Articles tagged with Molecular Neuroscience
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying stress-related behaviors, revealing that glutamate cells in the ventral tegmental area play a critical role. The research found that mice exposed to uncontrollable stressors exhibited more pronounced anxiety-like behavior, whereas those with c...
Researchers discovered that krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration through temporal transcriptome rewiring and suppression of several hallmarks of aging. Krill oil increases neuronal resilience, promoting anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation, and abrogating multiple aging hallmarks.
A new hallmark of ALS has been identified, revealing that loss of the RNA processing protein SFPQ leads to motor neuron degeneration. Defective mRNAs accumulate in axons and interfere with normal function, pointing to a possible new target for therapy.
The study provides detailed pictures of NMDA receptors, which mediate essential signals between neurons. The findings have significant implications for treating schizophrenia, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Dr. Ted Price is leading a $11.3 million NIH multicenter project to elucidate the origins of pain, focusing on human nociceptor and spinal cord molecular signatures. Researchers will study DRG tissue from organ donors to understand how neurons communicate signals along the human pain pathway.
A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.
Dr. Inagaki will receive $2.895 million in funding to study the brain's ability to learn new behaviors and explore its molecular and neuronal activity. He aims to understand diseases and injuries that affect learning and memory.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
The Allen Institute is leading a global collaboration to create detailed atlases of the human brain and its cells. The project aims to understand brain function and structure, with applications in treating diseases of the brain.
A team of neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University aim to create an ultra-high resolution molecular atlas of the brain, enabling precise gene delivery to specific cell types. This project has the potential to revolutionize treatment of fatal brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.
A team of scientists generated a molecular atlas of the Australian bearded dragon's brain, comparing it to mouse data. The findings suggest that both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved clade-specific neuron types from a common ancestral set, challenging popular views on brain evolution.
A new study published in Frontiers found that excessive blue light exposure can alter cellular functions in fruit flies, potentially leading to accelerated aging. The researchers discovered changes in metabolites essential for cell function and communication between neurons.
Researchers argue that neurons proactively trigger influx of needed substances to survive, creating a systemwide group of metabolically cooperating cells. This principle is central to learning, driving human behavior. The study aims to explore tumour cell responses to individual behaviors and develop new cancer treatments.
Researchers at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology found that p62 selectively degrades toxic tau species, preventing neurodegenerative disorders. The study demonstrates the pivotal role of p62 in suppressing abnormal protein aggregates using mouse models of dementia.
Researchers elucidated the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine in learning and memory, revealing a signaling cascade involving protein kinase C. The study opens doors to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A Rutgers study analyzing brain stem cells of autism patients found irregularities in early brain development, supporting the concept that ASD arises from poor control of brain cell proliferation. The study discovered that some patients had NPCs producing too many brain cells while others had underproduced cells.
A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.
A study in a mouse model found that viral infections during pregnancy can affect the mother's brain and disrupt maternal care behavior after birth. The research team identified structural, molecular, and functional changes in the brains of mothers with viral-like immune activation.
A receptor protein called insulin receptor is pivotal for brain stem cell longevity, according to a Rutgers study. The researchers also found that the same protein plays a crucial role in sustaining brain cancer cells.
The latest neurophotonic tools and techniques are reviewed in a new status report, covering advances from molecular nanoprobes to cortical column imaging. The report provides an overview of current state and future directions for brain science research.
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
Researchers are combining optogenetics and fMRI to study the links between brain activity and behavior. This hybrid approach allows for targeted manipulation and monitoring of brain function in awake and behaving rodents, providing valuable insights into neural mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have identified a key mechanism by which the coronavirus causes inflammation in the brain's immune cells, potentially explaining some symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that adequate funding is needed to further develop this research and its potential applications.
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.
Scientists demonstrate a definitive link between mitochondrial oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease using a transgenic mouse model. The study found that Aβ1-42 aggregation in the hippocampus caused cognitive impairment, while oxidation led to mitochondrial dysfunction.
A new study by the University of Arizona has identified a brain region and neural circuitry that mediate satiation, making it possible to create treatments with fewer side effects for eating disorders and weight management. The parasubthalamic nucleus plays a key role in regulating feelings of fullness after eating.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Dartmouth researchers identified a new type of neuron in the rat brain that facilitates visual and spatial processing by tracking visual landmarks. The postrhinal cortex neurons can fire in two directions depending on the environment, allowing rats to estimate their direction.
A bile acid derivative, TUDCA, reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice with an Alzheimer's-like disorder. The treatment improved quality of life by mitigating metabolic abnormalities associated with the disease.
A new 'image analysis pipeline' called TDAExplore gives scientists rapid insight into how cells are changed by disease, using a combination of microscopy, topology, and artificial intelligence. This approach can provide objective information on cell changes, such as the movement of proteins like actin, even with limited training data.
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.
Research suggests that inhaling carbon dioxide after a traumatic event makes fearful memories more resilient in mice. The study found that CO2 exposure strengthens fearful memories by activating ASIC1A protein in the brain. This discovery might lead to new therapeutic strategies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans.
A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.
Researchers found that Amino LP7 supplements can slow down brain degeneration and reduce the development of dementia in mouse models. The study also showed that Amino LP7 reduces brain inflammation and improves neuronal connectivity, improving brain function.
A recent study used gene-targeting drugs to suppress areas of the brain and then imaged brain activity, revealing how this affects other complex operational networks. The research team found that silencing specific brain regions can cause stimulatory and inhibitory changes in brain activity, which can be identified using fMRI.
Researchers created the largest metabolome analysis of the mouse brain, revealing distinct chemical conversions between brain regions. Aging mice showed significant metabolic differences in brain sections, with lipids playing a crucial role in changes to brain function.
A novel neuroimaging technique using bacterial enzymes and inhibitors enables better live visualization of brain circuitry. The technique facilitates in vivo imaging without disrupting the blood-brain barrier, allowing for the detection of undetectable tau protein assemblies in neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study in mice reveals that fragile X treatment can incur resistance, but also identifies potential strategies to overcome this. Administering mGluR5 inhibitors at a young age and then stopping may produce lasting benefits in cognitive ability.
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 developed a technique to detect TDP-43 in cerebrospinal fluid, identifying it in 97% of ALS cases and 45% of FTD cases. The test may help develop new treatments for the diseases by detecting protein accumulation early.
William Muñoz has been awarded the Nemko Prize for his innovative method of recording cortical neurons, which allows scientists to examine the functional architecture of the cortex in awake, behaving mice. His work reveals a new mechanism by which the cerebral cortex processes and integrates information.
Researchers identified new biomarkers that can detect glaucoma at an early stage, enabling early intervention. The study's findings suggest that these biomarkers may inhibit neurodegeneration in the optic nerve and retina.
A team of senior neuroscientists recommends changes to neuroscience education to adapt to the new reality that more than half of graduates will work outside academia. The report calls for incorporating computational science, promoting interdisciplinary skills, and informing students about various career paths.
Prof Elizabeth Hillman has received a $1.83 million NIH BRAIN Initiative grant to further develop SCAPE, a high-speed 3D microscope that images neurons in large brain volumes. This breakthrough technique surpasses previous speed barriers, enabling scientists to study neural activity and circuit function.
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.
Researchers have developed a miniature fiber-optic microscope that can penetrate deeply into the brain of a living mouse. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study brain function in unprecedented detail and has potential human applications in understanding brain disease and developing new treatments.
Jessell's seminal research revealed how naïve neural cells develop into distinct motor neuron subtypes to form the spinal cord circuitry. His work has helped create a blueprint for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Researchers discovered that MAPK and PKA coordinate their activity both spatially and temporally in memory formation. For short-term memories, only PKA is active, while for intermediate- and long-term memories, both molecules are involved with a specific spatiotemporal relationship.
Lily Jan and Yuh Nung Jan receive the award for their fundamental contributions to understanding potassium channel function, neuronal morphologies, and developmental neuroscience. They have mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, inspiring new generations of researchers.
Researchers identified the primary motor cortex as the key brain area responsible for correcting movement after external knocks, which may help explain why some stroke patients improve while others remain uncoordinated. This finding could support first-stage sensory rehabilitation to rebuild pathways and improve movement skills.
A new study published in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience emphasizes the significance of identifying 'overlap syndrome' between ALS and FTD, which can impact patient survival. The research also explores clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and screening strategies for this syndrome.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center presented findings on how a gene regulating dopamine affects communication between brain regions during memory tasks. They also explored the neural processing disrupted in neurological disorders like semantic dementia and stroke, as well as the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
Scientists have identified a crucial role for RNA molecules in regulating brain development and experience-driven synaptic connections. These 'enhancer RNAs' intensify genetic activity, enabling new neural links and potentially informing therapies for disorders like autism.
A study led by Penn researchers identified a molecular pathway in the brain that causes cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme using PDE inhibitors reversed cognitive deficits, including impaired focus and memory.
The Sloan Foundation has honored three young scientists at Yale with two-year Research Fellowships for their outstanding contributions to physics, computer science, and neuroscience. The fellows will receive $45,000 awards to pursue their research interests without restrictions.
Scientists aim to develop novel optical imaging technique to capture detailed images of large numbers of brain neurons. The project, led by Leif H. Finkel, brings together experts in bioengineering, neuroscience and physics to overcome limitations of current techniques, enabling study of neural network activity changes with learning.
David Julius, PhD, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the capsaicin receptor, VR1, which mediates responses to painful stimuli. His work builds on the pioneering research of Edward R. Perl, who first identified nociceptors as responsible for pain perception.
The Ohio Board of Regents has awarded a $321,780 grant to Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine to enhance neurogenetics research. The medical school plans to recruit a new faculty member with expertise in neural molecular genetics and establish a neural transgenic/behavioral testing core facility.