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Unraveling the neural circuitry that makes mice attack

Researchers investigated brain mechanisms that maintain balance between intimidation and physical aggression in mice. Projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the dorsal raphe nucleus play a critical role in preserving this balance. Increasing pathway activity led to increased attacks, while inhibiting it decreased attack bites.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaliScience·DateApr 1, 2026

How packaging shapes GABA and lactic acid levels in broccoli rabe florets

A study reveals how packaging shapes the metabolism of organic broccoli rabe florets, leading to increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactic acid levels. The research found that low-oxygen conditions trigger a carbohydrate sink into GABA and LA pathways, offering insights for both quality preservation and consumer health.

Researchers have mapped the hidden control system of vision

Researchers have mapped the hidden control system of vision, revealing a higher degree of systematic organization in visual cells. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, used a new GABA sensor to observe and map inhibitory neuron activity, providing new insights into eye disorders such as congenital nystagmus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2025

Scientists identify key enzyme in Alzheimer’s disease that links brain inflammation to memory loss

Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Metabolome and RNA-seq reveal discrepant metabolism and secretory metabolism profile in skeletal muscle between obese and lean pigs at different ages

Researchers identified distinct metabolic profiles in skeletal muscle of Taoyuan Black pig compared to Duroc pig, with correlations to intramuscular fat content and lipid metabolism. The study provides insights into the muscle-adipose axis and potential targets for nutritional regulation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2025

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists find new evidence to explain how we pay attention

Researchers uncover clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span, finding that two neurotransmitters work together in a precise sequence to regulate signal transmission. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Study reveals structure of crucial receptor in brain development, function

Scientists at OHSU elucidated the structure of Type A GABA receptors targeted by antidepressants and other pharmaceutical drugs, shedding light on their role in brain function and development. The study reveals dominant assemblies and states of the receptor, paving the way for the development of new compounds with improved efficacy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Targeted ultrasound can change brain functions for up to an hour after intervention

A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

GABA receptors in brain could be targets to treat depression and its cognitive symptoms

Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 12, 2023

A new breakthrough in Alzheimer disease research - visualizing reactive astrocyte-neuron interaction

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that visualizes the interaction between reactive astrocytes and neurons in the brain, revealing a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that acetate promotes reactive astrogliosis, leading to dementia, and offers a new target for AD treatment.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation measured cortical inhibition provides insight into interindividual differences in progressive myoclonic epilepsy

A new study has found that abnormality of intracortical inhibition in patients with progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 is associated with the magnitude of genetic change. The results suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation could be useful in assessing patient prognosis and may have use as a marker of GABAergic impairment.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEpilepsia·DateJan 11, 2023

Children learn more quickly than adults

A study published in Current Biology found that children exhibit rapid boosts of GABA during visual training, stabilizing new learning and making it more efficient. This discovery suggests that children may acquire new knowledge and skills faster than adults, with implications for teaching and learning strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Two birds one stone strategy to treat both joint pain and cognitive impairment in rheumatoid arthritis

A study found that aberrant expression of MAO-B causes both peripheral and neuroinflammation in RA patients, leading to joint pain and cognitive impairment. Administering an MAO-B inhibitor called KDS2010 improved both joint inflammation and cognitive function in a RA animal model.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

First-ever elucidation of a small protein’s structure could signal help for those with epilepsy and other disorders

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have elucidated the structure of a small protein carrying GABA into neurons using cryogenic electron microscopy. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectru...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 8, 2022

Protein linked to intellectual disability has complex role

The study found that the fragile X protein regulates the opening and closing of the GABA-A receptor in neurons from the brain's memory center, influencing how such neurons process information. This nuanced understanding may hold the key to developing effective therapies for fragile X syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

How can a protein help us remember?

Researchers have discovered the Apterous protein's crucial role in retaining memories through its interaction with the Chi cofactor and regulation of neurotransmitters. In fruit flies, Ap plays a double role in long-term memory consolidation, highlighting potential new treatment approaches for memory-related disorders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 11, 2021

Beyond dopamine: New reward circuitry discovered

Researchers have discovered a new pathway in the brain that plays a key role in rewards and reinforcement. GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area project to the nucleus accumbens shell, promoting reward processing. This finding offers new avenues for understanding psychiatric diseases such as depression and addiction.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021