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Thorny life of newborn neurons

Researchers found that frequent nerve signals strengthen dendritic spines in adult-born neurons, allowing them to connect with the existing neural network. This process is crucial for learning and memory formation in the hippocampus.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2018

Maps made of nerve cells

A team of researchers at the University of Freiburg has created a new model to explain how the brain stores memories of tangible events. The model is based on an experiment with mice, where they used a virtual environment and recorded the activity of their nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2018

Receptors key to strong memories

Researchers at UC Davis identified SynDIG4 protein as a crucial regulator of synaptic plasticity, enabling the formation and consolidation of new memories. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cognitive disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 27, 2018

Dim light may make us dumber

Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHippocampus·DateFeb 5, 2018

Mutations in neurons accumulate as we age; may explain normal cognitive decline & neurodegeneration

A study by Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that brain mutations increase with age, especially in people with genetic premature aging disorders. The researchers detected 'clocklike' mutations that accumulated like clockwork in both brain areas, as well as those linked to oxidative damage and faulty DNA repair.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

What's that smell? The advantage of sniffing

Researchers found that precise timing patterns of brain activity distinguish between airflow-driven mechanical signals and those generated by odors. This discovery demonstrates the neural code underlying olfaction, revealing how neurons differentiate between air-flow information and odor information.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateDec 6, 2017

Rhythm of memory

A study by Prof. Dr. Marlene Bartos and her team found that inhibiting circuits in the hippocampus create high-frequency brainwaves that support parallel processing and storage of information, a key mechanism for laying initial traces of memory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Running rats remember better

A study published in eNeuro found that young rats with access to a running wheel showed improved memory later in life. The results suggest that early life interventions that increase physical activity may help build up cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017

Forgetting can make you smarter

Researchers propose that forgetting is crucial for efficient memory, allowing us to adapt to new situations and generalize past events. By controlling what information we retain and forget, our brains optimize decision-making and prioritize core knowledge.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Study identifies molecular signal for maintaining adult neuron

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a molecular signal that maintains adult neuron structure in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. The study found that reintroducing this protein restored nerve cell structures to some extent, suggesting potential avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

Glia, not neurons, are most affected by brain aging

Researchers found that glial cells experience bigger changes than neurons as people age, with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes shifting their regional gene expression patterns upon aging. The study provides a tool to understand how aging in the brain may be linked to the causes of age-related disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Using light to map the circuitry of the brain

Researchers develop space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography (SDM-OCT) to image single neurons in live tissue, enabling label-free and depth-resolved images of neural activity. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize brain mapping and provide insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

Seasonal allergies could change your brain

Research published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that seasonal allergies can lead to increased neuron production in the hippocampus, a region responsible for forming new memories. This discovery raises questions about the long-term consequences of allergies on brain development and function.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateAug 8, 2016

The relentless dynamism of the adult brain

Scientists observed real-time formation and evolution of new adult-born neurons in the olfactory bulb of mice. Constant structural plasticity in connections between new neurons and neighboring cells was revealed, enabling efficient processing of sensory information.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNeuron·DateJul 1, 2016