Jon Hamilton

A flexible film bristling with tiny sensors could make surgery safer for patients with a brain tumor or severe epilepsy.

The brain appears to rely on synchronized waves to wash out waste products, including toxins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists scanned the brains of people who took psilocybin, including a member of the research team. The scans showed how the drug disrupts key networks, potentially enhancing brain plasticity.

Scientists have long studied the relationship between sleep and the brain, and why poor sleep is linked to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. NPR science correspondent <a href=“https://www.npr.org/people/2100615/jon-hamilton”>Jon Hamilton </a>talks to host <a href=“https://www.npr.org/people/1082526815/regina-g-barber”>Regina G. Barber</a> about the brain’s washing system and the particular sound researchers have found that seems to turn it on in mice. <br><br><strong>Read Jon’s full piece…

Scientists have long studied the relationship between sleep and the brain, and why poor sleep is linked to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton talks to host Regina G. Barber about the brain's washing system and the particular sound researchers have found that seems to turn it on in mice. Read Jon's full piece here.Interested in more science about the brain? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

Early in life, the protein Reelin helps assemble the brain. Later on, it appears to protect the organ from Alzheimer’s and other threats to memory and thinking.

Early in life, the protein Reelin helps assemble the brain. Later on, it appears to protect the organ from Alzheimer’s and other threats to memory and thinking.

A new generation of blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. But many doctors don’t yet know how to use them.

A new generation of blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. But many doctors don’t yet know how to use them.

An experimental cancer drug that helps the brain turn glucose into energy was able to reverse memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.