Summary: A study analyzing Cambrian fossils uncovered that the ancestral ecdysozoan likely had a single ventral nerve cord, challenging long-standing views about the evolution of these structures. Fossil impressions from early Scalidophora species reveal similarities to modern priapulid nerve cords, supporting the single-cord hypothesis.This finding suggests that paired nerve cords...
Summary: Over half of 23-year-olds display restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors, with delayed brain maturation playing a significant role. The research linked structural brain differences, mental health challenges, and genetic predispositions to the development of disordered eating behaviors from adolescence to adulthood. MRI data showed delayed cortical thinning in...
Summary: A 2021 analysis of U.S. mortality data highlights disparities in traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths, which disproportionately affect older adults, men, and certain racial and ethnic groups. Suicides remain the leading cause, followed by unintentional falls, with older adults (75+) and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals experiencing the highest mortality...
Summary: Researchers have identified and mapped diverse cell types in the cochlear nucleus, the brainstem region responsible for processing sound. Using advanced molecular techniques, they uncovered distinct and newly identified cell types that process specific sound features, such as sharp noises or pitch changes.These findings challenge existing ideas about hearing...
Summary: A new study highlights how childhood physical neglect disrupts social development more than physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Neglected children were less social, less popular, and less connected to cohesive friend groups, facing stigmatization and withdrawal.he findings show that physical neglect impacts all dimensions of peer relationships, influencing mental...
Summary: Scientists have uncovered how developing neurons migrate from the germinal zone, a process critical for proper brain circuit formation. They identified a “push-pull” system where the guidance molecule Netrin-1 repels differentiated neurons, while the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 prevents premature migration by degrading essential proteins.The interplay of these signals creates...
Summary: Researchers have identified genetic variations in brain cells, particularly microglia and oligodendrocytes, that influence both aging and Alzheimer’s risk. These variations impact how cells function as they age, potentially priming some individuals for dementia.The findings suggest two sequential processes: genetic factors influence aging, which may predispose individuals to Alzheimer’s....
Summary: Male and female mice usually prefer female companions but switch to preferring males under survival stress, a new study reveals. This behavioral shift is driven by distinct brain circuits involving dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area.Male mice show different neural pathways for female and male preferences, while females...
Summary: Adolescent rats fed a high-fat diet displayed increased impulsivity and altered decision-making as adults. These “cheesecake rats” were quicker to act on visual cues (indicative of impulsivity) but showed more conservative choices in gambling tasks, opting for smaller, safer rewards.Genetic analysis revealed changes in their brain’s reward pathway and...
Summary: Childhood stress may leave lasting marks on sperm, altering epigenetic profiles and potentially influencing brain development in offspring. Researchers found that men with high levels of childhood maltreatment had changes in DNA methylation and non-coding RNA levels in their sperm.These epigenetic changes could mediate how early life stress impacts...
