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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.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

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.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

Do neurons transmit light?

Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.

Axon-mimicking materials for computing

A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2024

Study provides the first anatomical and functional representation of the ocular surface in the central nervous system

Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalPhysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

The body’s own lipids affect mental disorders: Can specific inhibitors help?

Research suggests that altered lipid signaling in brain cells contributes to mental disorders, with specific inhibitors showing promise in rebalancing this mechanism. The study found similar changes in both human patients and healthy relatives, as well as mice with genetic disorders, opening up new treatment opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

A sense of touch: ASICs are the receptor for a proton synaptic messenger between Merkel cells and an afferent nerve

A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers discovered that protons are the primary signals transmitting tactile sensations from Merkel cells to nerves. Protons bind to ASIC receptors on nerve endings, triggering an influx of sodium ions that propagate action potentials up the nerve towards the brain.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Buck scientists discover a potential way to repair synapses damaged in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging propose an alternate strategy for reversing memory problems in Alzheimer's disease by targeting the KIBRA protein. The findings suggest that KIBRA can rescue mechanisms that promote synapse resilience, potentially leading to improved memory function.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Understanding the speed of brain communication

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that brain transmission speeds continue to increase into early adulthood, reaching a plateau around age 30-40. This may help clinicians offer therapies to treat disorders such as anxiety and depression that emerge during late adolescence and early adulthood.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 11, 2023

Inner ear has a need for speed

Researchers have discovered a unique, fast synapse in the inner ear that processes signals faster than any other in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for vertigo and balance disorders affecting millions of Americans over 40.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2023

Buck Institute scientists uncover a new role for blood-brain barrier in neuron function and damage

Researchers at Buck Institute discover that blood-brain barrier cells influence neuron function and can cause problems rather than just being protective. This finding opens up new avenues for therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

A methodological leap in the exploration of memory

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'toolbox' to study receptor mobility in the brain, revealing its critical role in certain types of memory. The study used high-resolution imaging and manipulation techniques to observe receptor dynamics in intact brain tissue, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling memory.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate

Neuroscientists have uncovered the step-by-step process of how calcium channels accumulate at active zones in neurons, a critical component of synaptic transmission. The study reveals that alpha2delta plays a key role in regulating Cac levels, and its function has important clinical effects on conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Untangling the role of tau in Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study published in eLife has revealed that high levels of soluble tau protein impair signaling between neurons, leading to cognitive decline. The research suggests that targeting the binding site of dynamin, a protein that binds to microtubules, may rescue synaptic transmission and prevent memory impairment.

Noise down, neuron signals up

A new biologically accurate model of background noise in the nervous system has been developed to explain how noise induces delays in neuron responses. The researchers found that modulating two factors can help neurons encode information more accurately.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 15, 2012

R-Type Channels - A New Type Of Calcium Channels Controlling Signal Transduction Between Neurons In The Brain

Researchers found that R-type channels control transmitter release in presynaptic terminals, contributing to fine-tuning synaptic activity. These high-voltage-activated channels are resistant to known blockers and have been identified through simultaneous recordings of Ca2+ influx and EPSC evoked by a single action potential.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 1998