Playing Virtual Reality Video Game May Boost Seniors’ Memory
Scientists at UCSF’s Neuroscape brain research center have developed a first-of-its-kind virtual reality video game that can improve memory in healthy, older adults.
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Healthy Sleep May Rely on Long-Overlooked Brain Cells
Researchers at UCSF have confirmed that a different, long under-studied type of brain cell – astrocytes, named for their star-like shape – can influence how long and how deeply animals sleep.
To Keep a Sharp Mind, Start Thinking of Heart Health in Your 20s
A new study led by UC San Francisco finds that young adulthood may be the most critical period to practice the healthy lifestyle habits that may protect the brain from cognitive decline decades later.
Key Decision Point for Brain Development Identified
In a new study, UCSF and Stanford researchers have identified a central switch that appears to control when neural progenitor cells stop multiplying and start differentiating into mature neurons.
‘Hidden Biological Link’ Among Autism Genes Revealed in Study
A new study of autism risk genes by UCSF and UC Berkeley scientists implicates disruption in prenatal neurogenesis – a process in which specialized “progenitor” cells give rise to new brain cells – in the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Personalized Brain Stimulation Alleviates Severe Depression Symptoms
Depression is among the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting as many as 264 million people worldwide and leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths per year. But as many as 30 percent of patients do not respond to standard treatments such as medication or psychotherapy.
Brain Cells Most Vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Disease Identified by Scientists
A team of researchers has identified for the first time the neurons that are among the first victims of Alzheimer’s disease.
‘Race Norming’ Blamed for Denying Payouts to Ex-NFL Players With Dementia
A UCSF clinical psychologist has taken aim at the NFL for “race-norming” Black players diagnosed with dementia, a practice that is depriving them of the monetary awards allocated to former footballers with neurodegenerative disorders.
Seizure Risk Forecasted Days in Advance with Brain Implant Data
Patterns of brain activity can be used to forecast seizure risk in epilepsy patients several days in advance, according to a new analysis of data obtained from clinically approved brain implants by neuroscientists at UCSF, the University of Bern and the University of Geneva.
Astonishing Animals That Illuminate Human Health
Giant lizards with superpowered hearts. Hairless rodents that don’t seem to age. Songbirds that babble like human babies. These and other scurrying, soaring, and slithering wonders are teaching scientists how our own bodies work – and how to fix them.
Drug Reverses Age-Related Mental Decline Within Days
In the new study, UCSF researchers showed rapid restoration of youthful cognitive abilities in aged mice, accompanied by a rejuvenation of brain and immune cells that could help explain improvements in brain function.
Children With Dyslexia Show Stronger Emotional Responses
Children with dyslexia who watched emotionally evocative videos showed increased physiological and behavioral responses when compared to children without dyslexia.
This Professor Sees Brain Disease through a Unique Lens
Every fall, Matt Jacobson relives his Parkinson’s diagnosis so future pharmacists perceive the patient behind the prescription.
