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“The paradox of the death gene”: For the first time in the world, DGIST elucidates stress defense mechanism that saves brain cells

Researchers at DGIST elucidated the protective mechanism of the p53 gene, which prevents neural stem cell death under chronic stress conditions. The study found that p53 functions as a survival factor by suppressing autophagy, and an existing anticancer drug can inhibit p53 degradation to prevent brain cell death.

USC study reveals hidden cellular layers in the brain’s memory center

Researchers at USC have identified four distinct layers of specialized cell types in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. This discovery changes our understanding of how information is processed in the brain and could explain why certain cells are more vulnerable in diseases like Alzheimer's ...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms behind premature aging of the brain

A recent study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that the Setd8 gene plays a critical role in the premature aging of the brain by controlling neural stem cell activity and proliferation. Artificially lowering Setd8 levels mimicked molecular signatures of aging, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for early aging.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2025

Study suggests new molecular strategy for treating fragile X syndrome

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a new approach to treating fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors. This strategy normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in hippocampus of fragile X lab mice, offering a promising therapeutic target.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025

Seeing memories form

Researchers studied mossy fiber synapses in the hippocampus, a crucial region for memory formation and spatial navigation. They discovered that specific proteins play key roles in encoding and processing distinguishing features to trigger memory retrieval.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

In the brain at rest, neurons rehearse future experience

A team of researchers from Rice University and the University of Michigan found that some neurons not only replay recent past experiences but also anticipate future experience during sleep. The discovery provides an unprecedented view of how individual neurons in the hippocampus stabilize and tune spatial representations during periods...

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Fuelling nerve cell function and plasticity

Researchers at University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence discovered that mitochondrial fusion boosts new neuron plasticity. The study found that as new neurons mature, their mitochondria fuse to acquire elongated shapes, sustaining synaptic plasticity and refining brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 2024

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

How ketamine acts fast and slow

Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Brain waves are part of memory

Scientists have gained new insights into spatial memory by discovering that different types of nerve cells become active together and are coordinated by brain waves. This discovery sheds light on the neural basis of human memory and may lead to the development of new therapies for memory impairments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2024

Generative AI helps to explain human memory and imagination

A new study using generative AI models simulated how the brain learns and remembers events, revealing how memories are re-constructed in our minds. The model showed how the hippocampus and neocortex work together to create efficient 'conceptual' representations of scenes, enabling us to both recall past experiences and imagine new ones.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2024

Nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier increases with Alzheimer’s and age, study finds

Researchers develop nanoparticles that selectively bind to activated astrocytes and microglia cells in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients, demonstrating increased nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier with age. The study provides valuable insights into advancing nanoparticle-based drug delivery for treating neurode...

Specific interneurons are important in aging-associated cognitive decline, study finds

Researchers identify somatostatin-positive interneurons as crucial in maintaining cognitive function, and their dysfunction leads to impaired memory and learning. The study uses a toxin to ablate these cells, resulting in mice exhibiting cognitive deficits similar to those seen in aging humans.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Saturated fat may interfere with creating memories in aged brain

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that saturated fats can interfere with the creation of new memories in aged brains. However, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may help protect brain cells from fat-related inflammation. The study used cell cultures and brain tissue from aging mice to explore the effects of...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Scientists enhance new neurons to restore memory, elevate mood in Alzheimer’s disease research model

Researchers demonstrate therapeutic potential of new neurons generated in adulthood for modulating Alzheimer's disease pathology and functional deficits. Optogenetics and chemogenetics strategies enhance adult-born neurons, restoring cognitive and affective function in mice with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Jet lag’s harmful health impacts found to be caused by biological clock misalignment

Research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that circadian disruption from jet lag can harm adult neurogenesis, which supports learning and memory. The study found that the Cryptochrome 1 gene regulates this process and that misalignment can lead to adverse health effects such as dementia and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023