Brain

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

Duke-NUS scientists have built one of the largest and most comprehensive maps of the developing human brain, marking a major step forward in testing new therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions

The regulatory directions of Agentic AI systems and Open-Source AI have become hot topics globally. In light of this, Lingnan University and the University of Bologna in Italy co-hosted the 2nd International Workshop on Technologies for AI Governance (TAIG) from 25 to 26 October, as part of the 28th European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI 2025). The workshop brought together numerous world-leading experts, academics, and policymakers, aiming to enhance governance in areas such as AI risk assessment, accountability tracking, and safety assurance, and to foster cross-regional exchange on AI governance between Asia and Europe. The two-day event attracted over 150 academics and students.

This innovative technique allows for precise measurement of brain activity without the need for open-brain surgery by using blood vessels as conduits for electrodes. This holds immense potential for improving neurological care, advancing our understanding of the brain, and unlocking new possibilities for brain-computer interfaces.

- A research team led by Professor Kyung-In Jang at DGIST has developed a flexible implantable device for brain drug delivery, which applies a pump structure inspired by human gastrointestinal motility. - Wireless control enables precise drug delivery to deep brain regions, thus opening new possibilities for treating intractable brain diseases.

Self-healing hydrogel, Cool crawler, AI and world's longest crop experiment & Freeze-framing cells. Plus how media interest helps engineers and society. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Researchers at National Taiwan University developed a biodegradable, electroconductive self-healing hydrogel combined with acupuncture that restores motor function and protects brain neurons in Parkinson’s disease models.

A research group led by The University of Osaka has discovered that the DNA repair enzyme Polβ plays a crucial role in protecting the developing brain from harmful mutations. The study found that a lack of Polβ leads to a significant increase in small insertions and deletions of DNA, known as indels near CpG sites, which are important regulatory regions in genes. This accumulation of mutations could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

- Confirmed protein-bound microplastics disrupt brain cells and potentially cause neurotoxicity - Published findings in Environmental Science & Technology and registered in Hanbitsa (People Making Korea Shine)