Department of Brain Sciences
@imperialbrains.bsky.social
Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London | Part of
the Faculty of Medicine | Delivering a unique portfolio of translational research in neuroscience and mental health
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/brain-sciences/
the Faculty of Medicine | Delivering a unique portfolio of translational research in neuroscience and mental health
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/brain-sciences/
A new study has revealed that the cells lining our brain’s blood vessels play a more significant role in #dementia than previously understood.
👉 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ly82k1
@nottalexi.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social
👉 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ly82k1
@nottalexi.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social
New study reveals how blood vessel cells shape dementia risk | Imperial News | Imperial College London
A new study has revealed that the cells lining our brain’s blood vessels play a more significant role in dementia than previously understood.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 10:14 AM
A new study has revealed that the cells lining our brain’s blood vessels play a more significant role in #dementia than previously understood.
👉 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ly82k1
@nottalexi.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social
👉 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ly82k1
@nottalexi.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social
Every year, ~120 people donate their brain and spinal cord tissue to advance #MS & #Parkinson's research. We spoke with Rory Türkmen Smith, Tissue Bank Engagement Manager, about facilitating these precious donations.
🧠 Read more: bit.ly/43ZdR0f
@imperialmed.bsky.social
🧠 Read more: bit.ly/43ZdR0f
@imperialmed.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Every year, ~120 people donate their brain and spinal cord tissue to advance #MS & #Parkinson's research. We spoke with Rory Türkmen Smith, Tissue Bank Engagement Manager, about facilitating these precious donations.
🧠 Read more: bit.ly/43ZdR0f
@imperialmed.bsky.social
🧠 Read more: bit.ly/43ZdR0f
@imperialmed.bsky.social
Listen to Dr Alexi Nott in conversation with The Festival of Genomics and Biodata about how epigenetics helps us understand Alzheimer’s, the challenges of studying human #brain tissue, and why inclusivity and mentorship matter in science.
✅ More: frontlinegenomics.com/decoding-the...
✅ More: frontlinegenomics.com/decoding-the...
Decoding the brain: A conversation with Alexi Nott - Front Line Genomics
In today’s interview, we speak to Alexi Nott about the role of epigenetics to help us understand conditions such as Alzheimer's
frontlinegenomics.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Listen to Dr Alexi Nott in conversation with The Festival of Genomics and Biodata about how epigenetics helps us understand Alzheimer’s, the challenges of studying human #brain tissue, and why inclusivity and mentorship matter in science.
✅ More: frontlinegenomics.com/decoding-the...
✅ More: frontlinegenomics.com/decoding-the...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
How do meta-analyses transform clinical practice?
Join us for the next NHLI Masterclass on 22 October with Prof Jonathan Emberson, Oxford Population Health, exploring how carefully designed meta-analyses provide reliable evidence that changes care worldwide.
www.imperial.ac.uk/events/19956...
Join us for the next NHLI Masterclass on 22 October with Prof Jonathan Emberson, Oxford Population Health, exploring how carefully designed meta-analyses provide reliable evidence that changes care worldwide.
www.imperial.ac.uk/events/19956...
The Beauty of Meta-Analysis
Join this National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) Masterclass, where Professor Jonathan Emberson, University of Oxford, will discuss the beauty of meta-analysis – drawing on pivotal examples that hav...
www.imperial.ac.uk
October 1, 2025 at 11:47 AM
How do meta-analyses transform clinical practice?
Join us for the next NHLI Masterclass on 22 October with Prof Jonathan Emberson, Oxford Population Health, exploring how carefully designed meta-analyses provide reliable evidence that changes care worldwide.
www.imperial.ac.uk/events/19956...
Join us for the next NHLI Masterclass on 22 October with Prof Jonathan Emberson, Oxford Population Health, exploring how carefully designed meta-analyses provide reliable evidence that changes care worldwide.
www.imperial.ac.uk/events/19956...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Falls in later life can be devastating—but mindset matters.
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social explores how older adults’ beliefs about ageing significantly influence recovery after a fall.
#InternationalOlderPersonsDay
blogs.imperial.ac.uk/imperial-med...
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social explores how older adults’ beliefs about ageing significantly influence recovery after a fall.
#InternationalOlderPersonsDay
blogs.imperial.ac.uk/imperial-med...
What helps older adults bounce back after a fall? Their mindset might be key - Imperial Medicine Blog
Dr Toby Ellmers from the Department of Brain Sciences explores how older adults’ beliefs about ageing significantly influence recovery after a fall.
blogs.imperial.ac.uk
October 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Falls in later life can be devastating—but mindset matters.
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social explores how older adults’ beliefs about ageing significantly influence recovery after a fall.
#InternationalOlderPersonsDay
blogs.imperial.ac.uk/imperial-med...
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social explores how older adults’ beliefs about ageing significantly influence recovery after a fall.
#InternationalOlderPersonsDay
blogs.imperial.ac.uk/imperial-med...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Work from us @imperialbrains.bsky.social @ukdri.ac.uk, driven by Mike David, showing how #locuscoeruleus & #substantianigra integrity affect cognition and behaviour in clinical #AlzheimersDisease. #catecholamines #brainstem #neurodegeneration
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Catecholaminergic nucleus integrity and Alzheimer's pathology, symptoms, and progression
BACKGROUND The noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) accumulates pathology early in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with LC dysfunction contributing to symptoms and disease progression. We investigated LC an...
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Work from us @imperialbrains.bsky.social @ukdri.ac.uk, driven by Mike David, showing how #locuscoeruleus & #substantianigra integrity affect cognition and behaviour in clinical #AlzheimersDisease. #catecholamines #brainstem #neurodegeneration
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Could ketamine revolutionise #depression treatment?
Prof David Nutt from @imperialbrains.bsky.social says NHS trusts may soon use the drug to help patients where other treatments fail.👇
metro.co.uk/2025/09/19/k...
Prof David Nutt from @imperialbrains.bsky.social says NHS trusts may soon use the drug to help patients where other treatments fail.👇
metro.co.uk/2025/09/19/k...
Ketamine expert reveals how the drug could revolutionise depression treatment
metro.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Could ketamine revolutionise #depression treatment?
Prof David Nutt from @imperialbrains.bsky.social says NHS trusts may soon use the drug to help patients where other treatments fail.👇
metro.co.uk/2025/09/19/k...
Prof David Nutt from @imperialbrains.bsky.social says NHS trusts may soon use the drug to help patients where other treatments fail.👇
metro.co.uk/2025/09/19/k...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
New research helps separate thinking speed from movement delays in digital #stroke tests, making results fairer + more accurate. 🧠
The approach means that patients are judged on how they think, not how fast they tap.
@imperialbrains.bsky.social www.imperial.ac.uk/news/268594/...
The approach means that patients are judged on how they think, not how fast they tap.
@imperialbrains.bsky.social www.imperial.ac.uk/news/268594/...
Imperial-led study delivers fairer remote cognitive testing for stroke | Imperial News | Imperial College London
Researchers have developed a way to separate motor delays from thinking time in digital stroke tests, improving accuracy and fairness in assessments.
www.imperial.ac.uk
September 19, 2025 at 11:33 AM
New research helps separate thinking speed from movement delays in digital #stroke tests, making results fairer + more accurate. 🧠
The approach means that patients are judged on how they think, not how fast they tap.
@imperialbrains.bsky.social www.imperial.ac.uk/news/268594/...
The approach means that patients are judged on how they think, not how fast they tap.
@imperialbrains.bsky.social www.imperial.ac.uk/news/268594/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
“People with #dementia are at greater risk of harm during heatwaves,” says Prof @pareshmalhotra.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social
Brain changes, dehydration & other conditions make them especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
inews.co.uk/news/health/...
Brain changes, dehydration & other conditions make them especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
inews.co.uk/news/health/...
Why people with dementia are at greater risk during a heatwave
People living with the condition may not be able to explain that they are dehydrated or feeling unwell due to heat
inews.co.uk
August 19, 2025 at 1:58 PM
“People with #dementia are at greater risk of harm during heatwaves,” says Prof @pareshmalhotra.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social
Brain changes, dehydration & other conditions make them especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
inews.co.uk/news/health/...
Brain changes, dehydration & other conditions make them especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
inews.co.uk/news/health/...
New research shows everyday wearables can detect early signs of Parkinson's Disease more sensitively than standard clinical tools.
Could this pave the way for cheaper, earlier diagnosis of Parkinsons? 👇
Could this pave the way for cheaper, earlier diagnosis of Parkinsons? 👇
Smartwatch data outperforms clinical scores in early Parkinson’s detection | Imperial News | Imperial College London
Data from smartwatches can detect early brain changes linked to Parkinson’s disease with greater sensitivity than established clinical risk scores.
www.imperial.ac.uk
August 27, 2025 at 12:23 PM
New research shows everyday wearables can detect early signs of Parkinson's Disease more sensitively than standard clinical tools.
Could this pave the way for cheaper, earlier diagnosis of Parkinsons? 👇
Could this pave the way for cheaper, earlier diagnosis of Parkinsons? 👇
New research has shown that Parkinson’s-linked brain regions retain a memory of the pesticide Rotenone.
Rotenone is banned in the UK and EU. But in the US and Canada is still used to control fish populations in lakes and reservoirs.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/266673/...
Rotenone is banned in the UK and EU. But in the US and Canada is still used to control fish populations in lakes and reservoirs.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/266673/...
August 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM
New research has shown that Parkinson’s-linked brain regions retain a memory of the pesticide Rotenone.
Rotenone is banned in the UK and EU. But in the US and Canada is still used to control fish populations in lakes and reservoirs.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/266673/...
Rotenone is banned in the UK and EU. But in the US and Canada is still used to control fish populations in lakes and reservoirs.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/266673/...
Could your diet could help heal nerve damage after spinal cord injury?
New research suggests that intermittent fasting improves leptin signialling, a “hunger” hormone that also promotes nerve repair, in mice.👇
New research suggests that intermittent fasting improves leptin signialling, a “hunger” hormone that also promotes nerve repair, in mice.👇
Diet could play a role in healing nerve damage after spinal cord injury | Imperial News | Imperial College London
Scientists have found that regulating the hunger hormone leptin through diet can enhance nerve repair after spinal cord and sciatic injury in mice.
www.imperial.ac.uk
August 25, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Could your diet could help heal nerve damage after spinal cord injury?
New research suggests that intermittent fasting improves leptin signialling, a “hunger” hormone that also promotes nerve repair, in mice.👇
New research suggests that intermittent fasting improves leptin signialling, a “hunger” hormone that also promotes nerve repair, in mice.👇
Psychosis can happen in depression, bipolar disorder & schizophrenia.
New research shows it’s linked to dopamine changes in all of them, suggesting treatments could be tailored by biology, not just diagnosis. 🧠👇
New research shows it’s linked to dopamine changes in all of them, suggesting treatments could be tailored by biology, not just diagnosis. 🧠👇
New brain scan study could change how psychosis is treated | Imperial News | Imperial College London
The findings of a new brain study could change the way doctors treat mood disorders involving psychosis in patients.
www.imperial.ac.uk
August 21, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Psychosis can happen in depression, bipolar disorder & schizophrenia.
New research shows it’s linked to dopamine changes in all of them, suggesting treatments could be tailored by biology, not just diagnosis. 🧠👇
New research shows it’s linked to dopamine changes in all of them, suggesting treatments could be tailored by biology, not just diagnosis. 🧠👇
People with dementia are at greater risk during heatwaves, warns Prof Paresh Malhotra (@pareshmalhotra.bsky.social).
Disrupted temperature control in the brain, difficulties with communication and hydration, and other health conditions increase vulnerability.👇
Disrupted temperature control in the brain, difficulties with communication and hydration, and other health conditions increase vulnerability.👇
Why people with dementia are at greater risk during a heatwave
People living with the condition may not be able to explain that they are dehydrated or feeling unwell due to heat
inews.co.uk
August 20, 2025 at 9:58 AM
People with dementia are at greater risk during heatwaves, warns Prof Paresh Malhotra (@pareshmalhotra.bsky.social).
Disrupted temperature control in the brain, difficulties with communication and hydration, and other health conditions increase vulnerability.👇
Disrupted temperature control in the brain, difficulties with communication and hydration, and other health conditions increase vulnerability.👇
🚨 PhD Opportunity!
A 3 year project on dopaminergic dysregulation in bipolar disorder & psychosis, using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.
🔬Supervised by @sameerjauhar.bsky.social
📅 Deadline: 5 Sept
💸 £22,780 stipend
Apply now👇
A 3 year project on dopaminergic dysregulation in bipolar disorder & psychosis, using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.
🔬Supervised by @sameerjauhar.bsky.social
📅 Deadline: 5 Sept
💸 £22,780 stipend
Apply now👇
www.findaphd.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
🚨 PhD Opportunity!
A 3 year project on dopaminergic dysregulation in bipolar disorder & psychosis, using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.
🔬Supervised by @sameerjauhar.bsky.social
📅 Deadline: 5 Sept
💸 £22,780 stipend
Apply now👇
A 3 year project on dopaminergic dysregulation in bipolar disorder & psychosis, using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.
🔬Supervised by @sameerjauhar.bsky.social
📅 Deadline: 5 Sept
💸 £22,780 stipend
Apply now👇
🍷Is a glass of wine after work harmless?
Not according to Prof David Nutt @profdavidnutt.bsky.social who says the safe limit is one large glass of wine per year.
"If alcohol were invented today, it would fail safety checks".👇
Not according to Prof David Nutt @profdavidnutt.bsky.social who says the safe limit is one large glass of wine per year.
"If alcohol were invented today, it would fail safety checks".👇
More than one glass of wine a year is harmful, says former drugs tsar
Professor David Nutt, who has often spoken about the harm done by alcohol, said if it was invented today it would not pass safety checks
www.thetimes.com
June 9, 2025 at 9:58 AM
🍷Is a glass of wine after work harmless?
Not according to Prof David Nutt @profdavidnutt.bsky.social who says the safe limit is one large glass of wine per year.
"If alcohol were invented today, it would fail safety checks".👇
Not according to Prof David Nutt @profdavidnutt.bsky.social who says the safe limit is one large glass of wine per year.
"If alcohol were invented today, it would fail safety checks".👇
At this weekend’s Great Exhibition Road Festival, Honorary Research Fellow Dr Fernando Ernesto Rosas De Andraca spoke to the BBC about one of science’s greatest mysteries — human consciousness 🧠✨
What makes us aware? And could AI ever be conscious?
Read more👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What makes us aware? And could AI ever be conscious?
Read more👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Great Exhibition Road Festival: What is the weirdest thing in the universe?
Three scientists will be arguing the point as part of the annual Great Exhibition Road Festival.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 9, 2025 at 8:56 AM
At this weekend’s Great Exhibition Road Festival, Honorary Research Fellow Dr Fernando Ernesto Rosas De Andraca spoke to the BBC about one of science’s greatest mysteries — human consciousness 🧠✨
What makes us aware? And could AI ever be conscious?
Read more👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What makes us aware? And could AI ever be conscious?
Read more👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why are some brain cells more vulnerable to damage than others in Parkinson's Disease?
A study has highlighted a specific mitochondrial mechanism could be a key reason for their vulnerability, and why other cells remain unaffected.👇
A study has highlighted a specific mitochondrial mechanism could be a key reason for their vulnerability, and why other cells remain unaffected.👇
Study reveals cellular energy crisis in Parkinson's disease | Imperial News | Imperial College London
The molecular interaction could reveal why some brain cells are more vulnerable than others in Parkinson’s disease.
www.imperial.ac.uk
June 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Why are some brain cells more vulnerable to damage than others in Parkinson's Disease?
A study has highlighted a specific mitochondrial mechanism could be a key reason for their vulnerability, and why other cells remain unaffected.👇
A study has highlighted a specific mitochondrial mechanism could be a key reason for their vulnerability, and why other cells remain unaffected.👇
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social spoke to BBC Radio Scotland on research which finds there is a strong association between an older person’s view of how they are #ageing and how well they recover after a fall.
🎧 Listen from 54mins
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
🎧 Listen from 54mins
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Good Morning Scotland - 22/05/2025 - BBC Sounds
The latest news from home and abroad, along with sport, travel and weather updates.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Dr @tobyellmers.bsky.social from @imperialbrains.bsky.social spoke to BBC Radio Scotland on research which finds there is a strong association between an older person’s view of how they are #ageing and how well they recover after a fall.
🎧 Listen from 54mins
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
🎧 Listen from 54mins
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Congratulations to @imperialbrains.bsky.social who have earned both a Gold and Silver LEAF Award for lab #sustainability 🌿👏
From glove recycling to freezer cataloguing, our departments are leading the way to a greener research future.
#SustainableScience ⤵️ www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264433/...
From glove recycling to freezer cataloguing, our departments are leading the way to a greener research future.
#SustainableScience ⤵️ www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264433/...
Brain Sciences celebrates sustainability awards | Imperial News | Imperial College London
The Department of Brains Sciences celebrates obtaining both a Gold and Silver LEAF award
www.imperial.ac.uk
May 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Congratulations to @imperialbrains.bsky.social who have earned both a Gold and Silver LEAF Award for lab #sustainability 🌿👏
From glove recycling to freezer cataloguing, our departments are leading the way to a greener research future.
#SustainableScience ⤵️ www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264433/...
From glove recycling to freezer cataloguing, our departments are leading the way to a greener research future.
#SustainableScience ⤵️ www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264433/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
Tuesday's graduation was full of proud moments and wise words 💬👏
Constance Burgod from @imperialbrains.bsky.social, shared:
"My PhD at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social taught me that beyond commitment and dedication, working with purpose and passion makes the challenges worthwhile."
Constance Burgod from @imperialbrains.bsky.social, shared:
"My PhD at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social taught me that beyond commitment and dedication, working with purpose and passion makes the challenges worthwhile."
June 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Tuesday's graduation was full of proud moments and wise words 💬👏
Constance Burgod from @imperialbrains.bsky.social, shared:
"My PhD at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social taught me that beyond commitment and dedication, working with purpose and passion makes the challenges worthwhile."
Constance Burgod from @imperialbrains.bsky.social, shared:
"My PhD at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social taught me that beyond commitment and dedication, working with purpose and passion makes the challenges worthwhile."
🧠 During #DementiaActionWeek, Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock MP and @rupahuq.bsky.social visited Imperial to see cutting-edge #DementiaResearch in action.
They explored work by @ukdri.ac.uk to support people living with dementia and transform care.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264313/...
They explored work by @ukdri.ac.uk to support people living with dementia and transform care.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264313/...
Care Minister visits UK Dementia Research Institute at White City | Imperial News | Imperial College London
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock MP sees pioneering research and technology supporting people living with dementia.
www.imperial.ac.uk
May 27, 2025 at 10:40 AM
🧠 During #DementiaActionWeek, Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock MP and @rupahuq.bsky.social visited Imperial to see cutting-edge #DementiaResearch in action.
They explored work by @ukdri.ac.uk to support people living with dementia and transform care.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264313/...
They explored work by @ukdri.ac.uk to support people living with dementia and transform care.👇
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264313/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
How does APOE change your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? At least partially by changing the function of immune cells in your brain 🧠🧬
New paper out in @natcomms.nature.com today: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@ukdri.ac.uk @kingsioppn.bsky.social @imperialbrains.bsky.social
New paper out in @natcomms.nature.com today: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@ukdri.ac.uk @kingsioppn.bsky.social @imperialbrains.bsky.social
https://nature.com/articles/s4146…
May 27, 2025 at 8:33 AM
How does APOE change your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? At least partially by changing the function of immune cells in your brain 🧠🧬
New paper out in @natcomms.nature.com today: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@ukdri.ac.uk @kingsioppn.bsky.social @imperialbrains.bsky.social
New paper out in @natcomms.nature.com today: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@ukdri.ac.uk @kingsioppn.bsky.social @imperialbrains.bsky.social
Our researchers and Coventry University found that older people who fell tended to recover better if they had a positive outlook on ageing.🩼
Falls are a major health concern so the work will help scientists analyse why some people recover better than others.
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264333/...
Falls are a major health concern so the work will help scientists analyse why some people recover better than others.
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264333/...
Positive mindset about ageing in over-60s linked to better recovery after a fall | Imperial News | Imperial College London
There is a strong association between an older person’s view of how they are ageing and how well they will physically recover after a fall.
www.imperial.ac.uk
May 22, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Our researchers and Coventry University found that older people who fell tended to recover better if they had a positive outlook on ageing.🩼
Falls are a major health concern so the work will help scientists analyse why some people recover better than others.
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264333/...
Falls are a major health concern so the work will help scientists analyse why some people recover better than others.
www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264333/...
Reposted by Department of Brain Sciences
What an absolute pleasure it was to welcome the brilliant @f-geranmayeh.bsky.social for our seminar series at @psychologyuea.bsky.social. Fascinating and important work on using LLMs in stroke. Great speaker :)
May 17, 2025 at 11:27 AM