Neuroscience news covering brain research, cognition, neurological disease, imaging, and neural interface advances.
The author argues that understanding the neurological basis of anorexia nervosa, particularly how it alters brain circuits governing reward, habit, and emotion, is key to developing new therapies. She contends that current treatments are inadequate and that emerging research on brain stimulation and experimental medications offers hope for better outcomes.
New research in Nature Neuroscience suggests deep brain stimulation (DBS) can physically remodel white matter in mood-related brain circuits, offering a potential treatment for major depressive disorder. The study in monkeys found DBS increases myelination, building on earlier clinical trials where some patients saw symptoms disappear almost immediately.
This Bloomberg Primer article argues that brain-computer interfaces are rapidly advancing from science fiction to reality, with Chinese startups backed by the state catching up to Western companies like Neuralink. It suggests that these technologies will empower disabled individuals and potentially lead to broader use, positioning China as a future leader in the field.
A study in NeuroImage found that regular night shift work is associated with small reductions in brain volume in the left amygdala and right thalamus. Analyzing data from 14,198 UK Biobank participants, researchers noted that stopping night shifts halted volume loss within about 2.4 years, with some recovery.
This commentary argues that even brief meditation, such as two minutes of breath-watching, can produce measurable changes in brain waves linked to relaxation and focus. Citing a new study from Harvard Medical School, it contends that these neural shifts may explain meditation's health benefits, though it notes that effects vary by practice and experience level.
Scientists triggered slow-wave sleep-like activity in the brains of awake mice, achieving some restorative effects without actual sleep. The stimulated brain region showed reduced signs of sleep deprivation. Researchers are now testing if this can boost memory.