Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers studied inhibitory neurons' impact on brain oscillations using computer models. They found that these neurons can delay or facilitate the onset of synchronization, which is crucial for understanding brain diseases like Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
Parkinson's disease can spread throughout the brain via tiny channels, where harmful protein aggregates bind and 'hitch a lift' with channel-forming proteins. This process involves specific proteins called connexins, which create small channels between cells.
Researchers identified 'simulation neurons' in the amygdala that simulate decision-making processes of others, enabling social learning. Dysfunctions in these neurons may explain difficulties with social interaction in autism and social anxiety.
Researchers have developed a microglia-selective fluorogenic probe that triggers fluorescence through gene expression, enabling selective labeling and imaging of microglia cells in live brain tissue. This probe has the potential to detect developing neural diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
Researchers developed stem cell-based disease models to investigate early brain development linked to Down syndrome. They found that inhibiting the OLIG2 gene improved cognitive function in mouse models, suggesting it as a potential prenatal therapeutic target.
A team of neuroethicists examined 41 wearable brain devices, identifying issues with claims made by companies about their products. The study highlights the need for more transparent communication about potential outcomes, as well as consideration of ethical implications and potential risks.
B.J. Casey advocates for reform to ensure healthy psychological development for young offenders in the US prison system. She recommends bail reform and closing facilities that lack rehabilitation components, citing examples like Kalief Browder's tragic case.
Scientists uncover how light influences insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis, shedding light on the circadian rhythms' impact on diabetes. The study suggests that taking into account time of day can help patients better manage their treatment and reduce risks associated with daily insulin injections.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University aim to create a noninvasive neural interface that can sense and stimulate the brain's dynamic activity with unprecedented resolution. The team will harness novel concepts in physics, biology, and engineering using electricity, ultrasound, and light to develop a wearable device.
A Rice University-led team is developing a headset technology that can directly link the human brain and machines, aiming to transmit visual images from one individual to another's mind. The project, funded by $18 million, plans to demonstrate direct, brain-to-brain communication at the speed of thought without surgery.
The study reveals that brain stem cells use a double-lock mechanism to protect genes that control cell identity, preventing unintended activation. This discovery has great therapeutic potential for reactivating stem cells and could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
New research reveals distinct features of membrane channels in skeletal and heart muscle cells, shedding light on the mechanisms behind inherited arrhythmias and providing a promising avenue for targeted drug development. The study also highlights the vital role of phosphatidylethanolamine in mitochondrial energy production.
A team of researchers from Australia, France, New Zealand, and the UK have discovered a group of brain cells that function as a 'master-controller' for the cardiovascular system. These cells, found in the medulla oblongata, coordinate activity across the cardiovascular system, including blood flow to the heart and blood vessels.
Research found thalidomide alters CRBN protein function in neural stem cells, leading to smaller brains and embryonic malformations. Increasing CRBN availability results in larger brains.
Researchers have identified compounds in ragweed that can help nerve cells survive with Alzheimer's disease peptides. The compounds, including terpenoids and spermidine conjugates, showed promise in protecting neurons from Aβ-induced toxicity.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison find pIC accelerates cellular maturation, leading to more mature and functional cardiac muscle cells. The compound activates epigenetic changes, including increased expression of the JAG1 gene, resulting in improved contractility and electrical efficiency.
A recent study by CRCHUM researchers has identified a key brain protein, acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), in controlling food intake and energy expenditure. The study found that this protein enables astrocytes to communicate with neurons, regulating weight maintenance.
Scientists at Kyoto University have found a 'wake-up' signal that can unlock brain cells' regenerative potential. The discovery, published in Genes & Development, reveals the ebb and flow of gene expression that activates dormant neural stem cells.
A new study using FlashTag technology and single-cell RNA sequencing identified a core set of temporally patterned genes driving the shift in fate of neural progenitor cells. These molecular 'birthmarks' are transmitted from mother to daughter cells, influencing the types of neurons they will become.
A VA-led study found that veterans and service members with combat-related mild traumatic brain injuries have higher levels of abnormally fast brain waves in regions critical for consciousness. This discovery may help target brain-stimulation therapies for cognitive deficits associated with TBI.
Researchers identified the retrosplenial cortex as the brain region responsible for value-based decision-making, which is crucial for neurological conditions such as schizophrenia and dementia. The study used data from tens of thousands of neurons to show that the RSC maintains subjective value information until the next experience.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons function normally. By artificially augmenting the electrical signals of isolated neurons, they found that the cells can adjust to changes in their environment without significant harm. This finding could lead to new treatments for spinal co...
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.