Playing musical instruments boosts children's reading skills

A new study reveals that children who learn to play musical instruments show significant improvements in reading abilities. The research highlights how musical training enhances phonological awareness, a key component of literacy development. These findings suggest potential benefits for integrating music education in schools.

Scientists discover protein that switches off hunger

Researchers have identified how a protein called MRAP2 regulates hunger by transporting the brain receptor MC4R to the cell surface, enhancing appetite-suppressing signals. This finding, from a study involving institutions in Germany, Canada, and the UK, could lead to new obesity treatments. The work was published in Nature Communications.

Scientists uncover brain circuit that overrides chronic pain

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a group of brainstem neurons that can suppress chronic pain signals when survival needs like hunger or fear arise. These Y1 receptor neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus act as a neural switchboard, prioritizing urgent biological demands over persistent discomfort. The discovery, published in Nature, offers potential new avenues for pain treatments.

Breakthrough Pill Boosts Stroke Brain Recovery

15 Mwezi wa tisa, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers have developed a pill that stimulates brain regeneration for stroke recovery by promoting neurogenesis and repairing damage. Tested in preclinical models, the drug replicates rehabilitation effects without extensive therapy. This innovation offers new hope for stroke patients worldwide.

DMT reduces stroke damage in animal and cell studies

Researchers in Hungary have found that DMT, a natural psychoactive compound, significantly mitigates brain damage from stroke in animal models and cell cultures. The molecule restores the blood-brain barrier and curbs inflammation, potentially complementing current treatments. These discoveries, published in Science Advances, highlight DMT's therapeutic promise amid limited stroke options.

Glioblastoma erodes skull and disrupts immune system, study reveals

Researchers have discovered that glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, extends beyond the brain by eroding the skull and altering the immune cells in skull marrow. This interaction fuels the cancer's progression and explains why current treatments often fail. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest new strategies targeting both brain and bone.

Brain's superior colliculus rotates to focus on sounds

Researchers have discovered that a part of the brain physically swivels to help focus on sounds coming from different directions. This finding, based on experiments in mice, reveals a new mechanism for auditory attention similar to how eyes move for vision. The study was led by scientists at University College London and published in Nature.

Evolution of human intelligence linked to mental illness vulnerability

Researchers have traced genetic variants in the human genome to reveal that advances in cognitive abilities around 500,000 years ago were soon followed by mutations increasing susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. This suggests a trade-off in brain evolution. The study, published in Cerebral Cortex, analyzed 33,000 genetic variants to build an evolutionary timeline of brain-related traits.

CRISPR Tool Targets Neuron Gene Repair

15 Mwezi wa tisa, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Stanford researchers have created a CRISPR-based technology to target RNA in neurons, enabling repair processes for genetic diseases. The method addresses key challenges in Cas9 delivery and DNA repair. It reveals unique genome editing rules in neurons, paving the way for targeted therapies.

Scientists identify five distinct sleep profiles and health links

Researchers have pinpointed five types of sleep patterns among young adults, each associated with specific mental health issues and brain activity differences. The study highlights how sleep disturbances, aid use, and short duration connect to cognition, emotions, and behaviors. These profiles offer new insights into sleep's broad impact on well-being.