Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with recent studies highlighting the complex interplay between the immune system and neuronal function. Gao et al. demonstrated that β2-microglobulin (B2M) acts as an endogenous antagonist of NMDA receptors, impairing synaptic function and memory in Down syndrome models. Systemic administration of B2M in wild-type mice resulted in synaptic and memory defects akin to those observed in Down syndrome, while genetic ablation of B2m or administration of anti-B2M antibodies mitigated these impairments (ref: Gao doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.021/). In the context of gliomas, Liu et al. explored the immune microenvironment, revealing that tumor-infiltrating T cells are predominantly located in perivascular regions and exhibit high expression of exhaustion markers. Neutralizing IL-8 enhanced the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade, suggesting that targeting the tumor microenvironment could improve therapeutic outcomes (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2023.03.004/). Furthermore, Geladaris et al. found that IL-10-producing B cells regulate macrophage and microglial activity in multiple sclerosis, indicating that B cells may have both pro-inflammatory and regulatory roles in CNS autoimmunity (ref: Geladaris doi.org/10.1007/s00401-023-02552-6/). Kundishora et al. conducted multiomic analyses to implicate a neurodevelopmental program in the pathogenesis of cerebral arachnoid cysts, revealing a significant enrichment of damaging de novo variants in affected individuals (ref: Kundishora doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02238-2/). Wu et al. reported that KAT8's phase separation with IRF1 regulates PD-L1 expression, highlighting a potential mechanism for enhancing antitumor immunity (ref: Wu doi.org/10.1038/s43018-023-00522-1/). These studies collectively underscore the multifaceted roles of immune components in CNS disorders and their potential as therapeutic targets.

The tumor microenvironment significantly influences glioblastoma (GBM) progression and treatment response. Hoogstrate et al. performed RNA sequencing on paired primary and recurrent GBM samples, revealing a continuum of transcriptional subtypes that evolve during treatment, which could inform personalized therapeutic strategies (ref: Hoogstrate doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.019/). In a novel approach, Gottschlich et al. utilized a single-cell transcriptomic atlas to identify specific antigens for CAR-T cell therapy in acute myeloid leukemia, demonstrating the potential of high-resolution single-cell data to guide targeted therapies (ref: Gottschlich doi.org/10.1038/s41587-023-01684-0/). Hollon et al. introduced DeepGlioma, an AI-based diagnostic tool that enables rapid molecular classification of diffuse gliomas, which could streamline treatment decisions and clinical trial enrollment (ref: Hollon doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02252-4/). Gu et al. highlighted the role of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) in maintaining glioblastoma stem cells by balancing cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, suggesting a novel therapeutic angle targeting metabolic pathways in GBM (ref: Gu doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Collectively, these findings emphasize the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment and its dynamic changes to enhance therapeutic efficacy in glioblastoma.

Recent advancements in neurosurgical techniques and innovations have focused on improving patient outcomes through enhanced procedural accuracy and monitoring. Grandjean et al. introduced StandardRat, a consensus protocol for functional connectivity analysis in rat models, which standardizes imaging acquisition across multiple centers, thereby facilitating comparative studies in neuroscience (ref: Grandjean doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01286-8/). Kiyasseh et al. developed a vision transformer-based machine learning system to decode intraoperative surgical activities from videos, providing insights into surgical performance that could correlate with postoperative outcomes (ref: Kiyasseh doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01010-8/). Kroeze et al. conducted a systematic review on the combination of metastases-directed stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with targeted therapies, establishing consensus recommendations for safe clinical practices (ref: Kroeze doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00752-5/). Azizi et al. reported on the efficacy of endovascular ultrasound renal denervation for hypertension, demonstrating significant reductions in blood pressure without major adverse events, which could have implications for neurosurgical patients with comorbid hypertension (ref: Azizi doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.0713/). These innovations reflect a trend towards integrating advanced technologies and collaborative protocols to enhance the precision and safety of neurosurgical interventions.

The exploration of genomic and molecular mechanisms in neuro-oncology has unveiled critical insights into cancer biology and treatment resistance. Rahmioglu et al. conducted a genome-wide association study on endometriosis, identifying 42 significant loci, which may inform the understanding of comorbid conditions in neuro-oncology (ref: Rahmioglu doi.org/10.1038/s41588-023-01323-z/). Lim et al. profiled resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma, revealing distinct immunotherapy resistance programs that could guide future therapeutic strategies (ref: Lim doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36979-y/). Cotto et al. introduced RegTools, a software package designed to integrate genomic and transcriptomic data to identify splice-associated variants in cancer, highlighting the importance of non-coding mutations in cancer progression (ref: Cotto doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37266-6/). Dmello et al. identified intrinsic kinases in gliomas that contribute to immune evasion, suggesting potential targets for enhancing anti-tumor immunity (ref: Dmello doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36878-2/). Nam et al. revealed molecular features of chemotherapy resistance in IDH wild-type glioblastoma, demonstrating the potential for pharmacogenomic profiling to stratify patients based on treatment response (ref: Nam doi.org/10.1186/s13073-023-01165-8/). These studies collectively underscore the intricate genomic landscape of neuro-oncology and its implications for personalized medicine.

Research on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders has provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. van Blooijs et al. investigated the developmental trajectory of transmission speed in the human brain, revealing that neuronal signaling speeds continue to develop into adulthood, which may have implications for understanding cognitive function across the lifespan (ref: van Blooijs doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01272-0/). Mercaldo et al. explored actin dynamics in the striatum of a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, demonstrating how alterations in synaptic composition contribute to behavioral inflexibility, thereby linking molecular changes to functional outcomes (ref: Mercaldo doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.008/). Jiang et al. identified zinc ions as a thermogenic adipocyte-derived factor that promotes sympathetic innervation, suggesting a novel pathway for understanding metabolic regulation in neurodevelopmental contexts (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1038/s42255-023-00751-9/). Wang et al. resolved lineage relationships between malignant cells and vascular cells in glioblastomas, providing insights into tumor heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1093/procel/). Additionally, Wang et al. reported alterations in habit neural circuitry in individuals with eating disorders, highlighting the neural underpinnings of disordered eating behaviors (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.abo4919/). These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes to inform therapeutic strategies.

Cerebrovascular disorders and stroke research has focused on understanding risk factors and optimizing treatment strategies. Soo et al. evaluated the impact of cerebral microbleeds on stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, finding that microbleeds significantly increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, complicating antithrombotic treatment decisions (ref: Soo doi.org/10.1002/ana.26642/). Lyrer et al. analyzed individual patient data to compare the recurrence risks of ischemic stroke in patients with known atrial fibrillation before stroke versus those diagnosed after, revealing that pre-existing anticoagulation may confound risk assessments (ref: Lyrer doi.org/10.1002/ana.26654/). Timmermann et al. conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of DMT on human brain function using EEG-fMRI, providing insights into the neural correlates of psychedelic experiences (ref: Timmermann doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2218949120/). Kobayashi et al. challenged the notion that hematopoiesis is solely HSC-dependent in adults, revealing significant contributions from embryonic progenitors, which may have implications for understanding immune responses in cerebrovascular conditions (ref: Kobayashi doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112239/). These studies highlight the complexities of cerebrovascular disorders and the need for nuanced approaches to treatment and understanding of underlying mechanisms.

Advancements in imaging and diagnostic techniques are transforming neurosurgery by enhancing precision and enabling personalized treatment approaches. Duraivel et al. developed a silicone-based 3D printing technique that produces high-quality silicone components, which could have applications in creating patient-specific surgical tools and implants (ref: Duraivel doi.org/10.1126/science.ade4441/). Lu et al. introduced a smart hydrogel platform that utilizes hydrophobicity regulation for closed-loop glycemic control, showcasing the potential for integrating advanced materials in neurosurgical applications (ref: Lu doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13762/). Zhang et al. demonstrated a method for crossing the blood-brain barrier using gold nanorods cloaked with patient-derived tumor cell membranes, enhancing targeted delivery for glioblastoma therapies (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13701/). McHugh et al. explored the bioactivity of oxidized activated charcoal nanozymes for traumatic brain injury, emphasizing the importance of nanotechnology in developing novel therapeutic strategies (ref: McHugh doi.org/10.1002/adma.202211239/). Aquino et al. investigated neural computations in the human pre-supplementary motor area, providing insights into decision-making processes that could inform neurosurgical interventions (ref: Aquino doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01548-2/). These innovations reflect a trend towards integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve surgical outcomes and patient care.

Neuropharmacology research is advancing our understanding of therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. Mitchell et al. conducted a randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide on intracranial pressure in idiopathic intracranial hypertension, finding significant reductions in pressure at multiple time points, which may offer a new treatment avenue for this condition (ref: Mitchell doi.org/10.1093/brain/). Azizi et al. reported on the efficacy of ultrasound renal denervation for hypertension, demonstrating its potential benefits without major adverse events, which could be relevant for managing comorbidities in neurosurgical patients (ref: Azizi doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.0713/). Nam et al. highlighted the molecular features of chemotherapy resistance in IDH wild-type glioblastoma, suggesting that pharmacogenomic profiling can stratify patients based on their response to temozolomide, thereby personalizing treatment (ref: Nam doi.org/10.1186/s13073-023-01165-8/). Jain et al. utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to identify cancer-associated fibroblasts in glioblastoma, revealing their protumoral effects and potential as therapeutic targets (ref: Jain doi.org/10.1172/JCI147087/). These studies collectively emphasize the importance of pharmacological research in developing effective treatments for neurological disorders.