Category Archives: brain

Don’t worry – Picking your nose doesn’t cause Alzheimer’s disease

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Could picking your nose really contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease?

It’s been a rough week for nose-pickers around the world, with a torrent of news headlines loudly declaring “scary evidence” has been found showing Alzheimer’s disease is linked with a bit of finger-based nasal exploration. Turns out this link comes from a deeply speculative press release and, according to several neuroscientists New Atlas contacted, is “extremely unlikely.”

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Category: Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle

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Declining anti-inflammatory molecules may play key role in brain aging

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A new study is the first to provide evidence a type of fat cell, previously studied in rodent brains, can also be found in human brains

Researchers have discovered a unique type of fat molecule in the brain may have anti-inflammatory effects and play a crucial role in preventing age-related neurological disease. Animal studies demonstrate levels of the molecule decline with age and their absence could contribute to brain inflammation associated with age-related neurodegeneration.

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Scientists implant human brain cells into rats and control their behavior

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Researchers at Stanford University have transplanted human neurons into rat brains, seen them mature into hybridized brain circuits and then used them to influence the rodents’ behavior. The work marks an impressive step forward for neuroscience, and c… Continue reading Scientists implant human brain cells into rats and control their behavior→

Brain cells in a lab dish “exhibit sentience” by learning to play Pong

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Scientists in Australia have demonstrated that clusters of brain cells in a lab dish can be taught to play Pong in an approximation of sentience. This is the first time that these cells have shown the ability to perform goal-directed tasks, and it open… Continue reading Brain cells in a lab dish “exhibit sentience” by learning to play Pong→

New trial finds first-ever Alzheimer’s drug to slow cognitive decline

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Over 18 months those on lecanemab showed a 27% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those in the placebo group

Pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen have announced the first results from a Phase 3 human trial testing a drug designed to treat symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The drug seems to be successful at slowing cognitive decline, making it the first drug to ever effectively treat Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, experts are cautious in their optimism, suggesting more information is needed to understand exactly how meaningful this treatment will be for patients in the real world.

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Mild COVID increases risk of many neurological problems for millions

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New research from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis presents the most comprehensive investigation to date into the long-term neurological problems associated with COVID-19. Tracking more than 150,000 COVID patients for 12 months… Continue reading Mild COVID increases risk of many neurological problems for millions→

Year-long exercise study reveals surprising impacts on mental health

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We’ve seen studies offer some valuable insights into different ways exercise can be beneficial for brain health, from combating depression, to fighting dementia, to boosting our memory. New research has approached this topic with a long-term view, tapp… Continue reading Year-long exercise study reveals surprising impacts on mental health→