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Neurotransmitter levels predict math ability

Researchers found that higher GABA levels in young people were associated with greater math fluency, while lower glutamate levels were related to better math skills. In adults, the opposite was true: low GABA concentrations were linked to greater math fluency and high glutamate levels to poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 22, 2021

How behavioral rhythms are fine-tuned in the brain

A team at Kanazawa University found that vasopressin neurons play a critical role in regulating the timing of output from the molecular clock, which governs circadian behaviors. The study used mice with altered GABA signaling to demonstrate the importance of these neurons in maintaining behavioral rhythms.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2021

Neurotransmitter regulation of circadian rhythms

A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

New insight into aging

Researchers at McGill University found that aging brains retain neuroplasticity but experience dysregulation leading to unstable learning. Increasing GABA levels in older rats prolonged the effects of audio tone exposure, suggesting a potential strategy for improving retention in the aging brain.

SourceMcGill University·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 19, 2018

Perinatal hypoxia associated with long-term cerebellar learning deficits and Purkinje cell misfiring

A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that chronic sublethal hypoxia causes locomotor miscoordination and long-term cerebellar learning deficits. Restoring GABA levels with an off-the-shelf medicine improves Purkinje cell firing and locomotor performance in a model of neonatal brain injury.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2018

An improved anti-addiction medication

Scientists developed a potent new medicine to fight addiction by blocking an enzyme, resulting in higher GABA levels and reduced dopamine release. The new compound, CPP-115, is 10 times more efficient than vigabatrin and has fewer side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 2018

A new target for marijuana

A study published in JNeurosci found that chronic exposure to THC may alter inhibitory function in GABA neurons, increasing dopamine levels and promoting addictive qualities. This discovery could lead to a new target for treating cannabis use disorder.

Uncovering origins of developmental brain disorders could eventually help treat seizures

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that imbalances in the regulation of GABA, a crucial neurotransmitter, can lead to developmental brain disorders such as autism and seizure disorders. The research offers new hope for developing treatments by identifying a potential molecular switch controlling GABA production.

Major research project provides new clues to schizophrenia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017

Fish eyes may hold key to regenerating human retinas

Scientists have identified GABA as a signal that triggers self-repair in fish retinas. They believe this could be the key to regenerating human retinas, naturally repairing damage caused by degenerative diseases. The researchers are now pursuing further studies with mice and zebrafish to confirm their findings.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 9, 2017

Practice makes perfect, and 'overlearning' locks it in

A Brown University study finds that overlearning visual perception tasks strengthens learning and prevents interference, while a longer break between tasks allows for similar performance on both. The study suggests that a temporary shift in neurotransmitter balance is key to the effect of overlearning.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 30, 2017

New strategy for antidepressant therapies

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new strategy for antidepressant therapies by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brains of depressed mice. This approach shows promise as a rapidly acting and more effective treatment option.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016

How depression and antidepressant drugs work

Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

Understanding obesity from the inside out

Researchers developed a new laboratory method to study the function of GABA in brain processes controlling appetite and metabolism. The study found that mice lacking GABA in their hypothalamus, a key brain area regulating appetite, experienced significant weight loss and improved glucose tolerance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016