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Bodyguard for the brain

Scientists have identified a mechanism that protects the brain from degeneration and aging processes. The discovery of CB1 receptors' role in preserving nerve cells and memory capabilities opens up new possibilities for developing therapies to combat age-related brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2011

New neurons take 6 months or more to mature in non-human primate brain

Researchers found that new neurons in adult monkeys take more than six months to mature, which challenges the notion that this process is related to the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. This finding suggests that the human brain may experience even longer maturation periods due to its larger size.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2011

Rewrite the textbooks

Researchers at Northwestern University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, finding that axons can transmit signals to the cell body and even communicate with each other. This challenges conventional wisdom on how neurons operate, revealing a new layer of complexity in neural communication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2011

2011 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Stefan Jentsch receives prize for discovery of ubiquitin's role in genome maintenance and DNA repair, while Edvard and May-Britt Moser win for grid cells discovery that enables spatial navigation and memory.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 26, 2011

Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells

USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 14, 2010

Process leading to protein diversity in cells important for proper neuron firing

A novel form of splicing in the cytoplasm of nerve cells dictates a special form of a potassium channel protein in the outer membrane, essential for coordinating electrical firing of nerve cells. This discovery highlights the importance of introns in regulating protein diversity and has implications for brain diseases such as epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2010

Gene limits learning and memory in mice

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have found that deleting a certain gene in mice can improve their learning and memory abilities. The RGS14 gene, which is primarily active in one region of the hippocampus, appears to limit some forms of learning and memory when present.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2010

Memory's master switch

A study published in Neuron reveals that GABA, a natural molecule in the brain, is responsible for regulating synaptic connections and facilitating the formation of new memories. The research demonstrates that variations in local GABA levels near individual synapses determine synaptic strength and heterogeneity.

New nerve cells -- even in old age

Researchers discovered that neuronal stem cells exist in the human brain, even in adulthood, and can form new neurons. Physical activity and pathological stimuli like epileptic seizures reactivate dormant stem cells, promoting the formation of new neurons.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells in the hippocampus by preventing death caused by reduced blood flow during stroke. Analysis of tPA's protective process reveals implications for therapeutic strategies to prevent nerve cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2010

Newborn brain cells show the way

Researchers discovered that newborn neurons in the hippocampus help separate individual events and form temporal relationships, improving spatial memory. This breakthrough sheds light on the purpose of neurogenesis and its role in adult brain function.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2009

Newborn brain cells 'time-stamp' memories

A computational model suggests that newborn brain cells add a unique time-related code to memories formed around the same time. This allows for recall of events from a certain period and connects independent events that occurred during the same hyperactive period, explaining why memories can be triggered by specific details.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 28, 2009

Streamlining brain signals for speed and efficacy

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that the signal transmission between neurons in the brain stem, which controls balance and breathing, is linear, unlike most other signals. The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling these vital functions and may lead to new biotherapeutic agents.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2008