Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
A new therapy targeting Gaucher disease has been discovered using nanovesicles, which can selectively target brain tissue and deliver enzyme replacement therapy without harming healthy cells. This approach shows promise in treating other neurologic conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Gliomas alter astrocyte function, preventing the brain from removing excess excitatory chemicals, which can lead to seizures. The study found that scar-forming astrocytes surrounding tumors play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potential treatment approach for concussions by cooling brain cells to an optimal temperature. The study found that cooling cells to 33 degrees Celsius provided the most protective benefit after 24 and 48 hours post-injury.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute describe different emotional facial expressions in mice, linking them to specific brain regions and emotions. The discovery enables the investigation of emotional mechanisms and their relationship with neuronal activity.
Researchers argue that psychedelic drugs can have therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions. Brain imaging has shown that psychedelics activate specific receptors in the brain, leading to long-term changes in brain functioning and anatomy.
A study published in Nature reveals that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a key role in the spread of pathological tau proteins between neurons. By inhibiting LRP1 expression, researchers were able to reduce tau spread in mice, offering new hope for potential treatments.
Researchers found that autophagy is dispensable for neuron survival but regulates axonal transport of molecules crucial for learning and memory. The study suggests that modulating autophagy activity may improve cognitive abilities by altering intracellular transportation systems.
A recent NIH study has identified a genetic mutation that improves cognitive flexibility in mice by modifying a protein regulating potassium channels. The mutation was found to enhance the ability of mice to adapt to changing situations, such as finding a relocated platform.
Researchers have discovered that dental pulp stem cells promote neuronal growth in tissue regeneration and cancer progression, while also recruiting facial neurons. The findings open up new paths towards effective therapies against cancer using drugs that modify the communication between neurons and cancer stem cells.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba identify brainstem neurotensinergic neurons as crucial for regulating non-REM (NREM) sleep. The study found that these neurons promote NREM sleep by producing the neuropeptide neurotensin, which also plays a role in pain and metabolism.
Researchers developed a method to engineer specific populations of neurons to manufacture electronic-tissue composites within living cells. This approach enables targeted use of electrical fields for therapeutic applications, such as pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Researchers have imaged the 'ball-and-chain' mechanism of ion channels using cryo-electron microscopy, providing new insights into their regulation. This discovery has significant implications for designing targeted therapies for disorders such as epilepsies and heart arrhythmias.
A scorpion venom-derived drug has shown promise in treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by reversing motor skill deficits. The study found that administering the drug at 30 days of life improved large- and small-muscle motor skills, suggesting potential treatment for children with FASD.
Research from the University of Cambridge found a link between inflammation and protein build-up in various types of dementia. The study suggests that neuroinflammation is a common factor across different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Researchers discovered a new neurodegenerative disorder, Mitchell disease, caused by hyperactive ACOX1 enzyme. A study in fruit flies identified therapeutic strategies to reverse damages specific to each condition.
A signaling pathway that helps prevent protein aggregates in brain cells is also required for sleep in fruit flies and zebrafish, suggesting its presence in humans. The study found that suppressing this mechanism led to reduced sleep duration, while overproducing it caused increased sleepiness.
Researchers found that inhibiting apoptosis in fruit fly neurons led to the development of 'zombie' cells that formed new olfactory neuron networks with distinct properties. These neurons expressed different receptors, including those for carbon dioxide detection, giving the flies enhanced odor perception.
Researchers found that propionic acid reduced relapse rates and disability progression in MS patients, with initial MRI studies suggesting reduced brain atrophy. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and altering its composition may lead to innovative dietary measures to complement existing therapies.
Researchers analyzed brain cell firing patterns while patients learned word pairs, discovering unique sequences associated with learning and a similar replay pattern before successful recall. The study suggests that brains use distinct neural firing patterns to store memories and then replay them when recalling past experiences.
An international team of scientists has launched a comprehensive overview of all proteins expressed in the human brain, published in Science. The Brain Atlas resource offers medical researchers an unprecedented resource to deepen their understanding of neurobiology.
A study published in PNAS reveals that neurobiological changes associated with aging can be seen at a younger age and may be prevented or reversed through dietary changes. Researchers found that consuming ketones, as opposed to glucose, stabilized brain networks and increased overall brain activity.
A new preclinical study reveals how liraglutide, an FDA-approved obesity drug, interacts with the brain's 'energy balance' system to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The study identified a distinct group of neurons in the brainstem that play a key role in mediating these effects.
A study identified dozens of new mutations in the DDX3X gene, critical for brain development, and found that half caused loss of function while others disrupted its normal functioning. The research provides insight into how the gene functions normally and may lead to potential therapies.
A new study published in Cell Reports reveals that astrocytes in the brain change form after a balanced meal, triggering the feeling of satiety. The study found that this plasticity could be altered for obese subjects, potentially leading to new treatments for weight management.
Researchers found that brain cells generate a 'new song' with the same beat for each breath, adapting to changing rhythms throughout the day. The discovery could lead to new approaches to treating breathing disorders and may even help combat opioid-related deaths.
Researchers used gene-editing tools to introduce the Parkinson's mutation into marmoset monkey stem cells, creating a primate model for studying disease progression and testing therapies. The edited cells exhibited characteristics of Parkinson's, such as abnormal cellular chemistry and reduced connections with neighboring neurons.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified vimentin as a crucial component in the protein-management system of neural stem cells. The study found that vimentin brings proteasomes to clumps of damaged proteins, allowing for their efficient clearance and enabling neural stem cells to function properly.
The study found improvements in brain metabolism and self-reported cognitive function improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis. N-acetylcysteine administration increased cerebral glucose metabolism and enabled neurons to recover some of their metabolic function.
A research team led by Dr. Segrey Kasparov has identified a new signaling system in the brain that regulates blood flow, or perfusion, and improves brain function. This discovery opens up new possibilities for regulating blood pressure, particularly in cases where it occurs without an obvious reason.
Researchers applied machine learning to decompose faces into components, revealing a mixture of low- and medium-complexity cells. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain processes complex visual information related to face recognition.
The game, developed by Cambridge sociologists and stem cell scientists, aims to provide a flavor of the lives and labor behind biotechnological advances. Players must balance competing demands, grow cells, and navigate the scientific career ladder while managing relationships and reputation.
A new model of chromosome X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in C. elegans has been identified, accelerating research on the disease and its potential pharmacological targets. The model points to glial cells as responsible for neurological damage, with oxidative stress caused by mitochondria being a major cause.
Rosa Uribe's five-year grant will support the assembly of thousands of experiments on neural crest cells to understand their behaviors and characteristics. The research aims to map out various aspects of the early formation of the enteric nervous system, a complex mesh of nerves that regulates digestion and hormone balance.
Researchers have discovered a new quality control system that allows cells to clear misfolded proteins from their surroundings. The Clusterin protein and heparan sulfate proteoglycans work together to bring misfolded proteins into cells for degradation, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders like...
Researchers found that B cells migrate to multiple brain areas after a stroke, targeting regions critical for motor and cognitive recovery. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic avenues for stroke patients.
Fruit fly sleep is driven by oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. This discovery may explain why chronic lack of sleep shortens life expectancy. By sleeping, cells may mitigate damage from accumulated oxidative stress.
A UCLA-led study found that the Foxp1 gene controls growth of the embryonic brain and is involved in timing of neuron production. The research revealed that both too much and too little Foxp1 affects neural stem cell replication and formation of specific neurons.
A team of researchers has made a significant discovery about the neural mechanisms of consciousness. By stimulating the central lateral thalamus in macaques under anesthesia, they were able to wake the animals and elicit normal waking behaviors. This breakthrough sheds light on the specific area of the brain responsible for consciousness.
Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can observe the brain at the single-neuron level, allowing for better understanding of neural interactions. The device uses light to record individual neurons, capturing changes in brightness depending on activity, and transmits information wirelessly.
Researchers defined the proteome of neural stem cell niches and compared it to other brain regions to identify key regulators for neurogenesis. The findings suggest that the unique niche environment allows neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain, and may contribute to the stiffness of neural stem cell niches.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have designed proteins called cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that prevent the aggregation of amyloid-β protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The CPPs stabilize Aβ in a non-aggregated state, inhibiting neurotoxicity and protecting neurons from damage.
A new imaging system, Flyception2, has recorded ultra-precise brain activities in flies during various stages of mating, including courtship. The study reveals surprising findings about brain nerve cells' activity patterns, with P1 neurons inactive during copulation and mAL neurons switched on.
The EU-funded IN-FET project develops novel nanodevices to treat neurological diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's by modulating nerve cell activity. The project uses ion-based technology to correct hyper-excitability in brain cells, offering a natural approach to treating these conditions.
Scientists at U-M identified distinct excitatory neurons in the retrosplenial cortex, which can continuously encode direction-related information over long durations. These low rheobase neurons are ideal for navigation, providing persistent sense of direction that complements other brain signals.
Researchers discovered that exposure to flickering light at 40 Hz causes brains to release signaling chemicals that may help fight Alzheimer's disease. The study found a surge of cytokines and phosphoproteins, which could support neural health and activate microglia to clean up amyloid beta plaques.
New research suggests that moving birth a day early can trigger an early start to widespread neuron death in the developing brain. Delaying birth has no apparent effect on when this cell death occurs, indicating a developmental process takes over in this scenario.
A new study reveals that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a cellular abnormality that impairs production of myelin, a fatty substance that facilitates efficient electrical communication across the brain. This impairment could lead to abnormal brain development and neurological problems associated with ASD.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a unique pattern of DNA damage that arises in brain cells derived from individuals with macrocephalic form of autism spectrum disorder. The observation helps explain what might go awry in the brain during cell division and development to cause the disorder.
Scientists have identified recurring patterns in brain neurons that can be used to explain their behavior and function, paving the way for creating artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain. By understanding these patterns, researchers aim to develop new treatments for neurological disorders and improve current technology.
A new study reveals that exposure to young pups changes signaling within the auditory cortex of female mice with intact Mecp2 gene, allowing neurons to become more responsive. In contrast, female mice with impaired Mecp2 gene show a strong dampening effect, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for Rett syndrome treatment.
A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...
A new injection technique has been developed to deliver neural precursor cells to spinal cord injuries, reducing further trauma and promoting reparative cell propagation. This method may have utility for multiple neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
Scientists have discovered the detailed structure of two calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) pores, which play a crucial role in sensing taste and controlling airways in lungs. The findings suggest these pores are essential for cell health and may lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's and depression.
A study on globular glial tauopathy reveals that phosphate groups are not unique to tau protein and can lead to dysfunction in other proteins. Glial cells also play a crucial role in the disease's progression by facilitating the spread of protein inclusions. This research sheds light on potential new drug targets to stop disease progre...
A new technique reveals that myelin produces multiple waves of electrical potentials traveling at high speeds, contradicting earlier assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully developed pain-killing neurons using human stem cells, providing lasting relief in mice without side effects. The next step is to conduct safety tests in rodents and pigs before moving to human trials within five years.
Researchers created snake venom glands as organoids, producing biologically active venom peptides. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of antivenom, addressing a pressing medical need.
Researchers found that West Nile virus (WNV) inhibits autophagy to induce protein aggregation, leading to cell death and brain inflammation. A drug inducing autophagy can prevent cell death and reduce inflammation.
A study published in PNAS reveals that the blood-brain barrier's impermeability is linked to depression symptoms and that restoring its integrity may lead to improved treatment outcomes. Researchers found that a decrease in claudin-5 protein and increased HDAC1 enzyme are associated with depressive symptoms.
Researchers found a neuron in mice that can suppress appetite without causing nausea, potentially leading to new treatment options for obesity. The study discovered that activating this CALCR neuron increases food intake and contributes to obesity, while deactivating it decreases food intake and body weight.