Research on pediatric brain tumors has highlighted significant disparities in survival outcomes across Europe, as evidenced by a population-based study utilizing the EUROCARE database. This study revealed that long-term survival rates and cure fractions for pediatric central nervous system tumors vary considerably, with a reported overall survival rate of 75% for children diagnosed with these tumors (ref: Hoogendijk doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00297-9/). Furthermore, the study emphasized the need for standardized data collection to mitigate biases that hinder effective geographical comparisons. In a related study, the CSF-BAM assay demonstrated a 100% specificity in detecting brain cancers, indicating its potential utility in clinical diagnostics (ref: Pearlman doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-1788/). The role of preanalytical variables in liquid biopsies was also examined, underscoring the importance of sample handling and tumor heterogeneity in achieving reliable results (ref: Bettegowda doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Additionally, the impact of optic nerve compression by craniopharyngiomas on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was assessed using optical coherence tomography, revealing significant postoperative reductions in RNFL thickness (ref: Rakusiewicz-Krasnodębska doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152574/). A meta-analysis comparing gross total resection versus subtotal resection with radiotherapy for craniopharyngioma recurrence indicated a lower recurrence rate of 10% for gross total resection compared to 30% for subtotal resection plus radiotherapy (ref: Bobeff doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152516/). Lastly, the interaction between tumor treating fields and local coagulation dynamics in glioblastoma patients was explored, suggesting a complex relationship that may influence treatment outcomes (ref: Maletzki doi.org/10.1016/j.neurot.2025.e00715/).

The exploration of genetic factors contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has gained traction, particularly in understanding microcephaly and its association with rare coding variants. A study analyzing 1,050 exomes found significant correlations between head circumference and rare coding variants in individuals with microcephaly, suggesting a genetic underpinning for this condition (ref: Yoon doi.org/10.1186/s13073-025-01513-w/). In the realm of developmental stuttering, researchers identified de novo protein-coding gene variants that indicate a heterogeneous etiology, highlighting the complexity of this speech disorder (ref: Eising doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03170-2/). Furthermore, a novel multimodal AI framework demonstrated potential for scalable screening of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by integrating voice and screening tools, showcasing its effectiveness in early identification (ref: Bae doi.org/10.1038/s41746-025-01914-6/). The real-life application of MOGAD diagnostic criteria revealed discrepancies in clinical practice, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines (ref: Carta doi.org/10.1212/NXI.0000000000200456/). Additionally, a longitudinal study on brain myelination in children with ADHD indicated no significant differences in white matter development compared to controls, suggesting that ADHD may not distinctly alter myelination trajectories (ref: Dipnall Lillian doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2025.07.012/).

Innovations in neurosurgical techniques have been pivotal in enhancing patient outcomes, particularly in the context of brain tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). A multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of preoperative embolization in patients with AVMs characterized by perinidal aneurysms and single draining veins, revealing that this approach can significantly reduce procedural risks (ref: Musmar doi.org/10.1136/jnis-2025-023873/). The comparative outcomes of gross total resection versus subtotal resection plus radiotherapy for craniopharyngioma recurrence were also analyzed, with findings indicating a markedly lower recurrence rate of 10% for gross total resection (ref: Bobeff doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152516/). Additionally, the application of tumor treating fields in glioblastoma patients has been shown to alter local coagulation dynamics, suggesting a novel interaction that may influence tumor recurrence patterns (ref: Maletzki doi.org/10.1016/j.neurot.2025.e00715/). Furthermore, the Behavior-iEEG-Spectral-Power-Correlation (BESPoC) methodology was validated for language localization during naturalistic conversations, demonstrating its potential in enhancing surgical outcomes related to language functions (ref: Ervin doi.org/10.1002/ana.70002/). Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of integrating advanced surgical techniques and innovative methodologies to improve neurosurgical practices.

Research into neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration has unveiled critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of various neurological conditions. A study on the surgical management of peritorcular meningiomas emphasized the importance of preserving torcular venous flow during tumor resection, categorizing meningioma invasions based on their impact on venous integrity (ref: Can doi.org/10.3171/2025.4.JNS25359/). In bipolar disorder, the differential impact of manic versus depressive episode recurrence on gray matter volume changes was investigated, revealing that recurrent depressive episodes are associated with increased gray matter volume in specific brain regions (ref: Thomas-Odenthal doi.org/10.1038/s41386-025-02197-x/). Additionally, the role of tonabersat in inhibiting retinal inflammation following hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats was explored, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in mitigating retinal damage (ref: Maran doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167996/). The assessment of LP-PLA2, DPYSL2, and 8-OHdG in patients with brain tumors and vitamin D deficiency revealed correlations with tumor size, suggesting their potential as biomarkers in oncological diagnostics (ref: Gromadzki doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167990/). These findings collectively underscore the intricate relationship between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative processes, paving the way for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research has focused on understanding the complex interplay between injury severity, recovery trajectories, and cognitive outcomes. A secondary analysis from the STARSHIP trial visualized autoregulatory insults in pediatric TBI, correlating intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure with patient outcomes through innovative heatmap methodologies (ref: Svedung Wettervik doi.org/10.1186/s13054-025-05568-4/). Another study highlighted the impact of vascular risk factors on cognitive recovery post-TBI, revealing that individuals with diabetes exhibited lower cognitive scores and less improvement in processing speed compared to those without diabetes (ref: Schneider doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25719/). Furthermore, a preclinical model of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea demonstrated neurodevelopmental abnormalities linked to learning and memory deficits, emphasizing the need for early intervention strategies (ref: Chandrakantan doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2025.115418/). Additionally, repetitive mild TBI was shown to disrupt learning and memory, suggesting that even minor injuries can have significant long-term cognitive effects (ref: Guilhaume-Correa doi.org/10.1177/08977151251365669/). These studies highlight the critical need for comprehensive approaches to TBI management that consider both immediate and long-term cognitive outcomes.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in neurosurgery is revolutionizing patient care and surgical training. A study on the reclassification of multiple sclerosis progression utilized a large clinical trial database to develop a data-driven classification system, demonstrating the potential of AI to enhance prognostic accuracy and treatment response (ref: Ganjgahi doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03901-6/). In a randomized clinical trial, the Intelligent Continuous Expertise Monitoring System was evaluated for its effectiveness in surgical training, revealing that AI-augmented personalized expert instruction significantly improved surgical performance compared to traditional intelligent tutoring alone (ref: Giglio doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2564/). Furthermore, the application of AI in identifying genetic variants associated with developmental stuttering showcased its potential in elucidating complex neurodevelopmental disorders (ref: Eising doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03170-2/). These advancements underscore the transformative role of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, surgical training, and understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, paving the way for more personalized and effective patient care.