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.