The year 2023 has undeniably marked a pivotal chapter in neuroscience, where innovation and exploration have illuminated the complexities of the human brain, offering hope and possibilities for the future.
In 2023, a myriad of great achievements and discoveries has propelled our understanding of the brain to new heights. From transformative neurotechnologies and innovative research tools to profound insights into brain states, cognition, and the intricate interplay of genes, last year has undeniably been a transformative one for neuroscience.
Researchers around the world have made significant strides in diverse areas, from unraveling the mysteries of the blood-brain barrier to exploring the intricate connection between genetics and human cognition. Breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, and therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders have showcased the remarkable synergy between technology and neuroscience. Noteworthy insights into memory formation, sleep regulation, and the impact of environmental factors on brain health have reshaped our understanding of the complex organ that governs our thoughts and behaviors.
Essentially, the last year has unfolded as a dynamic period for neuroscience, characterized by substantial progress in research and neurotech.
Without further ado, let’s dive into some key highlights of the year!
January — February
Neurotechnology advancements
- A neurotechnology developed by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University instantly improved arm and hand mobility in stroke survivors, facilitating normal daily activities.
- Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan used the drug fasudil to reverse symptoms associated with schizophrenia, offering new therapeutic approaches for patients.
- A team developed a more realistic model to research the blood-brain barrier, opening avenues for exploring new treatments for brain tumors.
Innovative research tools
- A pop-up electrode device was developed for in-depth information gathering about individual neurons and their interactions, reducing the potential for brain tissue damage.
- Silica nano-scale capsules carrying genome-editing tools were introduced, offering a new approach for targeted delivery.
Brain imaging and neural mechanisms
- A novel experimental platform was created to optically record local neuronal activity during brain-wide fMRI in rodents, addressing the limitations of traditional neuroimaging techniques.
- Insights into the neural mechanisms of motor skill learning were provided, offering the potential for more effective brain-stimulation therapies for stroke patients.
- Children as young as 4 years old showed evidence of a network in the brain found in adults that tackles difficult cognitive problems.
Brain organoids and memory formation
- Brain organoids integrated with rat brains and responded to visual stimulation, demonstrating potential applications for understanding brain function.
- Research revealed how the brain prepares skilled movements and constructs longer-term memories, providing insights into information processing and memory formation.
Genomics and human cognition
- Computational modeling uncovered mutations in the human genome influencing the evolution of human cognition, with potential implications for understanding brain disorders.
- Researchers identified how the human brain changes and adapts to weightlessness after being in space, with lasting effects even after returning to Earth.
Insights into brain states and control
- The research quantified control costs in the brain during state transitions, providing a framework for understanding how the brain flexibly transitions between various cognitive and behavioral functions.
Therapeutic approaches and disease management
- Fractalkine showed promise in halting and reversing the effects of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Focused-ultrasound-mediated liquid biopsy in a mouse model released more biomarkers, facilitating non-invasive diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.
Social and cognitive influences
- Political ideology influenced the neural processing of political words, highlighting the role of social factors in shaping cognitive responses.
- Quality conversations with friends were linked to increased happiness and reduced stress by day’s end.
Environmental and health impact
- Traffic pollution impaired human brain function in a controlled experiment, emphasizing the need for environmental considerations in brain health.
- Chronic exposure to stress activates specific neurons in the brain, leading to behavioral problems.
Genetic pathways and sleep regulation
- Human genomics identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep, offering potential avenues for the treatment of insomnia and sleep-related disorders.
March — May
Neurological mechanisms and therapies
- Researchers identified the pathway in fruit flies responsible for reducing pain sensation from heat, potentially offering insights into pain management.
- The University of Michigan found that an extra copy of a gene in Down syndrome patients causes improper development of neurons in mice.
- Scientists at the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute discovered that the amino acid glycine can deliver a “slow-down” signal to the brain, contributing to mood disorders.
- A new cell therapy, developed by researchers, leveraged myeloid cells to partially reverse paralysis and restore movement in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
The role of perception and cognitive processes
- Researchers demonstrated that hypnotic suggestions can significantly influence the perceived size of body parts, affecting the sense of touch.
- Studies revealed that neuronal activity is crucial for the complex shape development of astrocytes, providing insights into the interaction between neurons and glial cells.
- The UNLV study strengthened the suspected link between gut health and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that changing one’s diet might play a role in slowing or preventing dementia development.
Artificial Intelligence in mental health
- A pilot study led by the University of Illinois Chicago demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence as a useful tool in mental health treatment.
- The DeepGlioma system, using artificial intelligence, showed promise in screening for genetic mutations in cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds, possibly streamlining diagnosis and treatment.
Memory formation and cognitive function
- Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine unraveled the process of how long-lasting memories form in the brain, offering insights into the retention of vivid memories.
- A model was developed to detect workplace stress based on typing and mouse movement, offering a noninvasive method to identify stress early on.
Health and aging
- A study revealed that the sensation of hunger itself might have anti-aging effects, providing a new perspective on the relationship between calorie restriction, hunger, and aging.
- Engaging in at least four hours of exercise per week post-stroke was associated with better functional recovery within six months, emphasizing the pivotal role of physical activity in successful recovery.
Sleep and cognitive health
- Deep sleep, also known as non-REM slow-wave sleep, was identified as a potential ‘cognitive reserve factor’ that may enhance resilience against beta-amyloid, a protein linked to dementia-related memory loss.
- Watching the clock while trying to fall asleep was linked to exacerbated insomnia and the use of sleep aids, highlighting the importance of bedtime routines for improved sleep quality.
Environmental factors and neurological diseases
- Researchers at UCLA Health and Harvard identified 10 pesticides significantly damaging neurons associated with Parkinson’s disease, providing new clues about environmental toxins’ role in the disease.
- The negative impact of poor air quality in India on infants’ cognitive development was revealed, indicating potential long-term consequences on brain health.
June — August
Neurotechnology and brain-computer interfaces
- Researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables a paralyzed woman to speak through a digital avatar.
- A noninvasive EEG sensor in a Meta VR headset measured brain activity during immersive VR interactions.
- A wearable brain scanner demonstrated the ability to measure brain function while people were standing and walking.
- Scientists created detailed 3D images of synapses, providing valuable insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia.
Memory and learning
- Neuroscientists explored the idea that ‘forgetting’ may represent a form of learning, with implications for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Everyday symbols like &?!#@$ are highly memorable, according to a study investigating symbol memory compared to words.
- Somatostatin, a signaling molecule in inhibitory neurons, dampens communication in the prefrontal cortex and promotes exploratory behavior.
Genetics and brain disorders
- The largest-ever study of the genetics of the brain identified 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure.
- Gene therapy showed promise in repairing neural connections for those with Hurler syndrome, a rare genetic brain disorder.
Sleep and circadian rhythms
- Astrocytes, little-studied brain cells, were found to be major players in controlling sleep needs.
- Mathematical models were used to understand the effects of disruptions like daylight savings time on the body’s circadian rhythms.
Memory and brain health
- Neurons produced rhythmic patterns of electrical activity driven by remembering events.
- Researchers revealed insights into the blood-brain barrier and how it affects disease progression and drug delivery.
- Aggression may be linked to successful self-control, not poor self-control, according to a study on brain health.
Mental health and disorders
- Supplementing with probiotics alongside standard antidepressant medication showed improvements in depression and anxiety scores.
- Cognitive dissonance, the mental distress from conflicting information, was linked to added pressure on the neck and lower back during lifting and lowering tasks.
- Vitamin D deficiency affects developing neurons in the brain’s dopamine circuit, potentially contributing to dopamine dysfunction.
Brain disorders and treatments
- Anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy extended the lives of mice with glioblastoma, showing potential for effective immunotherapies against brain cancer.
- Scientists at Stanford University identified a brain hub controlling sexual arousal in male mice, with implications for treatments of sexual problems in humans.
September — December
Brain-computer interface and predictive modeling
- The fusiform face area in blind individuals helped recognize basic faces using a device translating images into sound.
- The “Facemap” utilized mouse facial movements to predict brain activity.
- Decoding ear sounds allowed for determining the direction of gaze, potentially used for innovative hearing tests.
- Prediction of the best treatment for brain tumor patients based on gene expression patterns to minimize side effects.
Therapeutic advancements
- CRISPR gene-editing technology shows promise in treating primary glioblastoma, a challenging brain cancer.
- Stem cell injection into the brains of progressive multiple sclerosis patients demonstrates safety and long-lasting protective effects.
- Caffeic-acid-based Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs) from coffee grounds show the potential to protect brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases.
- Transcranial ultrasound stimulation’s impact on GABA concentration was explored for potential treatments for depression, addiction, or anxiety.
Neurobiology of learning and memory
- Neuroscientists explore the mechanism of forming memories through continuous connectivity patterns between specific engram cells in different brain regions.
- The brain’s incorporation of new information and memory formation were explored to enhance understanding.
- The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) was found to play a crucial role in processing social cues in addition to working memory and multisensory integration.
- Waves of acetylcholine in the brain’s striatum were linked to motivating actions and habitual behaviors.
- Rats were used to study economic decision-making without non-human primates.
Brain health and diseases
- Nanoplastics’ interaction with brain proteins was linked to conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia.
- Electroconvulsive therapy success was explored, providing insights into this controversial treatment.
- Hunger hormone from the gut directly impacts decision-making in the brain.
- Tau protein behavior in brain communication areas revealed, offering insights into dementias.
- Depression and anxiety episodes in the twenties, thirties, and forties were linked to decreased memory function by the fifties.
- The link between brain activity and cortical thinning, a maturation process.
Evolutionary insights
- Researchers, exploring beyond the neocortex, discover the cerebellum’s significant role in higher cognitive functions.
- Genetic maps of cerebellar cell development across species reveal both ancestral and species-specific characteristics.
In retrospect, the year 2023 has etched a transformative narrative in the annals of neuroscience, ushering in a period marked by unparalleled innovation and profound revelations about the intricacies of the human brain.
As we bid farewell to 2023, it is evident that each discovery, breakthrough, and paradigm shift has contributed to an ever-expanding canvas of knowledge. The intricate dance between genetics and cognition, the therapeutic promises for neurodegenerative diseases, and the unforeseen connections between mental health and brain function have collectively illuminated the path toward a future where neuroscience continues to inspire, innovate, and transform lives.
Here’s to the tireless efforts of researchers, the resilience of patients, and the boundless curiosity that propels us forward. The year 2023 has not only expanded the horizons of neuroscience but has also set the stage for a future where the complexities of the brain are met with relentless exploration and a shared commitment to improving the human condition.
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