Summary: A new study challenges the long-held belief that the striatum is responsible for selecting actions. Researchers found that instead of making decisions, the striatum and motor cortex work together to specify movement details, such as how to reach for an object.Using a novel “reach-to-pull” system, they recorded neural activity...

Summary: Researchers have created a four-dimensional brain map that reveals how MS-like lesions form, providing new insights into the earliest stages of the disease. Using a marmoset model instead of mice, they tracked lesion development in real time with MRI imaging, identifying vulnerable brain regions weeks before visible damage occurred.A...

Summary: A large study found that people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity are significantly less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Researchers analyzed data from over 73,000 individuals using wearable devices to track their activity levels, providing objective measurements of movement and sedentary...

Summary: A large whole-genome sequencing study has uncovered 16 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, expanding genetic research beyond European ancestry. Researchers analyzed data from 49,149 individuals, nearly half of whom were from underrepresented populations, to improve understanding of genetic risk factors.The findings highlight the importance of studying diverse groups...

Summary: A new international study reveals that schizophrenia manifests differently in the brain, reflecting the wide range of symptoms among patients. Researchers analyzed imaging data from over 6,000 individuals and found that while some brain structures vary significantly, others remain highly uniform.Brain folding patterns in the mid-frontal region were consistently...