For the first time, a robot has been trained to perform surgical procedures by watching videos of expert surgeons, marking a leap forward in robotic surgery. This breakthrough in "imitation learning" means that robots can learn complex tasks without needing to be programmed for every individual movement. By training on surgical footage, the robot replicated procedures with skill comparable to human surgeons, demonstrating its ability to adapt and even correct its actions autonomously.

Scientists have discovered that the enzyme TYK2 modifies tau proteins, leading to their accumulation in the brain—a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. By reducing TYK2 activity in animal models, researchers found tau buildup was decreased, suggesting TYK2 inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic pathway.

Astrocytes, non-neuronal brain cells, have been shown to work alongside neurons to store and recall memories, reshaping our understanding of memory mechanisms. Researchers found that specific astrocytes express the c-Fos gene during memory formation, influencing neuron communication to store memories.

Researchers have discovered that disruptions in the brain’s salience network, often tied to tau protein buildup, correlate strongly with behavioral changes in people with early-stage dementia. Using advanced brain imaging on 128 participants, they found that as tau impairs this critical network, behavioral symptoms worsen, adding another layer to understanding dementia beyond memory loss.