Neuroscience News

Bilingual Brains Build Stronger Connections Learning a second language, especially in childhood, can boost brain connectivity and support lifelong cognitive flexibility. New research shows bilingual brains have more efficient networks, benefiting attention and brain health.

Aging: Is It a Disease, a Process, or Something Else? What is aging? A survey of aging researchers reveals striking disagreements on its definition, causes, and onset—but a shared belief in its inherent challenges.

Alone Time Helps Reduce Holiday Stress Feeling stressed this holiday season? 46% of Americans report not getting enough alone time. Taking small moments for yourself can reduce stress and boost mental health.

Gut Microbes May Have Powered Evolution of Larger Brains Gut microbes may hold the key to brain evolution. New research shows microbes from large-brained primates enhance energy production, helping meet the demands of bigger brains.

Aversion Shapes Addiction Risk in Early Drug Use Initial reactions to aversive drug cues may predict addiction risk. New research shows how early discomfort impacts behavior, offering insights for better addiction prevention and treatment.

High Blood Sugar Impacts Brain Health, Even Without Diabetes Even without diabetes, high blood sugar may harm brain health, reducing cognitive connectivity and affecting memory and emotion regulation. Managing diet and exercise is key.

Cannabis Impacts Brain Plasticity via Astrocyte Receptors New research reveals cannabis affects brain plasticity via astrocytes' CB1 receptors. Disrupting this system during development could impact learning and adaptability.

How We Filter Out Background Sounds When Speaking New research maps brain circuits that filter background sounds during speech. Insights into these signals could explain auditory hallucinations and improve speech disorder treatments.

Empathy Loss in Dementia Linked to Brain Activity Changes Frontotemporal dementia's empathy loss is tied to brain activity. Lack of response in empathy-related networks explains patient behavior and caregiving challenges.

Violence Exposure and Firearms Linked to Teen Suicide Risks A new study finds adolescent suicidal behavior linked to violence exposure and firearm access. Addressing weapon safety and externalizing behaviors is vital to reducing youth suicide rates.