https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-rss/?orgId=109402&title=Neuroscience+News+at+Yale A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Kavli Institute for Neuroscience en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Sat, 16 May 2026 01:14:32 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/zhang-honored-with-2026-kavli-postdoctoral-fellowship/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/zhang-honored-with-2026-kavli-postdoctoral-fellowship/ The Kavli Institute for Neuroscience is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Kavli Postdoctoral Fellowship. Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/three-multidisciplinary-teams-honored-with-2026-kavli-innovative-teams-awards/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/three-multidisciplinary-teams-honored-with-2026-kavli-innovative-teams-awards/ The Kavli Institute for Neuroscience is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Kavli Innovative Teams Award. Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/pietro-de-camilli-and-the-cell-biology-of-neurons/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/pietro-de-camilli-and-the-cell-biology-of-neurons/ Pietro De Camilli always wanted to be a scientist. He has spent his career bridging cell biology and neuroscience. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brains-braking-system-can-become-a-gas-pedal/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brains-braking-system-can-become-a-gas-pedal/ A neurotransmitter known to quiet activity in the brain can sometimes do the opposite, researchers find, offering implications for psychiatric treatment. Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/what-does-anesthesia-do-to-the-brain/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/what-does-anesthesia-do-to-the-brain/ A new study by Yale School of Medicine’s Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurology uncovers new insights which may change the way we describe being under anesthesia. The study reveals that being anesthetized may be more than simply being “put to sleep,” potentially carrying more similarities to being in a coma than we originally thought. Tue, 12 May 2026 12:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/05/01/many-genes-have-been-linked-autism-new-study-suggests-it-may-be-their-path-brain-matters https://news.yale.edu/2026/05/01/many-genes-have-been-linked-autism-new-study-suggests-it-may-be-their-path-brain-matters While scientists have identified hundreds of different genes that are associated with autism, a new Yale-led study suggests that the specific genes may be less important than the pathway they take to the brain. Fri, 01 May 2026 20:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/oakleigh-folkes-and-dahae-julia-jun-honored-with-2026-kavli-postdoctoral-award-for-collaborative-excellence/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/oakleigh-folkes-and-dahae-julia-jun-honored-with-2026-kavli-postdoctoral-award-for-collaborative-excellence/ Oakleigh Folkes, PhD, from the laboratory of Yong-Hui Jiang, MD, PhD, in the Department of Genetics, and Dahae "Julia" Jun, PhD, from the laboratory of Emilia Favuzzi, PhD, in the Department of Neuroscience, have been selected to receive the 2026 Kavli Postdoctoral Award for Collaborative Excellence. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/new-program-explores-the-intersection-of-spirituality-and-mental-health/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/new-program-explores-the-intersection-of-spirituality-and-mental-health/ The new Yale School of Medicine program, in collaboration with Yale Divinity School, is fostering spiritually informed conversations within psychiatry. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/perspectives-of-women-in-science-lectureship-on-may-19/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/perspectives-of-women-in-science-lectureship-on-may-19/ Please join us on Tuesday, May 19, at 4 pm., in the Mary S. Harkness Auditorium for the eighth annual Perspectives of Women in Science Lectureship hosted by the MD-PhD Program and the Office of the Dean of YSM. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yong-hui-jiang-unlocking-genetic-mysteries-to-treat-brain-disorders/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yong-hui-jiang-unlocking-genetic-mysteries-to-treat-brain-disorders/ Yong-Hui Jiang’s research has uncovered the biology of neurogenetic disorders like Angelman syndrome and autism. His genome-editing work could lead to targeted therapies. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/04/02/zebrafish-reveal-new-insights-biology-autism https://news.yale.edu/2026/04/02/zebrafish-reveal-new-insights-biology-autism In a new study, Yale researchers identified drug candidates that reverse disrupted behaviors in zebrafish carrying mutations in autism risk genes. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/pineal-gland-organoids-a-new-tool-for-studying-sleep/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/pineal-gland-organoids-a-new-tool-for-studying-sleep/ Researchers have made miniature versions of the pineal gland. They’re helping explain the sleep challenges that come with conditions like Angelman syndrome and autism. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:00 Z https://neurosciencenews.com/biological-link-between-music-and-bonding-identified/ https://neurosciencenews.com/biological-link-between-music-and-bonding-identified/ “One of the paper’s most important and unexpected findings was showing that one’s perception of connectedness to another person is directly related to the activity in these specific regions of the brain,” Hirsch, PhD, said. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-study-listening-to-a-consonant-chord-progression-during-live-face-to-face-gaze-enhances-neural-activity-in-social-systems/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-study-listening-to-a-consonant-chord-progression-during-live-face-to-face-gaze-enhances-neural-activity-in-social-systems/ A new Yale study published in the Journal of Neuroscience provides evidence that predictable musical chord progressions enhance social connectedness by engaging and synchronizing neural systems involved in social perception and interaction — especially during live face-to-face engagement. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/03/06/weight-stress-helping-parents-may-protect-children-obesity https://news.yale.edu/2026/03/06/weight-stress-helping-parents-may-protect-children-obesity Yale researchers found that helping parents regulate stress, when combined with healthy nutrition, curbed obesity risk in their young children. The findings were published in Pediatrics, and the research team was led by Rajita Sinha, PhD, Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and professor in the Child Study Center and of neuroscience. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/science-friday/articles/why-arent-there-biomarkers-for-mental-illness https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/science-friday/articles/why-arent-there-biomarkers-for-mental-illness Despite major advances in our understanding of the biology of mental health disorders,  there’s no blood test or brain scan that will confirm if you have depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other psychiatric illness. John H. Krystal, MD, chair of the Yale Department of Psychiatry, helps to explain why in an interview with WNYC. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/how-cells-communicate/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/how-cells-communicate/ Yale research uncovered how vesicles fuse and recycle, revealing core mechanisms of cellular communication. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/ketamine-how-yale-redefined-depression-treatment/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/ketamine-how-yale-redefined-depression-treatment/ Yale psychiatrist John Krystal’s discovery that ketamine rapidly treats depression led to esketamine and transformed mental health care. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/16/methanol-mitochondria-and-new-science-cern https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/16/methanol-mitochondria-and-new-science-cern Yale researchers find a new way to discern patterns in the placement of mitochondria in the brain and offer new guidelines for managing functional seizures. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-school-of-medicine-ranks-4th-for-nih-funding/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-school-of-medicine-ranks-4th-for-nih-funding/ Yale School of Medicine ranked 4th among its peers for total National Institutes of Health research funding in 2025. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/tumors-protect-themselves-from-immune-attack-by-talking-to-brain/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/tumors-protect-themselves-from-immune-attack-by-talking-to-brain/ Researchers found that tumor-brain communication activated signaling that blocked immune activity against the cancer. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:00:00 Z https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/autism-may-not-be-male-dominated-disorder-2026a10003x1 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/autism-may-not-be-male-dominated-disorder-2026a10003x1 Autism is diagnosed earlier in males, but diagnoses in females rise with age, narrowing the gender gap and leaving lifetime rates almost equal, a large population study shows. Commenting for Medscape, James C. McPartland, PhD, Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, said he was struck by the results. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://yalealumnimagazine.org/articles/6150 https://yalealumnimagazine.org/articles/6150 How do we learn? How do we make sense of the changing world? These are the elemental questions that George Dragoi, MD, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and of neuroscience is trying to answer. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(25)00658-3/fulltext https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(25)00658-3/fulltext Henrique Oliva, MD, PhD, associate research scientist in psychiatry, is first author of a paper in eClinical Medicine that comprehensively examines subjective and objective sleep disturbances across major substance use disorders. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/proteins-spread-parkinsons-pathology-in-the-brain/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/proteins-spread-parkinsons-pathology-in-the-brain/ Molecules found on the surface of motor neurons in the brain help traffic a misfolded protein into cells, leading to the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/12/10/stress-hormones-can-alter-brain-networks-and-strengthen-emotional-memories https://news.yale.edu/2025/12/10/stress-hormones-can-alter-brain-networks-and-strengthen-emotional-memories A new Yale study investigates how cortisol, a stress-related hormone, helps the brain build emotional memories. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/12/08/brain-circuits-bioturbation-and-new-physics-doc https://news.yale.edu/2025/12/08/brain-circuits-bioturbation-and-new-physics-doc Yale researchers study a mass extinction from the distant past, uncover hidden brain networks, and share expertise at an international meeting on enhanced weathering. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/news/yale-medicine-magazine/article/the-glp-1-revolution/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/news/yale-medicine-magazine/article/the-glp-1-revolution/ Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are showing promise for reducing both cardiometabolic disease prevalence and obesity stigma. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5604813/marijuana-drinking-california-sober https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5604813/marijuana-drinking-california-sober It's trendy in some circles to replace drinking with consuming cannabis. But can it help people with a drinking problem cut back? Rajita Sinha, PhD, Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and professor in the Child Study Center and of neuroscience, spoke to NPR about a recent study. Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/10/29/new-insight-how-cilia-cell-surfaces-break-down https://news.yale.edu/2025/10/29/new-insight-how-cilia-cell-surfaces-break-down In a new study, Yale researchers identified a pathway that allows cells to “disassemble” their cilia before division — and found a possible connection to a neurological disorder. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/2025-yale-ku-forum-clinical-and-basic-neuroscience/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/2025-yale-ku-forum-clinical-and-basic-neuroscience/ Yale School of Medicine and Korea University will co-host the 2025 Yale-KU Forum, showcasing research on clinical and basic neuroscience. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/nyberg/nyberg-yale-doctor-awarded-for-non-addictive-pain-treatment-discoveries/ https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/nyberg/nyberg-yale-doctor-awarded-for-non-addictive-pain-treatment-discoveries/ A doctor at the Yale School of Medicine became a recipient of the UK’s Sharpie Shafer Prize for his discoveries in non-addictive pain medicine. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.hcplive.com/view/rethinking-black-box-jak-inhibitors-find-their-place-dermatology https://www.hcplive.com/view/rethinking-black-box-jak-inhibitors-find-their-place-dermatology In 2021, ruxolitinib cream became the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in dermatology, marking the introduction of a new class of targeted, non-steroidal immunomodulators for inflammatory skin disease. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brueckner-chen-horvath-elected-to-national-academy-of-medicine/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brueckner-chen-horvath-elected-to-national-academy-of-medicine/ Martina Brueckner, MD, Lieping Chen, MD, PhD, and Tamas Horvath, DVM, PhD, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:30:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/y-age-symposium-draws-crowd-for-day-long-discussion-on-human-longevity/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/y-age-symposium-draws-crowd-for-day-long-discussion-on-human-longevity/ The second annual Y-Age Symposium hosted by the Yale Center for Research on Aging (Y-Age) filled The Anlyan Center at Yale School of Medicine on October 13 as scientists and researchers from Yale and beyond discussed the growing fields of human longevity, geroscience, and the biology of aging. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/showcasing-the-beauty-of-basic-science/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/showcasing-the-beauty-of-basic-science/ “Beauty of Science 2025” displays the striking imagery from YSM researchers across disciplines. Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/its-world-mental-health-day/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/its-world-mental-health-day/ On World Mental Health Day on October 10, Gerard Sanacora, MD, PhD, George D. and Esther S. Gross Professor of Psychiatry, spoke to WTNH-TV News 8 about mental health as the seasons change, and his work with ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/answering-a-century-old-question-how-do-brain-oscillations-emerge/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/answering-a-century-old-question-how-do-brain-oscillations-emerge/ Yale researchers developed a new method for measuring oscillations in neuronal activity. It could help identify early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brain-navigates-new-spaces-by-flickering-between-reality-and-old-mental-maps/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brain-navigates-new-spaces-by-flickering-between-reality-and-old-mental-maps/ A new Yale study reveals the brain's internal map doesn't just track one’s current location, it constantly "flickers" between the present space and remembered alternatives. Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 Z https://www.mdlinx.com/news/how-gene-mutations-drive-dementia-in-parkinsons-disease/3yJbpwQKmzURheQoP07cp7 https://www.mdlinx.com/news/how-gene-mutations-drive-dementia-in-parkinsons-disease/3yJbpwQKmzURheQoP07cp7 "Dementia is often the scariest thing for many patients with Parkinson's disease, more so than motor symptoms," says Sreeganga Chandra, PhD, professor of neurology and of neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and the study's principal investigator. "We are trying to understand the basis of cognitive dysfunction and whether we can find targets to ameliorate it." Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/how-gene-mutations-drive-dementia-in-parkinsons-disease/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/how-gene-mutations-drive-dementia-in-parkinsons-disease/ New findings reveal motor and cognitive deficits arise through separate mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease, challenging previous thinking. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/new-study-reveals-genetic-psychiatric-and-environmental-factors-contributing-to-alcohol-use-disorder/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/new-study-reveals-genetic-psychiatric-and-environmental-factors-contributing-to-alcohol-use-disorder/ A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of genetic, psychiatric, and environmental factors that shape risk for alcohol use disorder. Yale authors are Peter Na, MD, MPH; Joseph Deak, PhD; Daniel Levey, PhD; Robert Pietrzak, PhD, MPH; and Joel Gelernter, MD. Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/mckee-awarded-orwhniaaa-grant/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/mckee-awarded-orwhniaaa-grant/ The Office of Research on Women’s Health and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has awarded a U54 Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) grant to the Yale-SCORE investigative team. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brain-activity-variable-during-development/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/brain-activity-variable-during-development/ Fluctuations in brain activity increase until mid-adolescence. Deviations from this trajectory are linked to worse executive functioning. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-scientists-seek-to-uncover-neural-and-genomic-mechanisms-that-drive-anxiety/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/kavli/news-article/yale-scientists-seek-to-uncover-neural-and-genomic-mechanisms-that-drive-anxiety/ An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine has launched a pioneering study aimed at uncovering the neural and genomic mechanisms that drive anxiety. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://snmmi.org/Web/News/Articles/Novel-PET-Tracer-Detects-Synaptic-Changes-in-Spinal-Cord-and-Brain-After-Spinal-Cord-Injury https://snmmi.org/Web/News/Articles/Novel-PET-Tracer-Detects-Synaptic-Changes-in-Spinal-Cord-and-Brain-After-Spinal-Cord-Injury A new PET tracer can provide insights into how spinal cord injuries affect not only the spinal cord, but also the brain, according to new research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/09/09/origins-mental-illness-fast-gas-black-hole https://news.yale.edu/2025/09/09/origins-mental-illness-fast-gas-black-hole Yale researchers discover a gas guzzling black hole, learn that mental illness may start to develop earlier than once thought, and explore why some brain seizures cause a loss of consciousness. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:00 Z https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/09/09/ketamine-therapys-controversial-rise-in-youth/85623408007/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/09/09/ketamine-therapys-controversial-rise-in-youth/85623408007/ John H. Krystal, MD, Robert L. McNeil, Jr. Professor of Translational Research and professor of psychiatry, of neuroscience, and of psychology, and chair of the Yale Department of Psychiatry, talked to USA Today about the use of ketamine to treat depression. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/latest-alzheimers-research-science-solutions-and-setbacks/ https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/latest-alzheimers-research-science-solutions-and-setbacks/ Alzheimer’s research is at a tipping point, with new treatments and biomarkers offering hope, yet funding cuts risk slowing critical progress. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/09/03/quitting-time-neurons-drive-sociable-behavior-children-and-teens-turn-adulthood https://news.yale.edu/2025/09/03/quitting-time-neurons-drive-sociable-behavior-children-and-teens-turn-adulthood Researchers have mapped the neural signaling that drives social impulses critical to survival in young mammals. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:00:00 Z