Brain

- Professor Yu Seong-woon’s team identifies a novel role of the “p53” gene that controls chronic stress-induced brain disorders - Successful prevention of depression and memory impairment using the anticancer drug “RITA”: a novel concept of mental disorder treatment is expected - Published in “Autophagy”—the world’s leading academic journal in the field of autophagy

- In collaboration with GIST, Principal Researcher An Jinung’s team has implemented an AI that classifies pain intensity by analyzing brain waves based on thermal stimuli. - The limitations of subjective expressions that vary from patient to patient are overcome... An innovative learning strategy is adopted to filter out low-reliability data - The research results were published in the May issue of IEEE TNSRE: the possibility of assessing pain in patients who have difficulty expressing themselves is presented.

Millions of people across the world suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, where sufferers experience memory impairment. Researchers from Tohoku University and the University of California, Irvine have recently identified dopamine dysfunction as a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying memory impairment. The discovery potentially opens the door to new therapeutic means that could reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients across the globe.

The prize, in partnership with Nature, will celebrate breakthroughs in mental health science. It aims to accelerate translation, influence policy and transform lives. This award champions new pharmacological, psychological, social and digital interventions from around the world. The overall winner will receive USD 1 million, and three finalists will be awarded USD 250,000 each.

Biologists have long puzzled over why organisms with similar numbers of protein-coding genes can differ so dramatically in nervous system complexity. New research points to a potential link between the expanding diversity of RNA-binding proteins, which shape how genetic instructions are processed, and greater brain sophistication.

- DGIST Prof. Moon Cheil’s team reports the discovery of two immune cell mechanisms operating within the brain’s olfactory system during the early stages of dementia - Identifies region-specific immune response roles (“tailored firefighters”), paving the way for early diagnosis and personalized treatment - Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a leading journal in Alzheimer’s disease research

- First Discovery of How Somatostatin Converts Brain Immune Cells into a Protective State - Mechanism Found to Overcome Clinical Limits Using FDA-Approved Drugs

A collaborative research group has shown that biological neurons can be trained to perform a temporal pattern learning task that was previously carried out by artificial systems

Scientists at CityUHK achieved a breakthrough in recent months with the discovery a novel compound, named MF-8. The compound and its associated pharmaceuticals demonstrate significant potential to provide safer, more effective treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as memory impairment, depression and anxiety, while effectively mitigating the side effects associated with existing medications.

- Mechanism of brain neuropeptide circuit reconstruction uncovered, paving the way for next-generation rapid-acting therapies beyond serotonin - Findings published in Molecular Psychiatry, a leading journal in molecular psychiatry

- Joint research team of DGIST and KBSI developed precision protein analysis technology to identify causes of intractable diseases - Presented a new analytical horizon for developing treatments for neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes - Developed an innovative analytical method for structural analysis of proteins lacking Specific 3-dimensional structures

- The brain continues to grow even after adolescence ... according to collaborative research by DGIST and Yonsei University - Demonstrated proactive maturation of the thalamic reticular nucleus against the circuit stalemate theory after the critical period - Opened new frontiers for autism, ADHD treatment, and cognitive rehabilitation with synaptic adhesion protein LRRTM3 as a key switch in high-resolution sensory transduction

Three early- to mid-career researchers across science and engineering, recognised at second awards: Zhen Xu, Ellen Roche, and Xiwen Gong.

Supported by Nature Portfolio’s in-house editorial expertise, Nature Progress journals will expand access to high impact publishing to more researchers. The journals in the series will be published open access.

- Professor Jaewon Ko’s research team at DGIST, in collaboration with international researchers, identified that the loss of function of the MDGA2 gene induces severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy - This discovery is expected to pave the way for early diagnosis and the development of new therapies

Innovative approaches in cancer screening, drug development, and radioactive hazard protection are accelerating healthcare solutions.

Lingnan University welcomed a delegation from the University Grants Committee (UGC) on its Tuen Mun campus on 8 January, and presented its latest developments as a research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences. The delegation toured Lingnan’s latest teaching facilities and viewed their research, speaking at length with senior management, academic staff, and students.

COVID era survey explores care burdens young carers face

A new study suggests that the gut may play a surprising role in childhood migraine. Researchers found that improving gut health could help reduce headache pain and frequency in some children.

A research team led by Hiroshima University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have proposed a neuroendocrine mechanism in bony fish that signals ovulation from the ovaries to the brain, using the medaka fish as a model; the first step to elucidate the neural circuits for facilitation of sexual receptivity in female teleosts.

- DGIST Professor Jaewon Ko’s research team uncovers the molecular principles behind how specialized proteins precisely regulate synapses in various situations. - New clues to understanding brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia, and for developing precise treatment strategies

In today’s highly competitive society, many parents insist their children learn more and learn faster in order to “win at the starting line”. A recent study by the Department of Psychology at Lingnan University examining the relationship between stress and creativity has found that different types of stress, such as competition, noise, confined environments, and engaging in challenging tasks, may actually reduce children’s creative performance, but adolescents and adults tend to show more innovative ability under moderate competitive pressure. The research findings have been published in top-tier international academic journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, and provide important insights in workplace management strategies, and for the education sector and creative industries.

Why are gourmets seemingly able to detect subtle nuances in taste that others miss? Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered part of the answer by demonstrating that taste sensitivity can be enhanced through learning.

Brain atlas, From perfume to plastic, Stable solar power, Plant aging switch, Anti-cancer droplets, Greener gold, Extreme star factory and How research shapes sustainability policy. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

- Developed the world's first multimodal brain signal-based model capable of learning without simultaneous EEG and fNIRS measurements. - Self-learning from data of hundreds of individuals... Introducing a new era of multimodal brain signal analysis AI by achieving high accuracy with minimal labels.

- DGIST team led by professors Jaesok Yu and Jungho Hyun realizes ultrasound super-resolution imaging technology that reduces data by one-third using existing equipment - High-speed, long-duration, and 3D imaging without image degradation… Opening the way for non-invasive cerebral blood flow observation

- Professor Ko Jae-won’s research team at DGIST uncovers key role in signal transmission between neurons and memory formation - Establishing the molecular foundation of learning and memory, expected to treat dysfunctional brain disorders, such as autism and dementia

- The DGIST research team, led by Professors Eom Ji-won and Ko Jae-won, identified the cause: a protein abnormality in autistic patients that disrupts brain signal transmission and leads to communication difficulties. - Identifying the ‘Switch inside Brain’ linked to autistic symptoms, expected to provide clues for developing future treatments for mental illness.

Did you know your brain might be more receptive to learning new things depending on the time of day? This study examined how a 24-hour cycle alters brain plasticity and neuronal excitability in rats.

New study argues standard forms of consent for cell donations would not be appropriate for this line of research