Exploring the Brain, One Neuron at a Time

The human brain may have evolved from two separate nervous systems that fused together over time, revealing a fundamentally new understanding of brain organization. This discovery enables researchers to grow human hindbrain neurons in the lab, potentially accelerating research into brainstem diseases like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.

Rare TORCH infections contracted during pregnancy triple the risk of autism and can increase intellectual disability risk sevenfold in children, according to a study of 3.7 million people. The finding identifies a specific prenatal risk factor that could inform prevention strategies and early intervention approaches.

During REM sleep, the brain paradoxically drains energy even as blood flow increases, suggesting that dreaming demands intense internal processing. Neurons consume ATP faster than it can be replenished, revealing why dream sleep may be metabolically demanding despite appearing restful.

The common joint supplement glucosamine is linked to a 25% higher likelihood that mild cognitive impairment will progress to dementia, though causation remains unproven. Lab studies suggest glucosamine may intensify abnormal sugar-tagging processes in Alzheimer's brains, warranting clinical trials to confirm the risk.