Articles tagged with Neurons
A new model demonstrates how a network of neurons can act as a 'neuronal metronome' by accurately estimating time intervals between beats within tens of millisecond accuracy. This framework relies on rhythmic brain activity patterns known as gamma oscillations to keep track of time.
Serotonin enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular respiration, and ATP production, reducing reactive oxygen species and stress damage in neurons. The study identifies serotonin as a potential therapeutic target for treating mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, with implications for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.
A new UTSA study has redefined the role of a cell's cytoskeleton, finding it plays a crucial part in energy transfer and information processing within neurons. This breakthrough challenges traditional views of the cytoskeleton's primary function in supporting cellular structure.
Researchers developed deformation microscopy to non-invasively probe cell mechanics and understand how physical changes contribute to cell development and disease. The technology reveals intricate structural architectures and dynamic cell deformation, opening new avenues for studying mechanobiology.
A new study uncovers the presence of 'hidden' microglia in the brain, which show a resemblance to microglia associated with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers hope to find strategies for controlling these immune cells to develop future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered pigment-producing stem cells that can regenerate myelin sheaths in mice, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis. The discovery could offer a less invasive and simpler alternative to embryonic stem cells.
Researchers developed an algorithm called Scanorama that merges over 20 diverse human cell datasets into a single, diverse source of data. The algorithm uses a modified computer-vision technique to find matching cells across datasets and preserves unique cell types.
MIT researchers develop a method to extract comprehensive samples of massive cell datasets, preserving rare cell types and their biological information. The 'sketching' approach generates compact summaries of large datasets in minutes, making it practical for biological studies.
Researchers controlled specific neurons in macaques' brains with images generated by artificial neural networks, demonstrating a new tool for neuroscientists to design experiments. This breakthrough uses current computer vision applications to predict and control visually evoked neural responses in primate brains.
Researchers discovered that worms can form associative memories and retrieve them to cope with future hardships, similar to humans with PTSD. The study found that certain neurons store these memories and triggering a specific scent can bring back distressing memories.
Researchers at MIT have demonstrated that artificial neural networks can be used to drive specific brain neurons, showing a strong activation pattern. The study suggests that these models could be used to control brain states in animals and establish their usefulness, paving the way for further research.
Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers identified two lead compounds that disrupt SpCas9 DNA binding, enabling precise control over CRISPR-Cas9-based technologies. These small-molecule inhibitors are reversible and dose-dependent, allowing for safe use of gene editing tools.
Research on brain-heart interactions may lead to life-saving therapies for heart failure and arrhythmia by manipulating specific nerves to emit electrical signals. Dr. Cheng's lab is developing a comprehensive map of neurons and their connections to the heart.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that a drug mimicking the ketogenic diet can improve brain function in mice after TBI and prevent the development of epileptic activity. This new approach could potentially be used to treat post-traumatic epilepsy and restore normal synaptic communication in the brain.
The new light-field microscopy system captures biological processes in 3D at high speeds, resolving dynamics within hearts and neuronal cells. This technique overcomes previous limitations, enabling researchers to study dynamic processes on millisecond timescales.
Researchers have found that melanin-concentrating hormone neurons are active during rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep and when exploring novel objects in mice. This suggests these cells may facilitate memory formation through single-cell activity patterns.
Studies found that all brain parts process touch signals, complementing each other for perception. Brain network processing information as a single network with partially different functions from situation to situation.
Researchers aim to understand molecular mechanisms behind dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), two leading causes of heart failure. The study seeks to identify key genes and proteins involved in these conditions.
A global survey of ocean viruses has identified nearly 200,000 species, exceeding prior estimates by 13,000. The findings have significant implications for understanding climate change, evolution, and the impact of microorganisms on the atmosphere.
Researchers at Tufts University have created a computational model that explains how fragments of flatworms determine which end should form a tail and which should form a head. The model predicts the outcomes of genetic, pharmacological, and surgical manipulations, such as worms with two heads or two tails.
Researchers identified a specific network of cellular communication in the emotion-processing region of the brain driving mice to overeat tasty food despite full energy needs. This 'hedonic' feeding circuit may help explain why humans often overeat in modern environments with abundant and delicious fare.
Scientists discovered eight distinct cell populations in zebrafish brains that proliferate in response to amyloid-β aggregates, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These populations may serve as potential targets for inducing regeneration and developing new treatments for humans.
Scientists at Duke University discovered that general anesthesia works by hijacking the neural circuitry responsible for sleep and hormone regulation. The study found that certain anesthetic drugs activate a cluster of cells at the base of the brain, leading to unconsciousness and offering potential new avenues for developing pain-free...
Researchers have found that cannabidiol (CBD) can be used as a 'Trojan horse' to deliver medications across the blood-brain barrier and into the brains of mice. CBD was attached to lipid nanocarriers, which caused more fluorescent molecules to pass through brain cells, resulting in targeted delivery to the animal's brains.
Researchers found that older brains with low TRIM9 levels are prone to extensive swelling following stroke, but increasing the gene's expression improves recovery. The study aims to identify what triggers TRIM9 gene expression to develop potential treatments.
Researchers found a compound named 5'-iodotubercidin (5'-IT) that suppresses neuroblastoma cell growth and identified a potential new therapeutic approach. The study, led by Dr. Michael Lan, discovered a DNA-binding protein called INSM1 that is overproduced in neuroblastoma tumors.
Researchers discover SRC-1 gene variants disrupt body weight regulation in mice and humans, highlighting the protein's key role in the hypothalamus. Genetic variants identified in severely obese children contribute to poor body weight control.
Researchers found that growth hormone signaling promotes neuroendocrine adaptations during food deprivation, leading to increased appetite and reduced energy metabolism. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms behind weight loss and regain, highlighting the importance of GH in maintaining energy balance.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an AI-powered algorithm that can accurately identify and segment neurons from video recordings in minutes, comparable to human experts. This breakthrough has significant implications for real-time behavioral studies and could accelerate progress in neuroscience experiments.
A recent study discovered that the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) plays a key role in preventing protein aggregation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. NAC suppresses PolyQ aggregation and enhances organismal fitness, according to tests using animal models such as C. elegans.
Parvalbumin-containing cells have been found to regulate blood flow and volume in different brain regions, pulling back excess supply when activated. This discovery sheds new light on the role of these cells in neurovascular coupling and their potential involvement in neurological disorders.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a new structural feature of living cells that aids in tidying up defective cellular material, implicated in disorders such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic targets for human disease.
Michigan State University has landed a $1.8 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant to develop new brain implants that decipher complex chemical and electrical input and output for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and traumatic injuries.
Researchers at U of T Mississauga have identified SOX2 as a key regulator of the biological clock, responsible for coordinating gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The study found that mice lacking the SOX2 gene displayed disrupted circadian rhythms and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers discovered that stem cells in the neural retina act as 'bosses' during growth, telling cells in the retinal pigment epithelium when to create more cells. The study reveals an unappreciated mechanism for growth coordination, where one tissue gives cues to synchronise the growth of nearby tissues.
Researchers found that brain stem cells from primary progressive MS patients act and look older than normal cells, affecting myelin production. Blocking a specific protein may improve oligodendrocyte growth and offer new treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that oxidative stress leads to both sleep disturbances and aging. The study, published in Nature, suggests that targeting the mechanism behind sleep-regulating neurons could lead to a powerful new type of sleeping pill with fewer side effects.
Researchers discovered BRCA1 protein helps neuroblastoma cells cope with stress by opening a side track for repair. This mechanism enables tumours to grow rapidly despite DNA damage.
Researchers found that retinal ganglion cells depend on the primary visual area of the brain to remain healthy, leading to permanent visual impairment. However, some eye cells remain connected to unscathed neurons in the visual cortex, suggesting a potential for vision recovery through neuroplasticity-based therapies.
Neuroscientists discover vibrations perceived as noise pollution similar to sound processing; Pacinian corpuscles identified as key receptor. Researchers propose ancient sensory channel as potential precursor of hearing system.
A study by UT Dallas researchers has identified several new targets for pain treatment, revealing the source of chronic pain in humans. The study found that specialized nerve cells called dorsal root ganglia (DRG) play a key role in neuropathic pain, and genes expressed in these cells may be used to develop new analgesic drugs.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a specific neuronal population responsible for alcohol cravings, using lasers to temporarily inactivate these cells. This breakthrough may lead to the development of drug therapies or gene therapies for alcohol addiction.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to measure atomic-scale magnetic fields, not only up and down but also sideways. The technique uses nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, providing high precision in multiple dimensions.
Researchers have discovered autoreactive cells in narcolepsy patients, providing new proof that the sleep disorder is an autoimmune disease. Autoreactivity was found not only in patients but also in healthy individuals, suggesting a trigger for the disease.
Researchers developed a new approach to treat ischemic strokes by blocking hemichannels, reducing brain damage. The approach also showed potential for treating other neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers designed engineered ion-channels activated by low doses of varenicline to study cell activation and silencing in live animals. The new toolset, tested in mice and a monkey, showed promise for silencing neurons and inducing behavioral changes.
Researchers have developed a system to target specific cells in the brain using an approved anti-smoking drug, varenicline. This technology, called chemogenetics, allows for precise modulation of neural activity, which could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like epilepsy and pain.
Researchers found that serotonin molecules can directly attach to histone proteins in neurons, loosening the DNA spool and enabling more robust gene expression. This discovery has significant implications for understanding brain disorders and developing new treatments.
Scientists have devised an elegant tool to quantify the movement and changing morphology of cells through time using machine learning. The software, Usiigaci, analyzes microscopic snapshots of migrating cells and detects their changing outlines, enabling single-cell tracking at unprecedented resolution.
Researchers at D'Or Institute improve human brain organoid cultivation protocol to display regionalized brain structures and retinal pigmented cells. The team's advancements aim to mimic later stages of brain development, enabling studies on neurological diseases and drug effects.
A team of researchers has identified specific factors in stem cell secretions that help protect neurons and reduce the severity of spinal cord injuries linked to spina bifida. The study's findings could pave the way for a cell-free treatment for the birth defect, which can cause lifelong disabilities.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a crucial mechanism linking R-loops and Polycomb proteins to gene regulation in human cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding diseases associated with faulty Polycomb proteins or R-loop overproduction, including neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.
The new center, Neuron Pod, is a 23-meter-long free-standing structure designed by Will Alsop OBE RA at aLL Design. It offers hands-on workshops, live science shows, and exhibitions, aiming to inspire pupils to pursue careers in sciences.
Scientists at Yale University investigate the mechanics of touch by studying the sensitive skin on ducks' bills, finding similarities with human palms. They identify the Piezo2 molecule as crucial for touch sensation, with duck bill skin allowing more ions to enter neurons than mouse paw skin.
Researchers at LCSB and DKFZ successfully rejuvenated stem cells in the aging brain of mice, improving regeneration of injured areas. The study identified a molecule called sFRP5 that keeps neuronal stem cells inactive, but neutralizing it allowed them to proliferate again.
Scientists found that microtubule ends couple with kinetochores to direct chromosome segregation during cell division, and this process is similar to neuronal morphogenesis. The KMN network plays a critical role in both processes, suggesting a potential explanation for neurological conditions like microcephaly.
Stem cell research reveals that aging brain stem cells enter a state of dormancy promoted by inflammatory signals, reducing their ability to regenerate neurons. However, blocking these inflammatory signals using antibodies increases dividing activity and improves neuron production.
A lab study found that a substance called Emapunil alleviated motor disorders in mice, potentially slowing down Parkinson's disease progression. The compound targets microglia and TSPO, a molecular receptor involved in neurodegeneration.