Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco published a new study revealing that autism and congenital heart disease may share tiny cellular structures called cilia. These structures contain mutations which can disrupt both brain and heart development, which helps explain why the two conditions often co-occur.

By identifying 45 genes that impair neuron growth and cilia function, the study has opened doors for earlier detection of autism in newborns diagnosed with heart defects. These findings could transform screening strategies, allowing earlier intervention and improved outcomes for children at risk. Check it out: https://journals.biologists.com/dev/article/152/12/dev204295/368352/Ciliary-biology-intersects-autism-and-congenital

According to a new study published in the journal, Immunity, a rare genetic mutation known as APOE3-R136S appears to protect against Alzheimer’s disease by suppressing inflammatory signaling in the brain’s immune cells. Researchers found that this mutation dampens a particular pathway called the cGAS-STING, which is a key immune mechanism that is abnormally activated in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

These findings add to growing evidence that brain inflammation is a major driver of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, and may be a key therapeutic target for these disorders. Here’s more: https://www.cell.com/immunity/abstract/S1074-7613(25)00244-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1074761325002444%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Clearmind announced that it enrolled the first patient in its Phase I/IIa clinical trial for CMND-100, which is the company's MEAI-based oral drug candidate for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. The trial is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of CMND-100, with preliminary efficacy assessments to explore its potential in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption.

The Phase I/IIa clinical trial is being conducted at multiple sites, including Yale School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Check it out: https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/clearmind-medicine-enrolls-first-patient-in-its-clinical-trial-for-alcoholism-treatment

Did you know that children learn language faster than AI?

Despite AI’s massive processing power, children still far outperform machines in learning language because unlike AI systems that passively absorb text, children learn through multisensory exploration, social interaction, and self-driven curiosity.

Their language learning is active, embodied, and deeply tied to motor, cognitive, and emotional development. These insights not only reshape how we understand early childhood but may also guide the future design of more human-like AI systems.  Here’s more: https://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/fulltext/S1364-6613(25)00142-1?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1364661325001421%3Fshowall%3Dtru