Articles tagged with Neurochemistry
Researchers developed a computer model of the human cortex linking microscopic chemistry to brain-wide patterns of activity. The model found that regional differences in receptor density improve coordination between brain regions and information flow.
Researchers discovered that brain regions switch between shared and independent timing, allowing for flexibility in coordination. This finding provides a new framework for understanding how brain regions communicate and enables the development of brain-inspired artificial intelligence and robotic control systems.
Studies found that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of LEAP2, a hormone linked to impulse control and blood sugar regulation. Higher levels of LEAP2 are associated with increased impulsivity and risk of relapse after treatment.
A nanosensor developed to study cardiovascular disease successfully distinguishes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability (ID), even when both conditions share the same genetic mutation. This method measures real-time nitric oxide production in patient-derived stem cells, offering a new diagnostic pathway for ASD.
A team of researchers from Hiroshima University has identified a unique molecule, GPR3, that rapidly responds to upstream signals and induces downstream signaling in neurons. This discovery sheds light on the early stages of neuronal development and its dysregulation in neurological disorders.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that the mesencephalic command-associated nucleus (MCA) acts as a central timing hub, coordinating changes to sensory inputs across species. This finding highlights the importance of studying unusual sensory abilities in animals like weakly electric fish.
A study in mice reveals that slow fluctuations in hypothalamic histamine neurons act as a dynamic gate, making stored memories more or less accessible when a cue arrives. Histamine neuron activity helps prepare the brain before the cue appears, increasing memory-guided licking responses.
Childhood maltreatment alters fear-related brain function and systemic inflammation, modulating their connection. The timing and type of abuse or neglect shape this link, with early trauma affecting threat-regional brain areas and late trauma impacting regulatory brain regions.
Researchers discover specific calcium signals in microglia that regulate anxiety and grooming behaviors, offering new opportunities for therapies and diagnosis. Mice lacking the Hoxb8 gene are susceptible to extreme anxiety and pathological overgrooming.
A new study has mapped the histamine system in the brain, revealing its role in regulating emotions, stress, and decision-making. The findings provide a framework for understanding how histamine contributes to brain function and could point towards new treatment strategies for histamine-related conditions.
The 2026 cohort of Leon Levy Scholars in Neuroscience will pursue research projects addressing neurological disorders and developing new treatments. The program provides scientific and professional career development opportunities, including mentorship and networking.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
The 48th AChemS Annual Meeting will present cutting-edge research on chemosensory perception, including its implications for human health, behavior, and quality of life. The conference highlights new findings on the role of smell in eating behavior, disease diagnosis, and obesity treatments.
A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.
Dr. Cazares co-founded Colors of the Brain and advocated for GRE removal to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. He aims to bring neuroscience to underserved communities through portable, affordable, and non-invasive methods.
Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes use a specific sensory receptor to detect and avoid borneol, an organic compound found in plant-based mosquito repellents. This finding has the potential to lead to the development of more effective and longer-lasting repellents.
Researchers mapped GLP-1 expression in 25 brain regions in each sex, uncovering striking differences in key circuits. The atlas reveals sex-biased expression in certain medullary nuclei, with higher Glp1 densities and numbers of Glp1-expressing neurons in females compared to males.
A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination. In contrast, younger animals rely on neuron-derived tonic inhibition, which is replaced by astrocyte-derived tonic inhibition in late adolescence.
In a new study, researchers found that increased nitric oxide levels can lead to a biochemical domino effect, pushing the key cellular control system mTOR into overdrive in some forms of autism. By interrupting this pathway, the team observed prevention of TSC2 modification and normalization of mTOR activity.
A new study by engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that dopamine influences movement speed, particularly when rewards are expected. The researchers discovered that people tend to move faster towards targets that offer rewards and experience a surge in energy when they receive unexpected treats.
A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that regulates the slow and sustained release of oxytocin within the brain, which is essential for modulating social interactions. This finding provides new insights into how hormonal signaling is regulated in the brain and opens avenues for research into neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that kinases MNK1 and MNK2 have distinct functions in the brain, regulating different behaviors such as social contacts and object recognition. The findings suggest that targeting each kinase individually may be more effective for treating neurological disorders.
A new study shows that a brief burst of oxidative stress right after an injury can help the brain repair itself by activating protective antioxidant processes and waking up dormant cells. This 'oxidative spark' involves a specific group of support cells releasing reactive oxygen species, which drives cell division and replacement.
A team of biochemists at UC Santa Cruz has developed a new approach that significantly shortens the process of finding biologically beneficial molecules. They achieved synthesis of kainic acid in just two steps, overcoming traditional challenges in screening and identifying promising enzyme variants.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how the keto diet protects against epilepsy seizures by regulating brain cell activity. The team found that a specific cellular receptor, HCAR2, plays a crucial role in reducing seizures, and may be targeted for new treatments.
A new protocol models alcoholism in mice and shows that stimulating the FGF21-oxytocin-dopamine system with rare sugars can reduce alcohol consumption. The researchers believe that this system may play a role in regulating subconscious information processing, leading to effective dietary therapy for reducing over-drinking.
Researchers have engineered a protein that can detect the faintest incoming chemical signals of brain cells, allowing for real-time decoding of neural activity. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand the complex cascade of electrical activity underlying learning, memory, and emotion.
Compulsive behaviours are common across many mental health conditions, where people repeat actions despite negative consequences. New research in rats suggests that triggering inflammation in the striatum may shift behaviour toward more deliberate decision-making, rather than habit.
Researchers will investigate how HIV and cancer drugs damage brain cells over time, identifying potential early biomarkers of neurotoxicity. They will use human brain organoids grown in the lab to mimic brain physiology.
A mouse study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers has found that acetylcholine release is essential for breaking habits and enabling new choices to be made. The study's findings may help understand diseases such as Parkinson's disease, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A new advance in EEG imaging technology has improved mapping for epilepsy surgery, providing an accurate and non-invasive method. Pathological HFOs were found to be the most accurate biomarker for identifying epileptogenic brain regions, allowing for precise localization of seizure onset.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A large Korean cohort study reveals a link between restless legs syndrome and Parkinson's disease, highlighting opportunities for early detection. Dopamine-agonist therapy may reduce the risk of developing PD in RLS patients, according to the study's findings.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic tumors form pseudosynapses, exploiting the body's nervous system to drive tumor growth. Calcium waves triggered by glutamate binding promote metastasis and cancer progression.
A new study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder have lower levels of choline in their brains. Choline is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation, and muscle control.
Researchers at OIST discover a common molecular cascade disrupting brain signaling in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. They identify a shared mechanism affecting synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells.
A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a type of neuron in the orbital region of the frontal cortex that is most active when a decision outcome is unknown, suggesting these neurons play a crucial role in learning and mental flexibility. The discovery could aid the development of new treatments for rigid thought patterns such as anxiety an...
A renowned geneticist, Dr. Martin Alda, has made a groundbreaking discovery that bipolar disorder is composed of multiple genetically distinct disorders, transforming treatment approaches worldwide. His research also highlights the importance of combining basic research with clinical observations to advance psychiatric care.
Researchers identify abnormal sugar modifications linked to depressive behaviors, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the prefrontal cortex, triggering depression.
Florida Atlantic University has joined the Neuroarts Academic Network, a global initiative exploring how creative expression can improve brain health and transform care. The partnership aims to harness the power of aesthetic experiences to enhance brain function and support emotional well-being.
Professor John O'Brien's research focuses on understanding the impact of electrical synapses and gap junction plasticity on the retina and other neurological functions. The study aims to identify proteins that control electrical synapse strength, shedding light on their role in human disorders such as autism and seizures.
A team of researchers at the University of Cologne has made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular basis of inhibitory synapse formation. They found that gephyrin filaments play a crucial role in forming post-synapses, which are essential for billions of synapses in the brain. This study has significant implications for underst...
A new study found that participants following the green-Mediterranean diet showed decreased levels of Galectin-9 and Decorin, two proteins linked to accelerated brain aging. The study suggests a potential beneficial impact on biological processes related to brain aging through blood protein modulation.
Researchers found that an astrocytic 'brake' mechanism, fueled by the neurotransmitter GABA, blocks spinal cord repair after injury. Inhibiting this pathway with the MAOB inhibitor KDS2010 enables recovery of spinal cord function in animal models.
Scientists have discovered a distinct neurochemical signature that sets Parkinson's disease apart from essential tremor, two common movement disorders. In a new study published in Nature Communications, researchers identified unique chemical signaling patterns of dopamine and serotonin that distinguish these conditions.
Research uncovers how glutamate regulates pediatric brain tumor growth, suggesting novel approaches to treating these cancers. Inhibiting glutamate receptors has been shown to reduce human pediatric brain tumor growth in mice.
A study found that athletes from high-disadvantage neighborhoods had a thinner outer layer in certain areas of the brain and smaller brain volumes, which can be early signs of neurodegeneration. Researchers suggest that recognizing stressors can help inform more equitable approaches to protecting long-term brain health.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.
The largest neuroscience event will convene in San Diego from November 15-19, featuring over 10,000 presentations on various topics. Registered journalists will gain access to cutting-edge research, expert interviews, and press-only events.
A new study from UC San Francisco challenges the traditional view of how the brain strings sounds together to form words and orchestrates the movements to pronounce them. The brain relies on a wider network of neurons across many brain areas, centered in the middle precentral gyrus, to coordinate speech-motor sequencing.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are using a genetically tractable model organism, C. elegans, to dissect the cellular pathways impacted by amphetamines. The study aims to identify novel regulators of dopamine release and genes that mediate amphetamine's effects independently of traditional dopamine mechanisms.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a protein aggregation inhibitor called GAI-17, which significantly reduced brain cell death and paralysis in mice with acute strokes. The drug also showed no adverse effects on the heart or cerebrovascular system.
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe to visualize AMPA receptors on living brain cells, revealing that new receptors are inserted from inside the cell during long-term potentiation. This breakthrough allows for rapid study of synapse strength and plasticity, shedding light on memory formation and learning.
Researchers found that prebiotics such as FOS increased brain GABA levels in mice, while also raising homocarnosine levels, which may enhance brain health. The study suggests a potential link between gut microbiota and brain GABA levels.