Researchers released new clinical guidelines for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based updates. Iron supplementation is now a key recommendation, addressing low brain iron as a cause of RLS. Dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole are de-emphasized due to risks of worsening symptoms, while newer treatments such as alpha-2-delta ligands, nerve stimulation, and low-dose opioids gain conditional or strong recommendations.

A study investigated how cannabis use influences metabolomic patterns linked to psychotic-like experiences in adolescents. Blood samples revealed that non-cannabis users showed inflammatory metabolic changes associated with hallucinations, while cannabis users exhibited shifts in energy-related metabolites tied to brain ketogenesis. These findings suggest that cannabis use may trigger distinct molecular pathways in psychotic-like experiences.

New research on zebra finches reveals that stress spreads within social groups, even affecting individuals not directly exposed to stressors. Birds in groups with more stressed members showed reduced movement and changes in social behavior, such as fewer social bonds.

A new study links hallucinogen-related emergency department visits to a 21-fold increased risk of schizophrenia compared to the general population. Even after accounting for other mental health disorders and substance use, individuals faced a 3.5-fold higher risk.

A study reveals that the genetic mutation causing Huntington’s disease (HD) enhances brain development and intelligence in early life, but leads to degeneration in adulthood. Children with the HD gene exhibit larger brains and higher IQs than those without the mutation.

A new study finds that brief isolation increases threat sensitivity in teens, even if they remain connected online. Adolescents isolated in a room for several hours showed heightened physiological stress and anxious responses to potential threats, regardless of whether they had access to smartphones.

A new study examined vocal expressions of emotion across 131 languages, exploring similarities in emotional interjections and comparing them to non-linguistic sounds like cries and laughter. The research aimed to understand whether shared vocal patterns exist globally and if these patterns relate to our evolutionary roots in vocal communication. The team found that vocal expressions of pain, like "Ouch!", showed consistent vowel forms across languages, while disgust and joy did not.

A novel machine learning model called Temporal Autoencoders for Causal Inference (TACI) accurately detects changing cause-and-effect relationships in complex, time-varying systems like weather patterns and brain activity. By analyzing both synthetic and real data, TACI captures dynamic interactions and quantifies shifts in strength or direction over time. Tested on long-term weather data and brain imaging in monkeys, TACI successfully pinpointed when causal connections emerged, weakened, or reversed.

Researchers have identified a protein, TMEM16F, that appears to aid the spread of Parkinson’s pathology in the brain. They found that a mutation in this protein promotes the secretion of a harmful form of α-synuclein, which moves through nerve cells, forming toxic Lewy bodies.

A new study has revealed how genetic variations in the SI gene, which affects sucrose digestion, influence dietary preferences and intake of sugary foods. Researchers found that individuals with limited sucrose-digesting ability, due to specific genetic variations, showed reduced sugar cravings and consumption. This discovery opens up the potential to develop targeted treatments to reduce sugar intake on a population level, potentially reducing the incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

New research shows that how owners perceive their dogs—as friends, family, or security guards—shapes the way they care for them. Surveying over 800 dog owners, researchers found that people who view dogs as family often form closer bonds and dedicate more time to them, while others keep dogs mainly for companionship or practical roles. This generational shift in perception highlights a growing trend of treating dogs as family members.

Psilocybin-assisted therapy could potentially benefit up to 5.6 million Americans with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression, offering a powerful alternative to traditional treatments. Researchers applied medical criteria to a national pool of patients and found that over half might be eligible for psilocybin therapy, pending FDA approval. If approved, this therapy could significantly impact public health policies, insurance frameworks, and economic costs by reducing reliance on long-term antidepressant prescriptions.

New research suggests that stress hormones, rather than impaired insulin signaling, may primarily drive diabetes in obesity. This study found that high levels of stress hormones, like norepinephrine, counter insulin’s effects, leading to insulin resistance even with intact insulin signaling. When genetically modified mice couldn’t produce these stress hormones, they avoided diabetes despite obesity. This breakthrough may explain why some obese individuals develop diabetes while others don’t.

Contrary to common beliefs, adults can learn new motor skills faster than children, but children retain these skills better due to more effective sleep-driven memory consolidation. In a recent study, adults showed faster skill acquisition, while children demonstrated superior retention after sleep.

A new review highlights how air pollution, particularly fine particles and nitrogen oxides, can elevate autism risk by disrupting critical brain development processes. Key mechanisms, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter disruptions, reveal how prenatal and early childhood exposure impact neurological health. Small particles, such as PM2.5, can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal brain development, especially for genetically predisposed individuals.

A new study links satellite data with brain imaging to reveal how environmental factors like light pollution, green spaces, and urban density affect the mental health and brain development of children. Researchers examined data from over 11,800 children in 21 U.S. cities, finding links between physical surroundings and brain structure. They observed that green areas correlated with positive cognitive health, while light pollution and urban density were associated with less favorable outcomes.

Everyday physical activities, from light chores to intense exercise, provide immediate cognitive benefits for middle-aged adults. Participants showed improved processing speeds—comparable to being four years younger—within hours of being physically active.

Scientists have identified BHB-Phe, a natural compound produced by the body, that regulates appetite and body weight. By activating specific brain neurons, BHB-Phe suppresses feeding behavior in mice, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for obesity.

Researchers have developed an innovative CAR T-cell therapy to combat glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. This approach not only attacks tumor cells directly but also reprograms the tumor's microenvironment, enabling immune cells to fight the cancer rather than protect it.