A new study compared two advanced imaging methods, dMRI-based tractography and PS-OCT, to map nerve fiber orientations in the human brainstem. The findings suggest that combining these techniques could enhance our understanding of brain microstructure, which may lead to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers have developed a novel optical sensor that can detect dopamine directly from unprocessed blood samples. This sensor, using a synthetic DNA strand called an aptamer, identifies dopamine with high precision, making it a potential tool for diagnosing cancers and neurological disorders.

A century after the first human brainwave recording, EEG technology has revolutionized our understanding of brain function, particularly in diagnosing epilepsy. Experts now predict that within a generation, EEG could become a widespread tool for cognitive enhancement, early diagnosis, and communication for those with severe disabilities. However, ethical concerns about privacy and the commercialization of EEG data loom large as the technology advances.

A new study finds that 40Hz light and sound therapy helps maintain myelin, a crucial brain structure, in Alzheimer's patients. This therapy, which protects neurons and supports brain function, could offer new treatment avenues for neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers discovered that this stimulation enhances neural connections and reduces harmful inflammation. The therapy also shows potential for treating other conditions involving myelin loss, such as multiple sclerosis.

Researchers genetically engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This innovative approach has been used to deliver therapeutic proteins to neurons, showing promise for treating neurological conditions like Rett syndrome. The research highlights the potential for parasites to act as delivery vehicles for large molecules that typically struggle to penetrate the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders.

Researchers developed a rapid, noninvasive tool called CaST that tracks neurons and biomolecules activated by psychedelic drugs. This new method allows researchers to observe the cellular processes responsible for the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics, offering insights into treatments for brain disorders like depression and PTSD.

Researchers developed a new method, burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE), to treat glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. B-SWE disrupts the blood-brain barrier more effectively than traditional methods, allowing cancer drugs better access to the brain.

Researchers enabled a silent person to produce speech using thought alone. Depth electrodes in the participant's brain transmitted electrical signals to a computer, which then vocalized imagined syllables. This technology offers hope for paralyzed individuals to regain speech. The study marks a significant step towards brain-computer interfaces for voluntary communication.