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A new study from Delhi suggests that the age-old belief that almonds are good for the brain may have scientific backing. Researchers found that middle-aged adults who consumed a daily handful of almonds for 24 weeks showed improvements in thinking speed, concentration, decision-making, and mental agility. The randomized controlled trial, published in The Journal of Nutrition, involved 60 prediabetic Asian Indian adults. Beyond cognitive benefits, participants who ate almonds also experienced better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and modest weight loss compared to those on a calorie-matched control diet. The findings highlight almonds as a simple dietary addition that may support both brain and metabolic health.

Many people undergoing chemotherapy experience “chemo brain,” a condition that can affect memory, focus, and everyday thinking skills. A new clinical trial suggests that a simple home-based exercise program may help reduce these cognitive challenges. Researchers found that cancer patients who followed regular exercise routines showed better attention and reported fewer noticeable cognitive problems compared to those receiving a placebo. The study also found that low-dose ibuprofen improved certain cognitive measures, although the benefits were less consistent than those seen with exercise. These findings highlight the potential of physical activity as a practical, low-cost strategy to support brain health during cancer treatment.

A new study has raised concerns about glucosamine, a widely used supplement for joint pain and arthritis. Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment who regularly used glucosamine were about 25% more likely to progress to Alzheimer’s disease compared to non-users. The study also identified potential biological mechanisms that may help explain this association, although the exact cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear. Experts stress that the findings do not prove glucosamine causes Alzheimer’s, and more research is needed to confirm the results. However, the study highlights the importance of evaluating the long-term effects of commonly used supplements, especially among older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

A persistent headache, occasional dizziness, memory lapses, or unexplained fatigue are often blamed on stress, lack of sleep, or migraines. However, experts warn that in some cases these symptoms can signal a brain tumour. While most headaches are not cancer-related, warning signs such as worsening headaches, seizures, vision changes, balance problems, speech difficulties, or sudden changes in behavior should not be ignored. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it can improve treatment options and outcomes. Advances in minimally invasive surgery, AI-assisted navigation, and precision diagnostics are also transforming brain tumour care, helping patients recover faster and improving survival rates.

Many people use the terms “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably, but they are not the same. A headache is a broad term for pain or pressure in the head or neck and can be caused by stress, sinus issues, dehydration, or even uncorrected vision problems. Migraines, on the other hand, are a neurological condition that often causes intense, throbbing pain and may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances. Experts also note that recurring headaches can sometimes be linked to refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. Understanding the difference can help ensure proper treatment and identify symptoms that may require medical attention.

A new case study has sparked interest in the potential of psilocybin-containing mushrooms as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers reported that an 80-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer’s showed notable improvements in memory, communication, mobility, emotional expression, and daily functioning after receiving psilocybin. The patient had lived with the disease for nearly a decade and required constant care due to severe cognitive decline. While scientists emphasize that the study does not demonstrate a cure or reversal of Alzheimer’s, the findings suggest that some lost brain functions may remain dormant and could potentially be reactivated under certain conditions. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm these promising early observations.

A new study suggests that ultra-processed foods may be doing more than harming physical health—they could also affect brain function. Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that older adults who consumed the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as chips, biscuits, and sugary drinks, had a 58% higher risk of developing dementia and a 46% higher risk of cognitive impairment compared to those who ate the least. The study followed more than 5,300 adults aged 50 and older for nearly ten years. In contrast, diets rich in minimally processed foods were associated with a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of healthy eating for long-term brain health.

Bumblebees may be smarter than we ever imagined. In a new study, buff-tailed bumblebees successfully figured out how to use a small ball as a ladder to reach sugar hidden in an out-of-reach artificial flower. Remarkably, the insects were not trained to solve the puzzle and had no prior experience with similar tasks. More than 70% of the bees independently discovered the solution, even when obstacles made the challenge more complex. Researchers believe the findings provide the first clear evidence of spontaneous problem-solving in an invertebrate. The study adds to growing evidence that bumblebees possess advanced cognitive abilities, including learning, memory, and possibly even emotions.

Researchers are raising concerns about free-living amoebae, microscopic organisms found in water and soil that can sometimes cause severe and even deadly infections in humans. Beyond their direct health risks, these amoebae can also act as protective hosts for harmful bacteria and other microbes, helping them survive water treatment processes. Scientists warn that climate change, rising temperatures, and aging water infrastructure may create conditions that allow these resilient organisms to spread more widely in the future. While infections remain relatively rare, experts emphasize the need for improved monitoring, water management, and public awareness to better understand and reduce potential health risks.

A rapidly growing koala population in South Australia is raising concerns among wildlife experts, who warn that the animals could face widespread starvation if current trends continue. In some regions, koala numbers have increased to the point where forests are struggling to provide enough food, putting both the animals and their habitat under pressure. Researchers caution that without intervention, overgrazing could lead to habitat degradation, declining koala health, and large-scale population crashes. To avoid this outcome, scientists are recommending targeted fertility-control programs as a humane way to balance koala numbers, protect ecosystems, and ensure the long-term survival of these iconic marsupials.