Articles tagged with Cellular Neuroscience
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University have pinpointed a mechanism in the brain responsible for age-related memory loss. The hippocampus' CA3 region plays a critical role in pattern separation and completion, which become imbalanced with aging, leading to impaired memory.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that general anesthesia induces synchronized activity in layer 5 pyramidal neurons, leading to the loss of consciousness. This finding has significant implications for the development of better anesthetic drugs and improved surgical outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.
Researchers have identified the complete series of 10 factors that regulate the development of brain cell types in the visual system of fruit flies. This discovery opens new avenues of research to understand how brain development evolved in different animals and holds clues for regenerative medicine.
Scientists have created a new technology using colour pigments from the food industry to stimulate nerve cells with the help of implantable mini solar cells. This innovation could lead to accelerated healing and prevention of complications in severe brain injuries, as well as potential applications in pain therapy and retinal implants.
Researchers discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells contributes to the death of motor neurons in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that lowering levels of this toxin may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for diverse types of ALS/FTD.
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
A new discovery by VUB professor Ann Massie's research group reveals a strategy that prolongs life expectancy and preserves hippocampal function in the aging brain. The absence of system xc- has positive effects on mouse longevity and cognitive function, challenging current understanding of the aging process.
Researchers discovered non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that demonstrate therapeutic effects, offering an alternative solution to the characteristic hallucinations of traditional psychedelics. The findings may lead to the development of safe and effective drugs for treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Acute COVID-19 infection can lead to various neurological symptoms, including confusion, stroke, and depression, which persist months after infection. The authors propose possible mechanisms, such as vascular and immune dysfunction, that may give rise to these symptoms and trigger future neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have uncovered how the brain processes sensory information, revealing new insights into perception and cognition. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding neurological disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and stroke, as well as targeted treatments and interventions.
A transdisciplinary research team at Göttingen Campus has found a new perspective on the rhythmic processes in the brain. They discovered that adapting interneurons can switch between very slow rhythms and fast rhythms, challenging previous assumptions about their function.
Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that PQBP1 interacts with Tau protein to drive an immune response in the brain. The study reveals a mechanism of inflammation that functions in both viral infection and neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at the University of Trento discovered brain cells acting as a compass for navigating conceptual spaces, similar to those found in physical environments. These 'head-direction cells' signal direction even when movement occurs in abstract spaces, suggesting a complementary mechanism for conceptual navigation.
Researchers have used advanced microscopy to study the ultrastructure of huntingtin inclusions, revealing different mechanisms of aggregation that lead to distinct biochemical properties. The findings suggest targeting inclusion growth as a potential therapeutic strategy for slowing Huntington's disease progression.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that increased levels of ceramides and alpha-synuclein protein in extracellular vesicles could help diagnose Lewy body dementia and test treatment effectiveness. The findings may lead to a more accurate diagnosis for the over 100,000 people affected by the disease.
Researchers found osteocalcin hormone facilitates oligodendrocyte differentiation and hypermyelination through transcription factor Myrf. GPR37 receptor mediates OCN's function in oligodendrocytes, affecting myelin production and remyelination.
Recent Mason bioengineering research appears as cover articles in Nature, discussing cell census and atlas of the motor cortex. The studies aim to develop technologies for investigating neural circuits and understanding brain diseases.
Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.
A team of Korean researchers developed a novel, flexible neural interface that can measure neuronal activity while delivering drugs to the implant site. This breakthrough device has promising implications for brain-machine interfaces and treating neurological diseases.
Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
A new study suggests that existing drugs for multiple sclerosis may not be effective due to toxic blood leaks in the brain. Researchers have identified a promising alternative treatment option that could improve myelin repair, even in the presence of these harmful elements.
Chronic light exposure disrupts circadian rhythms in rats, leading to memory deficits and amyloid β accumulation similar to Alzheimer's disease. Fluoxetine treatment prevents these effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at NICT unraveled a neural correlate of Pavlovian conditioning, discovering that alteration in information processing by feeding command neurons governs behavioral change. The experimental system made possible real-time observation of cell-cell connection for memory formation.
Scientists discovered a new mitochondrial recycling pathway that may help prevent Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that genes associated with Parkinson's disease play key roles in this process and that disruptions can contribute to neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that longer breaks between learning events lead to more stable activation patterns in the brain, allowing for better memory retention. This study provides insights into the neuronal processes behind the spacing effect, suggesting that taking breaks can slow down learning but improve long-term memory.
Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered distinct populations of neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region that control different body movements. These findings could improve therapies for Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neuronal populations involved in postural changes and body extension.
Researchers have developed a cell atlas of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm that poses a risk to hundreds of millions of people each year. The study identified 13 distinct cell types within the worm at the start of its development, including new cell types in the nervous and muscular systems.
Researchers found that betta fish opponents undergo similar brain changes that become more synchronized after longer fights. The study suggests that even in aggressive behavior like fighting, brains may cooperate at the molecular level.
A team of UCF researchers has created a nanoscale device that mimics the neural pathways of brain cells used for human vision. The innovation combines two promising materials to enable robots to process and memorize information, reducing processing time and energy consumption.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) has announced the 2019 class of NYSCF - Robertson Investigators, including Ya-Chieh Hsu, Evangelos Kiskinis, Florian Merkle, Nicholas Bellono, Lauren O'Connell and six others. The award provides $1.5 million over five years to outstanding young scientists.
Calcium channel blockers reduced calcium ion flow into brain cells, restoring normal function and improving memory in diseased flies. The study suggests targeting L-type channels could be effective in treating Alzheimer's memory loss.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that a broccoli sprout compound can restore the brain's glutamate balance, which is linked to schizophrenia. The study suggests that supplementing with sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, may reduce the need for traditional antipsychotic medications.
A new study suggests that impaired mitophagy, the process of removing defective mitochondria from brain cells, is a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. By boosting mitophagy, researchers were able to slow down the accumulation of toxic proteins and reverse cognitive deficits in animal models.
Researchers have developed two new mouse models to study schizophrenia and found that restoring ErbB4 receptors alleviates symptoms regardless of brain development. The study suggests a therapeutic approach focused on improving brain cell signaling associated with the ErbB4 receptor.
A recent study by Baycrest researchers found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and primary progressive aphasia exhibited sluggish brainwaves and subtle signs of damage in memory and planning regions. These slowing brainwaves predicted the severity of their condition, such as degree of memory loss.
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded six international researchers with $1 million each over two years to explore innovative treatments for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to discover effective drugs that can rejuvenate brain cells and slow or halt the progression of the disease.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has selected six promising researchers for its 2018 class of NYSCF-Robertson Investigators. These scientists will receive $1.5 million in funding to pursue high-risk, high-reward research projects in stem cell biology and neuroscience.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to pinpoint epigenetic signals driving cocaine addiction and shed light on rare genetic disorders. They also developed a cellular disease model to probe the neurobiological causes of schizophrenia and identified changes in neural stem cells caused by Zika virus.
Research suggests that chronic inflammation in mid-life may be an early contributor to brain cell loss and memory decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found people with elevated inflammation biomarkers had smaller brain volumes and lower scores on a memory test compared to those without elevated markers.
Research suggests that amyloid-beta, a toxic protein, can travel to the brain from other parts of the body, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers hope for new drug therapies that target the kidneys or liver to prevent the protein from reaching the brain.
Researchers found that oxidative stress produces microfractures in amniotic membranes, increasing the risk of early water breakage and preterm birth. The study used specialized microscopic techniques to detect these fractures in donated amniotic membranes.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that the protein Slit is required for maintaining interconnecting pathways in the nervous system. Slit-Robo signaling controls this process, and Mummy enzyme modifies Slit to regulate Robo distribution.
Scientists used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to reverse Huntington's disease pathology and motor symptoms in a mouse model. The treatment delivered enzymes to brain cells, reducing toxic protein aggregates and improving motor abilities.
Researchers found a genetic alteration in the DIXDC1 gene that affects brain cell growth and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This discovery holds promise for identifying new medications targeting core symptoms of autism.
Researchers have made patients' stem cells available for worldwide study to better understand bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness with extreme mood swings. The shared stem cells can be turned into brain cells in the lab, enabling scientists to study how the disease affects brain cells and potentially lead to new treatments.
A study published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that a high-fat diet, particularly one rich in saturated fats like lard, can impair cognitive function and lead to increased hunger. In contrast, consuming fish oil has been shown to support brain health and regulate appetite.
Research at University of Plymouth investigates potential therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition caused by alpha-synuclein protein deposits in nerve cells. The project aims to understand mitochondrial damage and its impact on DLB, potentially leading to new treatments.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 22 exceptional early-career scientists as Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences. These researchers will receive flexible funding to pursue innovative research, joining a community of scientists dedicated to collaboration and mentorship.
A new study by Binghamton University provides a unifying model for genetic disorders, revealing how subtle mutations of the LMNA gene disrupt cell commitment processes. This leads to confusion among cells, causing different organs to malfunction, resulting in various conditions like heart problems and premature aging.
Research suggests that a pure maple syrup extract may help prevent the misfolding and clumping of brain proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The extract also showed neuroprotective effects in rodent microglial brain cells, potentially benefiting neurological health.
Scientists uncover network of genes controlling puberty onset, discovering repressors that delay puberty. The study may help develop new treatments for precocious puberty and understand the impact of environmental factors on early puberty onset.
Joshua Levitz, PhD, received the Nemko Prize for his innovative approach to studying G protein-coupled receptors. His method will impact brain circuitry research and our understanding of receptor signaling.
A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.
A new blood test can predict the severity of traumatic brain injuries and identify patients who may benefit from extra therapy. The test measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the blood, which can help doctors advise patients on treatment and monitor their recovery.
Researchers discovered that rorqual whale nerves can double in length without damage, supporting their extreme lunge feeding mechanism. This discovery highlights the importance of flexible nervous systems in accommodating body deformation.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has awarded $9 million to six promising scientists, including three stem cell researchers and three neuroscience researchers. The awards will enable them to expand their laboratories and train other scientists.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded 22 young scientists with funding to investigate pressing health problems through the Pew Biomedical Scholars program. This initiative supports top U.S. researchers at the assistant professor level, providing flexible funding for four years to seed innovation in their independent research careers.