Neuroscientists at MIT discovered millions of “silent synapses” in the adult brain, which are dormant neural connections that can be activated to form new memories. This finding suggests that the brain can preserve older memories while accommodating new learning, providing insights into memory flexibility and potential implications for aging.

Researchers are investigating the neurobiological basis of near-death experiences (NDEs) through a model called NEPTUNE, which links these phenomena to brain activity during critical health events. This model faces criticism from other scientists who argue that it overlooks significant evidence from patients' experiences and the implications for understanding consciousness and the afterlife.