Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
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.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant discoveries about the mechanisms behind brain column formation. They found that planar cell polarity (PCP) and Wnt signaling pathways play key roles in creating these three-dimensional structures, which are essential for proper brain development.
A new deep-learning framework predicts gene regulation at the single-cell level, enabling the study of transcription factor binding. This breakthrough has the potential to advance disease understanding and treatment, particularly in cancer research.
Two studies reveal that mosaic mutations during embryonic development contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with most brains harboring 'point' mutations in enhancers. Additionally, large copy number variants (CNVs) were found in people with ASD, often affecting multiple genes and chromosome regions.
Researchers found that MLL4 controls the production of neurons vital to growth, leading to delayed growth and short stature in patients. Small chemicals mimicking epigenetic actions of MLL4 may help restore GHRH neuron production, offering a potential treatment strategy.
Researchers have identified brain cells most susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to targeted treatments to boost the brain's resilience. The study found that RORB-expressing neurons are among the first to die in the disease, accumulating tau tangles earlier than neighboring cells.
Researchers at CytoDel developed a precision biotherapeutic that can enter neurons and protect SNARE proteins by inhibiting botulinum neurotoxin's catalytic activity. This non-viral delivery method has potential for treating multiple neurological diseases, including synaptopathies.
Researchers have created non-toxic versions of botulinum neurotoxins that can deliver therapeutic antibodies to neurons, reversing paralysis within hours. The toxin derivatives offer a promising approach to treat established cases of botulism and target hard-to-reach molecules.
A new study decodes the molecular diversity of neurons in the zebrafish retina, identifying at least 32 different types of retinal ganglion cells. These cell types are linked to specific functions and behaviors, shedding light on how the brain processes visual stimuli.
Researchers discovered that mutagens induce errors in gene transcription, vastly outnumbering DNA mutations. This discovery opens new avenues of research into age-related diseases and sheds light on the role of the 'transcriptome' in aging.
Cells have a quality control system that ensures the health and function of mitochondria. A new study reveals that cells also transfer mitochondria out in response to stress, leading to the development of Parkinson's disease in humans.
Scientists at Durham University have discovered a new type of brain cell called Vector Trace cells, which can store maps of places we've been and track the distance between objects. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute discovered a brain region, superior temporal sulcus (fSTS), crucial for processing and making decisions about visual information. This finding could provide clues to treating visual conditions from stroke.
A new computational model reveals how the brain maintains short-term information using specific types of neurons, including inhibitory neurons. Good working memory requires long-timescale neurons to be prevalent and strong connections between these neurons.
Researchers found that ketamine works by targeting specific brain proteins involved in memory formation, specifically 4E-BPs. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating major depressive disorder, particularly for patients resistant to standard antidepressants.
A team of Penn State engineers found a connection between nitric oxide-expressing neurons and changes in arterial diameters in mice, shedding light on brain function and aging. The researchers discovered that approximately half of the dynamic range in blood vessel diameter is controlled by a small group of neurons.
Researchers created a biohybrid artificial retina with silk fibroin and retinal cells, which can adhere to the eye's surface and facilitate integration. The new technology holds promise for treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), an incurable disease affecting over 196 million people worldwide.
A new molecular probe called FLiCRE allows researchers to tag, record, and control cellular functions in living animals. It uses blue light and calcium sensitivity to precisely control experiments, enabling the study of tens of thousands of cells at once.
The SCOUT pipeline enables quantitative comparisons among unique organoids by extracting comparable features. Researchers use it to identify patterns in cell configurations, highlighting similarities and differences across organs
A new therapeutic method protects neurons and minimizes cognitive dysfunction by delivering targeted drugs to the brain after minor head injuries in individuals with extensive previous sleep deprivation. The treatment involves titanium dioxide capsules with cerebrolysin, promoting the production of essential hormones and proteins to co...
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a high density of chandelier cells in the visual cortex impairs depth perception. The study, published in Neuron, suggests that pruning these cells is essential for efficient communication between the two visual hemispheres.