Brain motion is driven by mechanical coupling with the abdomen

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 27 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02279-z

Using two-photon imaging in mice, Garborg et al. show that brain movement within the skull is driven by abdominal muscle contractions through mechanical coupling with the abdomen. Simulations suggest that this brain motion could contribute to cerebrospinal fluid circulation.