Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with severe congenital epilepsy also leads to neural degeneration, inflammation and behavioral symptoms in mice. The study suggests the mutation as a potential target for treatment.
Researchers have identified a key protein in the brain that regulates habituation, a mechanism essential for focus and attention. The study found that a decrease in this protein leads to hypersensitivity and symptoms similar to those seen in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.
A study by UC Riverside researchers shows that reactivating the Fmr1 gene in young transgenic mice with Fragile X syndrome eliminates symptoms. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for young children living with FXS and suggests targeting early brain development may be effective.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a group of neurons in the mouse brain that regulates motivation and prevents addiction. Increasing activity of these neurons enhances task performance, but not to the point of addiction.
Researchers developed a new technology that tracks thousands of cells and determines the precise moment of death for any cell in the group. The approach was shown to work in rodent and human cells as well as within live zebrafish, and can be used to follow cells over weeks to months.
Researchers at University College London discovered that embryonic cells can navigate towards harder regions using chemical and mechanical signals, guiding the formation of facial features. This breakthrough could help prevent birth defects and infant mortality by improving understanding of cell migration mechanisms.
Carlos Ponce is studying the parts of the visual system that analyze shapes, using macaque monkeys as a model. He combines computational models with electrophysiology experiments to understand how neurons process visual information.
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, migrate to the retina using blood vessels as pathways and require neurogenesis for colonization. The study provides insights into microglial migration and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases.
A team of researchers at Fudan University has found that the protein NeuroD1 does not induce microglia-to-neuron conversion as previously thought. Instead, it causes microglial cell death. The study suggests that this finding may be due to experimental artifacts and highlights the need for stringent evidence in scientific research.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.
Researchers recorded and modeled electrical activity of circadian clock neurons in the four-striped grass mouse, revealing a unique day/night rhythm in firing rate. The study highlights notable differences from nocturnal animals and may help adapt clock neuron function to diurnal species' biological demands.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new 3D scaffold design using 2-photon lithography that guides regenerating neurons in the right direction. The scaffolds promote directional growth of neurons, bridging gaps and repairing connections after spinal injuries.
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 discovered a substance derived from the cotton plant, gossypol, which enhances the activity of DFF40/CAD, allowing glioblastoma cells to complete apoptosis. This breakthrough treatment shows promise in promoting cell death and may provide new tools for developing effective strategies against this incurable disease.
Researchers identified brain cells called angular head velocity (AHV) cells that track head motion speed, which improves estimation of own head angular speed when visual cues are available. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying navigation and self-motion guidance in the brain.
A new gene called Tango10 has been identified as critical for daily behavioral rhythms, modulating the activity of neurons to drive the animal's sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that targeting this molecular pathway could lead to therapeutics to address sleep problems and related human diseases.
A gene-silencing therapy harnessing nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery has protected against Zika virus transmission in pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses. The treatment reduced fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.
A USF Health study reveals that fibrinogen can directly interact with neurons, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. The researchers found that blocking the binding of fibrinogen to its receptors may alleviate short-term memory problems associated with these diseases.
A study has identified a specific protein, PHF3, that plays an important role in transcription and modulates the reading process of DNA. The absence of PHF3 or its binding site SPOC may lead to neuronal production defects, which could be linked to autism and glioblastoma.
In chronic damage, new cholesterol production determines the efficiency of repair, with nerve cells contributing to replenishing myelin-forming cells. Treatment with a cholesterol-enriched diet enhances oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation.
Researchers discovered that a small dose of benzodiazepine increases brain signal variability in older adults, comparable to young adults. Additionally, studies found that bilingual individuals' brains process language differently, and individual neurons play a unique role in signaling face features.
Researchers identified a gene family called MEF2 that controls a genetic program promoting resistance to cognitive decline. Enriching activities appear to activate MEF2, which may help prevent age-related dementia.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that combining copper ions with a drug once used for treating alcoholism kills medulloblastoma cancer cells and prevents new ones from forming. The therapy also curtails the creation of cancer stem cells, which initiate tumor growth and recurrence.
Researchers developed a method to image lithium in living cells, finding that neurons from bipolar disorder patients accumulate higher levels of lithium than healthy controls. This new tool could help optimize lithium dosage and improve treatment outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder.
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain and affect neural function, leading to symptoms like headache, depression, and fatigue. Many people experience lingering cognitive or neurological problems months after initial recovery.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease develops by replicating aggregates in individual brain regions, rather than spreading them. The study used human data and PET scans to track the aggregation of tau protein, a key player in the disease.
Researchers develop cellular models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection of the inner ear, finding that the virus can infect hair cells and Schwann cells. The pattern of infection matches symptoms observed in a study of 10 Covid-19 patients with ear-related issues.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that long-lived mitochondrial proteins remain stable for an extended period, protecting them from damage. This stability allows these proteins to maintain mitochondrial function even when new ones are synthesized, providing protection against errors and energy-conservation benefits.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have developed lab-grown mini brains that can mimic the development of motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia. The models, grown for up to 340 days, provide valuable insights into early stages of these devastating conditions.
Researchers measured brain activity of freely interacting Egyptian fruit bats to understand how they process group communication. They found that 'friendlier' bats induced higher correlations across the brains of group members, suggesting a connection between social behavior and neural activity.
Researchers successfully implanted a microelectrode array in the visual cortex of a blind volunteer, allowing her to identify lines, shapes and simple letters. The implant stimulated neurons to produce phosphenes, creating an image and demonstrating safety and efficacy.
Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.
DZNE researchers found that viral molecules facilitate the intercellular spreading of protein aggregates, which are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. The presence of viral ligands increases protein aggregate spreading between cells, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration.
A recent study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified a crucial protein linked to increased appetite and obesity in mice. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein, XRN1, exhibited leptin resistance, leading to insatiable hunger and weight gain.
Researchers have developed a method that maps time-varying brain responses to images, revealing how the brain processes visual information. The new technique, DETI mapping, produces a multiplexed view of neural signals across different locations and over time.
Michel Goedert's research focuses on protein aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing deep insights into disease development. His work is essential for finding new treatments, as evidenced by his discovery of gene mutations leading to dementia.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers have successfully used photosynthetic micro-organisms to provide oxygen to nerve cells in tadpole brains. This breakthrough demonstrates a novel means of controlling oxygen levels in tissues and has potential applications in cell culture and organ research.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that toxic fatty acids produced by astrocytes can trigger cell death in damaged neurons, which may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's. Blocking the production of these fatty acids in mice preserved 75% of neurons, suggesting a promising target for treatment.
Researchers at WVU will explore how a specific enzyme protects the brain from stroke effects and aging. Their findings may indicate a potential target for medications improving brain blood vessel function after a stroke.
Researchers analyzed genetic expression profiles of developing brain cells, finding that early tissue holds a pre-set map that develops into the cerebral cortex's characteristic topography. A new method for predicting cell fate has also been established, using chromatin structure to determine lineage before gene expression is possible.
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have published a comprehensive census of cell types in the primary motor cortex of human, mouse, and monkey brains. This milestone could lead to breakthroughs in studying and treating conditions like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injuries.
A computational framework will be developed to characterize how genetic variants work at the cellular level in psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The framework aims to integrate data from live and postmortem samples, humans and mice, to accurately pinpoint which mutations result in disorders.
Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre have discovered a new brain circuit that enables mice to override their instincts based on previous experience. The ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) inhibits threat reactions when animals feel safe, but activates them when danger is perceived.
A preclinical study found that female mice are more susceptible to binge drinking due to a brain circuit called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is more excitable in females, requiring stronger inhibition to curb excessive alcohol consumption. This natural 'brake' mechanism may also contribute to sex differences...
Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.
Researchers found a correlation between high levels of Gas6 and zika-induced neurological complications. Gas6 helps the virus invade human cells, facilitating viral replication and aggravating infection. The discovery paves the way for future research on developing drugs to combat the virus.
Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.
A team of researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory has developed a system called HySyn, which uses neuropeptides from Hydra to synthetically reconnect neural circuits in the C. elegans brain. This allows for the creation of an artificial synapse that rewires a behavioral circuit, enabling the worm to communicate more effectively.
Researchers tracked fruit flies' ability to interpret information while asleep, discovering a specific brain region involved in processing salient smells. The study used defined fly brains to analyze neural connections, finding that aversive odors woke the flies up more often than attractive ones.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary wireless photoelectric implant that can control the activity of spinal neurons, enabling the study of neural function and the development of new treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough technology uses pulses of light to stimulate or inhibit specific spinal-cord neurons, potenti...
Researchers used mice to demonstrate that acquired knowledge is stored in early visual areas of the brain, highlighting the widespread storage of semantic memories. The study showed that part of category knowledge is already present in the visual cortex.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that low-risk and high-risk neuroblastoma have distinct cell identities, which can affect survival rates. The researchers identified a progenitor cell type found in fetal adrenal tissue, which may contribute to the development of aggressive neuroblastoma in older children.