M have received $1.325 million in seed grants to advance studies focused on environmental drivers of cognitive decline and novel therapies. A recent study investigates how environmental stressors — in particular disruption of the … Read more

Summary: New research indicates that combining obesity medications—specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)—with a structured behavioral weight management program leads to a substantially larger reduction in “food noise” than behavioral therapy alone. This study provides the first empirical evidence supporting widespread anecdotal reports that GLP-1 RAs can quiet the persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that … Read more

Summary: Researchers have produced the first multiscale atlas of the brain’s histamine system, connecting genetics, molecular biology, brain imaging, and behavior. While histamine is widely known for its role in allergic reactions, this study shows it also functions as a key neurotransmitter involved in emotional regulation, sleep, attention, and memory. The new map offers a … Read more

Summary: Global dementia cases are projected to reach 139 million by 2050. To accelerate prevention and treatment research, Texas A&M’s Dementia & Alzheimer’s Research Initiative (DARI) awarded $1.325 million in seed grants to support 11 projects. One of these projects is investigating how disrupted circadian rhythms harm the brain’s immune system and whether a novel … Read more

Summary: Uncertainty commonly triggers anxiety, and people with higher autistic traits often feel this more intensely. New research from Nagoya University suggests that labeling emotions—putting feelings into words—can be an effective coping strategy. Providing the right vocabulary to describe distress appears to reduce anxiety driven by unpredictable situations. The study indicates that helping someone identify … Read more

Summary: Researchers have produced the first multiscale atlas of the brain’s histamine system, linking molecular biology and genetics to neuroimaging and behavior. Although histamine is well known for its role in allergic reactions, this work emphasizes its important but underappreciated role as a neurotransmitter that modulates emotion, sleep, memory and cognitive control. These results offer … Read more

Summary: New research shows that the developmental stage when trauma occurs matters more than the specific type of trauma in shaping long-term behavioral outcomes. The study identifies discrete vulnerability windows during brain development when traumatic events leave lasting imprints on neural circuits, producing different adult symptoms such as social withdrawal, aggression, or anxiety. Using a … Read more