Articles tagged with Neurochemistry
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 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 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 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.
Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.
Researchers suggest that brains reach a critical state to learn, remember, and think, which can be measured using fMRI technology. This framework offers a new perspective on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which disrupt the brain's ability to maintain criticality.
Researchers at the University of Michigan propose a new theory that non-REM sleep strengthens memories, while REM prunes overlapping ones. This sequence helps reinforce relevant memories and keeps unrelated ones distinct.
Bioengineering researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a soft, thin, stretchable bioelectronic device that can be implanted into a tadpole embryo's neural plate, recording electrical activity from single brain cells with millisecond precision.
A study by Scripps Research found that female rats are more sensitive to alcohol's effects on brain chemistry, even before dependence sets in. The research suggests that certain medications targeting specific receptors could help reduce alcohol consumption in females.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potentially safer treatment for multiple disorders linked to altered dopamine signaling by blocking the kappa opioid receptor. The study found that this approach can correct behavioral deficits and normalize dopamine availability.
The Open Brain Institute launches a groundbreaking platform to simulate and study digital brains, empowering researchers to explore brain complexity and diseases. With its virtual neuroscience laboratories, the OBI enables global collaboration and access to cutting-edge virtual labs.
Research at Michigan State University found that dopamine plays a key role in reshaping memories of past rewarding events. This unexpected function challenges existing theories of dopamine and has implications for understanding addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Coyotes exhibit genetic monogamy, forming long-lasting social attachments. USU neuroscientist Sara Freeman studies the behavioral, hormonal, and neural basis of coyote pair-bonding behavior.
Researchers have discovered column-like structures in the visual cortex of mice, where neurons processing stimuli from the same eye form clusters. This finding sheds light on the structural organization of the brain and may help solve the mystery of cortical columns' function.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
Researchers discover that tau protein and beta-amyloid, key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's, affect brain circuits in distinct yet synergistic ways. This study suggests a potential breakthrough in treatment strategies by highlighting the need for dual-targeted therapies.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
Researchers have identified 11 genes affected by PFAS exposure, which could serve as markers to detect neurotoxicity. The study found distinct molecular structures within each type of PFAS drive changes in gene expression, highlighting the need for individual investigation.
Researchers used fluorescein angiography to visualize neural blood flow in rats and rabbits with chronic nerve compression neuropathy, correlating findings with electrodiagnostic testing. The study showed promising results for the method's potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes in carpal tunnel surgery.
Research led by Silvia Cappello reveals that extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the development of the brain, facilitating communication between different cell types. The study found that these vesicles can transport specific molecular signals to the nucleus of recipient cells, inducing rapid transcriptional changes and infl...
A study found that galactic cosmic radiation can cause long-lasting learning deficits in female rodents, but an antioxidant compound reduced this impact. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of radiation's long-term impact on cognitive health.
Auburn University scientists have developed a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment, showing that troriluzole can reverse memory loss and cognitive decline in mice. The study demonstrates that targeting synaptic activity early may prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
A recent study at the University of Missouri discovered that oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone cause the brainstem to become overactive, leading to hypertension. This finding can help develop targeted drugs to reduce high blood pressure in sleep apnea patients.
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
A study by TUM researchers discovered four subtypes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with different molecular processes, including sex differences. The findings suggest repurposing an approved cancer drug targeting the MAPK pathway as a promising therapeutic approach for ALS.
FutureNeuro, a leading SFI Research Centre, is expanding its research programme with a focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. The centre aims to develop precision diagnostics, future treatments, and systems using real-time health data.
Three FAU researchers have received $1M in FDOH grants to develop innovative approaches against Alzheimer's disease. Mare Cudic aims to explore the link between glycosylation and neuroinflammation, while Ruth Tappen develops an online screening tool for older drivers with cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered a two-step process behind the lagging behavior of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which can be customized to improve data processing speed. The study's findings may help design better materials for next-generation applications in biosensing and brain-inspired computation.
A recent study reveals the 3D structure of Asc1, a protein gate that controls amino acid transport in neurons. The findings provide crucial information to develop new drugs for neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, stroke, and ALS.
A team of researchers found potential ways to interrupt the misfolding of tau proteins by targeting sticky sites along the long form of mutated tau, preventing neurofibrillary tangles. This breakthrough could lead to therapeutic interventions capable of disaggregating or preventing tau aggregation.
Researchers used mass spectrometry imaging and single-cell metabolomics with deep learning to create 3D molecular maps of the brain, enabling a better understanding of chemical interactions within brain tissue. This breakthrough could help address currently intractable neurological diseases.
The University of Illinois has developed a new nanoscale sensor that can monitor areas 1,000 times smaller than traditional technology, tracking subtle changes in brain chemistry with sub-second resolution. The device takes advantage of silicon-based manufacturing techniques to achieve 100% efficiency and high spatial resolution.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.
Researchers established a molecular link between specific B12-producing gut bacteria and acetylcholine production in C. elegans, a neurotransmitter important to memory and cognitive function. A diet rich in these bacteria reduced seizure-like behavior in mutant worms by restoring excitatory/inhibitory balance.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method using nanopores to advance discoveries in neuroscience and medical applications. The technique allows for real-time detection of dynamic aptamer-small molecule interactions, which can aid in understanding DNA and RNA diseases and drug discovery.
The study reveals a double-layered structure of amyloid-β on GM1-containing membranes that acts as a catalyst for fibrillization. This discovery offers new insights into predicting Alzheimer's disease onset and potentially inhibiting its progression.
Conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for women with late-stage gynaecological cancers take too long and require too much stamina. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has shown promise in treating anxiety, depression, and end-of-life distress with rapid and sustained effects.
In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.
Researchers found a disrupted balance between glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters in the brains of people with OCD, which may lead to new treatment strategies. The study also suggests that excess glutamate levels could serve as a biomarker for OCD.
Researchers have developed a new method to study ant brain chemistry, revealing differences in neuropeptide distribution between two species. The approach integrates 3D chemical data with high-definition anatomical models, providing unbiased visualization of neurochemistry.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara discovered a unique pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat, with a single pair of neurons called 'Epi' neurons playing a crucial role. The Epi neurons produce a neuropeptide that suppresses thermal nociception, contradicting their role in fly larvae.
A new study by Emory University neuroscientists reveals that oxytocin plays a key role in male zebra finches' learning to sing by imitating their elders. The hormone influences young birds' preference for certain 'voice coaches', shedding light on the neural underpinnings of social vocal learning.
Researchers in China have created a simple nomogram using easily accessible and automatable detected routine clinical indicators to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Wilson's disease. The study identified six independent predictors of the disease, including serum copper and direct bilirubin.
A study found that air pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, increases neuroinflammation and worsens movement disorders in mice with ischemic strokes. This suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor to decreased prognosis in stroke patients.
Researchers found that psilocybin facilitates fear extinction in mice by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity. The study's results improve our understanding of the restorative effects of psilocybin on the brain and may lead to alternative treatments for PTSD.
Researchers have discovered a link between iron redox and Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the condition. The new imaging technique allows for the simultaneous detection of two forms of iron in cells and tissue, providing insights into its role in destroying brain cells.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a novel electrical method to control and analyze the dynamics of brain protein tau, which underlies many neurodegenerative diseases. The technique allows for real-time observation of the protein's transition from normal function to toxic tangles.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a new optogenetics-based tool to manipulate neuron excitability using light. By altering the electrical capacitance of cell membranes, they can change how strongly neurons respond to electrical input, with potential applications in learning, aging, and brain disorders.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Researchers discovered that krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration through temporal transcriptome rewiring and suppression of several hallmarks of aging. Krill oil increases neuronal resilience, promoting anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation, and abrogating multiple aging hallmarks.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 in prizes to four leading immigrant scientists: Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Edward Chouchani, Biyu J. He, and Shixin Liu. They received the 2023 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science for their groundbreaking work in regeneration, metabolic disease, cognitive neuroscience, and nanoscal...
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A novel fluorescent sensor has been developed to visualize the release of oxytocin, also known as the 'happy hormone', in living animals. The sensor, called MTRIA OT, allows for real-time measurement of extracellular oxytocin dynamics in the brain, revealing variability in OT levels dependent on behavioral and physical conditions.
A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.
Researchers elucidated the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine in learning and memory, revealing a signaling cascade involving protein kinase C. The study opens doors to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A novel network analysis technology can pinpoint seizure originating brain regions and predict a patient's seizure outcome before surgery, using only 10 minutes of resting state recordings.