Articles tagged with Neurons
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new UCL study using brain imaging found that paying attention increases energy use in the brain, while diverting energy from unattended tasks. The brain has a hard limit on energy supply, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and neglect of important information.
The team discovered a technique to compress brain signals, focusing on neural activity spikes called threshold crossing rate or TCR, which requires less data while still being able to predict firing neurons. By listening to a specific feature of neuron data called spiking-band power, the SBP method is highly accurate and takes in one-t...
Two groups of nerve cells in the posterior amygdala regulate emotions and drive male social behaviors like sex and aggression. Blocking signals from these neurons impairs males' ability to mate, while boosting them increases aggression.
A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infection drives the loss of smell by targeting non-neuronal cells in the nasal cavity. The virus expresses key genes in these cells, which are responsible for damage and anosmia.
Research by Professor Ami Citri and PhD student Anna Terem at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the claustrum plays a significant role in creating associations between rewards and contexts. The study used conditioned-place preference tests on lab mice to demonstrate the claustrum's involvement in incentive salience.
Researchers used the MADM technique to investigate how cells respond to changes in genomic imprinting. They found that cells activate certain gene groups involved in cell death, growth, and synapse development, particularly in astrocytes.
A research team mapped molecular changes in cells near amyloid plaques, finding two co-expression networks that respond to amyloid beta deposition. These networks, expressed by astroglia, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, show both protective and damaging effects on the brain, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have developed a wireless, optical cochlear implant that uses LED lights to restore hearing in deaf rats and gerbils. The device generates more selective signals than prior designs, offering improvements over current electrode-based implants.
Researchers found that fat-burning neurons in mice can grow and increase their ability to burn energy when given the hormone leptin. This discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity by targeting these neurons.
Researchers discovered a population of brain-resident immune cells that transfer information from the body to the brain environment. The presence of these cells is crucial for normal brain development in mice, and their absence affects behavior and brain development.
Researchers have shown that when one optic nerve is damaged, the opposite optic nerve shares its metabolic energy with the brain. This sharing process helps explain how neurodegeneration spreads between brain regions in diseases like glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified a specific type of neuron that plays an important role in gait recovery in mice, using machine learning to pinpoint the cells involved. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for paralysis and advance biomedical research.
Scientists have created magnetic nanodiscs that can detect and respond to mechanical forces, offering a new method for studying neural responses and potentially leading to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery could provide a more precise and non-invasive alternative to existing neurostimulation techniques.
Researchers found that misrouted mitochondrial RNA triggers an immune response, leading to cell death in spiny projection neurons ravaged by Huntington's disease. The study also identified a master regulator of gene transcription alterations and matched human brain samples with mouse models.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a new machine learning algorithm called e-prop, which significantly expands the possible applications of AI. This novel approach uses spikes to enable more efficient information processing and reduces energy consumption.
Researchers successfully edited RNA to correct mutations in the MeCP2 protein causing Rett syndrome, a condition affecting 1 in 10,000 live births. The technique holds promise for treating neurological disorders with genetic mutations spread across thousands of cell types.
Researchers developed a new method to map brain-wide connections using DNA barcodes, reducing costs compared to traditional methods. The approach generates virtually infinite labels to distinguish individual cells, enabling the creation of accurate anatomical maps.
Scientists at TU Dresden and HZDR successfully imitated brain neuron functioning using semiconductor materials. This development enables more efficient and intelligent computing, with potential applications in areas such as robotics and image recognition.
A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...
Amber Alhadeff, a behavioral neurobiologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center, has been awarded a $225,000 Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Award in Neurosciences to study the role of gut signals in hunger-related neurons. Her research aims to improve understanding of diet-related diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers are exploring how amyloid plaques degrade the brain's vascular system by impairing astrocytes, leading to a weakening of the blood-brain barrier. The study aims to pinpoint genes and proteins in astrocytes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers developed a neural network capable of recognizing retinal tissues during differentiation without modifying cells. The method allows for growing retinal tissue for developing cell replacement therapies to treat blindness and conducting research into new drugs.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute identified a novel drug that can protect the brain during and after a stroke. The study shows that injured neurons can remain viable if prevented from following biochemical pathways leading to cell death.
A new study sheds light on the molecular factors that render entorhinal brain cells uniquely sensitive to degeneration. Researchers found that a suite of genes is likely involved in making these neurons easy targets for degeneration, with PTBP1 playing a major role.
Tracking each atom in the NMDA receptor has revealed how it transmits and inhibits neural signals. The discovery could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, stroke, or schizophrenia by controlling the receptor's activity.
Researchers at the Allen Institute in Seattle are building a high-resolution map of Alzheimer's disease by comparing brain cells across patients with different stages of the disease. By identifying specific neurons and cell types affected by the progressive disorder, they aim to find new drug targets and potential therapies.
Scientists discovered a cell signaling pathway that could lead to new treatments for tuberous sclerosis complex, a neurological disorder causing non-cancerous tumors and epilepsy. The heat shock protein cascade restored normal mTOR activity in TSC cells, offering potential drug targets.
A new study in rodents suggests that star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes may be responsible for killing nerve cells in glaucoma. The study found that increased pressure drove astrocytes to release toxins that killed neurons, highlighting a potential target for treating the disease.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding chandelier cells, which are key regulators of brain signaling. Abnormalities in these cells have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, and studying them may provide insights into disease mechanisms.
A team of researchers discovered that distinct neural circuits in the forebrain send signals to the brain's control center to regulate sighing in response to stress, anxiety, or relief. Sighing rate increased when mice were confined, indicating a complex interplay between physiological and emotional inputs.
Blood vessels in the brain have evolved to form a protective barrier, but recent research shows they can also sense the metabolic state of neighboring neural cells. This allows them to respond to changes in nutrient availability and prevent disease states such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and RIKEN in Japan have identified specific cells in the mouse brain that can trigger a hibernation-like state when activated. This discovery has significant implications for potential human hibernation applications, including medical uses such as emergency transport or critical care situations.
Using human stem cell models, researchers identified deficits within cells damaged by glaucoma and found that correcting genetic mutations could slow disease progression. They also discovered dysfunction in autophagy, a process that removes damaged cells, which correlated with neurodegeneration.
A new study reveals that chemotherapy and cancer contribute to the development of neuropathy, a condition affecting millions of cancer patients. Researchers found that cancer itself causes significant distress to neurons, while chemotherapy amplifies this effect, leading to more severe trauma.
Researchers at University of Warwick discover that tanycytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, can increase appetite by delivering signals to neurons. The study found that stimulating tanycytes leads to an increase in food intake due to the activation of two pathways involved in feeding behavior.
A recent study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that high-fat diets change the nutrient-sensing capacity of Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in mice, leading to increased serotonin levels and potential implications for obesity and type 2 diabetes
Researchers found that the loss of UBE2K enzyme silences key genes for neuronal differentiation, leading to impaired development of nerve cells. The study provides a potential link between epigenetic regulation and neurodevelopmental diseases.
A Stanford team has developed an inexpensive optical technique to simultaneously record neural activity across the entire top surface of a mouse's cerebral cortex. This allows for comprehensive measurement of neural activity and could lead to breakthroughs in understanding decision-making, motor control, and sensory perception.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University develop a novel material called NT-3DFG, which enables remote optical stimulation of neurons without genetic modification or cellular stress. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cell interactions and developing new therapies that harness the human body's own cells.
A study by NYSCF Research Institute creates human stem-cell-derived astrocytes that become toxic to neurons in disease-like environments. This phenomenon could lead to effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
A new UC San Francisco study found that precise synchronization of high-frequency brain waves is crucial for learning to let go of old rules and make way for new updates. Disrupting these synchronized waves can lead to perseverative behaviors, a common symptom in schizophrenia.
Changes in gut mucus may be contributing to bacterial imbalance and exacerbating symptoms of neurological diseases. Gut mucus plays a critical role in balancing good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Researchers at Lund University and McGill University found that toxic tau protein spreads in the human brain via connected neurons, facilitated by beta-amyloid. The spread of toxic tau leads to widespread neuronal death and eventual dementia.
A SISSA study shows that passive visual experience plays a key role in maturing the brain's 'complex' neurons involved in vision. This discovery has important implications for understanding cerebral development and could lead to new clinical and technological applications.
Researchers analyzed 73 ancient genomes and found that the Canaanites descended from a mixture of local Neolithic populations and Iranian/Caucasus-related ancestry. This study sheds light on the cultural and genetic similarity among city-states, and how migration from the northeast may have influenced the region's culture.
A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive 3D map of the rat heart's intrinsic cardiac nervous system, allowing for precise study of its structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for severe heart disease and advancements in bioelectronic medicine.
Researchers discover genetic variant ALK in thin individuals that helps resist weight gain and obesity, with implications for developing therapeutics targeting this gene. The study found that deleting the ALK gene results in thinner flies and mice, highlighting its potential role in regulating energy expenditure.
The study successfully captured images of the sodium pump in action, documenting molecular changes necessary for sodium transport. The findings have implications for advancing optogenetics and improving experiments in neurobiology.
A study by University of Tsukuba researchers has identified a key molecule Crz that regulates body size adjustment during the larval stage in Drosophila. The study found that Crz neurons physically contact PTTH-producing neurons, controlling basal ecdysteroid biosynthesis and enabling proper development.
Researchers at Duke University found a single brain area, the CeAga neurons, which can profoundly control pain by turning off dozens of other pain-promotion centers. By activating this center, they can alleviate pain behaviors in mice, suggesting potential future treatments for chronic pain.
A team of researchers has developed an approach to stimulate the visual cortex, allowing blind and sighted people to perceive shapes. By tracing outlines with electrical stimulation, participants were able to correctly identify letters and forms, demonstrating a potential method for regaining vision in blind individuals.
Researchers found activated T cells in brain tissue of MS patients, indicating local inflammation is driving the disease. This discovery supports the idea that white blood cells on the outside of the brain no longer influence the disease in advanced stages.
Scientists have developed a new treatment to reduce swelling after brain and spinal cord injuries, offering hope to 75 million victims worldwide. The breakthrough uses the already-licensed anti-psychotic medicine trifluoperazine to alter aquaporin behaviour in cells, preventing cell swelling and pressure build-up.
Research by Marta Moita and her team found that social animals acquire fear of freezing through auto-conditioning, which requires both pain and immobility. The team discovered a neural map in the brain's fear-learning center and auditory system that underlies this learning mechanism.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to distribute bioactive molecules in three-dimensional space, allowing them to guide the growth of nerve fibers and other biological processes. This innovation has potential benefits for medicine, including improving recovery from neural injuries.
A new study in mice reveals that a specific group of neurons in the brainstem control the direction of walking movements by applying the 'brake' to one side of the body. This discovery has significant implications for understanding motor disorders and could lead to new treatments.
Researchers discovered that older mice made more of the two proteins in nasal cells than younger ones, explaining why older people are more susceptible to COVID-19. The study also found that sustentacular cells could potentially be infected by SARS-CoV-2, providing a route to infect the brain.
Fruit flies' brains learn to ignore prevalent smells and amplify rare ones through a signal filtering process. This understanding may apply to dogs and humans, and could be used to train AI machines.
Scientists discovered a critical protein, Ded1p, that changes its structure in response to heat stress, triggering the production of stress-protective proteins. This mechanism may help organisms adapt to temperature fluctuations and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
The claustrum is a key structure in coordinating brain activity across multiple senses and areas. Researchers found that slow-wave brain activity, characteristic of sleep states, is controlled by the claustrum.