Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
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.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered that stem cell genes remain active, allowing for reversible decision-making in becoming a neuron or reverting back to stem cell. Uncontrolled TOR activity can cause brain cancer, highlighting the importance of controlling this signal for future stem cell therapy developments
Researchers at FAU have identified TRM cells as a key player in inducing acute inflammatory episodes in bowel diseases, leading to flare-ups and tissue damage. Patients with high proportions of these cells are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a new model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which points to molecular causes and potential treatments. The model, reported in Cell Reports, removes a major obstacle for scientists seeking to understand the disease.
A new optical microscope system called SIFOM stimulates multiple cells simultaneously using holographic method and monitors cell activity using 3D measurements. The system has potential applications in reconstructing lost nerve pathways, constructing artificial neural networks, and developing food resources.
Researchers have found a potential therapeutic pathway for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the regulation of critical cholesterol in neurons. Cholesteryl esters were identified as regulators of tau protein, which accumulates in abnormal aggregates that cause neuronal malfunction and death.
Researchers studied mRNA and microRNA interactions in prenatal human brain cells to understand their role in cell type identification. They found that these interactions are highly cell-type specific, which can lead to overexpression of certain genes and uncontrolled cell production.
Researchers have identified a key trigger for toxic protein production in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Targeting the integrated stress response with an approved antidepressant drug shows promise in reducing toxic protein production in laboratory tests.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute discovered that TGF-beta signaling governs immune cell function in the eye, leading to activated microglia and retina damage. Disrupting this signal may represent a potential therapeutic target for treating AMD.
Researchers have identified neurons in the human visual cortex that selectively respond to faces, a significant breakthrough in understanding face recognition. These neurons were found to respond strongly to both familiar and unfamiliar faces, as well as images of humans and animals in videos.
Researchers have identified a pH-sensitive pocket in the NMDA receptor that can be targeted by redesigned compounds, offering specificity for stroke and seizure treatments. The 94-series compounds show promise in preventing excessive neuronal firing without affecting healthy brain regions.
A team of neuroscientists has identified two distinct types of neurons in the lateral horn (LH) of fruit flies that are responsible for the innate insect's aversion to carbon dioxide. The study reveals a complex neural circuit underlying olfactory responses, with one type of neuron projecting connections out of the LH and another havin...
A team of scientists at Stanford University has identified a bundle of brain cells in mice responsible for the negative emotions associated with pain. The amygdala region is key to processing painful stimuli and conveying emotional responses.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding that blocking specific brain signals in female mice can lead to enhanced bone growth, resulting in stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis. This discovery has the potential to develop new treatments for women and older individuals with fragile bones.
Researchers at TU Dresden found that increasing the number of neurons generated from stem cells improves the sense of smell in mice. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells can be used to enhance brain function and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have developed new methods for 3D microscopy, including ALMOST, which provides unprecedented imaging of reflective opaque objects. Additionally, a modernized Golgi staining technique has been optimized to study neurons in more detail, preserving ultrastructural details.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that activating social brain circuits can suppress feeding behavior in mice. The study used optogenetics to target specific neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex and found that stimulating fewer than two dozen nerve cells linked to social interaction was enough to inhibit feeding behavior.
Researchers discovered manganese's role in disrupting protein transport, leading to parkinsonian symptoms. Manganese accumulates in cellular vesicles, disturbing nerve cell function and affecting Parkinson's disease-like symptoms.
A Vanderbilt University team has deciphered the circuitry of the medial frontal cortex, allowing for more efficient diagnoses of mental illnesses. The findings could also guide medications to target specific receptors in the cerebral cortex for better effectiveness.
Researchers have made novel discoveries about visual cortex layers and the subplate, a mysterious layer below. The team used optimized three-photon microscopy to measure patterns of activity among neurons in six layers of visual cortex and the subplate.
Research by neurobiologists at the University of Würzburg reveals that high-intensity light extends sleep duration and delays evening activity in Drosophila. The study's findings suggest a molecular mechanism involving photo receptors and neuropeptides that regulate the circadian clock.