Childhood Trauma Rewires Brain

IN THE NEWS:
Pop Icon Shares Parkinson’s Diagnosis Details

European pop-synth band A-ha’s lead singer, Morten Harket, has disclosed on the band’s website and confirmed via their record label Sony Music, that he has Parkinson’s disease. A-ha was hugely popular globally throughout the 1980s. Harket, 65, says he had undergone several rounds of brain surgery and that he was managing the symptoms of the disease.

Rock Feed has more details.

PHARMA:
BioNTech Acquires CureVac in $1.25 Billion Deal

BioNTech, the German biotech firm behind the widely used Pfizer-partnered COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, is acquiring rival CureVac in a $1.25 billion all-stock deal. The move unites two of the most prominent names in mRNA technology, both of which rose to prominence during the pandemic. CureVac, though it faced setbacks with its own COVID-19 vaccine, has since refocused on developing mRNA-based cancer therapies, making its pipeline and manufacturing capabilities a valuable addition to BioNTech’s oncology ambitions.

The acquisition also resolves a heated, years-long patent dispute between the two companies. CureVac had sued BioNTech in 2022, alleging that its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, infringed on key mRNA patents. Recent rulings from the European Patent Office upheld the validity of some CureVac patents, setting the stage for potentially costly litigation and royalty payments. By acquiring CureVac, BioNTech eliminates this legal uncertainty and avoids the risk of significant backdated royalties on its blockbuster vaccine sales.

BioNTech’s CEO Ugur Sahin framed the deal as a strategic investment in the future of cancer medicine, aiming to combine complementary scientific and manufacturing strengths. The integration is expected to accelerate the development of next-generation mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and bolster BioNTech’s position as a leader in oncology innovation. With CureVac’s research and manufacturing site in Tübingen now under its umbrella, BioNTech is poised to advance new standards of care for a wide range of cancers going forward.

PSYCHOLOGY:
Childhood Trauma Rewires The Brain

Childhood trauma does more than leave emotional scars, it actually rewires the brain, according to a recent study. Researchers used brain scans and artificial intelligence to show that traumatic experiences disrupt important brain networks, making it harder for kids to manage emotions, focus and interact with others. These changes aren’t just about remembering painful events; they affect how kids process daily life, even when trauma isn’t on their minds.

The findings highlight the need for new approaches to treatment that go beyond managing fear and avoiding triggers. By understanding how trauma reshapes the brain, scientists hope to develop better therapies that help children rebuild healthy brain connections and recover more fully from their experiences.

Watch for more details from Neuroscience News.

DEMENTIA:
Exercise With Alzheimer’s Changes Brain Cells

Regular aerobic exercise is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in Brain Research. Researchers from the University of Bristol and the Federal University of São Paulo found that structured aerobic workouts can significantly reduce key markers linked to Alzheimer’s, including amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and iron buildup in brain cells. The study, conducted with mice, showed that those who exercised experienced dramatic reductions in these harmful markers-up to 76% fewer amyloid plaques and 63% fewer tau tangles, along with less brain inflammation and improved brain cell health.

These findings are especially promising because the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning, showed notable improvements after exercise. The research suggests that aerobic activity not only protects healthy brain cells but also helps restore balance in the aging brain. Enhanced communication between brain cells and increased numbers of protective cells called oligodendrocytes were also observed in the exercise group, pointing to a possible mechanism for how exercise could slow or even reverse some aspects of Alzheimer’s progression.

While animal studies like this one show dramatic results, human studies also indicate that regular aerobic exercise can benefit those at risk for Alzheimer’s or with early symptoms. People who exercise regularly tend to have better functional abilities, improved memory, and even increased brain volume in areas affected by Alzheimer’s. The takeaway? Making time for regular aerobic activity like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming could be one of the most effective ways to support brain health and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Read the full study here.

WOMEN’S HEALTH:
Study: What Happens To Women Who Drink Coffee

A new Harvard study is giving coffee lovers, especially women, another reason to savor their daily brew.

Researchers tracked nearly 50,000 women for over 30 years, monitoring their coffee habits and overall health. What they found is exciting: women who drank at least one cup of coffee every day were much more likely to reach age 70 and beyond in good physical and mental shape, free from major chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and memory problems.

The study defined “healthy aging” as more than just getting older, it meant being strong, mentally sharp, and free from a long list of serious health conditions. Importantly, the benefits were specifically linked to caffeinated coffee, not tea or decaf, suggesting that coffee’s unique mix of nutrients and bioactive compounds plays a special role in supporting women’s health as they age. Even after accounting for factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, the link between coffee and healthy aging stood strong.

Of course, the researchers are quick to point out that this study shows a correlation, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, it adds to a growing body of evidence that moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle for women. So, if you’re already a coffee drinker, you can feel good knowing that your daily cup might be helping you stay sharp and strong for years to come.