Jon Hamilton

Researchers have identified 46 genes that can disrupt a process that is critical to early brain development. The finding could help scientists find new treatments for disorders including autism.

Scientists have used brain organoids to show one way that genes associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder disrupt brain development.

An effort to diversify genetic studies has led to a discovery about Parkinson's disease in people of African descent.

An effort to diversify genetic studies has led to a discovery about Parkinson's disease: a gene variant that raises the risk of Parkinson's in people of African ancestry.

People seek out art and music that combine sadness and beauty. Scientists and artists say there's good reason why we're drawn to it.

Why are humans attracted to art that combines sadness and beauty? A brain scientist says sadness has benefits like helping elicit empathy and purging negative emotion.

Scientists have genetically engineered a see-through squid, allowing researchers to study its brain activity and other biological processes. (Story aired on All Things Considered on Aug. 25, 2023.)

A see-through squid is giving scientists an unprecedented view of the brain and other organs in a living animal.

Two studies show how technology is allowing people to generate speech using only their thoughts. (This story first aired on All Things Considered on August 23, 2023.)

Scientists have genetically engineered a squid that is almost as transparent as the water it's in. The squid will allow researchers to watch brain activity and biological processes in a living animal.

Two studies show how technology is allowing people to generate speech using only their thoughts.

Scientists have been working on technologies that can turn a person's thoughts into spoken words. Two new reports show how far the field has come.

A severe traumatic brain injury can make it hard to remember recent events or conversations. But a form of brain stimulation appears to ease this memory deficit.

Research shows that a tiny pulse of electricity can improve memory in people who've had a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.

A large study shows that an experimental Alzheimer's drug can slow down the disease at least as much as a drug approved by the FDA. (This first aired on All Things Considered on July 17, 2023.)

In a large study, the experimental drug donanemab slowed the progression of Alzheimer's by about 35%. That's slightly better than the drug Leqembi, which was fully approved by the FDA on July 6.

The first drug found to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease has been granted full approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Scientists have pinpointed a special part of the brain that, when stimulated, appears to produce out-of-body experiences. (Story aired on All Things Considered on July 3, 2023.)

An obscure bit of brain tissue appears critical to both out-of-body experiences and our sense of being anchored to a physical self.

Scientists have pinpointed a special part of the brain that, when stimulated, appears to produce out-of-body experiences.