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New tool shines light on hidden protein mystery

Rice scientists develop simple method to study pyroglutamate, unlocking new insights into how proteins function and form. The technique uses blueish light to initiate chemistry that allows researchers to find out the roles of this ubiquitous modification.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2026

New PET imaging study reveals how ketamine relieves treatment-resistant depression

A new PET imaging study reveals that ketamine relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering AMPAR in brain regions, providing potential biomarker for personalized treatment. The study found that ketamine increased AMPAR density in several cortical regions and decreased it in reward-related areas, strongly correlating with reducti...

SourceYCU Advanced Medical Research Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 6, 2026

In-situ magic: A game changer for stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in aqueous zinc batteries

Scientists introduce a novel approach to construct robust electrode/electrolyte interphase layers on both cathode and anode of aqueous zinc batteries. The use of glutamate additives enables efficient suppression of undesirable side reactions, leading to improved electrochemical performance and cycling stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Super-chilled brain cell molecules reveal how epilepsy drug works

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2024

How does oxygen depletion disrupt memory formation in the brain?

Scientists at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology identify a positive glutamate-NO-glutamate feedback loop that blocks long-term potentiation and impairs learning and memory. The study suggests that this loop may explain memory loss in stroke patients and potentially offer a solution for treatment.

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Fixin’ to be flexitarian: Scrap fish and invasive species can liven up vegetables

A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateApr 29, 2024

New study shows glutaminase 2 regulates glucose metabolism in pancreatic β-cells

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered the crucial role of glutaminase 2 in maintaining glucose homeostasis in pancreatic β-cells, particularly under conditions of hyperglycemia. The research team found that impaired GLS2 activity drives the onset of diabetes mellitus by disrupting insulin and glucagon regulation.

SourceChiba University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

University of Ottawa team leads promising new research on devastating brain disorder

A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

How do tired animals stay awake?

Researchers studying fruit flies found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations, and fall asleep after an intense day. Time-restricted feeding also improved sleep quality in the flies, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Hickory dickory dock, the bean bug brain’s biological clock

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that glutamate signaling regulates the seasonal response of bean bugs' reproduction, controlled by circadian rhythm genes. The researchers found that extracellular glutamate levels were higher under short-day conditions and disrupted when reduced or increased.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Why thinking hard makes you tired

A study found that prolonged mental labor leads to glutamate accumulation in the prefrontal cortex, causing cognitive fatigue and altering control over decisions. Researchers suggest taking rest and sleep as a solution to overcome this limitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Making sense of socially enhanced aggression in the brain

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2022

Unexpected element in aging process discovered

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.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2022

Neurotransmitter levels predict math ability

Researchers found that higher GABA levels in young people were associated with greater math fluency, while lower glutamate levels were related to better math skills. In adults, the opposite was true: low GABA concentrations were linked to greater math fluency and high glutamate levels to poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 22, 2021

Nerve cells let others "listen in"

A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's signal transmission is regulated by the environment, with certain processes allowing for more open communication between neurons. The researchers found that astrocytes, specialized cells in the brain, play a crucial role in shielding communication to some extent.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateSep 25, 2020