2024's Top Neuroscience Trends

Advancements in technology within the neuroscience sector are forecasted to continue evolving rapidly each year, and in 2024 we have already witnessed a number of trends emerge.  

In this article, we will explore the major trends predicted to shape the neuroscience sector in over the coming years, including innovations in brain imaging technologies, neurostimulation therapies, the integration of artificial intelligence, brain-computer interface technology, the rise of telemedicine in neurology, and the growing collaboration between industry and academia through cross-disciplinary approaches. 

Join us as we delve into these exciting trends and explore their potential impact on the future of neuroscience. 

Generative AI  

AI (Artificial Intelligence) has made a growing impact in the last few years, evolving into a useful tool for a variety of applications across almost every sector – from engineering and manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Within the Medical Sector, AI has the power to not only develop, streamline and improve healthcare systems and processes, but also shape the way we diagnose, treat and provide aftercare for illness and medical conditions.  

It is forecasted that AI within healthcare will make a large advancement over the coming years to reduce the strain and workload on services such as the NHS. AI tools will be integrated into healthcare systems to help reduce working hours and ensure clinics have an optimal amount of time to spend on patient care.  

The UK Government has afforded the NHS AI Lab with £250m of funding to integrate AI systems into the healthcare practice, trialling more than 40 projects.   

Brain-Computer Interface Technology 

BCI’s (Brain-Computer Interface Technology) have the power to connect individuals with severe disabilities to their surrounding environment. This could not only have a large impact on the patient themselves, allowing them to do and experience more than ever before, but also, their friends and family.  

BCI’s are a complex technology system that analyse brain signals and translate them on an electrical device, allowing the patient to connect through their thoughts. They can be both invasive and non-invasive, depending on which technology is used, but they can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.  

Brain-Computer Interface Technology is already used to assist numerous patients with compromising disabilities. However, with ever evolving technological systems, BCI’S are predicted to keep advancing and will soon, hopefully, be used widely as a communication device for many whose lives could be changed for the better.  

MRI Machines 

MRI Machines are already in frequent use within medical research and routine. However, their digital technology and the way it is used is constantly evolving. MRI machines are becoming more powerful and adaptable, but also downsizing for convenience and becoming portable.  

Their technology is ever evolving as the need for data storage, memory for analysis and updating medical systems, increases. Not only are these factors in high demand but MRI technology also needs prolonged transfer times between locations and to be supported by a sufficient computer source. Therefore, regular updates in technological systems are mandatory for the usage of these incredible machines.  

Additionally, MRI technologies are in high demand for daily clinical use. Therefore, companies have explored into the development of smaller, portable MRIs to suffice for the demand of patients in need of this advanced procedure. 

Psychedelics 

Psychedelics are controlled drugs that have been seen to help treat neurological and mental health disorders. Certain Psychedelics can alter the way two parts of the brain communicate with each other, which in turn helps to ease the symptoms of such disorders. 

In the USA, Psychedelic Drug trials were started in 2023, moving away from developmental pilot research of the drugs. Under the FDA’s new regulations, MDMA was considered as a potential drug to help ease the symptoms for patients experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Eating Disorders. Additionally, Psilocybin has also been considered as an effective psychedelic drug for the treatment of symptoms for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety and Depression.  

As further developments continue throughout 2024 and in the coming years, it is hoped that MDMA and Psilocybin will become regulatory Psychedelic drugs advised by the FDA and can become widely used by patients in America and potentially around the glove too.  

PET Radiotracers 

In 2024, the pursuit of PET Radiotracers has continued to be a focal point in neuroscience research.  

A significant milestone is expected with the conclusion of a trial evaluating the PET radiotracer 18F-MK6240. This radiotracer has shown promise in effectively measuring increases in brain tau protein, which is associated with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease, even before symptoms appear. 

There is a critical need for sensitive biomarkers like 18F-MK6240 that can quantify early pathological changes and closely correlate with disease progression and clinical outcomes. The introduction of this novel PET tracer is anticipated to play a pivotal role in guiding the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.