Research in neuro-oncology has increasingly focused on the complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment, particularly in glioblastoma. A study by Gao et al. revealed that infiltrating plasma cells (PCs) are enriched in glioblastoma, exhibiting low levels of somatic hypermutation and correlating with poor patient prognosis (ref: Gao doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2024.12.006/). This suggests that PCs may play a role in maintaining glioblastoma stem cells, thus reinforcing the intra-tumoral hierarchy. In another significant trial, Vitanza et al. explored the use of B7-H3-targeting CAR T cells for treating diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), reporting promising outcomes in a phase 1 trial that underscores the potential of immunotherapy in pediatric CNS tumors (ref: Vitanza doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03451-3/). Furthermore, Jackson et al. identified distinct populations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in glioblastoma, highlighting their role in immune evasion and tumor growth, with implications for therapeutic targeting (ref: Jackson doi.org/10.1126/science.abm5214/). These findings collectively emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment to develop effective treatments for glioblastoma and other CNS tumors.

The intersection of neurodegenerative disorders and neuroinflammation has been a focal point in recent studies, particularly regarding gender differences in diseases like Parkinson's. Castro-Aldrete et al. examined the influence of menopause on Parkinson's disease, noting inconsistencies in findings related to hormonal factors and disease onset (ref: Castro-Aldrete doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03363-2/). This highlights the complexity of neurodegenerative mechanisms and the need for gender-informed approaches in treatment. Wei et al. further contributed to this discourse by investigating sexually dimorphic dopaminergic circuits, revealing how these circuits influence sex preferences and may relate to neurodegenerative processes (ref: Wei doi.org/10.1126/science.adq7001/). Additionally, Zhang et al. provided insights into astrocyte transitions in response to neuroinflammation, suggesting that neuroprotective states are not fixed but rather transitional, influenced by mTOR signaling (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00792-z/). These studies underscore the multifaceted nature of neurodegeneration and the critical role of neuroinflammatory responses in disease progression.

Innovations in neurosurgical interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with various neurological conditions. Moreau et al. conducted a phase 1/2 trial on the use of intracerebroventricular anaerobic dopamine for Parkinson's disease, demonstrating its potential to address dopamine deficiency effectively (ref: Moreau doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03428-2/). In the realm of acute ischemic stroke, Huang et al. and Liu et al. both evaluated the efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolysis with tenecteplase and urokinase, respectively, following endovascular reperfusion. Their findings indicated that neither treatment significantly improved outcomes compared to control, raising questions about the effectiveness of adjunctive therapies in this context (ref: Huang doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.23466/; Liu doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.23480/). Additionally, Zhang et al. introduced a novel approach using CRISPR-Cas13d for multiplexed inhibition of immunosuppressive genes, which could enhance cancer immunotherapy by remodeling the tumor microenvironment (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02535-2/). These advancements reflect a growing trend towards personalized and targeted neurosurgical techniques aimed at improving patient outcomes.

The field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) has seen significant advancements, particularly in enhancing communication for individuals with paralysis. Willsey et al. developed a high-performance BCI that allows for precise control of finger movements, demonstrating its potential for improving quality of life through engagement in social and recreational activities (ref: Willsey doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03341-8/). Similarly, Ramsey et al. reported on a BCI that translates cortical activity into text, achieving remarkable accuracy in real-time communication, which underscores the technological progress in neuroprosthetics (ref: Ramsey doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03440-6/). Furthermore, Attarpour et al. introduced a deep learning pipeline for mapping neuronal ensembles in three-dimensional brain imaging, which could revolutionize our understanding of brain connectivity and function (ref: Attarpour doi.org/10.1038/s41592-024-02583-1/). These studies collectively highlight the transformative potential of neurotechnology in bridging the gap between neurological impairments and functional independence.

The integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in neurosurgery is rapidly evolving, with significant implications for patient care. Alber et al. highlighted the vulnerabilities of medical large language models to data-poisoning attacks, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards in AI applications within healthcare (ref: Alber doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03445-1/). In a systematic review, Carciumaru et al. explored the applications of ML in surgical motion analysis, revealing a diverse array of methodologies and emphasizing the potential for improved surgical outcomes through enhanced motion tracking (ref: Carciumaru doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01412-1/). Additionally, Frigieri et al. developed a noninvasive method for estimating intracranial pressure using ML models, which could significantly reduce the risks associated with invasive monitoring techniques (ref: Frigieri doi.org/10.1038/s41746-025-01463-y/). These advancements illustrate the promising role of AI and ML in enhancing surgical precision and patient safety in neurosurgery.

Recent studies in cerebrovascular disorders have focused on optimizing treatment strategies for acute ischemic stroke. Huang et al. conducted a randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of intra-arterial tenecteplase following endovascular reperfusion, finding no significant improvement in functional outcomes compared to controls (ref: Huang doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.23466/). Similarly, Liu et al. evaluated intra-arterial urokinase in a comparable setting, concluding that it did not enhance survival without disability, thus questioning the utility of adjunctive thrombolytic therapies (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.23480/). In a different approach, Cho et al. investigated the role of astrocytic calcium modulation in post-stroke recovery, suggesting that targeting astrocytes may offer new therapeutic avenues for enhancing recovery after stroke (ref: Cho doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn7577/). These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in stroke management and the need for innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes.

The exploration of genetic and molecular mechanisms in neurology has yielded critical insights into various neurological disorders. Le Rhun et al. characterized the clinical and molecular landscape of diffuse hemispheric glioma with H3 G34 mutations, identifying key prognostic factors such as MGMT promoter methylation and absence of pial invasion (ref: Le Rhun doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). This underscores the importance of genetic profiling in guiding treatment decisions. Laurie et al. contributed to the understanding of rare diseases through the Solve-Rare Diseases Consortium, which successfully reanalyzed genomic data to provide diagnoses for previously undiagnosed patients, highlighting the potential of collaborative genetic research (ref: Laurie doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03420-w/). Additionally, Choi et al. introduced N2GNet, a deep learning model that tracks gait performance in Parkinson's disease, showcasing the application of AI in understanding and managing neurodegenerative conditions (ref: Choi doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01364-6/). These studies collectively emphasize the critical role of genetics and technology in advancing our understanding of neurological disorders.

Research in psychiatric and behavioral neuroscience has increasingly focused on the interplay between physical health and mental well-being. Wingerson et al. investigated the relationship between concussions and depressive symptoms in high school students, finding no significant association, which suggests that other factors, such as physical activity, may play a more critical role in mental health outcomes (ref: Wingerson doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-109029/). Rooks et al. further explored factors associated with persisting post-concussion symptoms among collegiate athletes, identifying various risk factors that could inform prevention and treatment strategies (ref: Rooks doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02168-0/). Additionally, Liu et al. examined the cellular plasticity of medulloblastoma, linking it to the challenges of recurrence and dissemination, which may have implications for understanding behavioral outcomes in pediatric populations (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101914/). These studies highlight the need for a holistic approach to understanding the connections between neurological injuries and mental health.