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Researchers expand our understanding of how the body and brain communicate

Researchers have discovered that specific neurons in the thalamus are actively involved in processing cardiac and respiratory signals. This breakthrough understanding of brain-body integration may help characterize how subcortical regions process signals through a functional pathway from internal organs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Follow the salt: connecting salt concentrations and motion in roundworms

Researchers discovered that a specific phase of neck motor neuron activation in roundworms adjusts their trajectory toward higher salt concentrations. This finding highlights the neural mechanisms underlying navigation and sensory-motor integration, shedding light on how even simple animals adapt to environmental changes.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

The algebra of neurons

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence discovered how a specific type of neuron can multiply two incoming signals in fruit flies. This finding provides insight into the algebra of neurons, which underlies various brain processes such as sound localization and visual motion detection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2022

A nerve cell serves as a 'single' for studies

Scientists at the University of Bonn and Amsterdam created a novel human nerve cell model consisting of a single nerve cell from pluripotent stem cells, providing highly standardized conditions for investigating nerve cell functions. The model was tested with various stimulation experiments and demonstrated highly reproducible data.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 14, 2019

Neurons can carry more than one signal at a time

Researchers from Duke University found that single neurons can switch between encoding information for two different sounds, suggesting a potential explanation for how the brain processes complex information. The study's results may also shed light on perceptual and cognitive limitations.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2018

Blame your noisy brain for misses and fumbles

A new study by neuroscientists at Duke University found that even practiced movements are imperfect due to brain noise, which can affect our responding movements. The research team discovered a correlation between the activity of individual neurons and the size of eye movement delays.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 10, 2016

Breakthrough for electrode implants in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2015

Neuroscience's grand question

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model to understand how cells monitor and self-regulate their properties in the face of continual cellular turnover. The model suggests that neurons use an internal gauge to adjust ion channel expression, but this system can lead to neuronal hyperexcitability and disrupt overall homeostasis.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNeuron·DateMay 21, 2014

Scripps Florida scientists offer new insight into neuron changes brought about by aging

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJan 22, 2014

Single neurons can detect sequences

Researchers at University College London found that single neurons and even individual dendrites can effectively distinguish between different temporal sequences of incoming information. This challenges the widely held view that large numbers of neurons working together are necessary for sequence processing in the brain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 12, 2010

Mapping the neural landscape of hunger

Studies have mapped brain regions and feeding cycles, but this study records neuronal activity across a full cycle of hunger-satiety-hunger. The researchers found that populations of neurons change their activity over the different phases of a feeding cycle, reflecting the physiological state of the animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 16, 2006