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.
A Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center research team found that activation of synaptic NMDRs increases COX-2 levels, while extrasynaptic NMDR activation boosts arachidonic acid. Sequential activation of both receptors leads to increased neurotoxic inflammation and disease progression.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that specific brain areas orchestrate competition between memories and that transcranial magnetic stimulation can preserve memory by targeting these areas. By applying TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex, both memories remained intact.
Researchers discovered that ants use chemical signals on their host tree to distinguish it from competing plant species. The team found that the ants more aggressively attacked papers coated with extracts from a closely related species, demonstrating the high degree of specificity for their host tree.
Researchers discovered that the eye's horizontal cells send both negative and positive feedback to photoreceptors, enhancing contrast while preserving faint detail. This new mechanism, distinct from electrical signals, allows the eye to detect small, faint spots near edges.
Researchers have identified a small molecule compound that specifically inhibits TrkB action, showing potent behavioral effects in mice and promising antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of psychiatric drugs for depression treatment.
Scientists from UT Health Science Center San Antonio discovered a relationship between phosphoinositide kinases and calcium ions in nerve cells, which could lead to treatments for neurological disorders. The study's findings have implications for epilepsy, stroke, dementia, hypertension, mental illness, and other diseases.
Researchers found that sniffing women's emotional tears reduces men's sexual arousal and decreases testosterone levels, but has no impact on emotional responses or empathy. The study uses fMRI scans to reveal brain activity changes in response to tear exposure.
Scientists are developing new drugs to block bacterial signals that trigger infections, a process known as quorum sensing. Research suggests that targeting certain signaling molecules could lead to effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers reconstructed an ancient protein and traced its subtle changes over time to produce diverse modern-day descendants. They found that evolution tweaked the ancestral structure to create partnerships with new hormones or signals, leading to independent proteins with increased stability.
Mobile cells may be more sensitive to chemical signals than thought, following trails with improved accuracy. Researchers found lower-than-expected noise levels in these cells, enabling them to detect and respond to chemical cues more effectively.
Researchers developed a new approach to control chemical microenvironments using light and microparticles to mimic bacterial trails. They guided neutrophils to move along defined paths in response to artificial chemical signals.
A Case Western Reserve University engineering professor is developing a miniaturized low-power device to detect how electrical signals and neurotransmitters in the brain work. The device will record 16 channels of chemical and electrical neural activity, measuring neurotransmitters and action potentials in real time.
Researchers found a blood chemical that may signal susceptibility to interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disorder. The study suggests the disease may have origins in the central nervous system and could lead to new treatment directions.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered a new electrical signal transmission system in plants called 'system potential', which is induced by wounding and can carry different information. This novel system allows plants to rapidly respond to insect herbivory and activate their defense mechanisms.
Research by Denise Chen reveals that human sweat contains emotional meanings, particularly in ambiguous situations, and modulates vision to detect fear. The study found that exposure to 'fearful' sweat biases women towards interpreting facial expressions as more fearful, especially when emotions are unclear.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have identified a new stress response mechanism in the brain, where stress triggers a protein that removes the ability to slow down the stress response. This finding may lead to a better understanding of the changes in sensitivity to stress resulting from chronic exposure.
Research reveals chemicals in cigarette smoke activate nerve signaling in airways, leading to inflammation. Alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes identified as key contributors to this process.
Researchers have identified a crucial protein that transports signals within neurons, shedding light on Fragile X Syndrome's impact on brain development and communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of innovative treatments for FXS, autism, and epilepsy.
Scientists develop micro-scale tool to study how nerve cells in the brain work together, providing insights into growth and signaling molecules. The 'lab on a chip' system helps researchers understand complex interactions between neurons and their environment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center uncovered the mechanism underlying Fragile X syndrome, affecting communication between brain cells. The study suggests targeting the acetylcholine system might provide an alternative to drugs targeting glutamate pathways.
Researchers found that Phaeocystis globosa can change its colony formation based on the presence of nearby grazers, enhancing or suppressing colonies to avoid being eaten. This complex defensive behavior has implications for global climate change, as Phaeocystis blooms play a key role in the carbon cycle.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that newly made nerves in an adult brain's learning center experience a one-month period of child-like learning. This discovery suggests that new adult nerves play a deeper role than simply replacing dead ones, and may help explain how adults adapt to new experiences.
Scientists design molecular machines that can switch between functional units and demonstrate reversible switching behavior when exposed to acid and base. The study showcases the potential for organizing molecular machines on surfaces, paving the way for future development of molecular computers.
A Rice University study found that women exposed to chemicals from fear-induced sweat performed more accurately on word-association tasks than those in neutral or no-sweat conditions. This suggests that human olfaction can detect chemical signals from fear, leading to more cautious behavior and improved accuracy.
Researchers found that increasing dopamine D2 receptors can reduce drinking behavior in mice and rats, while blocking another type of dopamine receptor may also decrease consumption. These findings provide insight into the complex roles of dopamine in alcohol abuse and may lead to molecular-based treatments.
Researchers at Brown Medical School have discovered two key enzymes, PC1 and PC2, that play a crucial role in processing the precursor of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and regulating calorie-burning. This finding will aid in the understanding and treatment of obesity, which affects nearly 68 million adults in the United States.
Research found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) coordinates cellular behaviors for tubule development through sequential regulation of ERK and matrix metalloproteases. The study used MDCK cells to examine molecular events during tubulogenesis, revealing distinct regulatory subprograms acting at different times.
Researchers discover green leafy volatiles (GLV) prime corn plant defenses to respond more strongly against subsequent herbivorous insect attacks. The primed plants produce chemical signals that attract natural parasites and predators, increasing crop protection.
Researchers found naked mole-rats naturally lack Substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the central nervous system. Introducing Substance P restored pain signaling in these animals, sparking hope for new therapies to treat fibromyalgia.
Researchers have identified a group of cells in the spinal cord that control ejaculation, which can be manipulated to treat sexual dysfunction. The discovery has implications for paraplegic men and those experiencing ejaculatory problems.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute find that sperm are attracted to fertilization site by temperature difference. A temperature-driven mechanism, known as thermotaxis, guides the sperm through the fallopian tube and prepares them for penetration of the egg.
Seismologists have made significant progress in identifying violations of the nuclear test ban treaty by analyzing technical characteristics of seismic signals. Nearly all questionable events since 1995 have been identified as nuclear explosions, chemical explosions, earthquakes, or mine collapses.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that increased D2 receptor levels in rats, leading to a significant drop in alcohol intake. The treatment showed promise in reducing drinking preference and behavior in both groups of rats.
Researchers developed a new 'ex situ' method to recover high-resolution NMR spectroscopy data from samples in nonuniform fields. This breakthrough extends the use of NMR as an analytical tool, enabling studies on previously inaccessible samples.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a protein ligand-receptor pair that plays a crucial role in plant cell development. The discovery, led by Steven Clark, could lead to breakthroughs in increasing flower and fruit production, as well as controlling fruit timing.
Researchers identified a working 'inhibitory synapse' between brain neurons and hair cells in the cochlea, suggesting a feedback mechanism that wires ears and brain for hearing. This discovery moves researchers closer to understanding human and mammalian hearing development.
New polymers enable polymeric electro-optic modulators to translate electrical signals into optical signals at rates of up to 100 gigabytes per second, increasing information-processing speeds by 10 times those of current electronic devices.
Researchers have created a device that converts electric signals into optical transmissions at 100 gigabytes per second, eliminating download time and increasing efficiency. The breakthrough technology has the potential to transform fiber optic telecommunications and enable applications such as aircraft navigation and smart cars.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered a protein in photoreceptor cells that plays a crucial role in adapting to changing light intensities. The activation of this autoreceptor triggers a negative feedback loop, reducing glutamate release and preventing signal saturation.
Researchers propose a revolutionary new theory about cell communication, suggesting that cytonemes relay messages between cells. The theory challenges conventional thinking on morphogen transmission and could fundamentally change our understanding of developmental biology.
NASA is investing half a million dollars in an experiment to create a device that shields a rocket from the Earth's gravity. The project, led by physicist Ronald Koczor, aims to replicate elements of Russian scientist E. E. Podkletnov's controversial experiments on antigravity.
Researchers have found a new class of isotope fractionation effects that violate the simple rule of mass dependency. The discovery was made in an effort to explain anomalous excesses of oxygen-17 in atmospheric CO, which has been observed at various air monitoring stations.
Researchers are developing smart materials for various applications, including artificial limbs that can pick up objects, gel implants that release drugs as needed, and bridge models that prevent structural damage. These advancements could save lives by preventing accidents and improving safety in infrastructure.
Researchers found that the brain enhances pain signals through silent synapses, which can lead to persistent pain. Blocking these pathways may lead to better treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers have identified a key chemical message that triggers the formation of biofilms, complex communities of bacteria that are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
Mathematicians at Ohio State University discovered two new electrochemical activity patterns in brain cells, which may help explain normal sleep changes and nervous system disorders like epilepsy. The research reveals that inhibitory signals can produce smooth waves, contrary to previous assumptions.
In a surprising twist, female Photuris fireflies lure male Photinus fireflies close enough to eat them, obtaining defensive chemicals called lucibufagins. These compounds help females repel predators like spiders and birds.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation, a key process for memory formation. The study reveals that CaM-KII plays a critical role in this process, enabling persistent changes in synaptic strength and storage of information.
A new class of drugs may be able to target the leptin loop, a key component in obesity and metabolic disorders. By bypassing this loop, these drugs could potentially provide a new treatment option for individuals struggling with weight-related health issues.