Paralyzed people can now walk again thanks to first-ever spinal cord implant
To walk, the brain broadcasts commands through descending pathways that cascade from the brainstem to activate these neurons.
top of page
The Brighter Side of News features good news, compassionate news and inspirational news from around the world
Sign up for the Brighter Side of News newsletter
Joseph Shavit
- Mar 9
Researchers finally explain how the sixth sense really works
We rely on special sensory neurons in our muscles and joints. Without them, the brain wouldn’t know what the rest of our body was doing.
Joseph Shavit
- Mar 2
Vitamin D could help prevent dementia, study finds
Taking vitamin D supplements may help ward off dementia, according to a new, large-scale international study in Canada and the UK.
Joseph Shavit
- Mar 1
Future computers will run on human brain cells, study finds
A “biocomputer” powered by human brain cells could be developed within our lifetime, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 26
Groundbreaking research finds that sugar is critical to preventing and curing Alzheimer's disease
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers discovered that a special sugar molecule could play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 20
Scientific breakthrough finds most accurate predictor of human intelligence
Scientists have labored for decades to understand how brain structure and functional connectivity drive intelligence.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 16
‘Lab grown’ neurons revolutionize treatment for Parkinsons and Alzheimers
Researchers have created the first highly mature neurons from human induced stem cells - potential therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 12
Scientists discover major new contributor to Alzheimer's disease
A pathway that begins in the gut and ends with a potent pro-inflammatory toxin in brain cells contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 11
Edible mushrooms found to improve memory
Researchers have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory.
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 8
Breakthrough study challenges previous theories about Alzheimer’s disease
A new study challenges existing ideas of how buildup of a protein called amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain is related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 25
Researchers discover the origins of pleasurable touch in the brain
A parent’s reassuring touch. A friend’s warm hug. A lover’s enticing embrace. These are among the tactile joys in our lives.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 23
MIT scientists identify the effects of Huntington’s disease on neurons
A new study identifies cells that are the most vulnerable within a brain structure involved in mood and movement.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 16
Groundbreaking treatment for Parkinsons and Alzheimers uses ‘lab grown’ neurons
Researchers believe these neurons could be transplanted into patients as a therapy for spinal cord injuries, Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 15
First-ever spinal cord implant enables paralyzed people to walk again
Study identified the type of neuron that is activated by spinal cord stimulation, allowing patients to stand up, walk and rebuild muscles.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 10
Scientists finally discover what drives our sixth sense
This sixth sense is entirely unconscious and stops us from falling over in the dark, and allows us to raise a cup of coffee to our mouth.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 3
Single injection reverses paralysis in patients with severe spinal cord injuries
A new injectable therapy harnesses “dancing molecules” to reverse paralysis and repair tissue after severe spinal cord injuries.
Joseph Shavit
- Dec 28, 2022
Major discovery about mammalian brains surprises scientists
In a new breakthrough to understand more about the mammalian brain, University of Copenhagen researchers have made an incredible discovery.
Joseph Shavit
- Dec 11, 2022
Researchers discover the genes of the sixth sense
Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch: We’re all familiar with the five senses that allow us to experience our surroundings.
Joseph Shavit
- Dec 5, 2022
Researchers improve short term memory problems through laser therapy
Researchers demonstrated that the therapy, which is non-invasive, could improve short term, or working memory in people by up to 25%.
Joseph Shavit
- Nov 28, 2022
Major discovery about mammalian brains surprises researchers
In a new breakthrough to understand more about the mammalian brain, University of Copenhagen researchers have made an incredible discovery.
bottom of page