Articles tagged with Neurons
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.
A new software tool, Whetstone, sharpens artificial neurons, enabling neural computer networks to process information up to 100 times more efficiently than current industry standards. The tool is expected to increase AI penetration in mobile phones, self-driving cars, and automated image interpretation.
Scientists have developed a model that explains how the nose adapts to smells by efficiently coding patterns across receptor types, which could aid research into age-related declines in sense of smell. The study's findings contribute to understanding how the mammalian nose senses and processes smells.
A collaborative study improves understanding of ALS by identifying a key role for ubiquilin proteins in regulating cellular waste. The researchers found that mutated ubiquilins fail to regulate lysosomes, leading to excess waste buildup and disease development.
MIT researchers have developed a new MRI-based detection method for intracellular calcium signaling, enabling precise measurements of neural activity. This breakthrough allows scientists to link neural activity with specific behaviors and could lead to further research on brain function and diagnostics.
Researchers developed a synchronization registration method with high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the network to recognize up to 14 figures out of 102 possible variants. The system operates independently as a separate neural organism, utilizing multilevel neurons with high functionality.
Researchers create ultrasmall, untethered electrodes activated by near-infrared light for neural stimulation, reducing inflammation and scarring in neural tissue. The technology offers improved spatial precision and potential for deeper tissue access.
A recent study has clarified the mechanism behind a rare brain disorder called MICPCH syndrome, which affects few individuals worldwide. The research highlights the importance of the protein CASK in maintaining balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.
Scientists have created a novel tool that can both control and visualize serotonin receptor signals in neural cells using light. The tool, called Camello, uses fluorescent proteins to indicate activated signalling pathways and receptor trafficking in specific domains.
New research reveals that neurons in the brain's somatosensory cortex respond differently to various features of a surface, creating a high-dimensional representation of texture. This complex neural landscape allows for the rich sensation of texture, enabling us to distinguish between subtle differences.
A team of scientists has developed a protein sensor that allows them to visualize where nicotine collects inside cells, revealing its effects on neural cells and the nature of nicotine addiction. The sensor, composed of a special protein, detects nicotine molecules and activates fluorescent proteins to glow brightly.
Researchers identified compounds that can reduce mosquito hunger for blood, acting on hormone pathways. The study used Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and found a drug capable of inhibiting biting and feeding behaviors.
MIT researchers found that excessive protein production leads to senescence and cell division impairment when cells grow too large. They discovered the limiting factor in cell growth is DNA amount, not chromosome number.
A new study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers discovered two independent mechanisms contributing to tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disease. Glycogen accumulation is linked to mTORC1 hyperactivity in some cases, while other TSC2 mutations trigger defects in lysosome formation and glycogen digestion.
A study published in Toxicology in Vitro found that L-norvaline can make human cells unhealthy and eventually kill them, even at low concentrations. The amino acid is commonly used in body building supplements to boost workouts and aid recovery.
Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism for removing faulty proteins from cells, which may aid understanding of neurological diseases and anaemia. By studying the yeast protein Hel2, they found that this process is essential for maintaining cellular health.
Researchers found that neurons from patients with depression who don't respond to SSRIs are hyperactive in the presence of serotonin, a key player in neurotransmission. Targeting specific serotonin receptors may offer an alternative treatment for these patients.
A male mouse can quickly identify a stranger's sex without prior experience, thanks to hard-wired brain circuitry. This ability is likely to apply to humans, as we share similar brain structure and function for recognizing a stranger's sex.
Scientists at Helmholtz Munich found a transcription factor called Tbx3 that plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy and sugar metabolism. Its absence leads to an identity crisis of satiety neurons, resulting in obesity.