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Cracking consciousness will never be easy but we are making strides

19 July 2023

A new way to understand where consciousness comes from and novel insights into subjective thought show that the hard problem of consciousness is worth persevering with

Is it ethical to use complex mini-brains for artificial intelligence?

7 June 2023

Brain organoids could be more effective than silicon-based AIs at certain tasks. But as they grow more complex, when should we step in to protect their welfare, asks Michael Le Page

Movie clip reconstructed by an AI reading mice's brains as they watch

3 May 2023

Researchers have put together a 30-second movie clip based on a group of mice's brain activity data that was recorded while they watched the footage

A rat brain (red) with a grafted human brain organoid (green)

Human neurons implanted into a rat's brain respond to flashing lights

2 February 2023

Lab-grown neurons were transplanted into the brains of rats with damaged visual cortexes. After two months, the neurons responded when the rats saw flashing lights

One large prairie vole stands against a smaller vole against a white background

‘Love hormone' may not be crucial for social bonding after all

27 January 2023

Prairie voles still form social bonds without oxytocin sensors in the brain. The findings challenge the long-held belief that the hormone is a crucial part of the bonding process for all mammals

2CX23A8 Microscopic COVID-19 Coronavirus Molecules Close Up - nCOV Influenza Virus Pathogen Under Macro Medical Lab Microscope - Testing, Awareness Concept

The covid-19 virus gets into the brain – what does it do there?

25 January 2023

We now know that covid-19 can cause neurological symptoms, ranging from brain fog and headaches to strokes. Research is beginning to reveal how this happens and hint at better treatments

Sneaking drugs into the brain could treat conditions like Alzheimer's

23 December 2022

A method of drug delivery that uses one of the body’s own systems to sneak mRNA molecules past the blood-brain barrier could help treat conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cancer

Human brain model on doctor hand. Doctor using pencil to demonstrate brain anatomy

The human brain can be squished 10 times as easily as polystyrene foam

14 December 2022

Researchers used MRI scans and an algorithm to measure the stiffness and resilience to pressure of the brain in living people

Two pupils of primary school walk hand in hand

Specific brain markers could help diagnose children with ADHD

23 November 2022

Physical differences in the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and those who don't have the condition could help diagnosis

The London Eye, Palace of Westminster and buildings in central London are seen through the mist from the 15th floor of an office block in the City of London. The UK Government's pollution forecast website has advised moderate to high levels of pollution are possible near urban areas in the south of the UK, in particular London, as light winds allow a build-up of locally emitted pollutants. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Air pollution likely to be causing dementia, say UK science advisers

25 July 2022

We know that air pollution is bad for our lungs and heart, but now advisers to the UK government say it can also be linked to dementia and cognitive decline in older people