Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers developed a reversible gene editing technology called CRISPRoff that allows controlling gene expression while leaving the underlying DNA sequence unchanged. The new method can silence the vast majority of genes with great homogeneity and in a reversible manner.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur have successfully visualized neural stem cell activation in adult zebrafish brains, demonstrating coordinated events in time and space. This breakthrough may improve understanding of regulation processes during brain tumor formation.
New research reveals sex-specific differences in brain stem cell activity and blood vessel density with age. Female mice show more efficient neurogenesis and better neuron migration compared to male mice, suggesting hormonal or genetic influences may play a role.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new technique to approximate neuron counts in individual animal brains, providing a more meaningful metric than traditional studies measuring brain size or weight. The study reveals that certain species of bees have a higher density of brain cells than even some species of birds.
A new method called ACME has revolutionized single-cell transcriptomic technologies by enabling accurate cell fixation and dissociation without causing cell stress. This allows scientists to study thousands of individual cells from living organisms, one-by-one, and sequence each cell's genetic material.
Researchers discovered two subsets of tumor cells that can be targeted using different methods, one inducing ferroptosis and the other inhibiting antioxidant production. The study found that combining these approaches could improve treatment outcomes for small cell lung cancer patients.
Researchers pinpointed cysteine leukotriene receptor 2 (CysLT2R) as a new target for treating chronic itch. The study found that activating this receptor induces itching in mouse models of atopic dermatitis, highlighting its potential role in contributing to the condition.
A new study by Salk scientists identifies specific regions of the genome that neurons prioritize for DNA repair, revealing
Researchers have developed an AI-based software called 3DeeCellTracker, which can automatically track cells in 3D microscope videos. This versatile tool enables the analysis of cellular activities across biology, medical research, and drug development.
Researchers investigated how certain strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) activate gene expression in neurons, finding that different genetic variants induce distinct patterns of gene expression. These findings may help understand why people experience varying levels of symptom severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...
Researchers found that mice lacking Rev-erb gene exhibit characteristics similar to dawn phenomenon in type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that altered daily rhythm of Rev-erb gene expression may underlie the condition. Further investigations may lead to therapies.
Scientists have identified specific regions within the DNA of neurons that accumulate a certain type of damage, which appears to be unique to neurons. This discovery challenges current knowledge about the cause of DNA damage and its potential implications in neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study reveals the genetic mechanism behind human brain development, identifying a key molecule called ZEB2 that influences brain growth. The research found that human brain organoids grow larger and have more neurons than those from other apes due to a delayed change in cell shape.
A novel gene therapy has been developed to convert glioma cells into functional neurons, offering a new approach to treating the disease. This technology may prolong treatment time by arresting rapid proliferation of malignant glioma cells.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a technology called tissue nanotransfection (TNT) that reprograms skin cells into vascular cells to repair damaged brain tissue. In a mouse study, cells treated with this innovative cell therapy regained 90% of their motor function, showing promise for treating stroke patients.
University of Cincinnati assistant professor Ashley Ross is developing tools to detect and study chemical signals between the brain and immune system using a federal grant. Her research aims to understand how neurons regulate inflammation and develop new therapies.
Researchers have developed a graphical model to identify cells in the brain, overcoming a major neuroscience bottleneck. The approach uses relationships among cells to define their identity and outperforms traditional methods in identifying cells, especially with imperfect data.
A new RNA detection method, BOLORAMIS, overcomes limitations of previous technologies to analyze RNA molecules in their native cellular environment. The study demonstrates high specificity and sensitivity, enabling the analysis of multiple RNAs simultaneously.
A study at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that a specific epigenetic modification, H3K79me2, mediates the lasting effects of early-life stress on adult stress vulnerability. A small-molecule inhibitor of this enzyme reversed increased susceptibility to lifelong stress in animal models.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a cellular stress enzyme called MARK2 that controls protein synthesis in response to types of stress or damage seen in neurodegenerative disorders. The finding suggests that MARK2 may play a key role in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.
Scientists discovered a way to reprogram scar-forming cells in mouse spinal cords to produce new nerve cells, improving recovery after spinal cord injury. The breakthrough could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who suffer from spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have successfully reprogrammed NG2 glial cells into functional neurons, potentially leading to improved recovery after spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to be translated into a clinically relevant repair strategy.
Scientists have identified a new cell type, MRC1+ macrophages, involved in chronic pain and inflammation. Stimulating the expression of an anti-inflammatory protein CD163 can reduce neuroinflammation and relieve neuropathic pain.
A new theory, MeshCODE, proposes that memories are written in the shape of molecules in synaptic scaffolds, forming a complex binary code. This discovery may lead to a new understanding of brain function and treating brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
Research from CUHK reveals the counteracting relationship between Prpf19 and Exoc7, two crucial proteins in nerve cells. The study found that potentiating Prpf19's function degrades toxic SCA3-polyQ protein, alleviating neurodegeneration.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is studying the mechanics of blast-like events and their impact on brain cells. He aims to track bubble formation and its effects on brain tissue, with a goal of preventing traumatic brain injuries. The study will also explore the role of glial cells as shields against trauma.
An artificial neural network called MotionNet has provided new insights into human motion perception, revealing common optical illusions like phi and reverse-phi motion. The system shows that neurons are tuned to the direction of movement, leading to mistakes in perception.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that clustering of receptors, such as the Y2 receptor, can trigger cell movement similar to the neuropeptide Y signal. The study used light-sensitive matrices and laser spots to control the direction of cell movement with high precision.
A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics shows that dim red light enhances the mating and egg-laying behaviors of yellow peach moths by selectively activating a genetic pathway related to olfaction. This increase in sensitivity is made possible due to the unique properties of odorant binding proteins secreted by auxiliary cells s...
Researchers at Yale University have devised a strategy to study the intricate choreography of brain development in a living animal, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. They used high-resolution light sheet microscopy and network algorithms to track single cells and understand how they organize into functional circuits.
A recent CUHK study has provided a novel understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind the function of the blood-CSF barrier. The research team found that SOX9 is essential to prevent leakage of undesired molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting its critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis.
Researchers found that Huntington's disease worsens due to a degradation of cells' health maintenance systems. The 'Geomic' analysis identified specific gene networks governing molecular pathways that can be targeted to sustain brain cell health.
Researchers have grown human stem cell-derived organoids in a lab dish that matured in sync with the timeline of human development, replicating key aspects of normal human development. The study provides a framework for assessing how well in vitro models model in vivo development and function.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.
Researchers found that CD14+ macrophages and neutrophils change rapidly in the brain after hemorrhage, with signatures consistent in patients with good recovery. Inhibiting inflammation may improve patient outcomes, and targeting specific molecular circuits could unlock new treatment options for ICH.
A new study reveals that the Forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) gene helps preserve brain stem cells by preventing them from dividing until the environment is safe. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of certain individuals and explain why exercise boosts mental sharpness.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a novel 3D microscopy analysis to recreate human glioblastoma features. This new approach provides complete information on tumor blood vessels and immune cell interactions, aiding diagnosis and therapy development.
Bergles pioneered the study of immature brain cells that can repair myelin after it's destroyed in multiple sclerosis. His work aims to promote myelin repair and restore function for people with MS.
Researchers discovered that cells within a single organ can synchronize their circadian rhythms without receiving timing cues from the brain or other external signals. This finding suggests a novel mechanism of coordination, where cells exchange molecules to stay in phase.
Cold sores are triggered when herpes simplex virus reactsivate due to neuronal hyperexcitation caused by prolonged inflammation or stress. Interleukin 1 beta cytokine plays a key role in this process.
Researchers discover that a small group of neurons in the brain play a crucial role in depression. Chronic stress alters their function, leading to depressive behavior. Stimulation of these neurons reverses symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach to treating depression.
A new study provides insights into the treatment of Christianson syndrome, a genetic brain disease characterized by reduced brain growth and intellectual disability. Researchers successfully tested two main forms of treatment on stem-cell-derived neurons, finding that gene transfer was effective in neurons with nonsense mutations, whil...
A new MIT study found that the brain rapidly transfers a memory of an object from one hemisphere to the other when it shifts across our field of view. This process allows us to maintain control over our environment and react to changing situations with volitional control.
Scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny particles that carry unique cargo from cells. EVs play a critical role in communication between cells, contributing to conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered that all neuroblastomas arise from a single type of embryonic cell called sympathoblasts, making them an attractive drug target. This finding reveals novel treatment options for this rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
A study from Columbia University suggests that cells used to study the human blood-brain barrier in labs aren't what they seem. The researchers discovered a possible way to correct the error, raising hopes for creating a more accurate model for studying certain neurological diseases and developing drugs.
A new study found a reduced number of astrocytes in the brains of depressed adults compared to non-depressed individuals. The study suggests that targeting these cells may lead to improved treatment options for depression.
A study by City of Hope researchers found that the ApoE4 gene increases the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The team created brain cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 and discovered that those with ApoE4 were more susceptible to infection, damage, and cell death.
Researchers have identified a spinal cord circuit responsible for opioid-related itch and found a drug that can relieve the sensation. Nalfurafine, clinically approved in Japan to treat itching caused by liver disease, relieved spinal morphine-induced itch in both mice and monkeys.
A new study in mice suggests that exercise improves metabolism by releasing a hormone called MOTS-c, which helps regulate cellular processes and stress responses. The hormone is encoded in cells' mitochondrial genome and promotes healthy metabolism when kept in balance.
A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.
Researchers used an 'organs-on-a-chip' system to model the influence of gut bacteria on brain health and found that short-chain fatty acids can worsen Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a link between lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the complex interactions between the gut and brain.
Researchers at the University of Seville have solved a long-standing enigma in basic biology by discovering how lipids distribute proteins within cells. Using a new microscopy technology, they found that membrane lipids select and direct specific proteins to correct exit doors.
Scientists are developing a 'brain on a chip' technology using human brain stem cells to solve complex problems, aiming to revolutionize machine learning. The Neu-ChiP project has the potential to break through current limitations of processing power and energy consumption.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found a neural circuit in zebrafish that enables them to focus on one stimulus over others, allowing for escape from predators. The circuit involves the tectum and nucleus isthmi brain regions.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that KNDy neurons, expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin-B, and dynorphin-A, are responsible for GnRH pulses, enabling ovarian function in mammals. Rescuing just 20% of these neurons is sufficient to restart GnRH and gonadotropin pulses and maintain fertility.
A new study led by the University of Tsukuba and NEI has discovered a brain circuit that allows monkeys to learn context-dependent object values. The researchers found that fast-spiking neurons in the basal ganglia control motor movements, including eye movements, when learning associations between objects and backgrounds.
Researchers developed a new method to classify brain tumors using RNA analysis, achieving high accuracy rates compared to traditional methods. The study found that this approach can identify patients with a worse prognosis and detect secondary glioblastomas not detected by other methods.
Researchers discovered myelomonocytic cells that enter the brain too quickly and cause devastating damage, while a slower subset helps repair damaged vessels. Administering treatment within six hours of injury can reduce swelling and improve outcomes.