Neuroscience

Madeleine Finlay interviews Boston University neuroscientist Steve Ramirez about locating, activating and removing rodent memories, and possible applications in humans.

Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove and Brianne Barker discuss a newly identified mechanism for RNA-guided DNA recognition and genetic control that may predate CRISPR pathways. They also examine research proposing that features of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology could have originated as a host response to infection in the brain, including evidence concerning phosphorylated tau and herpesvirus activity. The episode connects ancient molecular recognition mechanisms with questions about antiviral defence.

This Nature Podcast explores how anonymized banking records can reveal patterns of financial abuse and inform support for victim-survivors. A second segment examines how opposing forces within Earth’s core can change the planet’s rotation and the length of a day. Research highlights cover Mercury’s contraction and cognitive resilience in predicting Alzheimer’s dementia.

Gaute Einevoll and Mihai Petrovici discuss how neuromorphic hardware can support artificial intelligence and efficient brain simulation. They contrast high-frequency arithmetic on conventional silicon with the rich dynamics and millisecond spikes of biological neurons, and explore brain-inspired systems for emulating neural dynamics and studying computation in spiking networks. Petrovici is a senior researcher at the University of Bern. The conversation was recorded on 18 June 2026 and released on 23 September 2026; the publisher’s audio runs 1 hour, 41 minutes and 46 seconds.

Lead research on distributed neural computation and brain evolution using the acoel Hofstenia miamia. The project combines circuit imaging, activity recordings, neural perturbations, behavioural analysis and computational methods to explain how repeated circuit units produce coordinated, adaptive behaviour. This is a full-time, four-year appointment in London, starting from £47,500 annually with benefits. The institute states that this role is eligible for UK visa sponsorship. Applications close on 11 October 2026 at 23:59, according to the current employer advert.

The Meletis laboratory in Neuroscience offers a postdoctoral scholarship in Solna to study neuron subtypes and circuits underlying motivation and decision-making, including mouse models of stress and mood disorders. Work combines genetic and viral labelling, in vivo imaging or optogenetics, and freely moving or head-fixed behavioural experiments in circuits such as the basal ganglia, hypothalamus and dopamine system. Single-cell profiles and connectivity maps support the research. Apply through Varbi by 13 October 2026 with a CV, publication list and one-page research summary.

A 23-month postdoctoral appointment at 0.8 FTE in Pieter Medendorp’s sensorimotor research group at the Donders Institute. The project investigates perception, movement and decisions under uncertainty through behavioural experiments and computational models. Work combines multisensory integration, Bayesian modelling and optimal control with virtual reality, wearable sensors and motion platforms, including natural navigation, orienting and reaching. The preferred start is 1 December 2026. Responsibilities may include student supervision and teaching.

Develop antibody-based approaches to Alzheimer’s disease at the Queensland Brain Institute. The project investigates tau-targeting monoclonal antibodies through protein production, cell-based experiments and mouse studies. Responsibilities include analysing results, preparing publications, contributing to funding applications and supporting junior researchers. This full-time appointment runs for up to 12 months, with an immediate start preferred. Annual base pay is AUD 85,373–113,660, plus 17% superannuation.

Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove and Brianne Barker discuss a newly identified mechanism for RNA-guided DNA recognition and genetic control that may predate CRISPR pathways. They also examine research proposing that features of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology could have originated as a host response to infection in the brain, including evidence concerning phosphorylated tau and herpesvirus activity. The episode connects ancient molecular recognition mechanisms with questions about antiviral defence.

This public discussion examines the factors that help preserve brain health during aging. Researchers working on neuroscience, brain stimulation, the microbiome and brain health consider how stress, everyday behavior and social and environmental conditions can affect resilience over a lifetime. The panel discusses emerging evidence about early vulnerability, possible interventions through lifestyle changes and stress management, and more targeted approaches. It also addresses the limits of current knowledge and the uncertainties that remain when translating these findings into ways to protect cognitive health.

Astrocytes help sustain neural signaling and tissue stability, but injury and implanted devices cause them to change their functions. Tim O'Shea examines how the extent and timing of this response determine tissue protection, regeneration and implant durability. Limited renewal of adult astrocytes contrasts with the greater proliferation and migration of immature cells in newborn mammals. Around implants, continuing movement, infection and other stimuli can prolong the response and affect device performance. The talk uses astrocyte-specific transcriptomic assays to investigate this reprogramming and considers how to improve repair without sacrificing normal astrocyte functions. It also presents biomaterial and cell-transplant approaches being studied in preclinical stroke, spinal cord injury and implant-response models.

How can memories remain durable while adapting to new situations? Gisella Vetere examines how the neuronal ensembles encoding a memory change between initial learning and later recall, and how their reorganization across brain networks supports both precise recollection and generalization. Her research combines activity-dependent cell tagging, interventions in neural circuits and analyses across the brain to investigate these transformations. The talk considers how changes in memory representations influence flexible behavior, including circumstances in which that flexibility becomes maladaptive.