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Brazilian D'Or Institute and L'Oréal R&I develop functional human sensory neurons

Researchers from D'Or Institute and L'Oréal R&I successfully generated functional human sensory neurons that respond to painful stimuli. The breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the study of chronic pain, analgesic drugs, and the development of reconstructed human skin with enhanced neuro-inflammation predictivity.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateAug 22, 2018

When it comes to regrowing tails, neural stem cells are the key

Scientists discovered that neural stem cells in spinal cords are the limiting factor for tail regeneration. Unlike salamanders, lizard neural stem cells cannot produce diverse cell types needed for bony vertebrae development. This finding may aid understanding of why humans can't regenerate their tails.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Alzheimer's in mini format: A novel tool to study disease mechanisms and possible remedies

A novel stem cell-based model system mimics human brain tissue and reproduces features of Alzheimer's disease, indicating that modulating the immune system can trigger neuronal repair processes. The study suggests a potential approach to therapy by unlocking the potential of neural stem cells to build new neurons.

The neuroscience of human vocal pitch

A study published in Cell found that a specific region of the brain's frontal lobe controls vocal pitch, enabling humans to convey meaning through speech and language. By examining neural activity and using brain sensors, researchers identified increased activity in this region when participants altered their voice pitch.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 28, 2018

In building the brain, cell pedigree matters

A study published in Neuron has found that a neural precursor protein called PRDM16 plays a crucial role in shaping the organization of the cerebral cortex. The researchers discovered that when PRDM16 is active, it helps to regulate the migration of neurons and their ultimate positioning in the cortex.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJun 7, 2018

Flow of cerebrospinal fluid regulates neural stem cell division

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered that cerebrospinal fluid flow stimulates neural stem cell division through ENaC channel protein. The study highlights a new mechanism controlling neural stem cell proliferation and has implications for brain function and treatment.

Reprogrammed stem cell-derived neurons survive long-term in pigs with spinal cord injuries

Researchers successfully grafted induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells into the spinal cords of genetically identical adult pigs, eliminating the need for immunosuppression measures. The grafted cells survived long-term and displayed differentiated functionality without causing tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 9, 2018

Interconnected cells-in-a-dish let researchers study brain disease

Salk scientists develop a new way to study brain cell connections, revealing how communication is altered in people with schizophrenia. By creating multiple types of neurons from stem cells and observing their interactions, the team showed that CA3 pyramidal neurons form physical connections both to other CA3 neurons and to DG neurons.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 3, 2018

Adult-onset neurodegeneration has roots in early development

A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that adult-onset progressive degenerative diseases have their roots in early developmental defects. Researchers used a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and discovered altered neural circuitry in the cerebellum, which sets the stage for later disease vulnerability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 30, 2018

Toward precision medicine: First comprehensive look at human retinal cell diversity

Researchers have identified over 30 different subtypes of retinal ganglion cells, the neurons responsible for processing visual information. This comprehensive understanding will enable the development of more tailored drug development and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative vision disorders.

How Zika virus induces congenital microcephaly

An international team of researchers identified a specific mechanism leading to Zika virus-associated microcephaly, involving protein misfolding and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This triggers the unfolded protein response, promoting apoptosis in neuronal cells and reducing cortical neuron development.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 11, 2017