Research reveals TRPV4 complex promotes sweat secretion in mouse foot pads, suggesting its potential role in human perspiration. The study also suggests that TRPV4 may regulate friction forces, which could impact traction on hind paws.
Researchers found that low-contrast preferring neurons in primary visual cortex increase after repeated experiences, enabling perception of familiar objects. This flexible mechanism allows for consistent perception of objects with varying contrast.
Impaired information flow through the basal ganglia is responsible for Parkinson's disease symptoms. The 'direct pathway' plays a crucial role in initiating voluntary movements, and its disturbance leads to motor symptoms like trembling hands and muscle stiffness.
A novel artificial neural connection bridges the lost pathway between brain and spinal cord, allowing for volitional control of upper limb movement after damage. This study demonstrates that artificial neural connections can compensate for interrupted descending pathways and promote voluntary control.
Researchers identified a mutant mouse model of schizophrenia that exhibits mild chronic brain inflammation and cognitive deficits. The study found that Shn-2 deficiency leads to an 'immature Dentate Gyrus', which produces schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Chronic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs rescued working memory deficit ...
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates the production of new neurons from neural progenitor cells in the adult cortex. This process coincides with a reduction in apoptotic cell death following ischemia, highlighting the potential neuroprotective response induced by this antidepressant drug.
A team of Japanese scientists discovered that receiving a compliment activates the same brain area as cash rewards, leading to improved performance in exercises. The study suggests that praising someone can be an effective strategy for improving performance in the classroom and during rehabilitation.
Researchers demonstrate blindsight in monkeys in everyday environments, finding they turn eyes to conspicuous portions of motion, brightness, or color. This discovery may indicate hidden visual function recovery for patients with hemianopia.
Scientists have developed a novel gene transfer technique that selectively eliminates a specific neural circuit in non-human primates. The 'elimination' of the basal ganglia's hyperdirect pathway reveals its crucial role in motor function and provides insights into Parkinson's disease mechanisms.
Researchers develop new technique to target specific neural circuits and find that indirect pathways play key role in skilled hand movements. The study uses a double viral vector transfection method to selectively suppress propriospinal neurons, revealing the function of this 'phylogenetically old circuit'.
Researchers discovered that macrophages produce hydrogen peroxide, which activates the temperature sensor TRPM2 at normal body temperature. This mechanism enhances phagocytic activity and may lead to new treatment strategies for infection.
A team of researchers has discovered a molecule that prevents cell death when subjected to hyperosmolarity. The TRPM2∆C molecule is activated by binding to CD38 and may lead to new avenues for researching diseases such as HIV, cancer, and diabetes.
Research at National Institute for Physiological Sciences found abnormal 'oscillatory' electrical signals in subcortical nuclei cause severe motor deficits in Parkinson's disease. Chemical inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus improved motor impairments by reducing oscillations, providing clues for new treatments.
Research reveals that stronger motivation leads to increased connectivity between brain regions regulating motivation and motor learning. Rehabilitative training advances motor function recovery by activating the brain's motivation centers.
The study reveals that neurons normalize receiving signals by adjusting their morphological characteristics, making it easier to receive farther signals. The research team's 3D image reconstruction of minute dendritic tree morphology demonstrates the size and distance of dendritic trees determine signal clarity and strength.
Scientists successfully induced non-REM sleep in mice by controlling the activity of orexin neurons using a light-activated protein. The study provides clues to the underlying cause of narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by abnormal sleep and muscle weakness.
The study found that TRPV3 channels in western clawed frogs have opposite temperature sensitivities compared to mammals, indicating dynamic adaptation to thermal environments. The researchers identified a gene and examined its function, revealing structural differences between frog and mammal channels.
Abnormal neural activity was recorded from the deep brain of Parkinson's disease and dystonia patients, confirming previous animal study results. The findings suggest that cortically evoked neural responses in the basal ganglia can be used to determine target locations for deep brain stimulation electrodes.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that listening to loud music through earphones for extended periods can cause neurophysiological changes related to sound discrimination. The researchers discovered that portable music player users had a harder time distinguishing between sounds and background noises.
Researchers found vasopressin in brain prevents neuronal swelling by maintaining neuron size, contrasting with kidney function. This discovery may aid in treating cerebral edema conditions, such as those caused by brain trauma or infarction.
A research team led by Makoto Tominaga found that TRPM2, a body temperature sensor, plays a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion. In TRPM2-deficient mice, impaired insulin secretion and elevated blood glucose levels were observed.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate 7-8 month old infants' brain activity while perceiving their mother's face and female strangers. The study found increased hemodynamic responses in the bilateral temporal cortex for mothers, but only in the left temporaI cortex for maternal recognition.
Researchers used NIRS to investigate infants' hemodynamic responses to happy and angry faces, finding that positive expressions elicited continuous neural activation, while negative expressions triggered more rapid decreased activity. The study suggests hemispheric lateralization of facial expression processing develops by 6 months.
Researchers led by Dr. Akihiro Yamanaka discovered that orexin-releasing neurons have a self-excitation mechanism that activates each other, maintaining high-level activity and wakefulness. This finding overturns an existing theory and suggests that this mechanism may be involved in insomnia.
A Japanese research group discovered that TRPV4 ion channel plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function by regulating cell-cell junctions. Removal of TRPV4 from keratinocytes led to leaky junctions and weak skin barriers, highlighting its importance in preventing dehydration.
Research by Professor Yasuhiko Minokoshi and Dr. Tetsuya Shiuchi found that meals with sweet taste stimulation activate 'orexin' neurons, reducing blood glucose levels in mice. Pleasant eating habits may prevent hyperglycemia by activating orexin neurons.
Bladder urothelial cells sense fullness of urine through TRPV4 protein activation, which triggers Ca2+ influx and ATP release. The discovery may lead to treatment of bladder disorders such as overactive bladder and pollakiuria.
A Japanese research group discovered that two types of palmitoylating enzymes regulate synaptic protein PSD-95 in different ways, contributing to stable synaptic activity. This finding suggests individual enzymes have distinct functions and may represent therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
Researchers generated a novel kinase-dead mutant mouse of the CaMKII alpha gene that lacks its kinase activity, leading to severe deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavioral learning. The findings support the idea that CaMKII alpha kinase activity is essential for memory functions.
Researchers found asymmetrical synaptic structure and molecule composition between left and right hippocampus synapses. This discovery sheds light on the distinct neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes.
A Japanese research team discovered that the wasabi receptor can sense and respond to ammonia, a base known to cause pain. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Investigation, reveals the molecular entity responsible for this phenomenon, providing insight into the mechanisms behind sushi-induced discomfort.
Research suggests that brain immaturity, specifically in the dentate gyrus region, may contribute to schizophrenia. This underdeveloped area affects working memory and mood regulation., The findings imply a potential biomarker for diagnosing and treating schizophrenia.
A single VSOP protein can carry protons, regulating pH conditions during pathogen removal, and may aid in designing new medications for innate immunity enhancement.
A Japanese research group identified the PKD1L3-PKD2L1 channel complex as a key player in the sour taste sensation. This 'off-response' mechanism allows humans to detect sour flavors even after the removal of acidic stimuli.
Researchers found that perceiving a good reputation activates the brain's reward system in a similar manner to monetary rewards. The study used fMRI experiments on 19 people and found robust activation of reward-related brain areas, particularly the striatum.
Researchers found that brain compensatory mechanisms actively contribute to recovery from spinal cord injury, enhancing function in bilateral primary motor cortex regions. This study reinforces current understanding of neurorehabilitation and may lead to new rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.