Cellular Neuroscience
Articles tagged with Cellular Neuroscience
Longevity-linked APOE2 gene variant helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging
Antibody spurs nerve fiber regrowth following spinal cord injury
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.
Longevity-linked APOE2 gene variant helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging
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.
A tiny cell structure with a big role in brain development
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...
Researchers discovered new therapeutic targets for lithium in Alzheimer’s disease
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 of lifelong brain resilience, with inaugural interview featuring Luísa Pinto on glial plasticity
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.
Lesions as a window into cause: a psychiatrist bets that circuits, not regions, explain psychiatric disorders
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.
Researchers uncover brain mechanism that may help slow Parkinson’s disease, curiously only in females
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.
Under crushing hypergravity, flies adapt — and recover
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.
No brain required: This is how the single-celled stentor learns
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.
How do astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome?
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...
Brain support cells form previously unknown network
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.
Anxiety regulated by key signal in brain immune cells
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.
Sex differences in human brain gene expression may shape disease risk
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.
Ten early-career neuroscientists selected as 2026 Leon Levy Scholars across New York City
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.
Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray
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.
Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial
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.
Survey: Americans strongly support autism research — but most don’t know brain donation is needed to advance it
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.
Newly identified chronic pain circuit offers pathways to new treatments
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.
Shedding light on the brain: new method controls neural pathways
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.
What keeps vision cells alive?
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.
Tulane University study reveals how the brain fine-tunes fear as threats fade
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.
How the body senses cold has been a mystery — until now
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.
Can synaptic connectivity alone reveal neuron types?
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.
Why stress shows up on your skin: scientists trace a pathway that worsens eczema
New research reveals how psychological stress worsens atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, by activating a specific neural pathway. This pathway links the brain to immune responses in the skin, leading to increased inflammation and worsening symptoms.
Extremely deep-frozen region of brain can process electrical learning stimuli again after thawing
Researchers have developed a method to preserve brain tissue in a functional state using vitrification, allowing for long-term preservation and re-examination of neural networks. The technique enables the recovery of electrical signals and long-term potentiation, crucial for learning and memory processes.
Toward autonomous self-organizing biological robots with a nervous system
In a breakthrough study, researchers successfully integrated neuronal precursor cells into biobots, resulting in the formation of functional nervous systems. This development has significant implications for neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine, enabling the investigation of fundamental questions about the origin of ...
The writing on the genes and the tumor’s power grid
Recent discoveries have shed light on gene expression control in tumor growth, revealing the critical role of epigenetic marks and genomic imprinting. The findings have significant implications for cancer treatment, as they suggest that disrupting the tumor's access to neural signaling may halt its growth.
A new reagent makes living brains transparent for deeper, non-invasive imaging
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.
What changes happen in the aging brain?
Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...
How mice see: Newly discovered nerve cells perceive more than just edges
Researchers identified new neurons that respond to different spatial frequencies, allowing for more precise object recognition, and used digital twins to confirm the findings in mouse brains.
Increased connectivity in early Alzheimer’s is lowered by cancer drug in the lab
A cancer medication, eFT508, has been shown to lower hyperconnectivity in early Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid-beta protein levels. This finding suggests a promising treatment avenue for memory loss in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.
Brain-clearing cells offer clues to slowing Alzheimer’s disease progression
A new study reveals that tanycytes, specialized brain cells, play a key role in clearing the toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that maintaining tanycyte health could be a way to slow disease progression.
Keeping neurons on the right path
Researchers identify nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as a central mediator of neuronal migration and cortical lamination. The study reveals that UPF2, a core component of NMD machinery, is essential for proper neuron migration and brain development.
Ribosomes in pairs
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.
Researchers alter protein structures with novel method
Researchers develop novel method to manipulate cell structures using weak magnetic fields and isotopes, bridging structural biology, biophysics, and quantum biology. This work offers a potential new strategy for stabilizing damaged brain proteins, typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
A clock that measures the aging of nerve cells finds molecules that protect against age-related neurodegeneration
Researchers found molecules such as syringic acid that protect neurons from aging, while others like resveratrol promote neurodegeneration. An AI-powered approach identified potential therapeutic substances to preserve brain function and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum 2026, 6-10 July, Barcelona, Spain
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Korea University’s College of Medicine held the 2025 Joint Forum with Yale University
The Korea University-Yale University Joint Forum aimed to discuss expanding cooperation in neuroscience and training physician scientists. Key findings include agreements for annualizing the joint forum and discussing research topics for future forums.
Cellular hazmat team cleans up tau. Could it prevent dementia?
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified CUL5, a protein that tags tau for elimination, as a key player in preventing the formation of toxic tau protein clumps that can lead to dementia. The study found that neurons with more CUL5 are less vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.
New research connects heart attacks to brain, nervous and immune systems
Researchers have uncovered a new understanding of how cardiac events are interconnected with the brain and nervous/immune systems. They found that sensory neurons in the vagus nerve detect injury and transfer signals to dedicated brain structures, leading to activation of the immune system.
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.
Ambitious model fails to explain near-death experiences, experts say
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
Discovery reveals how keto diet can prevent seizures when drugs fail
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how the keto diet protects against epilepsy seizures by regulating brain cell activity. The team found that a specific cellular receptor, HCAR2, plays a crucial role in reducing seizures, and may be targeted for new treatments.
Researchers identify novel therapeutic target to improve recovery after nerve injury
A study published in PNAS reveals that peripheral neuropathy can reduce macrophage immune cells' ability to clear dead cells through efferocytosis, leading to chronic pain. Restoring this process may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent inflammatory signaling and improve nerve repair.
Brain immune cells may drive more damage in females than males with Alzheimer’s
Researchers discovered that female brain immune cells called microglia express more interferon-related genes when responding to amyloid-β plaques, causing more harm to neuronal connections. This finding suggests a potential sex-specific treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists develop new way to “listen in” on the brain’s hidden language
Researchers have engineered a protein that can detect the faintest incoming chemical signals of brain cells, allowing for real-time decoding of neural activity. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand the complex cascade of electrical activity underlying learning, memory, and emotion.
How do brains stay stable, and when might a dose of flexibility be helpful?
Scientists at Salk Institute find protein CCN1, secreted by astrocytes, maintains stable neural circuits in adult brains. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for brain injury and stroke.
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.
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.
Scientists ID potential way to prevent brain injuries from triggering Alzheimer's
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
Is bioluminescence the key to safe, effective brain imaging?
Researchers at Brown University have created a bioluminescence tool that enables the measurement of activity in living brain cells without damaging them. The CaBLAM tool uses bioluminescent light production to capture single-cell and subcellular activity at high speeds, allowing for longer recordings and reducing hardware requirements.
Five ways microplastics may harm your brain
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
RNA editing study finds many ways for neurons to diversify
Scientists have cataloged hundreds of target sites and widely varying editing rates for RNA editing in more than 200 individual cells of tonic and phasic motor neurons. The study found that most sites were edited at rates between extremes, and that some edits altered proteins involved in neural communication and function.
“Cellular Big Brother”: 3D model with human cells allows real-time observation of brain metastases and paves the way for new treatments
A study led by Brazilian researchers has reconstructed the brain environment in the lab, revealing live interactions between cancer and healthy tissue. The 3D model allows real-time observation of brain metastases and has potential to reshape future therapies against metastatic melanoma.
Muscle protein linked to exercise opens new way to treat Alzheimer’s
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
Research in mice reveals brain cells that drive—and prevent—anxiety
Researchers have identified two groups of brain cells in mice that regulate anxiety - a 'gas pedal' that accelerates anxiety and a 'brake pedal' that prevents it. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for anxiety disorders by targeting these microglia.
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.