neuroscience

A new study suggests that subtle changes in the brain’s immune cells could help explain why some people remain mentally sharp despite Alzheimer’s pathology. For decades, Alzheimer’s research has focused on the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the two hallmark features of the disease. Yet a puzzling reality has continued to challenge scientists: [...]

An important new book provides vital and exciting perspective on the interface between brain and culture.

At 9 a.m., writing felt impossible. By 2 p.m., after three hours of errands, chores, and physical movement, it felt almost effortless. The project hadn't changed. My nervous system had. That observation led me down an unexpected rabbit hole into procrastination, threat responses, and behavioral neuroscience. We often categorize the inability to start a critical project as a failure of discipline …

Scientific Data, Published online: 06 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07423-9 Unraveling the Complexity of Multilingual Comprehension: Neuroimaging and Linguistic Profiling in 700+ Adults

Scientific Reports, Published online: 06 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-56328-5 Assessing subtle brain injury related to cognitive impairment in obese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea using 3D MRI texture analysis

By measuring brainwaves and startle reflexes on a smartphone, researchers discovered that psychopathic traits like boldness overload attention to ignore threats, while meanness is tied to a biological deficit in emotional processing.

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73903-6 In this study, the authors present that cholecystokinin-positive interneurons (CCK-INs) in hippocampal dorsal CA2 are essential for social memory encoding in male mice by mediating disinhibition of pyramidal neurons. Deficiency of Neuroligin 1 disrupts CCK-INs activity and induces social memory impairments, offe…

CURE SYNGAP1 501(c)(3) is pleased to announce a $130,000 grant to Dr. Helen Willsey and Dr. David Kastner at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Neuropsychopharmacology, Published online: 05 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41386-026-02459-2 Role of submedius thalamus and its interaction with orbitofrontal cortex in incubation of oxycodone craving

Neuropsychopharmacology, Published online: 05 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41386-026-02457-4 GABAergic neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray mediate fentanyl withdrawal and self-administration in mice

New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, reduces chronic nerve pain in mice. It also significantly enhances the performance of common pain drugs, suggesting the psychedelic might fundamentally rewire how the brain processes pain.

Screaming at traffic or glitchy tech seems harmless, but it actively wires your brain for anger. Discover how everyday kindness protects your own peace of mind.

Nature Communications, Published online: 05 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73347-y Intracranial tracking of 20 people living in a hospital showed that brain activity shifts via chaotic bursts when people transition between behaviors. A stabilizing manifold steadied these bursts but was impaired by sleep deprivation, increasing chaos.

How we sleep may have lasting impacts for our brain health as we age. A new University of Arizona study has found that several common sleep behaviors may be linked to signs of brain aging.