Neuronal Synapses
Articles tagged with Neuronal Synapses
Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware
Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
Printed neurons communicate with living brain cells
Engineers at Northwestern University developed artificial neurons that generate realistic electrical signals to activate living brain cells. This breakthrough paves the way for brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics, as well as more efficient brain-like computing systems.
FAU awarded $2.4M NIH grant to study immune signaling and social behavior
Researchers will investigate the role of interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) in brain function, behavior, and psychiatric health. The study aims to define the physiological role of IL-1R1 in the brain and explore its influence on social behaviors.
Common anti-seizure drug prevents Alzheimer’s plaques from forming
Researchers discovered that levetiracetam prevents the production of toxic amyloid-beta 42 peptides and plaques in neurons. Administering the drug to high-risk individuals may slow cognitive decline and prevent Alzheimer's symptoms if started early, possibly up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
Discovery shines light on a cascade of events that occurs when toxic tau impacts synapses, suggesting new mechanisms for neurodegeneration
Researchers developed a new tool to track changes in the synaptic proteome over time, correlating changes to synaptic dysregulation and synapse loss. The results suggest that toxic tau oligomers impact postsynaptic structures first, leading to a dynamic cascade of events that contribute to neurodegeneration.
Pulling the plug on tumors: Varun Venkataramani receives Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Early Career Award 2026
Cancer cells tap into the nervous system's power grid by forming synaptic contacts with nerve cells, promoting tumor growth and spread. Venkataramani's research aims to repurpose the drug perampanel for glioblastoma treatment and develop gene therapy approaches to disconnect tumors from the nervous system.
A new atlas could help guide researchers studying neurological disease
A new study has created a comprehensive atlas of lysosomal proteins in the brain, shedding light on the functions and dysfunctions of these cellular components. The data, which includes 790 proteins associated with lysosomes, could help scientists better understand neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Observing synapses in action
A team of researchers has captured the process of synaptic vesicle fusion with neurotransmitters, revealing a direct form of vesicle recruitment that enables neurons to send signals over longer periods. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies for synaptic disorders and improve our understanding of brain function.
Neuroscience research reveals synapse functions, relationships in detail
Research from Colorado State University sheds light on the regulation of chemical balance in the brain, focusing on GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm brain activity. The study provides insights into how neurons maintain effective communication with each other, even when GABA is produced far from synapses.
Pancreatic cancer forms "synapses": tumors use neurotransmitters to drive their own growth
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.
Shared synaptic mechanism for Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease unlocks new treatment possibilities
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.
‘Frazzled’ fruit flies help unravel how neural circuits stay wired
Researchers have discovered a key role for the Frazzled protein in fruit fly neural circuits, revealing how it helps neurons form reliable connections. The study showed that when Frazzled is missing or mutated, neurons fail to form proper electrical connections, leading to communication breakdowns.
Neural activity helps circuit connections mature into optimal signal transmitters
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have revealed a fundamental model for how neural activity during development builds properly working connections. Neural activity plays a crucial role in maturing synaptic active zones, allowing them to send the right amount of chemical signals at the right times.
Researchers reveal how autism-linked mutation triggers PTSD-like fear
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
Wired to grow: How small cell lung cancer hijacks neuronal synapses
Researchers found that lung cancer cells can form functional synapses with neurons, supporting their growth and survival. Disrupting glutamate signalling led to lower tumour burden and longer survival in experimental mice, highlighting promising therapeutic targets.
AI reveals astrocytes play a ‘starring’ role in dynamic brain function
A recent study using machine learning and computational modeling reveals that astrocytes play a more active role in brain function than previously thought. Astrocytes subtly modulate communication between neurons during synchronous brain activity, influencing network coordination and stability.
Vesicle cycle model reveals inner workings of brain synapse
Researchers have successfully modeled the synaptic vesicle cycle with unprecedented detail, shedding new light on how our brains function. The model predicts parameters of synaptic function that could not be tested experimentally, opening new avenues for neuroscience investigations.
New ketamine study promises extended relief for depression
A new study published in Science suggests that ketamine's antidepressant effects can be sustained for up to two months by enhancing ERK activity with the drug BCI. This breakthrough could improve treatment outcomes for millions of people affected by major depressive disorder.
Overlooked cell type orchestrates brain rewiring
Researchers found that a brain chemical associated with alertness and learning alters brain connectivity by signaling through astrocytes, rather than directly on neurons. This discovery calls for greater focus on astrocytes as therapeutic targets in the treatment of attention, memory, and emotional disorders.
USC Dornsife researchers develop tool to break brain circuits with molecular precision
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have developed a powerful new method for selectively and reversibly breaking connections between brain cells, targeting specific synapses without harming neurons. The technique, inspired by the brain's own system for recycling proteins, allows for the elimination of eith...
Groundbreaking study uncovers how our brain learns
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery about how our brains learn new information. Using sophisticated imaging techniques, they found that individual neurons follow multiple rules during learning, rather than one set of uniform rules as previously thought. This new understanding has s...
Hereditary Alzheimer’s: Blood marker for defective neuronal connections rises early
A study has identified an early blood marker for hereditary Alzheimer's disease, beta-synuclein, which can detect neurodegeneration up to 11 years before dementia symptoms. This biomarker could help with early diagnosis and treatment, improving the potential of new medicines for Alzheimer's.
Groundbreaking study reveals changes in brain cell composition and gene activity in Tourette syndrome
Researchers analyzed brain tissue from individuals with severe Tourette syndrome and identified three key changes: altered gene activity, regulatory element modifications, and interneuron loss. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the disorder's biology and may explain why individuals experience involuntary movements and ...
Weight training protects older people’s brains against dementia, study suggests
A study published in GeroScience found that weight training improves memory and brain anatomy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The results showed that strength training protected against atrophy in key brain areas associated with Alzheimer's disease.
New imaging tool maps brain-wide changes in neuronal connections
Researchers have developed a new way to map how individual connections between neurons change across the entire brain during learning. The method, DELTA, provides a brain-wide map of how individual synaptic proteins change over time, allowing scientists to understand how synaptic connections change and pinpoint areas of the brain impor...
New rules for the game of memory
A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that patterns of activity in the brain continually reshape memories, even after learning has occurred. Researchers found that behavioral timescale synaptic plasticity (BTSP) is a key driver of this process, explaining the dynamic shifting of place cells in the hippocampus.
CD2AP and Alzheimer’s disease: A key regulator of neurodegeneration and potential therapeutic target
A review article reveals CD2AP's crucial role in amyloid metabolism, tau pathology, synaptic function, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. CD2AP deficiency accelerates plaque formation, while its loss in neurons leads to reduced spine density and impaired synaptic plasticity.
Maternal infection disrupts newborn brain development: A link to neurodevelopmental disorders
A new study reveals that maternal immune activation can alter hippocampal neuron excitability in newborn rats, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Prenatal inflammation has been linked to conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and depression, and may underlie their increased risk.
Temperature during development influences connectivity between neurons and behavior in fruit flies
Researchers found that lower environmental temperature during pupal development correlates to more synapses and postsynaptic partners in the brain, which affects odor-driven behavior. The study suggests a metabolic theory for brain wiring at different temperatures.
“Vortion,” a new magnetic state able to mimic neuronal synapses
Researchers have developed a new magnetic state called 'vortion' that can mimic the behavior of neuronal synapses. By controlling this state, they can create energy-efficient and reconfigurable devices with flexible technological demands.
Study suggests new molecular strategy for treating fragile X syndrome
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a new approach to treating fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors. This strategy normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in hippocampus of fragile X lab mice, offering a promising therapeutic target.
Mapping connections in a neuronal network
Harvard researchers have developed a silicon chip capable of recording small yet telltale synaptic signals from a large number of neurons. The chip has successfully mapped over 70,000 synaptic connections from approximately 2,000 rat neurons.
Mystery solved: New study reveals how DNA repair genes play a major role in Huntington's disease
Researchers discovered that mismatch repair genes are critical in eliciting damages to neurons vulnerable to Huntington's disease, triggering downstream pathologies and motor impairment. Targeting these genes may offer novel therapeutic approaches, including improving locomotor and gait deficits and reducing neuronal cell death.
Virginia Tech scientists discover mitochondria’s role in shaping memory circuits
Researchers have uncovered a mitochondrial process that supports brain cells critical for learning, memory, and social recognition. The study reveals the critical role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in enabling neurons to strengthen connections through synaptic plasticity.
Saving energy is "in", even neurons are joining in
Researchers found that neurons conserve energy by regulating mRNA and protein number and location based on molecule length, longevity, and other properties. This helps minimize energy expenditure for synthesis, transport, and degradation.
Brazilian researchers create cell atlas for brain malformation associated with severe epilepsy
Researchers used single-cell sequencing to characterize different cell types in brain lesions and identify subpopulations involved in disease progression. The study provides a cellular view of focal cortical dysplasia, a malformation leading to drug-resistant epilepsy.
Scientists ‘mimic real biological processes’ using synthetic neurons
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons. The device was integrated with artificial touch receptors and synapses to create a complete perception system, enabling real-time tactile signal sensing and processing.
New study uncovers key mechanism behind learning and memory
A breakthrough study reveals a critical pathway linking synaptic activity to gene expression changes necessary for learning and memory. Researchers identified the activation of receptors and ion channels generating calcium signals that rapidly communicate from synapses to the nucleus.
‘Ding-dong:’ A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbell
Research identifies IL-1R1-expressing neurons in key brain regions, including the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus, which regulate sensory processing, mood regulation, and memory. The study provides new insights into how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood, and memory disorders.
Mapping of circadian clock-related neuron connections in Drosophila
Researchers have constructed a comprehensive map of synaptic connections between clock neurons in Drosophila, identifying novel neurons and connections that influence feeding, mating, and sleep behaviors. The study also reveals the role of light input pathways and neurotransmitters in regulating clock neuron function.
Study links gene regulating brain circuit formation to autism and seizures
Researchers link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
Research reveals unique features of brain cells linked to neurodevelopmental conditions
A recent study has identified distinct features in two types of brain cells, intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which may affect their vulnerability to neurodevelopmental conditions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how these brain cells exchange information through their synapses.
Brain map clarifies neuronal connectivity behind motor function
Researchers created a whole-brain atlas to visualize regions of the brain connected to V1 interneurons, a group of cells necessary for movement. The findings provide a framework to further understand the anatomical landscape of the nervous system and how the brain communicates with the spinal cord.
TTUHSC’s Cornwall to investigate structure of brain extracellular matrix
Dr. Gail Cornwall is investigating the structure of the brain extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and polysaccharides found in the space between neurons and glia. Her research aims to identify novel structural elements and mechanisms that enable brain plasticity and sex-specific responses.
TTUHSC researcher to study protein regulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers investigate how perturbed gene expression contributes to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. Alternative polyadenylation, a mechanism regulating protein production, is being studied for its potential role in the disease.
Why deep sleep is helpful for memory
The study found that slow electrical waves during deep sleep strengthen synaptic connections and make the neocortex more receptive to information. This enhances memory formation by creating a state of elevated readiness in the cortex.
Key breakthrough in autism: pivotal role of CPEB4 condensates revealed
A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.
New insight into brain stability: the key role of NMDA receptors
Researchers discovered that NMDA receptors set the baseline level for neural network activity, helping maintain stable brain function. The study's findings suggest potential innovative treatments for diseases linked to disrupted neural stability.
Let sleeping babies lie: Scientists highlight negative impacts of sleep disruption on early brain development
Scientists found that sleep deprivation during early life can negatively impact key brain functions, leading to lasting effects on behavior and social skills. The study also suggests that genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder can interact with sleep disruption to cause long-lasting changes.
Scientists discover unexpected link between genes involved in human brain evolution and developmental disorders
Researchers found that two human-specific genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, regulate the SYNGAP1 gene involved in autism spectrum disorder. The study provides a direct link between human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Neuroscience breakthrough: A Princeton-led research team has mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly for the first time
A Princeton-led research team has built the first neuron-by-neuron and synapse-by-synapse roadmap through the brain of an adult fruit fly. The map reveals connections within the brain at every scale, enabling researchers to better understand its underlying logic and potentially develop tailored treatments for brain diseases.
Swallowing triggers a feeling of elation
A study at the University of Bonn has revealed that fly larvae have special sensors triggered by swallowing, releasing serotonin to continue eating. This control circuit may also exist in humans and could help understand eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.
Revealing the hidden brain: Dr. Marx and Professor Gilon challenge connectome projects and unveil new mechanisms of mentality
Researchers Dr. Marx and Prof. Gilon propose a novel tripartite mechanism of neural memory based on metal-centered complexes within the nECM/PNN, enabling the encoding of emotive states through biochemical interactions. This new understanding underscores the need for a more holistic approach to grasp brain function and mental processes.
Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows
A study of over 900 children with autism spectrum disorder found that brain overgrowth is associated with increased social and communication symptoms. The research used MRI brain images and mini-brain experiments to show that enlarged brains are linked to altered Ndel1 enzyme activity, potentially affecting brain development.
Glimpse into the nanoworld: microscope reveals tiniest cell processes
A new type of fluorescence microscope has been developed with a resolution better than five nanometres, enabling the capture of even the tiniest cell structures. This breakthrough allows researchers to visualize fine tubes in cells that are only around seven nanometres wide.
Memory loss in aging and dementia: Dendritic spine head diameter predicts memory in old age
A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Fruit fly post-mating behavior controlled by male-derived peptide via command neurons – study
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified specific groups of neurons in the female fly's brain responding to the sex-peptide, which influences post-mating behaviors. The study found that the peptide targets higher-order 'command neurons' essential for behavioral decision-making.
Brain changes linked to obesity result in low sperm count
A UC Riverside-led research team found that obesity causes chronic changes in the brain, leading to reduced connections between neurons and lower testosterone levels. The study suggests that the primary site of obesity's effects on reproductive function is the brain, rather than the testes or pituitary gland.