Does My Brain Live in the Past? Yes, your brain does live a bit in the past. This is an inherent feature of how we process sensory information.
The data we receive through our senses, like light entering your eyes or sound vibrating in your ears, is always slightly outdated. Not only does this information take time to reach your brain, but your brain also takes time to process it.
Data transmission within the brain is relatively slow. Even the fastest neurons travel at approximately 431 km/h (268 mph), which pales in comparison to copper wire, which can transmit signals at about 1.08 billion km/h (669 million mph).
This means that what you are currently experiencing actually happened in the world about 100 milliseconds ago (roughly 1/10th of a second).
While these time delays may seem minor, they pose significant challenges when interacting with the environment, especially since your body’s controls are also somewhat sluggish. Consequently, your brain has developed a strategy: it anticipates what is happening around you.
Your subjective experience blends outdated sensory snapshots with predictive guesses, often so seamlessly that you hardly notice.
For instance, one fun illustration of your brain’s anticipatory skill is that you cannot tickle yourself. This is because your brain can predict sensory effects from your own movements and neutralizes them.
Another interesting case is the disorienting wobbly sensation experienced after riding a faulty escalator. When the escalator operates smoothly, your brain stabilizes your posture effectively. However, it struggles to adjust when the escalator stops, leading to that uneasy wobbling feeling.
Not only does your brain operate with slightly outdated sensory data, but it also appears to reflect on past experiences continuously.
This phenomenon is partly due to “jerky eye movements,” known as saccades, which occur several times per second. These rapid movements cause your vision to blur, but your brain suppresses visual input during each saccade to avoid confusion.
When your gaze focuses on an object, your brain assigns how long that object has been in view by referencing up to 50 milliseconds back from when you made the eye movement. Given that most objects in a scene remain stable, this past processing often goes unnoticed—unless you’re looking at a clock’s second hand.
Have you ever felt that a used item looks like it’s been in one place for too long? That perception arises from your brain’s backdating process, making the second hand appear stuck.
In summary, while you may feel like you are fully in the moment, your brain is continually playing catch-up with past experiences.
This article addresses the question posed by Sunderland’s Karen Homer: “Does my brain live a bit in the past?”
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Cambridge neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow starts her significant book with a striking assertion: “Our species is currently undergoing a major transition.” She elaborates that our increasingly digital and interconnected lives are reshaping how we evolve. As artificial intelligence becomes prevalent, we face an unprecedented environment, unlike any in our over 300,000-year existence.
Critchlow’s engaging opening evokes discussions found in works like Susan Greenfield’s Mind Change, which posits negative impacts of digital technology on our brains. While Greenfield faced critiques for being overly alarmist, Critchlow garners praise for her optimism and scientific backing. Her initial premise is supported by peer-reviewed literature, including a 2021 review in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, asserting that culture, rather than genetics, drives human evolution.
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Humans have lived in environments unlike any other during their more than 300,000 years of existence. “
Critchlow’s optimism stems from the remarkable flexibility of the human brain. She convincingly argues that we already possess the psychological attributes essential for thriving amidst such transitions, both personally and socially. We are evolving into more socially integrated entities within highly connected environments shaped by technology.
Critchlow outlines six key chapters, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the traits she explores. She presents a range of exercises aimed at fostering these abilities.
What are these ‘spiritual superpowers’? The first is emotional intelligence, crucial for successful teamwork in our increasingly interconnected world. Her insights are firmly rooted in the latest neuroscience and cognitive psychology research, citing over 100 scientists and offering an impressive bibliography.
Other superpowers include imagination, creativity, and adaptability to uncertainty while maintaining clear, accurate thought processes. The ultimate goal is to foster wisdom, expertise, and intuition.
I found the later chapters particularly engaging. Critchlow discusses the latest science regarding diet, the gut-brain connection, and organelles like mitochondria, revealing their intricate relationships with our cognitive functions.
Importantly, the book emphasizes that future success relies not on mastering technology but on intelligently navigating the environments it creates.
Her actionable tips for enhancing mental skills are both practical and insightful, often underlining the importance of mobility at all levels—physical and social—as well as leveraging diverse ideas and experiences. These insights have become a personal touchstone for how Critchlow lives her life.
In the final chapter, she reflects on humanity’s relationship with AI, posing a critical, albeit complex, question. While her arguments here may lack persuasiveness, possibly due to external pressures, they prompt necessary considerations.
If I were her editor, I might have encouraged deeper speculation on the implications of this transformation and what our societies could resemble in the future—in 50 or 100 years.
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Recent discoveries in neuroscience and cognitive science prove we don’t need to fear transition. “
I would also suggest exploring how to cultivate these mental skills at an organizational level, not just individually.
These critiques, however, do not detract from the book’s primary argument: that neuroscience and cognitive science show us we need not fear transitions. Our brains are equipped with skills to navigate changes, yet refining them requires effort.
We can take solace knowing that our ancestors faced significant changes throughout history, such as agriculture, civilization, and written language, emerging from those challenges not only alive but often in improved circumstances.
With Critchlow’s insightful and cautious manifesto as our guide, I remain optimistic about our ability to navigate this current transition.
Three More Insightful Books About Our Amazing Brains
Majid Fotuhi, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University, presents a 12-week program of lifestyle changes designed to enhance brain health and cognitive function at any age.
The Brain: User Guide By New Scientist
This visually engaging guide explores maximizing the potential of your brain, based on an original article published in New Scientist, refined by my former colleague Alison George.
This fascinating book on interoception, a concept linking our internal senses to emotional intelligence, will resonate with what Critchlow discusses. It’s a delightful read for improving your awareness and health.
Graham Lawton is a former staff writer for New Scientist.
A groundbreaking hypothesis suggests that the Cambrian Explosion, which marked a rapid surge in animal diversity around 500 million years ago, was primarily influenced by the early evolution of complex nervous systems rather than the development of shells and limbs.
Brain First: A schematic representation of the main points of the hypothesis. Image credit: Ariel D. Chipman, doi: 10.1002/bies.70136.
“The phase between the late Ediacaran and early Cambrian periods (approximately 550 to 520 million years ago) represents the most significant evolutionary development of animals on Earth,” stated Ariel Chipman, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
“During this time, there was a substantial increase in animal complexity and diversity, transforming the biosphere from a realm characterized by low diversity of primarily sedentary and bottom-feeding organisms to a dynamic environment filled with various motile animals, showcasing diverse locomotor modes and occupying dynamic ecosystems with an array of feeding strategies.”
“This transformative phase is often referred to as the Cambrian Explosion.”
Instead of seeking a singular reason for the surge in animal diversity, Professor Chipman reconstructs the Cambrian period as a series of interconnected developments in which escalating ecological complexity spurred the evolution of sophisticated nervous systems, particularly the brain.
As interactions between predators and prey intensified and marine environments grew more competitive, organisms faced heightened pressures to detect, process, and respond to their surroundings.
This ecological shift enabled the evolution of intricate neural systems adept at processing increasing sensory information.
At the core of this framework lies what Professor Chipman terms the ‘Brain First Hypothesis’.
This model proposes that brain expansion and regionalization occurred early in the evolutionary timeline, significantly contributing to subsequent anatomical innovations rather than being a mere byproduct of advanced bodily structures.
Notably, the researchers indicate that the genetic mechanisms responsible for brain development were not confined to the nervous system alone.
Through a phenomenon known as co-option, these genetic toolkits were repurposed for the formation of other organ systems.
This reutilization of existing developmental pathways facilitated the emergence of more complex body plans, including specialized digestive systems, advanced sensory organs, and segmental structures.
The rise in overall biological complexity allowed certain animal groups to thrive in a broader range of ecological niches, enhancing their evolutionary success.
This trend was not uniform across all life forms; it was particularly pronounced in groups like arthropods, mollusks, annelids, and chordates—lineages known for their high structural complexity and remarkable species diversity today.
“Instead of conceptualizing a single ‘explosion’, we should consider a sequence of interlinked steps,” Professor Chipman asserts.
“As environments evolved to be more complex, animals required improved methods to process information.”
“The evolution of the brain has made this possible, paving the way for even greater diversity in body forms and lifestyles.”
“It’s crucial to note that increased complexity is not inherently superior; several organisms have thrived with simpler body designs. This highlights that evolutionary success hinges on the specific demands of an organism’s environment.”
“By refocusing from a singular dramatic event to a series of gradual changes, this study offers a fresh perspective on the origins of animal diversity.”
“Future investigations, especially in genetics and developmental biology, may verify this hypothesis and further clarify the role of the brain in shaping the trajectory of life on Earth.”
Professor Chipman’s research paper was published in April 2026 in the journal bio essay.
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Ariel D. Chipman. 2026. Throughout the Cambrian, increases in animal diversity were driven by ecologically driven brain complexity. bio essay 48 (4): e70136; doi: 10.1002/bies.70136
The term déjà vu was introduced by French philosopher and parapsychologist Émile Boirac in 1876, meaning “already seen.” This phenomenon evokes an uncanny feeling that a new experience is actually a familiar one.
For instance, visiting a specific location, such as a cafe or street, could trigger a sense of nostalgia, even if you’ve never been there before. Many might link these déjà vu moments to a “past life” or a “glitch in the matrix.”
However, there are more grounded explanations for these occurrences. The good news is that about two-thirds of the population experience déjà vu, and in most cases, it indicates healthy brain function.
Recent neuropsychological research suggests that déjà vu occurs when specific aspects of a situation trigger a sense of familiarity registered in the perirhinal cortex, part of the temporal lobe. This may happen due to similarities with previously encountered situations.
Next, the hippocampus, another vital memory structure in the temporal lobe, fails to retrieve relevant memories to account for this feeling of familiarity.
Finally, this discrepancy is processed by brain regions in the frontal lobes, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to that eerie sensation of having been there before.
Psychologists refer to this last stage as metacognitive awareness, demonstrating that the brain is effectively signaling issues.
Déjà vu is common among young individuals and tends to decrease with age, indicating less efficient error-monitoring processes in the brain. – Image courtesy of Ann-Sophie De Steur
Research using memory games in brain imaging labs revealed that these frontal brain regions associated with metacognitive awareness exhibited greater activation, supporting the link between subjective déjà vu and monitoring processes.
In rare cases, an excessive form of déjà vu can occur due to pathology. For instance, individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy may experience prolonged déjà vu sensations before a seizure, described as a feeling of déjà vu that lasts for an extended period.
Moreover, some dementia patients report experiencing a syndrome known as déjà vécu (meaning “already lived”)—a more intense form of déjà vu where the person genuinely believes they have already lived through a new experience and reacts accordingly, such as turning off the TV because they think they’ve seen the news before.
If you find yourself in a typical déjà vu moment, there’s no cause for concern. Healthy déjà vu tends to be more prevalent in younger individuals and usually diminishes with age.
Psychologists suggest this decline occurs because frontal lobe error-monitoring processes become less efficient as we grow older.
So the next time you feel that strange sensation of familiarity, don’t fret. There’s nothing wrong with reality; your brain is simply operating as it should.
This article addresses the question posed by Bournemouth’s Dom Anderson: “Is experiencing déjà vu detrimental to your health?”
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Browse social media, and you’ll encounter numerous claims about productivity hacks, such as waking up at 4 a.m., taking specific supplements, or keeping a jam-packed schedule.
However, many of these tips lack scientific support, and some are even misleading. So, what truly enhances productivity? Are there easily applicable life hacks, rooted in science, that we can incorporate into our daily routines?
While no hack will instantly transform you into the next Bill Gates, there are small yet effective changes you can make to boost your workplace productivity.
The Benefits of Background Music
There’s ongoing debate about productivity levels in home versus office environments, with each side claiming the other is more prone to distractions.
One often-overlooked aspect is that certain distractions can actually enhance productivity. While some individuals prefer a quiet setting, many find they are more productive with ambient noise.
This noise often manifests as background music, which can aid concentration rather than disrupt it. Research shows that we have two distinct attention systems: the conscious one we control, and the unconscious one that alerts us to stimuli, redirecting our focus.
Music enhances our unconscious alertness – Credit: Rachel Tunstall
When concentrating on tasks, our conscious attention can still be interrupted by unconscious inputs. In a silent environment, background noises become more pronounced, making distractions more likely and negatively impacting productivity.
Playing music can help mask these annoying sounds and redirect our unconscious focus, akin to giving a toy to a bored child. However, the genre matters; songs with lyrics can disrupt concentration because our brains respond more to verbal cues. Research indicates that music negatively affecting your mood can undermine motivation.
Interestingly, video game soundtracks tend to be the most effective for enhancing productivity, as they are designed to engage listeners while they focus on other tasks.
In conclusion, background noise or music can improve productivity instead of hindering it.
Prioritize Adequate Sleep Over Early Rising
If you’ve ever forced yourself to wake up before dawn in hopes of being more productive, you know it can backfire, leaving you fatigued and unable to accomplish tasks.
That said, any wake-up time can be productive if it follows a night of sufficient rest. Going to bed at 8 p.m. and rising at 4 a.m. certainly allows for adequate sleep.
There are numerous health benefits tied to quality sleep. Improved memory retention, focus, overall health, mood enhancement, and reduced irritability all contribute to greater productivity.
Sleep serves as the foundation for productivity – Credit: Rachel Tunstall
Sleep also enhances productivity by enabling memory processing and integrating daily experiences into existing neural pathways.
This is why the concept of “sleeping on a problem” often leads to better insights, as your brain processes the issue while you rest, as opposed to exhausting yourself by staying awake to understand it.
In summary, sleep is crucial for productivity, even more so than the time you wake up.
Nature’s Influence: Walks and Workplace Plants
Incorporating houseplants into the work environment is quite common, as is seeking a workspace with a view of nature. While some workplaces may prioritize uniformity over greenery, plants and natural sights are generally appreciated by employees.
Connecting with nature sharpens our focus – Credit: Rachel Tunstall
In modern environments, stimuli like screens, signs, and constant changes can hijack our focus. While our brains enjoy these distractions, they require significant mental resources to process them, leading to fatigue.
Conversely, looking at plants provides a cognitive relief, similar to the experience of reading a captivating book. This natural engagement replenishes mental energy, which is why nature enhances productivity. So, if you feel the urge to take a walk to clear your mind, you might be intuitively seeking a refreshment of your brain’s resources.
Diet and Exercise: Moving Beyond Fads for Enhanced Productivity
Many articles focus on how productivity can be improved through diet and exercise, often reflecting the habits of “highly successful people.” However, many of their recommendations can seem impractical for everyday individuals.
A balanced diet and regular exercise promote alertness more than the latest productivity fads – Credit: Rachel Tunstall
You’ve likely encountered stories about individuals with extravagant breakfast routines involving “superfoods” and elaborate preparations. These narratives can appear daunting or unattainable.
Yet, disregarding the eccentricities, it’s clear that both diet and exercise greatly impact productivity. Regular exercise has repeatedly shown to provide significant benefits for both body and brain. A healthier body can allocate more resources to cognitive tasks, thereby enhancing brain function.
Your diet also fundamentally affects your mental efficiency. Research suggests that junk food can negatively impact brain function, reducing your ability to concentrate and maintain motivation.
Thus, focus on improving your diet and exercise routine to elevate productivity rather than chasing after the newest trends.
Finding Your Productivity Zone
Bear in mind that everyone’s productivity pathway differs. What works for one person may not suit another, as individual factors play a crucial role in productivity.
Understanding your habits is key to maximizing productivity – Credit: Rachel Tunstall
Identifying the elements that work best for you is essential. Achieving a state of cognitive “flow,” often referred to as “being in the zone,” can significantly increase your productivity.
Flow represents the ultimate state of productive focus, allowing you to perform to the best of your abilities. However, reaching this state can be challenging due to the various distractions competing for your attention.
Ultimately, everyone has unique triggers for achieving this in-the-zone experience; thus, discover the specific conditions that enhance your productivity. While productivity advice can be helpful, no one knows your unique productivity style better than you.
Parkinson’s Disease: Neurological Insights and Treatment Advances
Image Credit: Dr. Gopal Murthy/Science Photo Library
A potential breakthrough drug, referred to as Compound X, has demonstrated significant improvements in mobility and balance for mice exhibiting Parkinson’s-like symptoms. This innovative treatment enhances the brain’s waste-processing capabilities, effectively removing toxic protein aggregates. However, the research team has yet to disclose the specifics of this compound.
“With intellectual property considerations, we recognize that Compound X represents a pivotal advancement, potentially serving as the first disease-modifying intervention for Parkinson’s disease,” stated Zhao Yan from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne.
Parkinson’s disease affects over 10 million people globally, characterized by the progressive loss of nerve cells involved in movement control. This degeneration is widely believed to originate from the build-up of misfolded proteins called α-synuclein, due to a malfunction in the brain’s waste disposal system—the glymphatic system. Recent studies aimed to determine if enhancing this system could alleviate symptoms.
To explore this hypothesis, Yang and her colleagues employed a novel mouse model mimicking Parkinson’s disease. This model utilizes repeated nasal administration of misfolded alpha-synuclein, promoting its spread throughout the brain and causing severe motor deficits—more accurately reflecting human Parkinson’s disease compared to traditional models that rely on toxin exposure. Yang showcased her findings at the Oxford Glymphatic and Brain Clearance Symposium in the UK on April 1st.
The team administered weekly doses of alpha-synuclein to 20 mice over four months. After two months, they introduced Compound X—an FDA-approved drug administered four times a week in synergy with methylcellulose, which enhances drug solubility. Preliminary studies indicated that Compound X could increase slow brain waves, known to support glymphatic function, although its specific impact on brain waste clearance warranted further investigation, Yang noted.
The remaining group of mice received only methylcellulose as a control. The progression of Parkinson’s symptoms paralleled early-stage human patients, including alterations in smell and sleep patterns, according to Yang.
Subsequently, all mice underwent a locomotion test involving navigation on a slender rod. Remarkably, 80% of the mice treated with Compound X successfully completed the task, compared to only 10% in the control group.
In another assessment requiring balance on a rotating rod for five minutes, nearly all Compound X-treated mice maintained their position throughout the duration, while the control group averaged just three minutes.
Further analyses revealed that Compound X enhanced slow-wave activity during deep sleep and facilitated fluid circulation within the glymphatic system. Notably, this treatment reduced α-synuclein aggregates in the mice’s motor cortex by approximately 40% compared to the control group.
“This discovery holds significant potential,” emphasized Duan Wenzhen from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland. “The medical community requires treatments that can decelerate disease progression. Current therapies only alleviate symptoms temporarily, lacking efficacy in altering the disease’s trajectory.”
The research team aspires to obtain regulatory approval for human trials targeting early-stage Parkinson’s patients within the upcoming year. “Our ultimate goal is to provide treatment that addresses the early stages of the disease, where the most significant benefits are realized,” Yang concluded.
About one-third of migraine sufferers find no relief from standard treatments. However, new research suggests that utilizing the brain’s waste-clearing system could introduce innovative treatment methods. A particular drug that is typically used to manage high blood pressure demonstrated the ability to effectively eliminate chemicals from the brains of mice that contribute significantly to migraines. Consequently, the mice showed minimal facial pain.
Globally, approximately 1 in 7 people suffer from migraines. Symptoms include pain, pressure, and tingling in areas such as the cheeks, jaw, forehead, and behind the eyes, often worsened even by light touch. “Just brushing your hair can result in excruciating pain for those living with migraines,” stated Adriana Della Pietra, who presented findings at the Oxford Glymphatic and Brain Clearance Symposium in the UK on April 1.
Conventional treatments for migraines, including triptans, aim to reduce inflammation and lower the levels of a neurotransmitter known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a key player in migraine pathology. CGRP is a major factor driving migraines, targeted by many standard treatments. “Unfortunately, many individuals do not respond to these medications and are frequently trapped in a cycle of debilitating pain,” commented Valentina Mosienko from the University of Bristol, UK, who was not involved in the study.
In previous studies, researchers discovered that prazosin, a medication prescribed for high blood pressure, alleviated facial pain caused by traumatic brain injuries in mice. Traumatic injuries can impair the brain’s waste disposal system, known as the glymphatic system, and prazosin enhanced fluid flow from brain cells through this system. Interestingly, it also appeared to benefit some migraine models used as control groups.
To delve deeper, the research team administered prazosin to one group of mice in their drinking water over six weeks, comparing against a control group that received standard water. Subsequently, both groups were subjected to migraines induced by CGRP injections.
After 30 minutes, the researchers applied progressively thicker plastic filaments to the mice’s foreheads. This technique, normally non-painful, became more detectable as the filaments increased in thickness. The findings showed that mice receiving prazosin managed to endure significantly thicker filaments without flinching compared to control mice. Della Pietra noted that the prazosin group behaved similarly to mice that hadn’t received CGRP injections.
Further analysis revealed that prazosin not only reversed the impairment of the glymphatic system caused by CGRP but also likely enhanced the clearance of CGRP and other pain-transmitting molecules, as reported by Della Pietra.
Research teams are eager to examine whether similar results can be replicated in humans. “If it proves effective in humans, that would be a tremendous breakthrough,” Mosienko added. “Since this drug is already in use, we have established safety for its application.”
Research is increasingly focused on utilizing the brain’s waste disposal system to potentially slow or mitigate Alzheimer’s disease. A recent technique has demonstrated success in removing toxic protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer’s from mouse brains, leading to improved memory and learning test results.
This technique targets a receptor known as DDR2, traditionally associated with lung health. “Inhibiting the DDR2 pathway could theoretically decrease amyloid beta protein levels while simultaneously enhancing waste removal,” explains Jia Li from Guangzhou Medical University, China. “We are optimistic that we can ultimately reverse Alzheimer’s disease.”
The buildup of misfolded proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, is considered a primary trigger for Alzheimer’s. While existing medications can remove amyloid aggregates, they often do not significantly alleviate symptoms. Thus, research is shifting towards innovative strategies, including enhancing the glymphatic system responsible for waste clearance in the brain.
Lee and colleagues plan to further investigate receptors in cell membranes that may boost glymphatic function as one of their roles. DDR2, studied extensively for its role in pulmonary fibrosis, is also implicated in Alzheimer’s disease by Jinsu and his team at Guangzhou Medical University. Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when the extracellular matrix surrounding cells fails, leading to excessive collagen deposition and oxygen supply limitations.
To explore DDR2’s role, the researchers reviewed human tissue databases and discovered DDR2’s scarcity. However, they found substantial amounts in brain samples from Alzheimer’s patients. “We confirmed that DDR2 is prevalent in Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue for the first time,” notes Su.
Through various experiments in human and primate cells, along with mouse models, researchers propose that DDR2 regulates the cellular dysfunction responsible for the disease’s symptoms. This is substantiated by findings that three cell types increase DDR2 in their membranes during Alzheimer’s: reactive astrocytes, surrounding amyloid beta masses; perivascular fibroblasts, which alter activity prior to Alzheimer’s onset; and choroid plexus epithelial cells that are crucial for cerebrospinal fluid production, essential for the glymphatic system.
These findings suggest that targeting DDR2 could impact multiple facets of Alzheimer’s simultaneously, as noted by Siju Gu from Harvard University. Yet, due to the complexity of the condition, he remains cautious about potential reversibility of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers developed a monoclonal antibody aimed at blocking the DDR2 receptor. In mouse models of Alzheimer’s, this intervention improved spatial learning and memory, alongside reduced DDR2 levels, fewer amyloid plaques, and enhanced glymphatic activity.
“The mouse model results are promising and highlight the role of glymphatic function and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in brain health,” Gu remarked. “This suggests DDR2 could be a viable target for Alzheimer’s disease therapies.”
Cesar Cunha from Denmark’s Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research expressed appreciation for the researchers’ focus on more than just amyloid plaques, noting their model relates to a rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s that typically arises earlier. Its applicability to the more common late-onset Alzheimer’s remains uncertain.
Professor Hsu, however, indicates that DDR2 upregulation occurs in both familial and late-onset Alzheimer’s, suggesting the treatment has potential widespread efficacy. DDR2 expression appears to increase with age, a factor alongside hypoxia, both recognized risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s.
Currently, researchers are embarking on clinical trials that use tracers to monitor DDR2 levels in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains, aiming to determine the antibodies’ delivery paths. They are also developing smaller antibodies to facilitate more efficient crossing of the blood-brain barrier.
Nelson Dellis winning the 2011 USA Memory Championship in New York.
Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images
Nelson Dellis, a six-time American Memory Champion, has astounded the world by memorizing a shuffled deck of cards in just 40.7 seconds and recalling the first 10,000 digits of Pi. Recent studies on his brain offer insights into the extraordinary capabilities that allow such feats and how others may develop similar skills.
Dellis reports that he had an average memory until age 25, when he began rigorous memory training after observing his grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This dedication included extensive practice memorizing numbers, names, and vocabulary. “I continue to train my memory regularly,” he states. “It’s akin to a muscle; if you don’t utilize it, it deteriorates.”
While dementia-related memory issues are well documented, the phenomena of exceptional memory are less understood. To investigate this, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis collaborated with Dellis for a comprehensive brain analysis.
Dellis participated in extensive brain scans and memory assessments over approximately 13 hours between 2015 and 2021. In one assessment, he was tasked with memorizing a series of four to seven words displayed for just over a second, employing traditional memorization techniques like repetition.
“Sitting still in a scanner while memorizing wasn’t my usual training method, but it was fascinating to contribute to the connection between memory athletes and measurable scientific outcomes,” Dellis remarked. His brain activity was compared to two control subjects with strong, yet not extraordinary, memories.
The Washington University team analyzed the results and discovered that Dellis and the controls exhibited similar brain activity during the tasks. All three individuals showed enhanced electrical signaling in the retrosplenial cortex, extrastriate visual cortex, and dorsal frontal cortex—regions associated with navigation, visual processing, and working memory. Interestingly, Dellis emphasized that rote memorization is not his preferred technique. “Rote memorization is often ineffective, yet it’s widely known,” he notes.
Dellis undertook another task unique to him, memorizing the order of a shuffled deck of cards while undergoing brain scans. He utilized the loci method, also recognized as the memory palace technique, which involves linking information to specific locations in one’s environment to facilitate recall. “This shift from abstract concepts to visual-spatial associations forms the core of almost all mnemonic strategies I employ,” Dellis shares.
This task stimulated activity in the same three cortices but altered activity in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for memory. Dellis exhibited higher hippocampal activity during the encoding phase in the first task than during recall. In contrast, the opposite was found during the second task, which activated the caudate nucleus—a brain structure involved in learning and memory. Although the researchers chose not to comment further, they speculated that the caudate’s involvement might indicate memory is an integrated skill.
Dellis after winning in 2012 by reciting the order of 104 playing cards.
Nelson Dellis
Moreover, researchers compared Dellis’s brain activity to that of 887 participants in the Human Connectome Project. Their findings revealed that memory champions demonstrate significantly enhanced functional connectivity, illustrating efficient collaboration among different brain areas.
Dellis and his colleagues advocate for the wider application of the loci method. “Considering its clear behavioral benefits, it’s surprising that techniques like this are not more commonly integrated into educational and clinical practices,” he observes. Martin Dresler from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands concurs.
Dresler states that this technique can be extremely effective. It utilizes our inherent strengths. “The triumph of trajectory methods likely arises because they transform abstract data into visual-spatial concepts,” he explains. “Our brains did not evolve to remember abstract details like numbers or dates; rather, they evolved to navigate our environment for food and safety, honing our spatial awareness.”
However, Craig Stark, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, emphasizes that it’s uncertain how much of Dellis’s exceptional memory results from training versus innate ability. “We can’t discern which elements are trained skills versus inherent capabilities,” he states.
If you find traditional memory training daunting, Dellis also attributes his abilities to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. “To enhance your everyday memory, heed your mother’s advice: be mindful, maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and exercise,” he emphasizes, referencing Morris Moscovich from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Olive Oil: A Key Ingredient in a Brain-Boosting Diet
Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock
Understanding the health benefits of olive oil is essential, as it not only lowers “bad cholesterol” but also combats inflammation and safeguards against chronic diseases, including various cancers. Recent studies indicate that its advantages may extend to brain health.
What does this mean for cognitive function? Is extra virgin olive oil really necessary, and how much should one consume for optimal benefits? The answers may be more encouraging than you think, as other oils may also support brain health.
It’s important to remember that nutrition research is complex and often unreliable. For instance, participants may struggle to accurately track their food intake, leading to unreliable data. However, some patterns emerge from observational studies, especially when experimental research reinforces these findings.
Olive oil is a fundamental component of the widely acclaimed Mediterranean diet, renowned for promoting health. This diet encourages the consumption of tomatoes, whole grains, fresh fish, and generous amounts of olive oil, occasionally paired with red wine. Numerous studies link this lifestyle to reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia.
The Mediterranean diet is particularly high in fats, primarily from olive oil, prompting scientists to investigate its specific role. According to nutrition specialist Richard Hoffman from the University of Hertfordshire, England, “The Mediterranean diet is significantly more effective when enhanced by extra virgin olive oil.”
A landmark study in Spain involved over 7,000 participants aged 55 to 80. One group ingested 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly while adhering to a Mediterranean diet. Others either supplemented their meals with nuts or were advised to reduce fat intake.
Current consensus among scientists suggests that olive oil can mitigate inflammation and enhance cardiovascular health. But how does it affect the brain?
A large-scale study published in 2024 examined over 92,000 adults, evaluating their olive oil consumption every four years for around 30 years. Findings revealed that higher olive oil intake was linked to a lower risk of dementia-related mortality.
Even after accounting for variables like BMI, physical activity, smoking, socio-economic status, and overall diet, a connection remained between olive oil consumption and reduced dementia risk.
Further analysis showed benefits from substituting other fats with olive oil. According to Marta Guasch-Ferré from Harvard University, “Replacing butter or other animal fats with olive oil resulted in an 8-14% decrease in dementia-related mortality risk.”
The Mediterranean Diet: Lowering Disease Risks with Olive Oil
Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
Olive oil’s protective properties for the brain are attributed to polyphenols, which are abundant in this oil. These bioactive compounds shield plants from stress and pests and may do the same for humans by scavenging free radicals, reducing inflammation, and preventing harmful oxidation of fats that can lead to strokes.
Additionally, polyphenols nourish gut microbes, interacting with the immune system to minimize inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to significant health issues, including heart disease and dementia, with growing evidence linking Alzheimer’s disease to inflammation in various organs.
According to Guash-Ferré, “Evidence is accumulating to support that olive oil may alleviate Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.”
Which Olive Oil is the Best for You?
It’s essential to differentiate among olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, retaining the most polyphenols. In contrast, virgin olive oil is subjected to more processing, while standard variety is processed extensively, losing many health benefits.
Is the type of olive oil significant? Guasch-Ferré indicates that any olive oil consumption correlates with a lower risk of mortality. The mix of healthy unsaturated fats and beneficial bioactive compounds positions olive oil as a premier plant-based oil.
A recent study explored how different olive oils impacted the microbiome and cognitive health of seniors. It evaluated 656 individuals, revealing that those consuming virgin olive oil showed cognitive improvements. In contrast, participants using standard olive oil experienced cognitive decline. Interestingly, this was linked to changes in the gut microbiome, with specific bacteria mediating some effects.
While this research is preliminary and involved a short follow-up period, it emphasizes the connection between diet, gut health, and brain function.
So what should you take away? While standard olive oil offers some cardiovascular benefits due to its favorable fat profile, extra virgin olive oil provides additional protective compounds. The great news is that other vegetable oils, such as canola and safflower, also contain beneficial fats and moderate polyphenol levels. In substitution models, Guasch-Ferré’s team found no cognitive health drawbacks from these oils compared to animal fats.
“Other vegetable oils can also provide health benefits, especially as they are typically more affordable than olive oil,” she notes. However, further research is warranted for conclusive guidance.
Ultimately, select the highest quality extra virgin olive oil that fits your budget. Although if that’s not feasible, replacing animal fats with other vegetable oils is a beneficial step toward brain health. If you aim for premium quality, pay attention to storage; light reduces polyphenol levels over time, so choosing a dark bottle is advisable for optimum health advantages.
I’m willing to invest a little more in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, not only for its rich flavor but also for its profound brain-health benefits.
Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Best Choice for Brain Health?
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Olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, including lowering “bad cholesterol,” combating inflammation, and protecting against chronic diseases such as cancer. New evidence also suggests olive oil positively impacts brain health.
I explored how olive oil could enhance cognitive function. Is extra virgin olive oil really essential? How much do we actually need?
Surprisingly, olive oil may not be the only oil with brain health benefits.
All nutrition research has its challenges, often relying on food diaries that participants may inaccurately report. Therefore, definitive studies can be rare.
However, observable patterns can still emerge from observational studies complemented by biological experiments, helping us understand the health impacts of various foods.
Olive oil’s popularity skyrockets largely due to its pivotal role in the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest dietary patterns. This diet encourages the consumption of fresh vegetables, fish, and olive oil, along with occasional red wine, correlating with reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
While the Mediterranean diet is high in fat, most of it comes from olive oil. As nutritionist Richard Hoffman points out, “The Mediterranean diet’s effectiveness is amplified when extra virgin olive oil is included,” highlighting its significant role.
A pivotal study involving over 7,000 Spanish participants aged 55 to 80 examined the effects of olive oil on heart health. One group received 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly and was encouraged to consume 4 to 5 tablespoons daily. In contrast, other groups replaced olive oil with nuts or reduced their overall fat intake.
While olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits are clear, what does it mean for the brain?
The upcoming large-scale study set for 2024 analyzed data from over 92,000 adults regarding olive oil consumption tracked across nearly 30 years. Results indicated a lower risk of dementia-related mortality among regular olive oil consumers.
While healthier lifestyles typically correlate with higher olive oil intake, controlling for variables such as BMI, activity level, and overall diet still showed a strong association with reduced dementia risk.
Moreover, replacing other fats with olive oil provided additional benefits; researchers found an 8 to 14 percent reduction in dementia risk when substituting a teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil, according to Marta Guasch-Ferré from Harvard University.
Olive Oil: A Vital Component of the Mediterranean Diet
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Olive oil exhibits protective effects on the brain, primarily due to its rich content of polyphenols, the highest among edible oils. These compounds protect plants and humans from various stressors, reduce inflammation, and prevent harmful fat oxidation leading to plaque formation.
Polyphenols also nourish gut microbes, supporting a healthy immune system and mitigating inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to major health issues, including heart disease and dementia, suggesting that Alzheimer’s could stem from inflammation in distant organ systems.
“Growing mechanistic evidence indicates that olive oil may alleviate the underlying pathology of Alzheimer’s and similar neurodegenerative diseases,” says Guash-Ferré.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
All olive oils are not equal. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed variety, preserving polyphenols. Virgin olive oil is slightly more refined, while standard olive oil undergoes further processing, stripping it of many beneficial properties.
Is there a significant difference in health benefits among these types? “Consumption of any type of olive oil correlates with a lower mortality risk,” Guash-Ferré states. The blend of healthy fats and bioactive compounds makes olive oil a top choice among plant-based oils.
However, recent research from January revealed intriguing insights comparing various olive oils’ effects on the microbiome and cognitive function in older adults. The study involving 656 overweight participants with metabolic syndrome demonstrated that those consuming more virgin olive oil exhibited cognitive improvements, while standard olive oil users faced accelerated cognitive decline.
The beneficial impacts are associated with shifts in microbial diversity; those drinking virgin olive oil saw increased diversity, whereas standard olive oil led to reduced diversity, with a specific bacterial group, adlerkreuzia, mediating about 20% of virgin olive oil’s cognitive effects.
Although this preliminary study is small and short-term, it hints at a captivating relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and brain health.
What does this mean for us? While standard olive oil provides health benefits, especially for heart health, extra virgin olive oil offers an added dimension through its polyphenols that may safeguard brain function.
The good news for your wallet is that the health benefits aren’t exclusive to olive oil. Other plant-based oils like canola and corn also contain healthy fats and moderate polyphenol levels. Guash-Ferré’s team found no additional brain health benefits when replacing olive oil with these oils; instead, they emphasized that while olive oil is beneficial, other vegetable oils are also acceptable alternatives.
“Incorporating other vegetable oils can be a healthy substitute for animal fats and are generally more affordable,” she cautions, yet further studies are necessary to bolster these findings.
The simplest advice? Opt for the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford. If that’s not feasible, replacing animal fats with other vegetable oils still promotes brain health. It’s also wise to consider packaging; light can diminish polyphenol levels, so choose dark bottles when possible to preserve health benefits.
I confidently invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, not just for its exquisite flavor but also for its potential cognitive advantages.
Have you ever worried that your mental sharpness isn’t what it used to be? Perhaps you find it difficult to recall the names of actors or politicians, or you struggle with basic mental arithmetic. If so, you might be contemplating the current state of your brain and whether cognitive decline is inevitable.
It’s crucial to address these concerns early, as brain development typically concludes in your 20s, with cognitive functions gradually declining with age. Additionally, there’s an increasing risk of dementia, particularly with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, especially in countries experiencing aging populations.
Fortunately, research indicates that both cognitive decline and dementia risk are influenced by what experts categorize as “modifiable risk factors.”
This means there is hope! By adopting certain lifestyle habits, you can keep your brain sharp and significantly reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Stay Mentally Active to Enhance Your Cognitive Reserve
Psychologists and gerontologists often speak of cognitive reserve. This refers to the brain’s ability to adapt to aging and disease.
Those with a high cognitive reserve can perform well on mental tests even if they display biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting they can cope with brain challenges effectively.
Many activities can enhance your cognitive reserve; including reading, learning to play an instrument, solving complex puzzles, acquiring a new language, and traveling. Essentially, the adage “use it or lose it” holds true.
You may have encountered brain-training games designed to sharpen your cognitive abilities. However, the benefits of these games do not transfer to daily life and could potentially hinder real-life social engagements. Interacting with others is the most effective form of brain training.
Research indicates that social isolation is a significant risk factor for dementia. A comprehensive review by a team at the University of Groningen concluded that “individuals who are less socially engaged, have fewer interactions, and experience greater loneliness display an increased risk of developing dementia.”
Therefore, prioritize engaging conversations with friends and family. Such interactions not only stimulate your brain but also enhance your emotional well-being. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider volunteering or joining a club.
Your brain requires oxygen and nutrients to function optimally. Maintaining good cardiovascular health supports brain health. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity have been linked to faster cognitive decline and increased dementia risk.
Consider incorporating more physical activity into your routine. Whether through running, cycling, swimming, or simply walking more often, staying active is essential. Engaging in hobbies such as gardening or even singing can promote an active lifestyle.
Nourishing your brain with a balanced diet is vital. Reducing saturated fat helps prevent arterial blockages, while consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants necessary for brain health.
The World Health Organization recommends a “Mediterranean diet” rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, while low in saturated fat and meat. If implementing this seems daunting, start with small changes, like adding an extra piece of fruit daily or limiting processed foods.
Stay Curious
Surprisingly, personality traits also correlate with brain health. Individuals high in openness to experiences—traits linked to curiosity and creativity—exhibit a lower risk of dementia. According to a study from the University of Georgia, “Higher openness is associated with superior psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, and working memory in both depressed and non-depressed older adults.”
Fortunately, you can cultivate curiosity. Seek awe-inspiring experiences, explore unfamiliar places, or engage in culturally enriching activities like live theatre.
If you’ve established positive habits like staying socially and physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, and nurturing curiosity, there’s much to feel optimistic about regarding the future of your brain. This mindset is crucial.
Research increasingly shows that your attitude towards aging significantly impacts your brain health. Expecting cognitive decline can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
However, recognizing your influence over brain health through lifestyle choices increases your likelihood of enjoying cognitive vitality. Embracing this knowledge benefits your brain.
Surround yourself with positive older role models and apply the strategies outlined in this article to empower yourself to train your brain effectively. By doing so, you may realize your full cognitive potential.
Will we someday preserve our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions?
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Recent breakthroughs in brain preservation methods have enabled an entire mammalian brain to be successfully stored. This innovative technique will soon be accessible to terminally ill patients, aimed at gathering essential neural data to one day reconstruct the essence of the individual.
According to Boris Lobel of Nectome, a San Francisco-based company pioneering memory preservation, patients will need to donate their brains and bodies for scientific research. “Our vision is to preserve their bodies and brains indefinitely, with the hope that one day we can decode the information stored in their brains,” he stated.
Timing is critical for preserving the delicate structure of the brain; just minutes without blood flow can lead to irreversible damage as enzymes destroy neurons and cells begin self-digestion.
Typically, cryonics aims to preserve bodies at subzero temperatures post-mortem, allowing for the possibility of revival if future treatments are developed. However, rapid action is essential, as brain deterioration begins almost immediately following natural death.
To mitigate these challenges, Lobel and his team have created a physician-assisted protocol that allows terminally ill individuals to choose the timing of their passing. This ensures immediate intervention, enhancing the likelihood of maintaining the brain’s condition close to its living state.
Lobel’s team performed tests using pigs, which possess brain and cardiovascular systems similar to humans. The procedure involved inserting a cannula into the heart shortly after cardiac arrest, flushing out blood, and introducing a preservation solution. This concoction contains aldehyde chemicals that create molecular connections, effectively locking cellular activity.
A cryoprotectant is later introduced to replace water within the tissue, preventing ice crystal formation that could harm cells upon cooling. The treated brains are then cooled to approximately -32°C, allowing cryoprotectants to achieve a glass-like state for indefinite preservation.
To evaluate the technique’s success, researchers analyzed samples from the brain’s outer layer under a microscope. Initial trials commencing 18 minutes post-mortem indicated significant cellular damage, but when the delay was shortened to under 14 minutes, the tissue displayed excellent preservation of neurons and synapses.
Theoretically, Lobel suggested this protocol could aid in “reconstructing the three-dimensional map of neural connections,” referred to as the connectome, potentially illuminating how the brain generates thoughts, emotions, and cognitive functions. So far, scientists have achieved the mapping of only a fraction of the mouse brain, which took seven years to complete, as documented in this study.
Despite advancements in cryonics and computational technology, true “resuscitation” remains unfeasible. “Our method is akin to embalming, preserving the brain’s structural integrity without restoring biological viability,” explains João Pedro de Magalhães from the University of Birmingham. He further asserts that even a perfect mental replica would exist as a distinct entity.
Nonetheless, Lobel’s team is hopeful about the future, positing that human consciousness could eventually be recreated digitally or biologically. “We are open to various resurrection strategies, as we believe we can preserve all necessary information for this,” Wróbel asserts.
Nectome plans to invite terminally ill patients to Oregon, allowing them to spend time with family before undergoing the new preservation protocols. “They receive medications prescribed by an independent physician before we initiate the surgery,” Lobel notes.
This groundbreaking research brings forth profound philosophical inquiries regarding our understanding of death. “Declaring death based solely on the absence of blood circulation oversimplifies the complexities involved,” remarks Brian Wok, from 21st Century Medicine. “The ability to preserve the brain’s intricate structure and molecular makeup after circulation ceases raises essential questions about the nature of life and death.”
Repeated Heading of a Soccer Ball Linked to Brain Damage
René Nijhuis/MB Media
Consistent head impacts in sports can compromise the blood-brain barrier and lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting numerous retired athletes from soccer, rugby, and boxing. This crucial finding raises hopes for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as CTE is typically diagnosed only post-mortem.
“Numerous drugs are being developed to restore the blood-brain barrier for neurological treatment, which may offer promising futures if they receive approval,” notes Matthew Campbell from Trinity College, Dublin.
Campbell and his team conducted brain scans on 47 former athletes from contact sports, retired an average of 12 years ago, and compared them with those from non-contact sports like rowing and individuals without sports backgrounds.
Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), utilizing a contrast agent that reveals blood-brain barrier breaches. Results showed that 17 athletes experienced significant contrast dye leakage, indicating severe damage, while non-contact athletes exhibited minimal leakage.
Those former athletes displaying greater blood-brain barrier impairment performed worse on cognitive assessments, pointing to a potential early link to CTE characterized by memory difficulties, emotional instability, and depression. “Previous evidence has shown that breaches in the blood-brain barrier correlate with CTE, and this supports that notion,” says Michael Buckland from the University of Sydney.
Mechanics of head impacts and whiplash during contact sports can physically damage the blood-brain barrier, explains Chris Greene from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. “It’s better to view the blood-brain barrier as a dynamic system rather than a rigid wall,” he states, noting that impact forces can disrupt the cellular seal within the barrier, leading to increased permeability.
Once compromised, proteins, immune cells, and inflammatory mediators may invade the brain, causing inflammation and cell damage. Their study also analyzed brain tissue from individuals who succumbed to CTE, revealing prominent immune and blood protein infiltration within affected regions. The characteristics of CTE resemble those of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting similar underlying mechanisms involving blood-brain barrier degradation with age.
Like in Alzheimer’s, CTE is marked by abnormal tau protein accumulation in the brain, with head trauma potentially triggering incorrect tau folding and aggregation.
If a head injury concurrently endangers the blood-brain barrier, blood proteins and inflammatory agents may enter the brain, exacerbating tau misfolding, further complicating the cognitive issues associated with CTE, according to Greene. His previous findings suggested that patients who died from CTE displayed a genetic signature linked to breaches in the blood-brain barrier, corroborating recent research.
Currently, CTE diagnosis is limited to post-mortem examinations revealing tau abnormalities. Nevertheless, Campbell and Greene assert that their MRI advancements could facilitate earlier diagnosis for individuals exhibiting cognitive or mood-related changes. In the future, this imaging technique might also evaluate CTE risk among active athletes, pending further research confirmation.
If deterioration of the blood-brain barrier signifies an initial CTE risk factor, adapting existing or developing new medications aimed at reinforcing the barrier could help prevent or slow its progression, suggests Greene. A compound like bevacizumab, known for diminishing blood vessel permeability, could be explored further. Additionally, other anti-inflammatory medications like minocycline are gaining traction amid ongoing developments.
“By focusing on strengthening vascular integrity and suppressing harmful signals before tau pathology solidifies, we may shift towards preventive measures,” concludes Professor Greene.
As energy demands soar in data centers and the need for chips intensifies, could biological cells offer a solution? Australian startup Cortical Labs is pioneering this concept by establishing two innovative biological data centers in Melbourne and Singapore. These facilities will utilize chips populated with reproducible neurons for data processing.
Cortical Labs stands out as a leader in the emerging field of biological computing, using nerve cells linked to microelectrode arrays to both stimulate and record cellular responses during data input. Recently, the company showcased its flagship computer, the CL1, demonstrating its ability to learn to play games like Doom within a week.
The Melbourne data center is set to feature approximately 120 CL1 units, while a collaboration with the National University of Singapore will launch with 20 units, aiming for a total of 1,000 CL1s, pending regulatory approval. This ambitious expansion is designed to enhance their cloud-based brain computing services.
Michael Barros from the University of Essex remarks, “Biological computers like CL1 have been developed by multiple research teams globally but pose construction challenges for widespread adoption.” He continues, “Cortical Labs is making biocomputers more accessible, set to be the first company to do this at scale.”
These biological systems can be trained for tasks like playing Doom, although understanding the optimal training methods for neurons remains a complex issue. Reinhold Scherer, also from the University of Essex, notes, “Having access can facilitate explorations in learning and programming, yet neurons cannot be programmed as traditional computers.”
Moreover, Cortical Labs asserts that its biological data centers are significantly more energy-efficient than conventional computing systems, with each CL1 unit consuming just 30 watts compared to thousands of watts used by state-of-the-art AI chips.
Paul Roach from Loughborough University highlights that scaling up these systems to function like traditional data servers could lead to remarkable energy savings, even if they require nutrients to sustain the neuron chips. However, the cooling requirements are expected to be much lower than in traditional setups, indicating considerable power conservation according to Cortical Labs’ estimates.
Yet, the technology is still nascent. Tjeerd Olde Scheper, who has collaborated with a competitor, FinalSpark, poses questions about efficacy, stating, “We’re still in early development stages.” He emphasizes that transitioning from a small network managing simple tasks to a larger-scale language model is a substantial leap.
A primary challenge remains: the capacity to save training outcomes and utilize these neurons for computational algorithms beyond specific tasks like gaming. Retraining these neurons after their life cycle is another hurdle, as Scherer points out, “If retraining is needed every month, longevity of use becomes an issue.”
A small number of companies are developing biological computers
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Data centers consume vast amounts of energy while the demand for computer chips continues to soar. Could utilizing brain cells be the solution?
Australian startup Cortical Labs is pioneering this field, planning to establish two innovative “biological” data centers in Melbourne and Singapore. These cutting-edge data centers will feature chips integrated with reproducible neurons. Pon vs. Doom.
Cortical Labs stands out as one of the few firms creating biological computers that link nerve cells to microelectrode arrays, enabling the stimulation and measurement of cell responses during data input. Recently, the company successfully showcased that its primary model, the CL1, can learn to play games like Doom within just a week.
The first data center in Melbourne is set to accommodate around 120 CL1 units, while a second facility in collaboration with the National University of Singapore will initially support 20 CL1 systems, with plans to expand to 1,000 pending regulatory approval. This initiative aims to enhance cloud-based brain computing services.
According to Michael Barros from the University of Essex, UK, while biological computers have been constructed and tested globally, they remain challenging to build and use. He states, “We invest a lot of time and resources developing these systems.”
Barros further elaborates that Cortical Labs is democratizing access to biocomputers at scale, pioneering an accessible approach in the industry.
These systems can be trained for simple tasks, such as playing Doom, yet there are challenges in understanding how neurons function and training them for more complex tasks like machine learning. Reinhold Scherer, also from the University of Essex, notes, “When you access this technology, it opens doors to exploration in learning, training, and programming, but neurons cannot be programmed like standard computers.”
Cortical Labs asserts that its biological data centers use significantly less energy than traditional computing systems, with each CL1 requiring only 30 watts compared to thousands needed by leading conventional AI chips.
Paul Roach from Loughborough University, UK, emphasizes that scaling biocomputers into entire rooms, akin to traditional data servers, could yield substantial energy savings. Notably, while biological data centers may necessitate nutrients to sustain neuron chips, they require less cooling energy than conventional computing infrastructures, suggesting significant potential for energy conservation.
Nevertheless, experts like Tjeerd Olde Scheper, who holds a PhD from Oxford Brookes University, recognize that the technology remains nascent. “Will it perform as expected? We are still in the early developmental phase,” he comments.
Although direct comparisons between the sizes of biological and silicon AI systems remain complex, it’s notable that the envisioned biological data center would integrate hundreds of biological chips in contrast to the hundreds of thousands of GPUs typically found in large-scale AI data centers.
“We have a long way to go before these systems are production-ready. Transitioning from a small network playing games to a large language model is a substantial leap,” says Steve Furber from the University of Manchester, UK.
A pressing concern is the lack of clarity on how to store training outcomes within neurons as memory, or how to execute computational algorithms beyond specific tasks, such as video gaming.
Additionally, retraining neurons post-task completion poses challenges, as their training and learning may be lost upon the end of their lifespan. “Proper retraining is essential,” Scherer states. “If retraining is required every 30 days, it may hinder technological continuity.”
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The human brain plays a crucial role in interpreting our surroundings, primarily through our five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. However, these senses often provide incomplete information. For instance, many objects we perceive are only partially visible. Our brains utilize prior knowledge and expectations to bridge these gaps in perception, a process known as sensory reasoning.
We engage in sensory reasoning so frequently that it often goes unnoticed. Consider a coffee table: without sensory reasoning, recognizing it when you place your drink down would be challenging. Despite its commonplace nature, the mechanisms behind sensory reasoning remain unclear. Recently, a team from the University of California, Berkeley, embarked on a quest to uncover the brain processes that underpin sensory reasoning in mice.
Earlier studies have shown that mice, much like humans, experience phenomena such as the Kanizsa illusion. This optical illusion highlights sensory reasoning, displaying a white triangle that appears to be present, even though only three incomplete circles and angles are visible. Researchers have identified similar responses to such illusions in mice. The Berkeley team aimed to further this research by observing mouse brains to draw parallels with human sensory reasoning.
“Kanizsa Triangle” by Fibonacci is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Most observers perceive a white triangle in the center rather than three incomplete circles.
To investigate sensory reasoning, researchers utilized two primary methods to monitor brain activity in mice. First, a device called Neuropixel was surgically implanted into the heads of 14 mice, facilitating the observation of numerous neurons simultaneously. The second method involved two-photon imaging, utilizing a specialized microscope to examine individual neuronal activity in four other mice.
These techniques offer complementary advantages and limitations. While Neuropixels provide a comprehensive overview of brain activity, two-photon imaging focuses on single neurons or small groups. The research team conducted experiments on two distinct groups of mice: one utilizing Neuropixels and the other employing two-photon imaging.
To decode sensory reasoning mechanisms, the researchers pinpointed neurons in mice that responded to the perceived white triangle in the Kanizsa illusion. They monitored brain activity while presenting two types of visuals: illusions and real shapes. They discovered that area V1, located at the back of the brain, exhibited similar activity patterns in response to both the illusion and actual shapes.
The study identified two distinct neuron types in area V1 contributing to sensory reasoning. The first type, known as optical illusion shape encoders, only activated upon viewing illusions—essentially shapes that don’t exist. The second neuron type, called segment responders, displayed consistent activity regardless of illusions, responding to specific shapes within the images.
Employing machine learning algorithms, the research team compared both neuron types. They found that optical illusion shape encoders, believed to facilitate the perception of illusions, have stronger connections to regions responsible for higher-level visual processing beyond V1. This insight implies that similar neurons may assist the brain in leveraging expectations to compensate for missing information, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
The researchers postulated that partial visual inputs could activate the optical illusion shape encoder, which, in turn, stimulates other neurons in V1, creating the sensation that an illusory shape genuinely exists. To validate this, they used a laser to stimulate the optical illusion shape encoders in resting mice, prompting activation across V1 and inducing the experience of viewing a tangible shape.
Their findings revealed that three interconnected circuits facilitate the experience of sensory reasoning in mice. Initially, segment responders detect shapes and alert higher processing regions of the brain regarding missing information. These advanced regions subsequently activate the optical illusion shape encoder, which completes the pattern and triggers the overall V1 activation, giving the impression of observing a real shape.
Although the study concentrated on illusions, the researchers posited that their discoveries are relevant to sensory reasoning more broadly. As our scientific grasp of brain functions like sensory reasoning evolves, future research may extend these findings to encompass additional cognitive processes, such as memory and language.
The remarkable sensitivity of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope in near- and mid-infrared light offers new insights into PMR 1, a little-explored nebula in the constellation Vela.
These web images depict PMR 1, a planetary nebula located about 5,000 light-years away in the Vela constellation. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/Joseph DePasquale, STScI.
PMR 1 is a fascinating planetary nebula situated approximately 5,000 light-years from our Earth in the Vela constellation.
Also known as IRAS 09269-4923, this nebula was previously captured in infrared light by the now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope in 2013.
The advanced technology of the Webb Telescope reveals striking details that enhance the nebula’s brain-like appearance.
According to Webb astronomers, “The nebula exhibits distinct regions that illustrate various stages of its evolution; the outer shell, largely composed of hydrogen, is initially blown out while the inner cloud is more refined, containing a mix of gases.” They stated.
“Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) identify unique dark lanes traversing vertically through the center of the nebula, accentuating the brain-like shape of its left and right hemispheres.”
“These dark lanes may be linked to an explosive event or outflow from the central star, often triggered by twin jets moving in opposite directions.”
“This phenomenon is notably apparent at the top of the nebula in Webb’s MIRI images, where gas seems to be jetting outward.”
Despite remaining mysteries surrounding this nebula, it is evident that it was formed by a star nearing the end of its fuel-burning phase.” The astronomers added.
“During this final phase, the star sheds its outer layers, a dynamic process that occurs relatively quickly from a cosmic viewpoint. Webb captured this crucial moment in stellar evolution.”
“The ultimate fate of the star hinges on its mass, which is still undetermined.”
“If the star is massive enough, it will eventually go supernova.”
“Conversely, a less massive, Sun-like star will continue shedding layers and cooling until only a dense white dwarf remains.”
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Human Neurons Playing Doom on a Chip
Cortical Research Institute
A cluster of human brain cells has been demonstrated to play the classic game Doom. While the performance doesn’t yet match human ability, experts believe this breakthrough gets us closer to practical applications for biological computers, such as controlling robotic arms.
In 2021, researchers from the Cortical Research Institute employed a computer chip featuring neurons known as Pon. The chip, comprising over 800,000 living brain cells on a microelectrode array, was capable of both sending and receiving electrical signals. The researchers meticulously trained the chip to manipulate the paddles on the screen’s edges.
<p>Recently, Cortical Labs introduced an easier interface to program these chips using the widely-used programming language Python. Independent developer <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-cole-8985a4207/">Sean Cole</a> utilized this interface to teach the chip how to play <em>Doom</em> in just about a week.</p>
<p>“Unlike the <em>Pon</em> project that involved years of rigorous scientific labor, this new demonstration was achieved in mere days by individuals with limited prior experience in biology,” said <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bvWRHNcAAAAJ&hl=en">Brett Kagan</a> from the Cortical Institute. “This accessibility and flexibility is incredibly exciting.”</p>
<p>The neuron-based computer chips utilized approximately a quarter of the neurons found in traditional chips. While the <em>Pon</em> demonstration yielded better results in <em>Doom</em> than random input from players, its performance still lagged behind that of top human gamers. However, it can learn significantly faster than conventional silicon-based machine learning systems, and new learning algorithms are expected to enhance its performance, according to Kagan.</p>
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<p>Comparing these biological chips to the human brain can be misleading, he suggests. "While it is indeed living tissue, the mechanisms it employs for information processing are dissimilar to those of silicon," he explains.</p>
<p><em>Doom</em> poses a substantial challenge compared to prior example games, and the ability to successfully engage with it marks a significant advancement in controlling and training living neural systems, states <a href="https://people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/AndrewAdamatzky">Andrew Adamatzky</a> from the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.</p>
<p>Researchers like <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jLnsiBEAAAAJ&hl=en">Steve Farber</a> from the University of Manchester concur, noting that the ability to play <em>Doom</em> represents significant progress. He also pointed out that many unanswered questions remain regarding how neurons comprehend gameplay expectations and how they interface with a screen without visual organs.</p>
<p>Regardless, the leap in capabilities is promising. <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/biomedical-engineering/staff/yoshikatsu-hayashi">Yoshikatsu Hayashi</a> from the University of Reading is working towards practical applications like using biological computers to control robotic arms. His team is experimenting with a similar computer made of jelly-like hydrogel. “[Playing <em>Doom</em>] serves as a simpler analogy for controlling an entire arm,” Hayashi articulates.</p>
<p>“The significance here goes beyond just biological systems playing <em>Doom</em>,” adds Adamatzky. “It demonstrates the potential to navigate complexities, uncertainties, and real-time decision-making—skills essential for future biological or hybrid computing solutions.”</p>
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False color radiograph illustrating large neural tube defects (red) on both sides of the lower back in a spina bifida patient
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A groundbreaking trial utilized a patch made from donor placenta stem cells to treat a fetus suffering from severe spina bifida in utero. This innovative technique appears to reverse brain complications associated with congenital disorders, showing potential to improve long-term mobility in affected children.
The mother of a now four-year-old boy named Toby, who was diagnosed with spina bifida during pregnancy, was initially prepared for him to rely on a wheelchair. “But Toby is thriving. He has met all his developmental milestones, including walking, running, and jumping, and remarkably has no issues with bladder control, which is rare among those with this condition,” she commented.
Spina bifida, affecting approximately 1 in 2,800 births annually in the United States, occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not fully develop in utero. The most severe form, myelomeningocele, involves the spinal cord and surrounding tissues protruding through vertebrae, often leading to mobility challenges and bowel or bladder control issues. The precise cause of spina bifida remains unclear, although a deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy can heighten risks.
Standard treatment often involves in-utero surgery where the spinal cord and surrounding tissues are repositioned before closing the skin. “However, many children still struggle with mobility, and often bowel or bladder control remains unimproved,” notes Diana Farmer of the University of California, Davis.
To explore alternatives, Farmer and her team proposed the addition of stem cells to enhance growth and repair of spinal cord tissue. They enlisted six pregnant women carrying fetuses diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
By approximately 24 weeks of gestation, all fetuses exhibited a common complication known as hindbrain hernia. This condition causes excess fluid to accumulate in the skull, pushing the cerebellum through an opening at the base of the skull. While standard surgical procedures can often help alleviate hindbrain hernias, many children continue to face complications post-surgery.
In this latest trial, all fetuses received standard surgery along with a patch, measuring several centimeters, that included stem cells from the donated placenta, set within a matrix of sticky proteins. The surgeons applied this patch to the spine before suturing the skin around it. “The cells release what we like to call ‘magical stem cell juice’,” Farmer explains.
Upon birth, all babies showed positive surgical site healing with no indications of abnormal cell growth. “Our primary concern was that adding stem cells would lead to excessive cell proliferation, but we did not observe this,” Farmer reported. MRI scans of their brains demonstrated complete resolution of hindbrain herniation.
“In my opinion, this will enhance long-term outcomes compared to standard methods,” added Panicos Shangaris from King’s College London, citing evidence from animal studies.
The research team is optimistic about conducting a trial aimed at administering the stem cell patch to 35 fetuses with myelomeningocele, comparing results with prior studies that utilized traditional surgery, as stated by Farmer.
However, Professor Shangaris suggests that a more suitable approach would involve head-to-head trials to thoroughly assess safety and efficacy between the two techniques, providing clear pathways for treatment approvals.
Recent research reveals that older adults may have a genetic edge, showcasing enhanced cognitive abilities as they age.
A study conducted by scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine found that individuals aged over 80, referred to as “very old people,” produce double the number of new neurons in the hippocampus—an area crucial for learning and memory—compared to the average elderly individual. The findings were published in the journal Nature on Wednesday.
Study co-author and UIC director, Orly Lazarov, stated, “This discovery indicates that very old individuals possess molecular capabilities that enhance their cognitive performance, evidenced by increased neurogenesis. Neurogenesis represents one of the most profound forms of brain plasticity.”
In essence, the brains of very old individuals are more adaptable, fostering improved cognitive functions.
The term “super-elderly” describes those over 80 who exhibit memory capabilities comparable to individuals 20 to 30 years younger, determined by a delayed word recall test, according to Dr. M. Marcel Mesulam, founder of the Meshulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute. This designation was introduced by a professor from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
In this groundbreaking study, Lazarov and colleagues analyzed 38 brains from five distinct groups: healthy adults under 40, healthy older adults, those in early cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease patients, and super-elderly individuals. Notably, six super-aged brains were contributed by Northwestern University’s Super Aging Program, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.
The researchers investigated neurons at varying developmental stages within brain tissue samples, discovering that very old individuals possess twice as many “immature” neurons compared to healthy older adults, and 2.5 times more than Alzheimer’s patients.
A super-aged brain in a research lab.Shane Collins, Northwestern University
Historically, it was believed that mammals had a fixed number of neurons from birth, but research in the 1960s and 1970s unveiled adult neurogenesis in rodents and primates.
Subsequent studies have indicated that this phenomenon occurs within the human hippocampus’s dentate gyrus, although evidence remains mixed, and the underlying processes are still unclear.
“We’ve affirmed the existence of neurogenesis and its involvement in learning and memory in animal models,” Lazarov commented. “Determining if the human brain functions similarly is a pivotal question for our research.”
Lazarov’s findings suggest that the adult brain can generate new neurons in response to age and cognitive status.
The study revealed that very old brains exhibit “signs of resilience,” allowing them to cope with aging while maintaining superior cognitive performance.
Moreover, the research identified changes in astrocytes and CA1 neurons that regulate memory and cognition within the aging hippocampus.
Despite the study’s advancements, authors noted limitations, such as small sample sizes and significant variability among human brain samples.
Very Old Individuals Provide Insights Beyond 25 Years
According to the Northwestern Super Aging Program, this research marks the first identification of genetic distinctions between very old and conventional older adults.
Tamar Geffen, co-director of the program and co-author of the study, stated, “These individuals, aged 80 and above, exhibit immature neurons that continuously rewire, making their hippocampus distinct from that of other seniors.”
The program has also uncovered various discoveries related to these exceptionally healthy seniors, ranging from personality traits to neurological anomalies. For instance, Geffen noted that very elderly individuals often describe themselves as extroverts, with other research highlighting Von Economo Neurons linked to social behavior.
“We’ve repeatedly heard about the importance of social interactions for healthy aging, while isolation can have adverse effects in old age,” she noted.
Furthermore, these seniors tend to embrace change and remain receptive to new experiences, often identifying as low-level neurotics, according to Geffen.
While a typical human brain shrinks with age, a phenomenon exacerbated by Alzheimer’s, researchers at Northwestern discovered that the brains of very old individuals exhibit significantly slower shrinkage rates.
In a 2017 study published in the American Medical Association Journal, Northwestern researchers noted that very old individuals demonstrate resilience against neurofibrillary tangles, or tau protein changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
Concerning immunity, very elderly individuals have numerous questions, with their brains containing microglia—immune cells that activate during neurodegenerative diseases. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience revealed that very old individuals had fewer activated microglia compared to dementia patients, paralleling amounts found in those 30 to 40 years younger.
Staying Sharp Without Being Super Old
The findings suggest that the very elderly may have won the genetic lottery regarding cognitive health.
Sel Yackley, an 86-year-old participant in Northwestern’s Super Aging Program, noted, “We feel fortunate; we’re forming new neurons.”
Residing in Chicago, Yackley humorously remarked on her “super-senior duties,” which include knitting, going to the gym, crafting jewelry, singing, and managing her daily to-do list. Although she has faced limited in-person interactions, she’s prioritized keeping in touch via phone, email, and Zoom.
While she proudly identifies as a super senior citizen, Yackley acknowledges that age-related cognitive impairment can still affect her.
“At times, my memories feel fresh, and other times they slip away,” she stated.
Importantly, there are several wellness strategies individuals can adopt throughout adulthood to preserve cognitive health, noted Dr. Jennifer Paul-Durai, medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program in Northern Virginia. “Now is the moment to focus on enhancing cognitive function, long before natural decline or dementia occur,” she advised.
Dr. Paul-Durai emphasized, “The concept of super-aging provides a sense of regained control. With rising dementia and Alzheimer’s rates correlating with increased lifespan, maintaining cognitive sharpness is vital.” She encourages discussions focused on strategies to mitigate cognitive decline rather than solely highlighting the lack of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
This latest research underscores the brain’s capacity for adaptability, with Paul-Durai likening it to a ball of clay. “While some inherit better quality clay than others, it remains moldable throughout life to foster and shape neural pathways.”
However, if left unattended, clay solidifies and becomes hard to work with, similar to how our brains respond when we neglect cognitive engagement and physical activity.
“Our brains require active use and continuous cognitive engagement to remain flexible,” Paul-Durai explained.
Prioritizing overall health is also crucial for fostering brain plasticity, as factors like unmanaged chronic illnesses and untreated psychological traumas can hinder neuron development.
“It’s essential to advocate for preventive brain health measures before significant societal fractures emerge,” she advised. “We must emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps over merely highlighting the absence of Alzheimer’s solutions.”
Yackley, a former journalist, attributes her cognitive resilience to her career path, sharing, “My curiosity led me to explore numerous stories and conduct many interviews, which may have contributed to my neuronal health.”
Her advice to those who aren’t super seniors is to remain actively engaged, both mentally and physically.
“Don’t get caught up in counting the years. Stay active, both mentally and physically,” Yackley encouraged.
How Birdwatching Can Enhance Your Cognitive Reserve
Steve Young/Alamy
Recent research suggests that birdwatchers exhibit distinct brain differences that could explain their remarkable skill in identifying unfamiliar birds. This indicates that engaging in birdwatching may alter brain structure, akin to the effects of learning a new language or musical instrument. Such activities are believed to enhance cognitive reserve—the brain’s capacity to combat aging and adapt to damage.
As individuals learn or practice new skills, neural pathways in the brain reorganize, strengthening relevant connections. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, facilitates the acquisition of specialized knowledge. For example, professional musicians display structural changes in brain regions associated with auditory processing, while athletes experience similar adaptations in their motor cortex.
To explore the effects of birdwatching on brain structure, Eric Wing and his team from York University, Canada, examined the brain function and structure of 48 recreational birdwatchers, with participants categorized into experts and beginners. The age range of participants was between 22 and 79 years, ensuring balanced variables like gender, age, and education.
During brain scans, participants viewed bird images for less than four seconds. Following this, they attempted to identify the same bird from four options, each depicting a different species. “We purposefully selected bird species that were quite similar,” states Wing.
This identification task was done 72 times, utilizing images from 18 distinct bird species—six being local and twelve non-native.
As anticipated, expert birders outperformed novices, with an average correct identification rate of 83% for native bird species and 61% for non-native; novices, on the other hand, correctly identified only 44% of the birds.
Notably, while identifying non-local birds, activity increased in three key brain regions for expert birders, including the bilateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral intraparietal sulcus, and right occipitotemporal cortex—regions pivotal for object recognition, visual processing, attention, and working memory. “This illustrates the diverse cognitive processes involved in bird watching,” Wing explains.
Moreover, these areas exhibited greater structural complexity and organization in expert bird watchers compared to novices, indicating that developing expertise in birdwatching may reshape the brain.
As we grow older, the complexity and organization of brain structures typically diminish, a trend observed in both novice and expert birdwatchers. Nonetheless, the decline appeared less significant in birdwatchers, suggesting that engaging in birdwatching contributes to building cognitive reserve, enhancing the brain’s resilience against aging.
“This implies that staying mentally active in specialized areas may help mitigate the effects of aging,” asserts Robert Zatorre at McGill University in Canada. “While this has been a controversial topic, this paper provides new evidence that supports this concept.”
Broadly participating in other hobbies that demand similar skills—like attention, memory, and sensory integration—may drive comparable brain changes. Wing notes, “Birdwatching taps into numerous cognitive domains, potentially benefiting various cognitive abilities. However, the cognitive enhancement might not be exclusive to birds; if other activities engage similar processes, we could expect similar brain changes there.”
Nevertheless, this study reflects merely a snapshot in time. It’s possible that structural changes occurred prior to participants taking up birdwatching, or that other lifestyle factors leading to brain changes are more prevalent among birdwatchers. To determine if brain changes are directly linked to birdwatching, longitudinal studies involving multiple scans over several months or years are necessary, Wing asserts.
Becoming a birdwatching expert transcends mere hobby; it’s a transformative activity that can significantly enhance brain structure and function. Recent studies reveal that engaging in birdwatching may promote cognitive improvements, even as we age.
In a study conducted in Canada with 58 participants, brain imaging showed that expert birdwatchers exhibited increased tissue density in regions linked to attention and perception compared to novices. This heightened density suggests enhanced communication between neurons, which correlated with superior bird identification skills.
Lead author Eric Wing, while a postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman Institute of Baycrest Academy of Research and Education in Toronto, states, “Our brains are incredibly malleable.”
Learning a new skill triggers neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. While previous research has focused on professionals like athletes and musicians, Wing’s team aimed to study birdwatchers due to the unique cognitive challenges birdwatching presents.
“Birdwatching combines fine discrimination, visual searching, environmental attention, movement sensitivity, and intricate pattern detection,” Wing explained. “It also requires recalling what we’ve seen and comparing it to internal cognitive templates.” He is now a researcher at York University in Toronto.
MRI Scans Reveal Brain Differences
The study included 29 expert birdwatchers aged 24 to 75, recruited from organizations like the Toronto Ornithological Club and Ontario Field Ornithologists. Novices ranged from 22 to 79 and were from similar outdoor or hiking clubs.
While some participants had decades of birdwatching experience, expertise was assessed through screening tests rather than time spent birding.
During a bird matching task, experts demonstrated superior accuracy in identifying both local and exotic bird species compared to novices.
Surprisingly, Wing noted distinct neurological activity among the expert birdwatchers.
The researchers employed two types of MRI scans—diffusion and functional—to assess the participants’ brains.
Diffusion MRI revealed greater density in brain areas involved in working memory, spatial awareness, and object recognition among experts.
Functional MRI data highlighted active regions in expert brains during bird-matching tasks, especially when identifying unfamiliar species.
“These findings offer insights into the significance of these brain regions in developing expertise,” Wing noted. “Such skills are crucial for recognizing new and unidentified bird species.”
Cognitive Benefits for Older Birdwatchers
Experts showed structural brain differences irrespective of age. Though this study doesn’t definitively prove birdwatching prevents cognitive decline, it does suggest potential benefits for brain health in older adults, according to Molly Mather, a clinical psychologist from the Meshulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
“As populations age in the U.S. and globally, we lack treatments to halt or reverse aging and Alzheimer’s-related changes,” Mather, who wasn’t involved in the study, emphasized. “Establishing a scientific basis for recommendations is invaluable.”
Mather noted a chicken-and-egg dilemma in this study: Do brain differences stem from birdwatching, or do individuals with certain neural traits become adept birdwatchers?
Moreover, participants were drawn from active outdoor groups, potentially reflecting healthier lifestyles.
Benefits of Nature Engagement
Benjamin Katz, an associate professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, pointed out that other factors in birding could enhance brain health. Immersion in nature boosts alertness, walking mitigates cognitive decline risk, and social interactions might expedite processing speed.
“Birdwatching isn’t a one-dimensional activity,” Katz, also not part of the study, remarked. “Numerous cognitive factors are involved.”
Katz urged that future research should track novice birdwatchers over time to observe potential brain changes as they gain expertise.
“We lack clarity on baseline differences,” he pointed out. “Long-term data is essential for strong conclusions regarding the impacts of birding.”
The study authors suggested their methodology could explore brain reorganization related to other complex skills.
“Our passions and experiences, especially those cultivated over countless hours or years, leave a lasting imprint on our brains,” Wing concluded. “Identifying ways to leverage this accumulated knowledge can bolster cognitive function.”
While scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a video featuring Donald Trump accusing CNN journalist Caitlan Collins of “not laughing” after she questioned him about the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Without a pause, I continued scrolling. I wasn’t angry, nor did I contemplate the implications of a president making such derogatory remarks. Yet, as I reflected on those comments while writing this piece, I realized how abhorrent, unprofessional, and sexist they truly were.
My brain didn’t fail to react out of indifference; it succumbs to a neurological phenomenon known as habituation. This led me to explore how it shapes our lives and our capacity to navigate it effectively.
Habituation is our brain’s method of normalizing experiences, allowing us to engage with life without becoming overwhelmed. It acts as a neural shortcut that enables us to filter out irrelevant information, preventing sensory overload.
At the café where I work, trance music plays, my ski jacket feels weighty, and bright lights flicker nearby. However, until I consciously recognized these stimuli, my brain had adapted to ignore them, allowing me to focus more readily.
Habituation liberates neural resources, enabling us to promptly detect new stimuli vital for survival. “This mechanism is essential for survival across all species,” states Tali Shallot from University College London.
This habit-forming capability assists us in managing grief, chronic pain, and in normalizing suffering, making life more navigable. A striking example arises from studies on individuals with locked-in syndrome; despite being entirely conscious yet unable to communicate verbally or move, most report satisfaction. Notably, those who’ve endured this condition longer are more inclined to express contentment with their quality of life.
Habit formation also fuels progress. As the initial excitement of a new job diminishes, satisfaction levels stabilize due to habituation. Shallot notes that this waning enthusiasm propels the desire for advancement. “Our responses to pleasure decrease over time, motivating exploration and progress.”
However, forming habits isn’t always beneficial. Ignoring chronic pain may result in delayed medical intervention, while normalizing detrimental behaviors at home or work can lead to accepting intolerable situations.
Compounding this issue, habituation can be a mental health concern. “Most mental health disorders involve some form of habituation disorder,” notes Shallot. Research indicates that those with depression are slower to recover from negative events, highlighting the struggle to adapt to distressing news.
Shallot’s recent, unpublished findings reveal another concerning aspect: frequent financial risk-takers become desensitized to risks over time. “I can see this pattern in stockbrokers,” Shallot remarks.
On a lighter note, habituation explains why our homes feel smaller over time and why new clothes quickly lose their appeal, often prompting excessive consumption.
Take a Step Back and Slow Down
Short Breaks Enhance Focus
Michael Wheatley/Alamy
How can we break the cycle of habituation? How do we train our brains to regain awareness?
One effective method is mindfulness, which encourages heightened awareness of the present. Research shows that awareness can influence eating habits. Consider how easily we overindulge when we’re not truly savoring our food.
Another strategy is to take breaks, which may seem counterintuitive. Researchers, including Leaf Nelson from UC Berkeley and Tom Meyvis from NYU, found that interrupting pleasurable activities, like music or holidays, can enhance enjoyment. Breaks disrupt routines, aiding in the process of novelty, while stepping away from unpleasant experiences may hinder habit formation and increase irritation.
Injecting novelty into your routine is also beneficial. Repeating the same route can dull excitement; try varying your jogging path or rearranging your furniture. “These small changes can reveal unexpected joys, presenting fresh information to the brain,” Shallot advises.
Particularly concerning, however, is our increasing habituation to social media. “In recent years, society has grown normalized to rude online behavior,” Shallot explains. Constant exposure to negative events dulls our reactions and alters our response to significant global issues, especially for children, who experience desensitization towards violence due to media exposure. Studies correlate media violence exposure with increased risks of violence later in life.
The simplest solution? Take a break. “We need to engage with the world anew,” Shallot concludes. “Small shifts can lead to impactful changes.”
I embraced this advice, deleting social media apps from my phone, planning several short vacations instead of one lengthy break, and even switching gyms for a change of scenery. I aspire that upon my return to social media, I will not just feel greater joy, but also experience a heightened emotional response, allowing my brain to discern what truly deserves my attention.
Whether you’re strategizing your chess moves, exploring high-scoring options in Scrabble, or crafting your investment plan in Monopoly, board games are an excellent avenue for enhancing your cognitive skills. Engaging in these games demands a variety of mental faculties, including problem-solving, critical thinking, decision making, memory retention, and concentration, while also providing a valuable platform for face-to-face social interaction.
Given their cognitive and social advantages, it’s no wonder that playing board games can support brain health as you age.
Board games are essential for brain development – Photo credit: Getty Images
Specific games, such as chess, have been extensively studied for their ability to strengthen mental skills. A 2025 review of neuroimaging studies comparing expert and novice chess players revealed that seasoned players exhibit higher brain activity and connectivity in regions related to visual processing, spatial awareness, and decision-making.
For enthusiasts of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, there’s encouraging news as well. A 2024 study from University College Cork found that these games offer escapism, creative expression, and social support, significantly enhancing players’ mental health.
The board game industry is flourishing, with countless options available and dedicated cafes and bars emerging where you can enjoy them. If you’re searching for a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon, immersing yourself in a good game is definitely a worthwhile option.
This article addresses the question, “Are board games good for the brain?” posed via email by Ray Townsend.
Recent research has unveiled specific neurons in mice that enhance endurance following exercise, suggesting that similar cells may exist in humans. These findings could pave the way for targeted drugs and treatments to amplify exercise effects.
Traditionally, the understanding has been that brain changes from physical activity differ from those occurring in muscles. However, Nicholas Betley from the University of Pennsylvania contends that these brain changes regulate all physical responses.
To investigate further, Betley and his team observed neuronal activity in mice before, during, and after treadmill sessions, concentrating on neurons located in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Previous research revealed that developmental issues in this area hinder fitness improvements, a finding likely applicable to humans due to the structural consistency across mammals.
Post-exercise, the researchers noted that a specific group of neurons with SF1 receptors exhibited increased activity. These neurons, critical for brain development and metabolism, activated more significantly with each subsequent run. By day 8, approximately 53% of neurons were activated compared to under 32% on day 1. As Betley emphasizes, “Just as your muscles get stronger through exercise, your brain’s activity adapts as well.”
Utilizing optogenetics, which uses light to manipulate neuron activity, the researchers turned off these neurons in another mouse cohort trained on the treadmill five days weekly for three weeks. Observed post-session, neuron inhibition lasted an hour, followed by endurance tests.
The findings showed that these inhibited mice improved their running distances by around 400 meters, compared to control mice whose neuron activity remained unaffected.
While the exact function of these neurons remains ambiguous, team member Morgan Kindel, also at the University of Pennsylvania, indicates their likely role in fuel utilization. During endurance exercises, carbohydrates are depleted faster, necessitating a shift to fat for fuel. However, when these neurons were inhibited, mice utilized carbohydrates earlier, leading to performance limitations. They also discovered that inhibiting these neurons hindered the release of a muscle protein, PGC-1 alpha, which optimizes fuel use, while also facilitating energy replenishment and muscle recovery.
Although optogenetics isn’t applicable to humans due to its invasive nature, Betley suggests potential alternative interventions could be developed to target these neurons. “If we can identify methods, like supplements, to activate these neurons, we could significantly boost endurance,” he states.
In experiments boosting neuron activity instead of suppressing it, the mice exhibited extraordinary endurance, able to run over twice the distance of control subjects.
Such advancements may particularly benefit individuals struggling with exercise, including the elderly or stroke survivors, as noted by Betley.
Nevertheless, several challenges remain. First, the applicability of these findings to humans is not confirmed. There are concerns about potential side effects, highlighted by Thomas Barris at the University of Florida. These neurons seem to regulate cellular energy uptake, and overstimulation might pose risks like dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Even if safely activatable in humans, Betley believes it won’t serve as a stand-alone solution for health. “Exercise fosters a wide array of benefits: reducing depression and anxiety, enhancing cognitive function, improving cardiovascular health, and strengthening muscles,” he notes. However, stimulating these neurons alone won’t unlock all the positive outcomes associated with exercise.
Your brain might contain a previously unknown network of blood vessels that assist in the elimination of metabolic waste. If further research substantiates this finding, it could transform our understanding of brain function and lead to novel treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
“If this is confirmed, it’s a game-changer,” states Per Christian Eide from the University of Oslo, who was not part of the study. “This could signify a paradigm shift in our grasp of all neurodegenerative disorders, including stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as our normal brain functions.”
The brain has its mechanisms for self-cleaning, utilizing the glymphatic system—a network of channels surrounding the brain’s blood vessels that integrates with the lymphatic system, which serves as the body’s drainage and filtration system.
Traditional imaging techniques have primarily focused on the protective outer layer of the brain without revealing lymphatic vessels. However, new research from Harvard University may have uncovered a concealed network of blood vessel-like structures akin to lymphatic vessels that connect to the glymphatic system. “This could be the most significant discovery of my three-decade career,” shares Lunn. “It’s a scientist’s ultimate dream.”
Researchers from Siju Gu‘s team at Harvard stumbled upon these structures while investigating beta-amyloid proteins in brain sections from mice exhibiting Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Beta-amyloid is essential for neuronal function but can aggregate into toxic clumps associated with Alzheimer’s disease, often due to inadequate waste clearance.
Repeating their experiments in both mice with Alzheimer’s-like conditions and those without revealed consistent blood vessel-like structures across every brain region analyzed—highlighting areas like the hippocampus, crucial for memory formation, and the hypothalamus, which regulates sleep and body temperature.
These structures appear to envelope the brain’s blood vessels and meningeal lymphatic vessels, indicating they may play a role in waste removal via the glymphatic and lymphatic systems, according to Lunn.
Moreover, the research team identified similar tube-like formations in post-mortem samples from individuals who succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting these structures are also present in asymptomatic individuals, Lunn adds.
The team postulates that these formations could be either a new type of lymphatic vessel lined with beta-amyloid or a protein that evolves into solid fibers relevant to Alzheimer’s pathology. These structures have also been documented in healthy brains.
To investigate further, they utilized protein markers specific to lymphatic vessels on mouse brain slices, resulting in consistent staining of the tubular structures, although not as prominent as recognized lymphatic vessels. Consequently, they coined the term nanoscale lymphatic vessels (NLVs) for these formations and determined they are unlikely to be beta-amyloid.
However, NLV markers may also attach to non-lymphoid tissues, suggesting that the faint staining might imply these NLVs are not traditional lymphatic vessels, as noted by Eide. “This is a completely new type of structure that was previously unknown. The question remains: what exactly are these?”
One theory posits that these formations could be artifacts resulting from the imaging method employed. According to Christopher Brown from the University of Southampton, UK, uneven swelling of tissue samples may introduce cracks that mimic blood vessels.
This could potentially clarify why prior brain imaging research utilizing more dependable methods, like electron microscopy, has not previously identified NLVs, Brown suggests. The research team aims to employ these techniques in the near future; Gu supports this notion, indicating that past studies may have misidentified NLVs as axons, which are long projections from similar-looking neurons.
“We’re approximately 90% confident in our findings,” Lunn confirms, referencing other research conducted by his team demonstrating that fluorescently tagged beta-amyloid in mouse brains appears to infiltrate nearby NLVs, indicating that NLVs may aid in waste fluid transport.
If further validations by other research teams confirm these results, it could enhance comprehension of Alzheimer’s disease and other protein misfolding conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. For instance, if dilation of blood vessels aids waste clearance, it might pave the way for developing therapeutic drugs for these neurological disorders, Brown concludes.
Your ability to cultivate a stable and consistent sense of self is nothing short of remarkable.
Throughout our lives, we encounter significant transformations, evolving from infants to adults—acquiring new knowledge, forgetting some, forming fresh relationships, and letting go of old ones. These experiences are interspersed with vivid dreams and fleeting moments each night.
Yet, amidst all these changes, we continue to perceive ourselves as the same individuals. This phenomenon can be attributed to the ongoing developmental processes within the brain, which is more adaptable and delicate than you might think.
Classic studies from the late 20th century, such as those involving cases where half of the brain was severed as a radical epilepsy treatment, illustrate this concept.
Interestingly, these cases exhibited strange consequences, like patients performing contradictory movements, such as lifting a button with one hand while undoing it with the other. Nevertheless, they still maintained a coherent sense of self.
These individuals even crafted explanations for their unusual behaviors, demonstrating that their brains were actively working to create a unified personal narrative.
In healthy individuals, psychological studies have revealed memory patterns that bolster this constructed identity.
For instance, we tend to remember and reflect on experiences that align with our self-perception. If you identify as an introvert, you may find it easier to recall and emphasize past memories that resonate with that identity.
Essentially, you are curating your personal autobiography to fit your current self-concept.
The medial prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain just behind the forehead, plays a crucial role in regulating this structure.
Research indicates that when people identify traits that best describe themselves—whether in the present or future—this brain region is significantly more active than when they assess similar qualities in others.
Our constructed sense of self also extends to our possessions. During brain scans, the medial prefrontal cortex shows increased activity when individuals view their belongings, while this response diminishes for unfamiliar items.
This illustrates how quickly and adaptively our brains reshape our personal boundaries.
Our sense of self extends to our possessions – Image credit: Robin Boyden
Memory processes are also vital in this ongoing construction of self.
Damage to the hippocampus, located deep within the brain alongside the temples, can prevent individuals from envisioning their past or future—highlighting how reliant our identity is on active brain functions.
Not only does your brain construct a sense of self over time, but it also maintains it spatially, providing a stable sense of ownership over your body.
Another critical region, known as the temporoparietal junction (located behind the ear), significantly influences this aspect of identity.
A study conducted in 2005 demonstrated that electrically stimulating this brain area during surgery could induce out-of-body experiences in patients, making them feel as though they were floating outside themselves.
Thus, while our sense of a stable self often feels entirely convincing, it can be disrupted by brain injuries or even by carefully orchestrated neural experiments.
Overall, the evidence suggests that our experience of “me-ness” is a constructed phenomenon, tirelessly maintained by the brain.
This article answers the question posed by Southampton’s Frank Ross: “How does my brain create a sense of self?”
If you have any inquiries, please reach out via email at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter or Instagram (remember to include your name and location).
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Meditation and Low Doses of 5-MeO-DMT Induce Similar Effects
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A master meditator dedicated 15 years to mastering ego quieting. Brain scan studies indicate he may have utilized powerful psychedelics to attain an altered state.
“At low doses, there’s a significant overlap in brain activity between this psychedelic and non-dual meditative states,” explains Christopher Timmerman of University College London.
The realm of psychedelic research is expanding rapidly, revealing how substances like 5-MeO-DMT can enhance our understanding of consciousness and improve mental health. This compound, often sourced from North American toads, is particularly compelling due to its ability to rapidly disrupt mental processing without producing vivid visuals like other psychedelics.
Timmerman and his team conducted a detailed comparison between the altered states induced by 5-MeO-DMT and advanced meditation. They collaborated with lamas, experts in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, amassing over 54,000 hours of meditation data.
During three laboratory sessions, lamas meditated for 30 to 60 uninterrupted minutes, followed by either a placebo or varying doses of 5-MeO-DMT (5 or 12 milligrams). Their brain activity was meticulously measured during each scenario, alongside reports on their thoughts and sense of self post-session.
Findings revealed that low doses of 5-MeO-DMT (5 milligrams) created remarkable similarities in brain patterns to those observed during meditation. Both scenarios exhibited heightened alpha activity, which is often linked to a relaxed state, and a diminished response to external stimuli compared to placebo and baseline conditions. Gamma-ray activity, which relates to cognitive engagement, was also reduced.
Timmerman noted that while both experiences fostered a calm feeling where the lama’s thoughts “came and then vanished,” the meditative state offered a deeper sense of interconnectedness and mental clarity.
In contrast, higher doses (12 milligrams) of 5-MeO-DMT escalated gamma-ray activity, leaving the lama feeling entirely detached from his surroundings and even experiencing an overwhelming bright light. He remarked, “I’m not thinking about anything,” indicating a complete disconnect from awareness of his body and environment.
The higher dosage was linked to increased neuronal firing and entropy, suggesting overwhelming sensory input compared to both placebo and baseline conditions. Conversely, lower doses resulted in decreased neuronal firing and entropy.
Lama Records Brain Activity During Meditation
Christopher Timmerman
Researchers state that these findings are pivotal in connecting neural pathways to the “collapse of the ego” and the sensation of “contentless consciousness.” However, variations in brain activity do not fully capture the lama’s subjective experiences, acknowledges Matthew Sachet from Harvard Medical School.
This study focused on a single seasoned meditator, indicating potential limitations in broader applicability, particularly given the variability in brain activity-related studies. Additionally, ensuring participants are blinded in psychedelic studies poses challenges due to the identifiable side effects of psychedelics; fortunately, lamas reported no such effects.
Nonetheless, Timmerman asserts that if future research confirms safe integration of 5-MeO-DMT enhances the benefits of advanced meditation, it may have significant implications for a wider audience. He is conducting ongoing research to explore if the drug can facilitate faster progress for newbies to meditation but strongly advises against unregulated home use, as 5-MeO-DMT remains illegal in many jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, Sachet suggests that those seeking the mental health advantages attributed to 5-MeO-DMT might find meditation a practical alternative, offering overlapping experiences without the risks of toxicity or addiction.
Meditation and Low Doses of 5-MeO-DMT: Comparable Effects on Spiritual Experiences
Janique Bros/Getty Images
A highly skilled meditator dedicated 15 years to mastering ego quieting techniques. Recent brain scans reveal that he may have achieved a similar state using low doses of psychedelic substances.
According to Christopher Timmerman from University College London, “At low doses, there appears to be significant alignment in brain activity between this psychedelic state and non-dual meditation practices,” a meditative form that transcends the self-world distinction.
The field of psychedelic research is rapidly evolving, as scientists seek to explore how substances like 5-MeO-DMT can enhance consciousness and mental well-being. Notably derived from North American toads, 5-MeO-DMT is under scrutiny due to its unique effects: Rapid disruption of mental processing without vivid hallucinations.
Timmerman and his team undertook a study comparing the psychedelic state induced by 5-MeO-DMT with advanced meditative practices. Collaborating with lamas from the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, they recorded over 54,000 hours of meditation.
In a controlled setting, the lamas practiced meditation for 30 to 60 minutes, followed by either a placebo or low/high doses of 5-MeO-DMT. Brain activity was measured throughout these conditions, and post-session reflections on thoughts and self-perception were recorded.
They discovered that low doses (5 milligrams) of 5-MeO-DMT produced notable parallels in brain activity to meditative states. Scans indicated increased alpha activity, associated with a relaxed state of wakefulness, and reduced gamma activity linked to cognitive engagement, compared to both placebo and baseline conditions.
Timmerman pointed out that while both scenarios offer a calming effect where the lama’s thoughts “came and then vanished,” meditation provided a deeper sense of interconnectedness and mental clarity.
Higher doses (12 milligrams) of 5-MeO-DMT, however, boosted gamma activity. The lama described feelings of complete detachment from his surroundings, overwhelmed by intense white light. “I’m not thinking about anything,” he recounted, experiencing full disconnection from his body and environment.
This elevated dose also correlated with increased neuronal firing and entropy, indicating more unpredictable firing patterns compared to both placebo and baseline sessions, thus overwhelming his sensory perceptions. Conversely, lower doses resulted in decreased neuronal firing and entropy.
Lama Recording Brain Activity During Meditation
Christopher Timmerman
The research findings suggest a connection between different neural pathways, relating to the “collapse of the ego” and the sensation of “contentless consciousness.” However, changes in the lama’s brain activity do not necessarily account for his subjective experiences, as noted by Matthew Sachet from Harvard Medical School.
It’s essential to note that this study involved only one highly skilled meditator, potentially limiting the broader applicability of results, particularly as brain activity assessments can offer varying reliability. Additionally, blinding participants in psychedelic studies presents challenges due to the typical side effects of these substances, which can alert participants to their experience. Fortunately, no such effects were reported by the lamas.
Nonetheless, Timmerman emphasizes that if further research confirms the safe usage of 5-MeO-DMT can deliver comparable advantages to advanced meditation, the implications could benefit a wider audience. He is currently investigating whether this substance can expedite the learning curve for novice meditators, cautioning against unsupervised use, especially since 5-MeO-DMT remains illegal in several regions.
Meanwhile, Sachet posits that for individuals seeking mental health benefits from 5-MeO-DMT, meditation might provide “a viable path to a state that overlaps, at least partially, with some psychedelic effects,” sans the associated risks of toxicity or addiction.
Examining Resilience to Alzheimer’s Disease: Why Some Individuals Remain Symptom-Free
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Recent studies reveal that some individuals exhibit brain changes tied to Alzheimer’s disease yet show no symptoms like memory loss. Though the reasons remain unclear, innovative research is uncovering protective factors that may prevent cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is marked by amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulating in the brain, widely believed to contribute to cognitive decline. However, some individuals, known for their resilience, defy this notion. In 2022, Henne Holstege and her team at the University Medical Center in Amsterdam discovered that certain centenarians retain good cognitive function despite these pathological changes.
Expanding on this research, the team conducted a new study involving 190 deceased individuals. Among them, 88 had Alzheimer’s diagnoses, while 53 showed no signs of the disease at death. Their ages ranged from 50 to 99, and 49 were centenarians with no dementia, though 18 exhibited cognitive impairment previously.
The focus was on the middle temporal gyrus—an early site of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, centenarians with elevated amyloid levels had tau levels akin to those without Alzheimer’s, suggesting that limiting tau accumulation is critical for resilience, according to Holstege.
While amyloid plaques are linked to cognitive decline, Holstege posits that tau accumulation may activate a cascade of symptoms. Notably, amyloid plaques alone may not cause significant tau tangling. “Without amyloid, tau can’t spread,” she explains.
Further analysis of approximately 3,500 brain proteins revealed only five were significantly associated with high amyloid plaques, while nearly 670 correlated with tau tangles. Many of these proteins are involved in crucial metabolic processes like cell growth and waste clearance. Holstege emphasizes, “With amyloid, everything changes; with tau, it’s a different story.”
In the cohort of 18 centenarians with high amyloid levels, 13 showed significant tau spread throughout the middle temporal gyrus, a pattern similar to Alzheimer’s, but the overall tau presence remained low.
This distinction is vital, as diagnosis hinges on tau spread, indicating that accumulation, not just proliferation, triggers cognitive decline. “We must understand that proliferation doesn’t mean abundance,” Holstege clarifies.
In a second study, Katherine Prater and her team at the University of Washington examined 33 deceased individuals—10 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, 10 showing no signs, and 13 deemed resilient. Most subjects were over 80 and underwent cognitive assessments within a year before death.
In line with previous findings, the research indicated that tau was present but not accumulated in resilient brains. Though the mechanisms remain elusive, Prater theorizes that microglia—immune cells regulating brain inflammation—might play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function in resilience.
The team also conducted genetic studies on microglia from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, essential for managing complex tasks. They discovered that resilient individuals’ microglia exhibited heightened activity in messenger RNA transport genes compared to those with Alzheimer’s. This suggests effective gene transport, vital for protein synthesis, is preserved in resilient brains.
“Disruptions in this process can severely impact cell function,” Dr. Prater remarked at the Neuroscience Society meeting in San Diego. However, its direct relationship to Alzheimer’s resilience remains to be elucidated.
Moreover, resilient microglia demonstrated reduced activity in metabolic energy genes compared to those in Alzheimer’s patients, mirroring patterns in healthy individuals. This suggests heightened energy expenditure in Alzheimer’s due to inflammatory states that disrupt neuronal connections and lead to cell death.
“Both studies indicate that the human brain possesses mechanisms to mitigate tau burdens,” Prater concludes. Insights gained from this research could pave the way for new interventions to delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. “While we aren’t close to a cure, the biology offers hope,” she stated.
Recent MRI studies reveal that yawning is not simply a sign of fatigue or boredom; it reorganizes fluid flow in the brain, indicating that yawning is unique for each individual.
Yawning is observed in most vertebrates, yet its precise purpose remains largely unclear. Theories suggest that yawning enhances oxygen intake, regulates body temperature, boosts fluid circulation in the brain, and modulates cortisol hormone levels.
“Crocodilians yawn, and even dinosaurs likely did too. This behavior has evolutionary significance, but why does it persist today?” queries Adam Martinac from Neuroscience Research Australia, a non-profit medical organization.
To understand yawning’s mechanisms and its impact on the body, Martinac and his team involved 22 healthy participants, evenly divided by gender, in their study.
Participants underwent MRI scans while performing four distinct breathing actions: regular breathing, yawning, voluntarily suppressing yawns, and deep breathing.
The data analysis revealed surprising findings. The initial hypothesis was that yawning and deep breathing would similarly facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of the brain.
“However, yawning caused CSF to flow in the opposite direction compared to deep breathing,” states Martinac. “We were genuinely surprised by this outcome.”
Specifically, the study discovered a strong directional coupling between CSF and venous blood flow during yawning, both moving away from the brain toward the spine. This stands in contrast to deep breathing, where CSF and venous blood typically travel in opposing directions—CSF flows in while venous blood flows out.
The specific mechanisms governing CSF movement during yawning, including the volume expelled, remain unclear. Current estimates suggest a mere few milliliters of CSF are moved per yawn. Future research aims to quantify this further.
“It’s likely that neck, tongue, and throat muscles collaborate to facilitate this fluid movement,” he adds.
Another noteworthy finding is that yawning augmented carotid artery inflow by over one-third compared to deep breathing. This is presumably because yawning clears CSF and venous blood from the cranial cavity, allowing for increased arterial inflow.
Each participant exhibited a distinct “yawn signature,” showcasing variability even in tongue movements. “It seems that everyone has a unique pattern to their yawns,” says Martinac.
One intriguing area for future research is the physiological benefits arising from CSF movement during yawning.
Theories suggest that this could relate to thermoregulation, waste removal, or potentially other unexplored functions. “It is possible to live without yawning, but there are several subtle effects that likely assist in waste management, temperature control, and even the social dynamics of yawning,” he explains.
The contagious nature of yawning adds another layer of mystery and proved essential for this study, as video footage of yawns was shown to participants while they were inside the MRI scanner.
“In our lab meetings, I always have to speak last because my discussion of this research triggers yawning in everyone else,” Martinac shares.
Researchers like Andrew Gallup from Johns Hopkins University highlight the significant findings of the study, emphasizing its contributions to our understanding of yawning. He also noted that some of the findings have been understated, particularly those affirming yawning’s role in temperature regulation.
“The observed 34% increase in internal carotid artery flow during yawning is a critical finding that deserves more attention,” Gallup asserts.
He further noted that the study focused on contagious yawns versus spontaneous yawns, indicating that spontaneous yawns may induce even greater changes in CSF and blood flow.
“The video suggests contagious yawns are shorter than the average spontaneous yawn, which lasts about six seconds,” he notes.
Professor Yossi Rathner from the University of Melbourne agrees the team may have underestimated certain findings but opposes some claims concerning thermoregulation.
“Increased sleep pressure can elevate levels of a compound called adenosine that accumulates in the brain stem. Yawning seems to facilitate fluid movement in the brain stem, helping to flush out adenosine, temporarily alleviating sleep pressure and boosting alertness,” Rathner explains. “While this isn’t a direct conclusion from the study, the data strongly implies this relationship.”
Revitalizing Brain Organoids: A Breakthrough in Vascular Integration
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A pioneering advancement has been made in growing a miniaturized version of the developing cerebral cortex, crucial for cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and problem-solving, complete with a realistic vascular system. This advancement in brain organoids offers unprecedented insights into brain biology and pathology.
Brain organoids, often referred to as “mini-brains,” are produced by exposing stem cells to specific biochemical signals in a laboratory setting, encouraging them to form self-organizing cellular spheres. Since their inception in 2013, these organoids have significantly contributed to research on conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and dementia.
However, these organoids have a significant limitation: they typically start to deteriorate after only a few months. This degradation occurs because a full-sized brain has an intricate network of blood vessels that supply essential oxygen and nutrients, while organoids can only absorb these elements from their growth medium, leading to nutrient deprivation for the innermost cells. “This is a critical issue,” remarks Lois Kistemaker from Utrecht University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
To mitigate this issue, Ethan Winkler and researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, devised a method to cultivate human stem cells for two months, resulting in “cortical organoids” that closely resemble the developing cerebral cortex. They then introduced organoids composed of vascular cells, strategically placing them at either end of each cortical organoid, facilitating the formation of a vascular network throughout the mini-brain.
Crucially, imaging studies revealed that the blood vessels in these mini-brains possess hollow centers, or lumens, akin to those found in natural blood vessels. “The establishment of a vascular network featuring lumens similar to authentic blood vessels is impressive,” states Madeline Lancaster, a pioneer in organoid research at the University of Cambridge. “This represents a significant progression.”
Past attempts to incorporate blood vessels within brain organoids have failed to achieve this crucial detail; previous studies typically resulted in unevenly distributed vessels throughout the organoids. In contrast, the blood vessels formed in this new experiment exhibit properties and genetic activities more closely aligned with those in actual developing brains, thereby establishing a more effective “blood-brain barrier.” This barrier protects the brain from harmful pathogens while permitting the passage of nutrients and waste, according to Kistemaker.
The implications of these findings indicate that blood vessels are crucial for delivering nutrient-rich fluids necessary for sustaining organoids. Professor Lancaster emphasizes, “To function properly, blood vessels, similar to the heart, require a mechanism for continuous blood flow, ensuring that deoxygenated blood is replaced with fresh, oxygen-rich blood or a suitable substitute.”
Following a heart attack, the brain processes signals directly from sensory neurons in the heart, indicating a crucial feedback loop that involves not only the brain but also the immune system—both vital for effective recovery.
According to Vineet Augustine from the University of California, San Diego, “The body and brain are interconnected; there is significant communication among organ systems, the nervous system, and the immune system.”
Building on previous research demonstrating that the heart and brain communicate through blood pressure and cardiac sensory neurons, Augustine and his team sought to explore the role of nerves in the heart attack response. They utilized a groundbreaking technique to make mouse hearts transparent, enabling them to observe nerve activity during induced heart attacks by cutting off blood flow.
The study revealed novel clusters of sensory neurons that extend from the vagus nerve and tightly encompass the ventricles, particularly in areas damaged by lack of blood flow. Interestingly, while few nerve fibers existed prior to the heart attack, their numbers surged significantly post-incident, suggesting that the heart stimulates the growth of these neurons during recovery.
In a key experiment, Augustine’s team selectively turned off these nerves, which halted signaling to the brain, resulting in significantly smaller damaged areas in the heart. “The recovery is truly remarkable,” Augustine noted.
Patients recovering from a heart attack often require surgical interventions to restore vital blood flow and minimize further tissue damage. However, the discovery of these new neurons could pave the way for future medications, particularly in scenarios where immediate surgery is impractical.
Furthermore, the signals from these neurons activated brain regions associated with the stress response, triggering the immune system to direct its cells to the heart. While these immune cells help form scar tissue necessary for repairing damaged muscle, excessive scarring can compromise heart function and lead to heart failure. Augustine and colleagues identified alternative methods to facilitate healing in mice post-heart attack by effectively blocking this immune response early on.
Recent decades have indicated that communication occurs between the heart, brain, and immune system during a heart attack. The difference now is that researchers possess advanced tools to analyze changes at the neuron level. Matthew Kay from George Washington University noted, “This presents an intriguing opportunity for developing new treatments for heart attack patients, potentially including gene therapy.”
Current medical practices frequently include beta-blockers to assist in the healing process following heart attack-induced tissue damage. These findings clarify the mechanism by which beta-blockers influence the feedback loops within nervous and immune systems activated during heart attacks.
As Robin Choudhury from the University of Oxford remarked, “We might have already intervened with the newly discovered routes.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that this pathway likely interacts with various other immune signals and cells that remain not fully understood.
Moreover, factors like genetics, gender differences, and conditions such as diabetes or hypertension could affect the evolution of this newly identified response. Hence, determining when and if a pathway is active in a wider population remains essential before crafting targeted drugs, Choudhury added.
Unlocking the Potential: Does Heat Therapy Enhance Brain Function?
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As an enthusiast of cold water swimming, I previously explored its brain benefits. However, the emerging evidence on heat therapy fascinated me—particularly regarding its neurological advantages. This prompted a deeper investigation into the subject.
During my last trip to Finland and Sweden, I immersed myself in their sauna culture, learning that ‘sauna’ is pronounced ‘sow-na’ (with ‘ow’ rhyming with ‘how’), contrasting my South East London pronunciation.
Finnish saunas, reaching temperatures of 70°C to 110°C (158°F to 230°F) with low humidity, are extensively studied. Regular sauna use correlates with numerous physical benefits, such as reduced risks of high blood pressure, muscle disorders, and respiratory diseases. Recent research also identifies significant cognitive benefits, including fewer headaches, improved mental health, better sleep quality, and a decreased risk of dementia.
A large-scale study involving nearly 14,000 participants aged 30 to 69 tracked sauna habits over 39 years. The findings revealed that those who frequented saunas nine to twelve times a month exhibited a 19 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those who visited less than four times a month.
Moreover, sauna bathing appears linked to various cognitive enhancements. For instance, a small trial involving 37 adults with chronic headaches compared those receiving headache management advice to participants who regularly attended saunas. The sauna group reported significantly reduced headache intensity.
Regular sauna use is also associated with lower risks of psychosis and increased vitality and social functioning in elderly individuals, reinforcing its potential cognitive benefits.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all heat treatments yield the same results. Various forms of heat therapy exist, each offering distinct benefits. For example, a trial with 26 individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder showed that those receiving infrared heating sessions reported significant symptom reductions over six weeks compared to a sham treatment.
How Does Heat Therapy Benefit Brain Health?
Heat therapy’s efficacy appears closely linked to its anti-inflammatory effects. In a study following 2,269 middle-aged Finnish men, researchers found that individuals engaging in frequent sauna use exhibited reduced levels of inflammation, a factor significantly associated with depression and cognitive decline.
Another mechanism involves heat shock proteins, which are produced when body temperature rises during sauna use or exercise. These proteins help prevent misfolding of other proteins—a common feature in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Enhanced blood circulation also plays a role; heat exposure dilates blood vessels, thereby improving cardiovascular health. This indirect benefit to brain health can decrease risks associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, saunas may elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, vital for neuron growth. In an experiment with 34 men, participants receiving 12 to 24 sessions of infrared therapy displayed significantly higher BDNF levels and improved mental well-being compared to those doing low-intensity workouts.
Can Saunas Enhance Cognitive Skills?
Beyond long-term neurological advantages, the immediate effects of sauna sessions are promising. A study involving 16 men revealed that brain activity post-sauna sessions resembled a relaxed state, indicating potential improvements in task efficiency. Researchers suggest that heat therapy may help extend mental work capacity over prolonged periods.
However, excessive heat exposure can lead to fatigue and reduced cognitive function. Studies indicate that high-temperature environments may impair memory consolidation, making saunas less suitable for study sessions.
If you’re exploring heat therapy, check guidelines from the British Sauna Association to ensure safety, including limiting duration and staying hydrated.
Do Hot Baths Offer Similar Benefits?
If you lack access to saunas, could hot baths serve as an alternative? While they may partially replicate sauna benefits, the evidence is still inconclusive. According to Ali Qadiri from West Virginia University, warm baths do elevate core body temperature and can improve mood and relaxation. Still, he cautions that robust data on saunas and dementia prevention far outweighs that for baths.
My local lake offers both cold water swimming and sauna experiences, prompting me to consider their combined effects. A Japanese study on the practice known as totonou, or alternating between hot saunas and cold baths, revealed enhancements in relaxation and reduced alertness after several rounds.
While more research is needed to determine if this combination is more effective than using heat or cold therapy alone, the overall evidence supports potential cognitive boosts from regular sauna visits, reinforcing my commitment to explore more heat and cold therapy options.
A groundbreaking study reveals that astronauts’ brains can experience changes in shape and position during their time in space, presenting significant implications for NASA’s objectives of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Published on Monday in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research indicates that astronauts’ brains tilted upward after spaceflight, deviating from their normal Earth position and shifting within their skulls. The study identified that areas associated with sensory functions, motion sickness, disorientation, and balance were notably affected.
This research contributes to the evolving field of aerospace medicine, which investigates the physical toll spaceflight and microgravity exert on the human body. Such insights are crucial for planning NASA’s ambitious projects to establish a base on the Moon and conduct crewed missions deeper into the solar system.
“Understanding these changes and their implications is vital for ensuring astronauts’ safety and health, as well as ensuring their longevity in space,” stated Rachel Seidler, a professor at the University of Florida and co-author of the study.
Seidler and her team examined MRI scans of 26 astronauts taken before and after their missions in orbit. The duration of spaceflight varied from a few weeks (for Space Shuttle missions) to about six months (the typical length for International Space Station missions). Some astronauts even spent a year aboard the station.
“Those who spent a year in space exhibited the most significant changes,” Seidler revealed. “We observed noticeable alterations even in astronauts who were in space for just two weeks, indicating that duration is a key factor.”
She added that among astronauts who remained in microgravity for over six months, the upward movement of their brains was “quite widespread,” particularly within the upper brain structures.
“The movement is in the range of a few millimeters. While this might not seem significant, in terms of brain dynamics, it truly is,” she noted.
Seidler pointed out that the observed brain changes often lead to “sensory conflicts” while astronauts are in space, resulting in temporary disorientation and motion sickness. Upon returning to Earth, such changes may also contribute to balance issues as astronauts readjust to the planet’s gravity. However, the study did not report any severe symptoms, like headaches or cognitive impairment, either during or after spaceflight.
“That was a surprise to me,” Seidler remarked.
For a comparative analysis, the research team also examined brain scans of 24 civilian participants who underwent bed rest for up to 60 days with their heads positioned at a 6-degree angle downward, mimicking microgravity conditions. Similar changes in brain position and shape were observed, yet astronauts’ brains displayed a more pronounced upward shift.
Dr. Mark Rosenberg, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Aerospace and Performance Neurology Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, emphasized that while the effects of spaceflight on the brain have been recognized, Seidler’s study is pioneering in documenting how these upward shifts impact astronauts both in space and upon their return to Earth.
“While we knew the brain shifted upward, we needed to explore any operational consequences,” said Rosenberg, who did not participate in the study. “This work helps clarify those relationships.”
The findings prompt additional questions for future studies, including whether brain changes differ between male and female astronauts and whether the age of crew members influences these changes. However, gathering a comprehensive dataset is challenged by the limited number of astronauts launched to the International Space Station each year, a demographic that has predominantly been male.
Further research is essential to establish whether the observed brain changes have long-term repercussions.
Currently, these changes do not appear to be permanent, similar to various physiological changes astronauts experience post-mission, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution. Once the body readjusts to Earth’s gravity, conditions largely normalize, Rosenberg explained.
However, it remains uncertain whether different gravitational environments might introduce new complications.
“If an astronaut were on Mars, which has one-third of Earth’s gravity, or on the Moon, with one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, how much longer would it take to return to normal?” Rosenberg queried.
Both he and Seidler assert that the current findings shouldn’t deter humans from spending extended periods in space. It is crucial, however, to comprehend any potential long-lasting damage and identify strategies to mitigate it.
“Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are destined to become a spacefaring species,” Rosenberg concluded. “It’s merely a matter of time. These are just some of the essential questions we need to address.”
Simulating the human brain involves using advanced computing power to model billions of neurons, aiming to replicate the intricacies of real brain function. Researchers aspire to enhance brain simulations, uncovering secrets of cognition with enhanced understanding of neuronal wiring.
Historically, researchers have focused on isolating specific brain regions for simulations to elucidate particular functions. However, a comprehensive model encompassing the entire brain has yet to be achieved. As Markus Diesmann from the Jülich Research Center in Germany notes, “This is now changing.”
This shift is largely due to the emergence of state-of-the-art supercomputers, nearing exascale capabilities—performing billions of operations per second. Currently, only four such machines exist, according to the Top 500 list. Diesmann’s team is set to execute extensive brain simulations on one such supercomputer, named JUPITER (Joint Venture Pioneer for Innovative Exascale Research in Germany).
Recently, Diesmann and colleagues demonstrated that a simple model of brain neurons and their synapses, known as a spiking neural network, can be configured to leverage JUPITER’s thousands of GPUs. This scaling can achieve 20 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections, effectively mimicking the human cerebral cortex, the hub of higher brain functions.
These simulations promise more impactful outcomes than previous models of smaller brains such as fruit flies. Recent insights from large language models reveal that larger systems exhibit behaviors unattainable in their smaller counterparts. “We recognize that expansive networks demonstrate qualitatively different capabilities than their reduced size equivalents,” asserts Diesmann. “It’s evident that larger networks offer unique functionalities.”
Thomas Novotny from the University of Sussex emphasizes that downscaling risks omitting crucial characteristics entirely. “Conducting full-scale simulations is vital; without it, we can’t truly replicate reality,” Novotny states.
The model in development at JUPITER is founded on empirical data from limited neuron and synapse experiments in humans. As Johanna Cenk, a collaborator with Diesmann at Sussex, explains, “We have anatomical data constraints coupled with substantial computational power.”
Comprehensive brain simulations could facilitate tests of foundational theories regarding memory formation—an endeavor impractical with miniature models or actual brains. Testing such theories might involve inputting images to observe neural responses and analyze alterations in memory formation with varying brain sizes. Furthermore, this approach could aid in drug testing, such as assessing impacts on a model of epilepsy characterized by abnormal brain activity.
The enhanced computational capabilities enable rapid brain simulations, thereby assisting researchers in understanding gradual processes such as learning, as noted by Senk. Additionally, researchers can devise more intricate biological models detailing neuronal changes and firings.
Nonetheless, despite the ability to simulate vast brain networks, Novotny acknowledges considerable gaps in knowledge. Even simplified whole-brain models for organisms like fruit flies fail to replicate authentic animal behavior.
Simulations run on supercomputers are fundamentally limited, lacking essential features inherent to real brains, such as real-world environmental inputs. “While we can simulate brain size, we cannot fully replicate a functional brain,” warns Novotny.
Humans have larger brains relative to body size compared to other primates, which leads to a higher glucose demand that may be supported by gut microbiota changes influencing host metabolism. In this study, we investigated this hypothesis by inoculating germ-free mice with gut bacteria from three primate species with varying brain sizes. Notably, the brain gene expression in mice receiving human and macaque gut microbes mirrored patterns found in the respective primate brains. Human gut microbes enhanced glucose production and utilization in the mouse brains, suggesting that differences in gut microbiota across species can impact brain metabolism, indicating that gut microbiota may help meet the energy needs of large primate brains.
Decasian et al. provided groundbreaking data showing that gut microbiome shapes brain function differences among primates. Image credit: DeCasien et al., doi: 10.1073/pnas.2426232122.
“Our research demonstrates that microbes influence traits critical for understanding evolution, especially regarding the evolution of the human brain,” stated Katie Amato, lead author and researcher at Northwestern University.
This study builds upon prior research revealing that introducing gut microbes from larger-brained primates into mice leads to enhanced metabolic energy within the host microbiome—a fundamental requirement for supporting the development and function of energetically costly large brains.
The researchers aimed to examine how gut microbes from primates of varying brain sizes affect host brain function. In a controlled laboratory setting, they transplanted gut bacteria from two large-brained primates (humans and squirrel monkeys) and a smaller-brained primate (macaque) into germ-free mice.
Within eight weeks, mice with gut microbes from smaller-brained primates exhibited distinct brain function compared to those with microbes from larger-brained primates.
Results indicated that mice hosting larger-brained microbes demonstrated increased expression of genes linked to energy production and synaptic plasticity, vital for the brain’s learning processes. Conversely, gene expression associated with these processes was diminished in mice hosting smaller-brained primate microbes.
“Interestingly, we compared our findings from mouse brains with actual macaque and human brain data, and, to our surprise, many of the gene expression patterns were remarkably similar,” Dr. Amato remarked.
“This means we could alter the mouse brain to resemble that of the primate from which the microbial sample was derived.”
Another notable discovery was the identification of gene expression patterns associated with ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism in mice with gut microbes from smaller-brained primates.
Although previous research has suggested correlations between conditions like autism and gut microbiome composition, definitive evidence linking microbiota to these conditions has been lacking.
“Our study further supports the idea that microbes may play a role in these disorders, emphasizing that the gut microbiome influences brain function during developmental stages,” Dr. Amato explained.
“We can speculate that exposure to ‘harmful’ microorganisms could alter human brain development, possibly leading to the onset of these disorders. Essentially, if critical human microorganisms are absent in early stages, functional brain changes may occur, increasing the risk of disorder manifestations.”
These groundbreaking findings will be published in today’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Alex R. Decassian et al. 2026. Primate gut microbiota induces evolutionarily significant changes in neurodevelopment in mice. PNAS 123(2): e2426232122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2426232122
When neurons in the brain are active, they generate waste products.
Credit: Nick Veasey/Science Photo Library/Alamy
As we embrace the joy of the Christmas season, many are already thinking about detox plans for the new year, such as reducing movie watching or cutting back on alcohol. This leads to an interesting query: can we apply similar detox methods to our brains? After the festivities, how can we clear away any cognitive clutter?
The brain is naturally equipped to detoxify itself daily, flushing out accumulated metabolic waste that could be harmful. But can we assist in this vital process, potentially shielding ourselves from age-related cognitive decline and dementia?
Let’s delve into the glymphatic system, a newly uncovered pathway responsible for detoxification. This system effectively “sucks” away undesirable proteins and waste from the spaces between neurons, channeling them into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
“CSF circulates much like water in a dishwasher,” explains Maha Alattar from Virginia Commonwealth University.
This fluid systematically drains waste into lymph nodes, eventually allowing it to exit the body through the veins.
While the connection between the glymphatic and lymphatic systems is still not fully understood, researchers are increasingly focused on ways to optimize the glymphatic process. Enhancing this system could prove pivotal in combating cognitive decline and promoting healthy aging. Accumulation of metabolic waste in the brain is linked to symptoms such as declining cognitive function, increasing the risk of dementia and expediting Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
“The glymphatic system is fascinating,” says Nandakumar Narayanan from the University of Iowa Health Care. “Numerous innovative research efforts aim to better understand and quantify glymphatic functions, shedding light on human health and disease.”
Enhancing the Brain’s Waste Removal System
Are there ways we can enhance this waste disposal mechanism? Recent studies indicate that lifestyle changes may significantly impact its efficiency.
“The most proven method to boost glymphatic clearance is sleep,” notes Dr. Lila Landovsky from the University of Tasmania.
The glymphatic system is predominantly inactive during waking hours but reaches peak activity during sleep. For instance, in mice, CSF flow surges by about 60% while they sleep, enabling the removal of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Though studies have yet to definitively establish that glymphatic activation directly prevents dementia, “the hypothesis is strengthened by evident links between factors that impair glymphatic clearance—such as sleep disturbances and sedentary behavior—and an increased risk for neurodegenerative conditions,” states Landowski.
The position in which we sleep could also affect glymphatic function. In 2015, Helen Benveniste and her team found that sleeping on one’s side improved glymphatic clearance in mice more effectively than sleeping on the back or stomach. While this has not yet been tested in humans, many types of dementia show strong associations with sleep disorders, suggesting sleep positions may be important in our fight against dementia.
Additional Strategies to Enhance Brain Detox
Emerging evidence suggests that other lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, may also bolster glymphatic function. In April, a study involving 37 adults highlighted that only participants who completed a 12-week stationary cycling program experienced noticeable increases in glymphatic drainage, as observed through brain imaging.
“Research in mice indicates that glymphatic clearance can roughly double after five weeks of regular exercise in comparison to sedentary mice,” says Landowski. “However, short-term studies in mice have yet to be performed.”
Further examination of the glymphatic system may uncover additional methods to enhance its function. Lymphatic vessels connected to CSF are located deep in the neck, making direct manipulation challenging, but researchers led by Ko Young Gu at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have identified another lymphatic network directly beneath the skin of monkeys and mice’s facial and neck areas.
In experiments, gentle downward stroking of the face and neck in mice tripled CSF flow, effectively rejuvenating older animals’ flow to a more youthful state.
Similar vessels have been detected in human cadavers, suggesting that facial and neck massages could potentially enhance CSF flow, aiding in glymphatic clearance. Nonetheless, more research is needed to substantiate these claims and verify whether this enhanced flow can shield against neurodegenerative disorders.
Promising Evidence Supporting Yoga and Breathing Techniques
One exercise that should not be overlooked is yoga breathing. Hamid Jalillian from the University of California, Irvine, notes that diaphragmatic breathing has robust evidence supporting its ability to increase CSF velocity, effectively activating a glymphatic “rinse cycle.”
Diaphragmatic breathing is characterized by keeping the chest relatively still while moving the abdomen outward and lowering the diaphragm as you inhale through your nose. Conclude the cycle by exhaling through pursed lips while retracting your belly.
Unexplored Potential
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the glymphatic system, our comprehension of its intricate workings is still developing. Not everyone is convinced we possess enough knowledge to prescribe specific interventions at this time. “We are far from being able to accurately predict how a specific intervention, like exercise, will influence the glymphatic system. There are limited studies in both mice and small human populations, but nothing large-scale and conclusive,” cautions Narayanan.
Nevertheless, there is a sense of optimism. “The potential is immense, but these studies require meticulous and thorough execution,” he concludes.
For now, I’ll concentrate on essential routines—prioritizing quality sleep and regular exercise. These habits are crucial for overall health, but should glymphatic research hold true, they may soon play an even more critical role in keeping my brain clear, not just in the new year, but for years to come.
“I’ve never needed a great excuse to jump into a chilly lake…”
Kaisa Swanson/Alamy
My days are filled with small rituals. Each morning, I blend a spoonful of creatine in water, enjoying it alongside my multivitamin, followed by some plain yogurt rich in beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, the kids feast on homemade cereal, sip kefir, and practice their Spanish on Duolingo. After school drop-off, I dive into a cold pond, then warm up in the sauna before heading to work. I also make it a point to add sauerkraut to my lunch and take quick walks in the park.
On reflection, it might seem a bit off-putting. The quintessential “wellness enthusiast meets middle-aged neuroscientist.” But this cozy routine is vastly different from a year ago, when the kids were munching on sugary cereal and I was sustained solely by caffeine while buried in my computer, often devoid of sunlight.
This newfound focus on well-being stems from a year-long quest for research-backed methods to enhance my brain health, from boosting cognitive reserves to nurturing a healthy microbiome. Observing my current situation reveals that minor tweaks can lead to substantial changes.
A key insight I’ve gathered from Dr. Joan Manson and other physicians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts is that a daily multivitamin can significantly slow cognitive decline in older adults by over 50 percent. When I inquired about other supplements beneficial for brain health, creatine stood out because it offers energy precisely when our brains require it.
However, the most significant shift didn’t come from my supplement collection, but rather from my grocery list. Conversations with neuroscientists and nutritionists have made me keenly aware of the importance of maintaining our microbiome. Consequently, my family embraced epidemiologist Tim Spector’s guidance to incorporate three fermented foods daily, eliminate ultra-processed breakfast options, and enjoy a diverse range of whole foods in our meals.
Despite my long-standing enjoyment of cold lake swims or sauna sessions, science has equipped me with compelling reasons to make these activities a priority this year. Cold and heat exposure has been shown to combat inflammation and stress while enhancing connections within brain networks that govern emotions, decision-making, and attention, which may in turn bolster mental health.
Emphasizing outdoor time has also become a family goal. I’ve discovered that gardening enhances the diversity of our gut’s beneficial bacteria, while walking in the woods can boost memory, cognition, and possibly stave off depression.
At home, we persist with Duolingo, valuing not just its linguistic benefits but also its contributions to cognitive reserve—the brain’s defense against aging. I’m also returning to playing the piano and exploring other creative outlets. I recall what Dr. Ellen Bialystok, a professor at York University in Canada, advised: “What challenges the brain is beneficial for the brain.”
The most astonishing aspect has been the rapid emergence of results. While some habits serve as long-term investments in cognitive health, I suspect others have delivered immediate benefits, such as helping my children feel more relaxed, diminish brain fog, and gain energy. It may be placebo, yet something is certainly effective.
Next year, we plan to keep experimenting. Let’s make it a year focused on discovering simple ways to promote brain growth. Now, where’s that kombucha?
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