Articles tagged with Cellular Neuroscience
Researchers have created the most detailed cellular atlas of the basal ganglia, a region critical for movement, habit formation, and emotion. The atlas, developed by a global consortium of over 50 institutions, provides a comprehensive library of brain cell types and datasets across human, macaque, marmoset, and mouse species.
The BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) has published a 3D atlas of the human basal ganglia, a group of nerve cells controlling key functions like learning and movement. This comprehensive database could be used to create personalized therapeutics and treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease and addiction.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a potential biomarker for PTSD susceptibility in female animal models, suggesting a link to stress hormone patterns. The study suggests that a simple stress provocation test could serve as a clinical biomarker for PTSD risk and point toward early interventions. The findings raise the po...
A new study reveals that the CASS4 gene plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease by directing brain-cleaning immune cells, which can be disrupted leading to the buildup of toxic plaques. This discovery offers new hope for the development of treatments or prevention strategies by targeting the gene or microglia in the brain.
A new review examines the relationship between tumors and the nervous system, suggesting that psychedelics may be able to 'listen' to the system and provide relief from cancer-related symptoms. The review also explores the potential for psychedelics to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in cancer patients.
WVU neurobiologist Eric Horstick has received a $1 million NSF CAREER award to investigate how early temperature experiences shape the brain and behavior. The project will also provide students with hands-on neuroscience research experience and develop a zebrafish behavioral recording setup.
The Simons Collaboration on Brain Energetics (SCOBE) investigates how energy constraints shape neural computation, from molecules to circuits to behavior. SCOBE will explore brain energetics at the single-cell level, across brain circuits, neurovascular coupling, and adaptation to energy scarcity.
Researchers discovered the APOE4 gene variant suppresses Wnt signaling, a key molecular pathway for oligodendrocyte function. The team demonstrates an intervention, GSK3b inhibition, to restore Wnt signaling and myelination, showing potential for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
A new study reveals that alcohol abuse damages the brain through immune cells called microglia, which disrupt the extracellular matrix. This disruption leads to neuronal dysfunction, motor impairments, and sedation. The research identifies a potential treatment target in the MyD88 protein, which can be used to prevent or limit brain da...
Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism of synaptic facilitation, a process that strengthens synaptic transmission and is thought to be the basis for instantaneous memory. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that a calcium binding protein called Synaptotagmin 7 plays a crucia...
Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.
The editorial highlights the gap between prioritization and mechanism in brain multi-omics research, emphasizing the need for functional testing and harmonized metadata to establish biological meaning and clinical relevance. It proposes three complementary strategies: dynamic comparisons, joint measurements, and targeted perturbation e...
Researchers have mapped the mouse motor cortex into 16 distinct subregions, revealing its precise wiring and organization. This detailed map could help scientists understand and combat diseases like ALS and dementia, which affect the motor cortex.
Researchers mapped the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, discovering they transmit multiple signals through distinct routes with great precision. They found that LC neurons in the dorsal part send connections to the cerebral cortex and forebrain, while those in the ventral area communicate with the brainstem and spinal cord.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified TRPM2 as a direct pain transducer that amplifies chronic pain signals. Blocking TRPM2 with a drug injected into the joint completely reversed arthritis pain in mice, providing a promising new approach to treating chronic pain more effectively.
Researchers developed a new brain imaging measure, CCSI, to study how blood flow and cellular organization align across the brain. CCSI revealed patterns of blood flow and cellular density that correlated with mitochondrial activity and energy demands, offering new insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases.
A new brain atlas reveals that neurons build their identity in the first hours of life, rather than inheriting it from their parent cells. The atlas, which mapped nearly 250,000 fly brain cells, shows that neuronal identity is established through a flexible, modular system involving different DNA switches and regulatory proteins.
Dr. Sophie de Vries receives funding to study how plants balance immunity with cooperation, while Dr. Tristan Stöber works on developing AI systems that can build accurate internal models of the world. Professor Elisa Oberbeckmann investigates gene regulation mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a genetic toolkit to isolate individual neuron types in a fruit fly brain, revealing distinct neuronal subgroups that produce different effects, including suppressing aggression. The study identifies a universal control of aggression across sexes and highlights the complex roles of neurons within the same neu...
The study found that structural connectome embeddedness reveals a dynamic organizing dimension of human brain activity, where whole-brain functional activity is constrained by global structural topology. Higher CoDE values indicate stronger brain activity patterns embedded in structural connectome topology.
Salk Institute researchers found microglia's novel way to contribute to ALS progression and death, using TAM receptors to find and kill motor neurons in spinal cords of mice with ALS. The study suggests a new target for therapy innovation, but notes the complexity of variables involved.
A new study reveals that ketamine enhances neuroplasticity in female mice by activating the FKBP51 protein, but has no effect on male mice. This finding could lead to better treatments for depression and highlight the importance of sex differences in drug effects.
Researchers have identified a new type of brain plaque, called mitochondrial plaques, that may emerge at the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. These plaques contain high levels of amyloid precursor protein and can directly affect neurons, making them a potential target for new treatments.
A study found that brain immune cells undergo substantial remodeling in midlife, leading to chronic neuroinflammation and potential dementia risk. The research used advanced single-cell analysis techniques to analyze postmortem hippocampal tissue from 40 healthy adults.
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.
Researchers found that repetitive neuronal stimulation transforms the identity of mature neurons, inducing cellular dematuration and widespread chromatin accessibility changes. The study suggests an 'intermediate state' of high plasticity, where specific configurations may depend on how strongly and often neuronal activity is applied.
Researchers found that most temperature-sensitive nerve cells are activated by cooling, and their activity reduces with warming. This finding challenges the long-standing view of temperature sensing and could guide future research into pain and sensory disorders.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
Researchers found that a single exposure to cocaine can alter the structure of mouse brain cells, leading to lasting changes in gene expression and neural function. These persistent changes may increase the risk of addiction and raise questions about the potential long-term effects of recreational cocaine use.
Salk Institute researchers discovered chronoferroptosis, a chronic stress pathway in cells that causes neurons to become less resilient over time and more susceptible to neurodegeneration. Iron accumulation was found to lower the cells' defenses, making them more vulnerable to stressors.
A recent study published in Cell has revealed that senescent cells, often associated with aging and disease, play a previously unrecognized role in building the brain's protective barriers. These cells contribute to the formation of two critical barrier systems: the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers.
A new study by UC3M researchers reveals how extracellular acidosis destabilizes microtubules, the 'avenues' that organize internal cellular traffic, leading to disruptions in cellular function. This finding holds significant implications for understanding pathologies like cancer, diabetes, and certain infectious processes.
Researchers at NIH have discovered key intracellular signaling processes involved in the weight-loss effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug. The findings may help extend treatment duration and reduce plateaus experienced by patients.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $2.9 million federal grant to establish an advanced microscopy facility, enabling researchers to study cellular processes with nanoscale precision. The facility will house cutting-edge instruments like the MINFLUX microscope, which can visualize molecular events in brain cell...
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered that sensory nerve signals interfere with the immune system's response to lung cancer. They found that exposure to cigarette smoke further exploits this neuroimmune interaction, accelerating tumour growth in mice.
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.
The APOE2 gene variant is associated with exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Research reveals that APOE2 helps human neurons maintain genomic integrity and resist cellular senescence, driving neurodegeneration. This study offers a mechanistic answer to the protective mechanism behind APOE2's role in aging.
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
The APOE2 gene variant is linked to exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk, thanks to its ability to help human neurons keep their DNA intact and resist cellular senescence. This study reveals a previously underappreciated function of the gene, shifting attention away from its role in cholesterol transport.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered that the primary cilium, a microscopic structure inside nearly every cell, plays a critical role in brain development. The study found that proteins associated with the cilium are directly linked to human developmental disorders and that protein production occurs directly w...
A study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that lithium chloride may affect various cellular level changes in Alzheimer's disease, including Tau phosphorylation and Rho GTPase signaling. The researchers identified new AD-relevant phosphosites affected by lithium chloride treatment.
Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.
Gonçalo Cotovio uses lesion network mapping to identify the circuits responsible for psychiatric symptoms, aiming to develop personalized brain stimulation treatments. His work has produced striking findings in mania and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with ambitions to extend to disordered feeding behavior.
Scientists have discovered a protective brain pathway that preserves dopamine-producing neurons and reduces degeneration in female models with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that strengthening this pathway could help slow the progression of the disease, offering new potential for treatment.
Researchers subjected fruit flies to extreme gravitational forces and found they adapted and recovered, showing resilience in movement and energy use. The study suggests the brain makes energy trade-offs based on gravity levels, with moderate increases pushing for more movement and higher energy demands.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that single-celled organism Stentor learns through modifying existing proteins with calcium signaling, which is similar to the mechanism used by animal neurons. This finding suggests that learning may be a fundamental feature of life and could have evolved before the emergence of brains.
Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...
A new study reveals that astrocytes build far-reaching connections to communicate with other cells across the brain. These pathways appear to connect distant regions in ways that had not been mapped before, adding a new layer to how brain regions stay connected.
Researchers identify calcium as a key chemical signal that triggers immune cells during obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors. This discovery establishes a new framework to study how anxiety arises and persists through calcium signals in microglia, potentially leading to targeted therapies.
Research finds over 3,000 genes with sex-biased transcription in the brain, including genetic variants linked to ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Sex differences may arise from interplay of biological and social influences.
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.
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.
A new survey by Autism BrainNet reveals a significant disconnect between Americans' strong support for autism research and their limited understanding of postmortem brain donation. The survey found that 70% of respondents had never heard of brain donation, despite 92% agreeing its importance in advancing research.
Researchers have mapped a brain circuit specific to chronic pain, suggesting a promising route to treatment. Silencing this circuit eased chronic pain while preserving acute pain responses in mice. The discovery raises the possibility of developing drugs that target this circuit to ease chronic pain without impacting acute pain.
A new study uses optogenetics to control specific communication pathways in the common marmoset brain, offering a clearer view of complex behavior and brain disorders. This method enables researchers to manipulate individual long-range brain circuits with greater precision than before.
Scientists have discovered genetic pathways and compounds that protect cone photoreceptors, crucial for central vision, from degeneration associated with age-related macular degeneration. The study used human retinal organoids and identified two kinase inhibitors as key protective mechanisms.
A Tulane University study reveals how the brain regulates defensive behavior and fine-tunes fear responses as perceived threats diminish. Researchers identified distinct roles for neurons in the central amygdala, which help determine whether an animal responds with intense escape behavior or freezing.
Researchers have discovered how the TRPM8 protein changes its shape when exposed to cool temperatures, shedding light on the mechanisms behind cold sensation and pain. The study could lead to new treatments for conditions like cold allodynia and improve our understanding of dynamic proteins.
Researchers developed Neuronal Type Assignment from Connectivity (NTAC) to accurately assign neuronal cell types based on synaptic wiring patterns. NTAC outperformed traditional morphology-based approaches in identifying neuron types, especially in complex brain regions.