{
  "id": 3273216,
  "title": "Depression may shut down the brain’s ability to make new neurons",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/depression-may-shut-down-the-brains-ability-to-make-new-neurons-3273216",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-25T05:06:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily",
    "slug": "sciencedaily",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260823094135.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Research from Columbia University reveals that depression may impair the brain's ability to generate new neurons in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and emotional responses. This process, known as neurogenesis, is essential for adapting to stress and environmental changes. Historically, depression was believed to stem from neurotransmitter deficiencies, particularly serotonin, but recent findings suggest that multiple factors, including impaired neurogenesis, contribute to the disorder. The hippocampus, responsible for pattern separation—the ability to distinguish between similar memories and separate emotional connotations—shows molecular disruptions in individuals with depression. These disruptions include altered gene activity, epigenetic changes, and inflammation within the trisynaptic circuit, which is vital for forming new emotional memories. By understanding these molecular changes, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments for depression, potentially reclassifying the disorder based on its molecular characteristics, similar to how cancer is treated based on genetic markers.",
  "summary": "A major study found that adults with depression show disrupted production of new neurons in the hippocampus, potentially weakening the brain’s ability to separate new experiences from painful memories. The researchers also identified broad molecular changes that could open the door to new treatments tailored to different biological forms of depression.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ScienceDaily Health",
        "title": "Depression may shut down the brain’s ability to make new neurons",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/depression-may-shut-down-the-brains-ability-to-make-new-neurons",
        "published": "2026-08-25T05:06:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}