Summary: Researchers describe the brain mechanisms that explain why some people do not find music pleasurable. Source: IDIBELL-UB. New research reveals brain mechanisms linked to a reduced sensitivity to music Researchers from the Cognition and Cerebral Plasticity group at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Barcelona (IDIBELL-UB), together with collaborators from McGill … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that neuregulin 3, a protein found at elevated levels in people with schizophrenia, suppresses the assembly of a protein complex essential for efficient neural communication, impairing glutamate release. Source: Case Western Reserve. An international team identifies how neuregulin 3 disrupts glutamate signaling in schizophrenia Researchers led by scientists at Case Western Reserve … Read more

Summary: Thirty years ago, Robin Dunbar proposed that humans naturally maintain a core social group of about 150 people, including roughly five very close friendships. Despite repeated challenges, Dunbar’s Number remains supported by a growing body of evidence from anthropology, social data and neuroscience. Robin Dunbar explains why this pattern persists and how misunderstandings about … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that specific microRNAs in the blood change after prolonged sleep loss and psychological stress. These microRNA alterations can serve as biomarkers to predict individual cognitive performance following sleep deprivation. Source: University of Pennsylvania Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania report that microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating … Read more

Summary: A medical wristband and a machine learning model detected disrupted sleep patterns roughly 24 hours before participants began shedding the influenza virus. Although the original study focused on influenza, the researchers suggest the same approach could help flag the onset of other infections, potentially including COVID-19. This wristband-based monitoring is not a diagnostic tool, … Read more

Summary: Researchers found that modern high-potency cannabis products do not appear to impair decision-making in experienced users but do produce specific memory effects, including reduced free recall, impaired source memory, and increased false memories. Source: Washington State University Researchers at Washington State University used videoconferencing to study the real-world effects of high-potency cannabis products—specifically the … Read more

Summary: By inducing hot-flash–like responses in both male and female mice, researchers found that activation of Kiss1 neurons triggers a rapid rise in skin temperature followed by a decline in core body temperature, suggesting a neural mechanism linking sex-hormone changes to hot flashes. Source: Cell Press. Activation of Kiss1 Neurons Produces Hot-Flash–Like Responses in Mice … Read more

Summary: Microbes present in the placenta may influence the developing fetal immune system. Source: Baylor College of Medicine Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine previously reported that the placenta contains a sparse but detectable community of microorganisms. They and other investigators hypothesize these microbes could contribute to important pregnancy functions, including immune development. “There has … Read more

Summary: A new AI model can quantify the pace at which a person’s brain is aging by analyzing longitudinal MRI scans. This approach offers a powerful, noninvasive way to detect accelerating brain aging, identify the regions most affected, and link those changes to declines in cognitive function — potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized interventions … Read more

Summary: New research from Rockefeller University links a common variant of the CRY1 gene to delayed sleep timing. People who carry this “night owl” mutation have a longer circadian cycle and tend to fall asleep and wake later than most. Source: Rockefeller University Many lifelong night owls may owe their late-night habits to a genetic … Read more