Neurons

ALS is driven by a domino‑like chain reaction that begins in nerve cells

The rules neurons follow to make sense of what we see

Scientists show genes give neurons a ‘GPS’ to form the brain’s neural circuits

Hereditary epilepsy successfully treated in mouse model

Study unveils precise way to rewire brain circuits to boost resilience to stress

Antibody spurs nerve fiber regrowth following spinal cord injury

A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.

Genes linked to neuronal communication appear altered in immune cells of patients with depression

Researchers discovered that genes linked to neuronal communication are also altered in immune cells of patients with depression, reinforcing the systemic nature of the disease. This finding paves the way for developing blood tests to identify and diagnose depression, as well as new treatment approaches targeting inflammation.

Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware

FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways

A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.

The many forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers uncover role of glia in ALS pathogenesis, finding altered functioning of TDP-43 protein and MYC factor responsible for abnormality. The study provides new anchors to understand clinical heterogeneity of ALS and suggests potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.

Two NYU Faculty Elected to National Academy of Sciences

Andrea H. Brand, a NYU Grossman School of Medicine professor, was elected for her research on nervous system development and gene regulation. Eero P. Simoncelli, a Center for Neural Science director, was recognized for his work on brain representation and sensory processing in humans and machines.

Researchers uncover brain mechanism that may help slow Parkinson’s disease, curiously only in females

Scientists have discovered a protective brain pathway that preserves dopamine-producing neurons and reduces degeneration in female models with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that strengthening this pathway could help slow the progression of the disease, offering new potential for treatment.

Epilepsy "brain blips" revealed by high-definition probes

Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.

No brain required: This is how the single-celled stentor learns

Researchers at UCSF discovered that single-celled organism Stentor learns through modifying existing proteins with calcium signaling, which is similar to the mechanism used by animal neurons. This finding suggests that learning may be a fundamental feature of life and could have evolved before the emergence of brains.

Do memories form on a blank slate?

Researchers found that the hippocampal CA3 network starts out dense but becomes sparser and more refined as animals mature, following a pruning model. This suggests an initially exuberant connectivity allows for efficient integration of visual, smell, and sound information.

How do astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome?

Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...

How neurons sense bacteria in the gut

Researchers identify specific chemicals that trigger neural activity in nematodes when they detect certain bacteria, leading to changes in feeding behavior and avoiding harmful pathogens. The study sheds light on fundamental mechanisms of how neurons interact with bacteria, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Printed neurons communicate with living brain cells

Engineers at Northwestern University developed artificial neurons that generate realistic electrical signals to activate living brain cells. This breakthrough paves the way for brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics, as well as more efficient brain-like computing systems.

Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory

Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

Nature might have a universal rhythm

A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.

With navigating nematodes, scientists map out how brains implement behaviors

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute mapped the neural circuits that enable C. elegans worms to navigate towards attractive odors and avoid unappealing ones. The study revealed a specific sequence of neural activation, involving key neurons and the neuromodulator tyramine.

UMass Chan researchers shed light on how inflammation in GI tract rewires enteric nervous system

Research reveals inflammation in the GI tract changes how nerves are arranged, affecting intestinal muscle contractions. A protective stress response pathway helps neurons survive, preserving their structure and potentially offering a way to curtail persistent symptoms associated with IBD.

A framework for human brain–computer interfaces with single-neuron recordings

A new framework for brain-computer interfaces is proposed using single-neuron recordings, integrating clinical advances with existing technologies. The framework enables two closed-loop strategies: adaptive neural feedback systems and adaptive neuromodulation systems, facilitating the study of memory processing and concept cells.

Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial

A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.

Proof for theory of visual perception

Researchers confirmed core predictions of Hubel and Wiesel's model by analyzing signal transmission at individual synapses between the thalamus and visual cortex. They found that orientation selectivity emerges through cortical circuits, resolving a long-standing controversy in neuroscience.

Shedding light on the brain: new method controls neural pathways

A new study uses optogenetics to control specific communication pathways in the common marmoset brain, offering a clearer view of complex behavior and brain disorders. This method enables researchers to manipulate individual long-range brain circuits with greater precision than before.

Treating disease at birth: How a brief spike in testosterone sets the trajectory for a disease that appears decades later

Researchers at Nagoya University found that a brief spike in testosterone after birth causes muscle-wasting disease to develop decades later. Treating the disease at birth significantly reduced nerve cell breakdown in adult mice.

The brain’s ability to grasp the “gist” of a visual scene begins earlier than expected

A research team led by LEE Doyun and KIM Yee-Joon found that the primary visual cortex encodes motion summaries and variability before higher brain regions transform them into category signals. This process, known as ensemble perception, allows the brain to capture the overall structure of a scene at a glance.

FAU discovery of tiny cell ‘tunnels’ finds new path to slow Huntington’s disease

Huntington's disease is caused by a toxic protein that builds in brain cells and spreads to other cells through tunneling nanotubes. Disrupting this pathway reduces the spread of the disease-causing protein, suggesting a new target for therapy.

Can synaptic connectivity alone reveal neuron types?

Researchers developed Neuronal Type Assignment from Connectivity (NTAC) to accurately assign neuronal cell types based on synaptic wiring patterns. NTAC outperformed traditional morphology-based approaches in identifying neuron types, especially in complex brain regions.

Research shows that changes in breathing may be linked to hypertension

Researchers discovered that changes in breathing patterns, specifically strong abdominal muscle contractions during exhalation, can trigger hypertension. Targeting neurons in the lateral parafacial region, a potential therapeutic approach to treat hypertension has been identified.

Scientists create a novel organism with a primitive nervous system

Researchers at Tufts University and Wyss Institute created neurobots by adding nerve cells to tiny living forms called xenobots, which exhibit complex movements with simple neural networks. The resulting neurobots display unique behaviors and demonstrate the formation of primitive nervous systems.

A new reagent makes living brains transparent for deeper, non-invasive imaging

Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.

A familiar voice shapes how zebra finches hear and respond

Researchers have found that zebra finches' brains respond more strongly to familiar calls, with inhibitory interneurons firing more intensely and for longer when the caller is known. This neural activity influences the bird's reply, suggesting that social context plays a crucial role in vocal communication. The study sheds light on why...

FAU awarded $2.4M NIH grant to study immune signaling and social behavior

Researchers will investigate the role of interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) in brain function, behavior, and psychiatric health. The study aims to define the physiological role of IL-1R1 in the brain and explore its influence on social behaviors.

Study finds stress-related nerves may fuel pancreatic cancer growth

Researchers at OHSU found that sympathetic nerves support pancreatic tumor growth by communicating with cancer cells and nearby fibroblasts. The study suggests that removing these nerves may lead to smaller tumors, particularly in female mice.

Superagers’ brains have a ‘resilience signature,’ and it’s all about neuron growth

A recent study found that superagers' brains exhibit increased neurogenesis, with active production of new neurons. This 'resilience signature' is linked to superior memory formation and processing. The study's findings have implications for understanding healthy aging, cognitive resilience, and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Dopamine selects, astrocytes refine: a new mechanism for motor-learning circuit rewiring

A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

How the brain suppresses itch during stress

Researchers at IISc have mapped a neural circuit that links stress to itch. Stress activates specific neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area, which directly regulate itch and reduce scratching behavior. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between emotional states and sensory perception.

The brain cells long called 'support' found to be critical for aversive memory

A new study has found that astrocytes are crucial for aversive memory, including learning what to fear and recalling memories. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about fear memory and suggest new treatment approaches for disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder.

The cells that never sleep: How slumber lets neurons clean up and stay healthy

Research by Amita Sehgal and her team reveals that sleep helps neurons stay healthy by removing oxidative damage through lipid transfer to glia cells. This process is crucial for maintaining neuronal function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Does the motion of our DNA influence its activity?

Exercise trains a mouse's brain to build endurance

Researchers found that exercise changes brain activity in nerve cells called SF1 neurons, which helps muscles and hearts become stronger. This brain region plays a key role in regulating energy use and body weight.

A clock that measures the aging of nerve cells finds molecules that protect against age-related neurodegeneration

Researchers found molecules such as syringic acid that protect neurons from aging, while others like resveratrol promote neurodegeneration. An AI-powered approach identified potential therapeutic substances to preserve brain function and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Why we sleep poorly in new environments: A brain circuit that keeps animals awake

Scientists at Nagoya University identified a brain circuit that keeps mice awake in unfamiliar environments, releasing neurotensin to maintain wakefulness and protect against potential dangers. This discovery may explain the 'first night effect' in humans, where the brain remains vigilant on the first night in a new place.

How the brain's 'memory replay' goes wrong in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at University College London discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's 'memory replay' process, leading to impaired navigation and memory loss. The study found that even when mice were resting, their brains replayed recent experiences in an altered pattern, which had consequences on memory tasks.

Discovery shines light on a cascade of events that occurs when toxic tau impacts synapses, suggesting new mechanisms for neurodegeneration

Researchers developed a new tool to track changes in the synaptic proteome over time, correlating changes to synaptic dysregulation and synapse loss. The results suggest that toxic tau oligomers impact postsynaptic structures first, leading to a dynamic cascade of events that contribute to neurodegeneration.

Cellular hazmat team cleans up tau. Could it prevent dementia?

Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified CUL5, a protein that tags tau for elimination, as a key player in preventing the formation of toxic tau protein clumps that can lead to dementia. The study found that neurons with more CUL5 are less vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.

Real-time imaging of contact between cells and between a single neuron’s extensions

Scientists from The University of Osaka have created two new fluorescent markers, Gachapin and Gachapin-C, that can visualize dynamic cell-to-cell contacts and connections within a single neuron's extensions. These indicators allow for the monitoring of complex patterns of connectivity in various cell types, including neurons.

Pulling the plug on tumors: Varun Venkataramani receives Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Early Career Award 2026

Cancer cells tap into the nervous system's power grid by forming synaptic contacts with nerve cells, promoting tumor growth and spread. Venkataramani's research aims to repurpose the drug perampanel for glioblastoma treatment and develop gene therapy approaches to disconnect tumors from the nervous system.

Researchers grow specialized nerve cells that degenerate in ALS/motor neuron disease and are damaged in spinal cord injury

A research team has developed a way to produce corticospinal-like neurons that centrally degenerate in motor neuron disease and are damaged in spinal cord injury. The study uses a multi-component gene-expression system called NVOF to precisely fine tune regulatory signals, resulting in mature neurons with distinct characteristics.

A new atlas could help guide researchers studying neurological disease

A new study has created a comprehensive atlas of lysosomal proteins in the brain, shedding light on the functions and dysfunctions of these cellular components. The data, which includes 790 proteins associated with lysosomes, could help scientists better understand neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

New research reveals how the brain turns experience into memory — with help from a tiny protein

A new study from the Stowers Institute has identified a mechanism that makes fleeting moments unforgettable, revealing a critical step in forming long-lasting memories. The research discovered a specific type of chaperone protein that allows proteins to change shape and form functional amyloids that house long-term memory.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society awards Dr. Manuel A. Friese the 2025 Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research

Dr. Manuel A. Friese has been recognized for his groundbreaking work studying the interactions between inflammation and nerve cell death, which drives disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). His research aims to identify new therapeutic targets and bring the field closer to stopping disease progression.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk and prognosis of motor neuron disease

A case-control study found that even low-level air pollution in Sweden may increase the risk of developing motor neuron disease. Long-term exposure was also associated with poorer disease prognosis after diagnosis.

New brain maps challenge traditional descriptions of the brain

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet created the first activity-based maps of the prefrontal cortex, revealing a hierarchy of information flow rather than tissue structure. This challenges traditional definitions of brain regions and has major implications for understanding brain organisation overall.

Beyond chemistry: How mechanical forces shape brain wiring

A recent study reveals that tissue stiffness regulates the production of key signaling molecules in the brain, using the mechanosensitive protein Piezo1. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding development and tackling diseases such as cancer.

DFG funds brain development research at MPZPM with half a million euros

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has funded a three-year project to investigate epigenetic memory in nerve cells. The goal is to understand how gene expressions are preserved via epigenetic regulation, which plays a key role in learning ability, memory function, and healthy brain development.