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Time for SharpBrains eNewsletter, bringing you the latest in in Brain health and mental health research, tools and thinking.

Also, a quick heads-up for those based in the UK: the Imperial College Centre for Neurotechnology will host a keynote by Alvaro Fernandez in London on Wednesday, May 30th, titled Why the Future of Brain Enhancement & Mental Health is Digital & Pervasive (free; requires registration). Other upcoming events here.

New research:

• Study finds continued birth of new neurons (neurogenesis) well into our 70s
• The more hours you sit per day, the smaller your medial temporal lobe (MTL) seems to become, brain scans show
• Study combines MRI brain scans with statistics to better predict cognitive problems after stroke

New tools:

• Meditation app Calm said to be raising $25M to become the “Nike of the mind”
• Mindstrong Health identifies digital biomarkers of cognitive function using smartphone data
• Wearable brain scanners to enable broader, easier, cheaper access to neuroimaging

New thinking:

• Combining brain stimulation with cognitive training to enhance attention and memory
• Evidence review finds that computer-based cognitive training can significantly improve memory in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Despite growing evidence against supplements making brain/ memory improvement claims, sales keep growing

Finally, please Save the Date for the second edition of the Brainnovations Pitch Contest on December 5th, 2018. Given the success of the inaugural event last year (details here), the 2018 SharpBrains Virtual Summit will host a second contest for 12 startups to pitch their innovative solutions to all Summit participants and to distinguished Judges –our very own “Sharp Tank.”

Have a great month of May,

The SharpBrains Team