Researchers identified a link between MIR-137 and complex brain disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Mice lacking MIR-137 displayed learning and memory deficits, repetitive behaviors, and impaired sociability, suggesting potential treatment targets.
The Society for Neuroscience has presented a record-breaking 261 Trainee Professional Development Awards to young researchers from around the world. This represents a 28% increase from last year's awards, reflecting the program's growing impact on supporting the next generation of neuroscientists.
Rice University scientists have developed a simple and efficient method to attach drugs or substances to antibodies, which are central to the body's immune system. The technique, called pClick, uses non-canonical amino acids to bind to specific sites on antibodies without the need for re-engineering or harsh chemicals.
Stephen Waxman, MD, PhD, of Yale University, received the Julius Axelrod Prize for his distinguished contributions to neuropharmacology and exemplary mentoring efforts. He is being recognized for his work on ion channels in nervous system disorders, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Postdoctoral fellows Vikram Gadagkar and Johannes Kohl have been awarded the $25,000 Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award for their innovative contributions to neuroscience. Their research focuses on trial-and-error learning mechanisms and neural circuits that control behavior.
A new high-tech bracelet, Nightwatch, detects 85% of all severe night-time epilepsy seizures and can save thousands of lives. The device recognizes key characteristics of severe attacks and sends wireless alerts to carers or nurses.
A new study found that single mothers, those with less education, and mothers enrolled in the WIC Program may receive fewer resources and information to help them breastfeed. Despite receiving support from professionals, demographic differences and stress levels may affect their ability to engage in breastfeeding practices.
Research suggests excessive sitting increases risk of premature death and chronic diseases by 10-20%, but this risk pales in comparison to smoking's significant harm. Smoking carries a substantially higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer compared to sitting.
A new study published in the Journal of Glaucoma found that mindful meditation practice significantly lowers intraocular pressure, reducing stress-related biomarkers and improving quality-of-life. Meditation also positively influences other indicators, such as reduced cortisol levels and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factors.
Researchers are studying norovirus and Clostridium difficile to determine effective disinfection strategies for cleaning up vomit on soft surfaces. The goal is to control the spread of diseases in long-term care facilities, where outbreaks account for 60% of cases.
Researchers aim to identify barriers to successful therapy outcomes and develop optimal physical therapy treatment strategies for military personnel. Brain scans and virtual reality tests will be used to guide the development of new therapy methods, which could have real-world applications beyond the military.
A new study found that health professionals are struggling to prepare and support children when a parent is dying due to lack of relevant skills and fear of causing distress. The researchers called for more guidance and training in this area, as well as patient records to flag up the presence of young children in the immediate family.
A study published in Psycho-Oncology found that women who have survived breast cancer are more likely to experience phobic anxiety, leading to sexual dysfunction and unpleasant sex experiences. The research highlights the significant role of psychosocial factors on sexuality in these patients.
A new study found that 11.7% of children with tonsils removed had sufficient sore throats to justify surgery, while many others who needed the procedure were not having it done. The study suggests that tonsillectomies are often unnecessary and cost the NHS £36.9m annually.
In Bangladesh, villagers have taken matters into their own hands to drill deeper wells to avoid arsenic-contaminated water. Since 2000, the proportion of safe wells has increased from 25% to 70%, thanks to individual efforts and government well drilling at greater depths.
Tropical Storm Xavier has strengthened in western Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially severe flooding to the region. The storm is expected to weaken over the next few days, but not before producing significant swells along the southwestern coast.
Researchers have developed a mouse model expressing human tau protein to study the effects of repetitive brain injury on cognitive function, motor dysfunction and white matter damage. The study found that repetitive concussive injuries resulted in chronic disruptions in white matter and associated neuroinflammation.
Researchers identified NGA1, a transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana, as a key player in early drought stress response by activating the NCED3 gene and promoting abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. This finding suggests that ABA accumulation is essential for plant protection against dehydration.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of York found that cultures' emphasis on specific sensory experiences, such as music or pottery, affects their ability to communicate about different senses. This challenges the long-held assumption of a universal hierarchy of human senses.
Researchers have created a method to move intense laser focal points at any speed, including faster than the speed of light. This technique combines a lens that focuses specific colors of light at different locations with chirped-pulse amplification technology.
A new study from Binghamton University found that college students with proper education on dietary supplements exhibit a responsible pattern of use. This education is significant, as misuse of dietary supplements has been linked to liver and kidney injuries.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher is using video games to test and improve artificial intelligence algorithms. The goal is to create AIs that can learn from their mistakes in complex, uncertain environments. By analyzing gameplay data, the algorithm can refine its strategies for optimal decision-making.
Researchers found that injured saber-toothed cats transitioned to eating softer prey, such as flesh, after suffering oral injuries. This suggests that these cats were provided with soft food by other group members, allowing them to survive longer.
New NYU Abu Dhabi research suggests corals produce molecules that can help resist disease by maintaining healthy surface microbiomes. The study found unique molecules at the surface of Acropora and Platygyra corals, which may structure beneficial microbial communities and defend against parasitic bacteria.
Researchers at UAlberta developed a new technique for storing quantum information in ultracold rubidium atoms, enabling efficient quantum communication and scalable technologies. The novel method uses clouds of atoms to store pulses of light, with significantly reduced technical requirements.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has identified two promising proteins, chitinase-3 like1 and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, that may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of ALS. The study found that models developed from proteins in cerebrospinal fluid were more useful than those in blood plasma.
Researchers found that a pharmacological inhibitor of HDAC3 reduced amyloid-beta in vulnerable brain regions and improved memory in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that HDAC3 represents a potential drug target for several hallmarks of AD.
Researchers from MAGPIE laboratories simulate stellar winds interacting with planetary magnetic fields, reproducing magnetopause formation and low-pressure regions. Laboratory experiments utilize intense electric pulses to create high-speed plasma plumes that interact with targets having magnetic fields.
Researchers discovered dairy pastoralism in Mongolia as early as 1300 BC through cultural transmission rather than population replacement or migration. Milk proteins were found in tooth tartar and dental calculus of ancient Mongolians, indicating the livestock were cattle, sheep, and goats introduced by Western Steppe herders.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that warmer temperatures and localized cooling have contributed to increased maize production in the US. A longer growing season and reduced exposure to high temperatures have boosted yields, with over a quarter of the increase attributed to these factors.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children's recovery from concussion improves over time but at different rates depending on age and sex. The research examined 2,716 pediatric concussion cases and discovered significant sex differences in recovery, with girls recovering more slowly than boys.
A new study from Western University identified the gene Panx1 as a key regulator of fat accumulation in mice. The research found that mice lacking Panx1 accumulated more fat and developed insulin resistance, increasing their risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Further studies are underway to explore the link between Panx1 and human obesity.
New findings from Neuroscience 2018 present promising avenues for early treatment of mental illness and alcohol/substance use disorders in adolescents. Childhood trauma and genetic variants affecting reward response are identified as key factors impacting adolescent brain development and susceptibility to addiction.
Researchers found that traditional tools used to study human behavior are ineffective in diverse settings. They developed new methods that work well in different global applications and revealed a surprising finding: social closeness has no impact on generosity in rural Bangladesh.
Researchers at CU Boulder discovered statistical rules governing fire ant colonies' flexibility, which may help craft smart polymers and swarming robots. The findings could also aid in understanding dynamic networks in nature, including human cells.
Scientists at ITMO University and Lebedev Physical Institute create a microwave antenna that creates a uniform magnetic field in large volume, enabling super-sensitive magnetic field detectors. The device uses nanodiamonds with defects to achieve coherent control of electronic spins, improving magnetometer sensitivity.
Researchers attach molecular attachment r8 to conventional antibiotics, helping them penetrate bacterial outer defenses and linger, increasing effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The approach demonstrates potential for treating other drugs and infections with existing modifications.
Breakdowns in brain's blood vessels linked to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention through biomarkers, exercise, and targeted treatments. Age-related loss of brain lymphatic function also plays a role in neurodegeneration.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have successfully restored vision in rats with severe retinal degeneration through cell transplantation. The study demonstrates that donor cells can integrate into the retina and generate nearly normal visual activity in the brains of blind animals.
Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory found that plasma turbulence could amplify magnetic fields to dynamical strengths in a hot, dilute plasma, such as those residing within clusters of galaxies. This discovery provides a possible answer to one of the most important unsolved problems in plasma astrophysics.
A new study from UT Southwestern found that nearly a third of children with epilepsy had a change in diagnosis based on new data, leading to more effective treatments. The research calls for regular reviews of gene tests to ensure diagnoses and treatments are based on the latest discoveries.
Researchers blast trapped electrons with laser pulses to generate a cascade of particles, shedding light on astrophysical plasmas and potential industrial applications.
Rhesus monkeys' brain neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex differentiate between faces and nonfaces before recognizing emotional content and social categories. The specialized neurons are unaffected by auditory cues or learned rewards associated with faces.
Researchers at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have developed a revolutionary new technique to cool a fusion reactor, reducing the risk of disruptions and producing runaway electrons. The 'inside-out' cooling approach uses boron dust injected into the plasma to evenly radiate away energy.
Researchers found that very low troponin levels can rule out stress-inducible ischemia, allowing doctors to avoid routine stress testing. This could reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure by triaging individuals with stable CAD before performing stress tests.
A recent study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms significantly increase the risk of major cardiovascular events and death up to a year after cardiac arrest. Researchers discovered that PTSD was associated with a three-fold increased risk of death from any cause or a major heart event in resuscitated patients.
Research on the International Space Station reveals that electrically charged dust grains line up in straight lines, even without gravity. The study suggests that forces between particles and atoms impose order on the system.
Kenneth Miller received the 2018 Swartz Prize in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience for his contributions to modeling cerebral cortex function. His research has led to a reliable model of synaptic plasticity, confirmed by experimental data.
Researchers found that pediatricians rarely addressed high blood pressure in overweight children during well-child visits. In fact, only 16.6% of visits included clear information about the condition, while 66.7% did not discuss it at all.
Women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders due to fears of inappropriate touching, causing injury, and misperceptions about their health. Studies suggest these concerns can lead to delays or no CPR being administered.
A new study found that youth TBI laws lead to an increase in head injury evaluations in emergency departments, particularly among boys and children ages 10-14. The laws also contribute to increased awareness of youth TBIs, prompting athletes and parents to seek evaluation for suspected or actual injuries.
Researchers found patients with broken heart syndrome who developed cardiogenic shock had a higher short-term and long-term mortality rate compared to those without the complication. The study suggests careful long-term follow-up is crucial for this patient group.
A survey of 506 UK health professionals found that 29% would not recommend e-cigarettes to cancer patients who smoke, highlighting the need for clearer guidance and training. The study suggests that e-cigarettes are a substantially less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco for cancer patients.
Researchers found that dietary restriction maintains cellular fitness in intestinal cells, preventing age-related damage and leaky gut. A rich diet promotes excessive cell loss and permeability, linked to human conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are conducting a three-year study to identify the root causes of epilepsy development after traumatic brain injuries. The team aims to find predictive biomarkers and strategies to prevent brain changes that lead to epilepsy.
A small study found that consuming one energy drink can lead to acute impairment in vascular function. Researchers believe the combination of ingredients such as caffeine and sugar may be to blame. The study's findings suggest that frequent energy drink consumption could have negative effects on blood vessel health.
A research gap means millions of people are living with the lasting side-effects of cancer treatment, affecting their quality of life. The National Cancer Research Institute has identified ten key areas for research to tackle these issues, developed by patients, carers, and experts.
Researchers found that former smokers who quit within the last five years reduced their cardiovascular disease risk by 38 percent compared to those who continued to smoke. It took 16 years since quitting for former smokers' risk of cardiovascular disease to return to the level of never smokers.
Scientists propose a new model, magnetic pumping, to explain the solar wind's heat persistence as it streams out of the sun and towards Earth. The research shows that particles in the solar wind are affected by magnetic pumping, including high-energy particles.
Lisa Giocomo and Christopher Harvey, recognized for their novel insights into spatial perception and synaptic specificity of neural plasticity, have made strides in bridging molecular processes with cognitive function. Their work has the potential to provide new applications of tools and techniques in systems neuroscience.