Articles tagged with Neurons
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers at Scripps Research are advancing compounds that protect neurons in diseases caused by toxic protein accumulation. In an animal model of ALS, the compounds improved strength and movement. The goal is to optimize these compounds into effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers used a larval zebrafish model to explore neural mechanisms of general anesthesia. The study revealed that the locus coeruleus (LC) plays a modulatory role in both the induction of and emergence from intravenous general anesthesia via a cooperative mechanism with norepinephrine (NE).
Scientists developed a machine learning technique to predict human cell organization using only black and white images generated by brightfield microscopy. This allows for the exploration of cellular structures in ways that were previously impossible, particularly in live cells.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a massive database of gene activity in individual cells during embryonic development and after birth, enabling scientists to trace specific developmental trajectories in the cerebellum. The analysis will aid understanding of brain development and provide a foundation for unde...
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a previously unknown astrocyte subpopulation that plays a key role in driving brain inflammation. The newly discovered 'ieAstrocytes' are activated early in neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified four types of neurons in the peripheral auditory system, three of which are new to science. The study shows that these neurons play a crucial role in decoding sonic intensity and may lead to new therapies for hearing disorders.
The Center for Sub-Cellular Genomics will develop new technologies to measure genomics elements at the scale of sub-cellular structures in single cells. This may enable new insights into neurogenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.
A protein called Staufen1 accumulates in cells of patients with degenerative ataxia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting a potential therapeutic target. Depleting Staufen1 from affected mice improved symptoms, revealing a novel avenue for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A new AI-powered tool, HEAL, analyzes genome sequences and electronic health records to predict individual risk for developing abdominal aortic aneurysm. The tool may one day help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases such as AAA, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers from UCI have identified patterns of sugars on the surface of neural stem cells that determine their fate, affecting brain cell formation. This discovery may improve the use of stem cells in transplantation therapies to treat injury and disease.
Researchers from the German Primate Center found that visual attention desynchronizes nerve cell activity, enabling more complex information processing. This insight may provide evidence for mechanisms underlying ADHD and autism, and sheds light on how the brain processes stimuli.
UC San Diego researchers develop rapid and cost-effective method to create human cortical organoids directly from primary cells. The new protocol enables large-scale production of brain organoids, which can be used to better understand human brain function and develop treatments for neurological disorders.
A new 'see-through' EEG device, developed by Boston Children's Hospital researchers, measures individual neurons with fine-grained precision. The transparent microelectrode array enables simultaneous neuroimaging and optogenetics experiments.
Researchers at Kanazawa University discovered a biochemical signaling pathway that cancels out biological noise in the differentiation process of neural stem cells. The JAK/STAT pathway reduces stochastic neuroblast differentiation, contributing to correct organismal development.
Researchers found that fruit flies use a small, bright spot (the simulated sun) as a landmark to fly straight with respect to its position. The study also shows that these flies have compass neurons in their brains associated with this navigational behavior.
Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University have discovered a new group of Kunitz-type peptides in Heteractis magnifica sea anemones, which exhibit neuroprotective properties. The peptides inhibit the development of inflammations and reduce levels of active oxygen forms that cause cell damage.
A team of researchers has identified a neural clock in the brain that organizes the flow of our experiences into an orderly sequence of events. This discovery sheds light on how our brains measure subjective time, which is distinct from external timekeeping mechanisms like clocks and circadian rhythms.
Researchers discovered that cytomegalovirus uses protein IE1 to replicate after PP71 proteins decay, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treatment
Researchers have discovered a key role for O-GlcNAc modifications in enhancing neuronal regeneration after injury. Altering sugar levels on proteins can alter metabolism, leading to improved regeneration outcomes.
A new intelligent machine, Image-Activated Cell Sorting (IACS), sorts cells based on their spatial and morphological properties using an image-driven approach. The platform has been optimized for analyzing individual cells and holds promise for making machine-based discoveries in biological sciences.
A team from NCBS has identified a set of three proteins - PI4KIIIα, Efr3, and TTC7 - crucial for maintaining PIP2 levels on the surface membranes of cells. This helps maintain the signaling system going by rapidly resynthesizing essential molecules.
Researchers discovered that gene regulation is largely digital and stochastic, with genes being on or off for a fraction of time. This finding adds complexity to human diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, and may help better understand dosage-sensitive genes contributing to these conditions.
Researchers at University of Georgia have successfully reproduced the effects of traumatic brain injury and stimulated recovery in neuron cells grown in a petri dish. The procedure has significant implications for studying and treating such injuries.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that variability in neural responses is not just random noise, but rather due to fluctuations in internally generated signals like attention. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how our brains work and focus, potentially leading to diagnostic tools for ne...
Researchers discovered that endothelial cells instruct neurons on their correct positioning in the cerebral cortex through laminin secretion. This finding highlights the importance of neurovascular communication in brain development and may hold key to treating dementia and mental illness.
A University of Adelaide-led team suggests a potential link between iron handling and rare gene mutations causing Alzheimer's disease. The theory proposes that abnormalities in how neurons handle iron could result in the devastating early onset form of the disease.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a navigational gene in glass catfish that responds to magnetic waves, which may one day be used to treat Parkinson's and epilepsy. The gene, called the electromagnetic-perceptive gene, can be activated using magnets and has shown promise in controlling movement in mice.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed device that uses regenerative cells to connect living nerve cells above and below spinal cord injury sites. The device has shown promise in improving bladder control, stopping uncontrollable movements, and alleviating pain.
Researchers develop a method to continuously record cells' development using genetic barcodes, allowing them to trace the full developmental lineage of every mature cell. This breakthrough resolves longstanding questions about brain patterning and promises to exponentially increase understanding of cellular growth and disease emergence.
A Stanford study discovered that apoptosis, a well-known form of cell death, spreads through perpetuating waves triggered by positive feedback loops and thresholds. This phenomenon, known as trigger waves, governs the progression of cell death in intact cells, as observed in Xenopus frog eggs.
Researchers at UCLA have demonstrated a promising approach to treating chronic pain by using biomechanical forces to control cell proteins. The study shows that magnetically induced mechanical forces can reduce pain signals in neurons by increasing calcium ions and adapting the cells' response over time.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a factor that could support the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. FGF21 is induced by cellular stress reactions after disturbances in mitochondria and can be detected prior to neuronal cell death.
Neurons in brain's master clock exhibit regular activity cycle that is disrupted under constant light conditions. Blocking these neurons reduces the severity of shifts in daily rhythms, suggesting a potential mechanism for modern sleep disorders.
Worms use two neural cells to perform critical calculations for finding food, employing a 'Hot or Cold' computation and constant follow-up checks. This system teaches us the importance of having a backup solution to ensure we're moving in the right direction.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered that male fruit flies deposit droppings as pheromone-laced landmarks to signal their presence, attracting females and increasing mating chances. This finding highlights the importance of fecal deposits in social communication among flies.
Aryn Gittis' research establishes new therapeutic targets for Parkinson's therapies, using optogenetics to identify a subset of neurons in the globus pallidus that play a critical role in restoring movement. Her findings suggest targeting these cells could repair neural circuit dysfunction in diseases like Parkinson's.
Scientists have developed a new drug discovery system that can specifically target phosphatase enzymes, which were previously considered undruggable. The system identified a molecule that successfully targeted a phosphatase to reduce accumulation of disease-associated proteins in mouse brains.
Engineers at Rice University have developed methods to study the neural patterns driving muscle movements in freshwater hydrae, a species that appears ageless and can regenerate its body parts. By analyzing neural activity and muscle responses, the team hopes to uncover similarities with other animals and gain insights into their nervo...
Researchers at NIST have developed a silicon chip that uses light instead of electricity to precisely distribute optical signals across a miniature brain-like grid. The chip enables complex routing schemes necessary to mimic neural systems and has demonstrated uniform output with low error rates.
A new system has been identified that could reduce neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease by blocking the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates. The system involves a protein called UBR5, which promotes the degradation of mutant huntingtin, leading to a decrease in neurotoxic effects.
A Rutgers-led team of scientists has identified two molecules that protect nerve cells after traumatic brain injury and could lead to new treatments. The study found that speeding the breakdown of guanine protects neurons from injury and retains brain functioning.
Research from Rockefeller University reveals that giant neurons in the brainstem, called nucleus gigantocellularis, express genes linked to nitric oxide production and blood vessel relaxation. This discovery supports their role in initiating behavior and potentially understanding psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Researchers discovered that brain microglia clearance activity in different regions goes hand in hand with natural neuronal degeneration. Microglia can mistakenly attack healthy neurons if their 'eating' behavior is turned on inappropriately, leading to cellular changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have developed turmeric-based eye drops that can reduce retinal cell loss in rats with glaucoma. The treatment shows promise for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and has been found to be well-tolerated.
Research reveals that genetic copy-and-paste activity is increased in fruit fly models of tauopathies, leading to neuron death. Lamivudine, an anti-retroviral drug, decreases gene copying and reduces brain cell death.
A modified botulinum toxin compound Derm-BOT successfully targets and silences pain signals from neurons in the spinal cord of mice, providing long-lasting pain relief. The compound is non-toxic, safe to manufacture, and avoids adverse effects associated with opioids.
Scientists have discovered a specific sulfate pattern on the cell's surface that allows misfolded tau protein to enter cells, leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Understanding this process could lead to new therapies to halt disease progression.
Scientists have identified a protein called SIRT7 that protects cells against senescence by keeping certain genes turned off. This function is crucial for preventing age-related deterioration and could lead to therapies targeting cellular senescence.
A class of enzymes, DYRK3, has been found to promote mixing of phases in cells during division, ensuring correct distribution of genetic material, organelles, and cell contents. This process is crucial for preventing errors like those seen in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that activating a specific type of neuron in the hypothalamus can trigger hot-flash-like symptoms in mice, regardless of gender. This discovery validates previous research on hot flashes and suggests a neurological target for preventing them.
A newly discovered neural circuit in mice regulates feeding behavior, with SST neurons playing a central role. The study reveals that activating these neurons increases eating behavior, while inhibiting them reduces it.
Researchers at TGen and Circuit Therapeutics have developed new methods to examine medium spiny neurons in the striatum, a structure crucial for movement, decision-making, and action initiation. They identified Chrm4 as a potential therapeutic drug target, shedding light on how MSN cells contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers identified the presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in neurons, which can modulate environmentally dependent levels of arousal. Blocking eNOS resulted in hyperactive behavior long after stimuli were removed, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating psychiatric diseases.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that pericytes, a type of connective tissue cell in the brain, can be directly converted into neurons by manipulating signaling pathways. The cells must pass through a neural stem cell-like state before differentiating into two classes of neurons.
Researchers developed a means of tracking retinal neuron activity as it delivers visual information to the thalamus, revealing organized clusters and shared sensitivities among different types of neurons. This finding suggests the retina's version of Pointillism, where nearby dots fuse together to create diverse colors.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered a hierarchical system in the brain that organizes learned behavior, offering new insight into neurological diseases. The study found three levels of control in neuronal activity, providing potential therapeutic targets for disorders like Parkinson's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers found that people with heroin addiction have 54% more hypocretin-producing neurons than non-addicts. In mice, morphine restored missing hypocretin cells, reversing narcoleptic symptoms. Further study is needed to explore potential treatment for narcolepsy.
Researchers discovered heroin addicts have more hypocretin-producing neurons than controls, while morphine reversed cataplexy symptoms in narcoleptic mice. Increasing hypocretin levels may serve as a treatment strategy for narcolepsy and potentially combat opiate addiction.
A team of scientists from McGill University discovered a key role for the GRIN2B gene in early neural stem cell development and autism. They used genetic engineering to reprogram skin cells into brain cells with the patient's mutation, showing how improper protein production leads to impaired brain development.
A study published in JNeurosci reveals how nicotine interacts with cells regulating the output of a brain region involved in habit formation. Nicotine reduces dorsal striatal output, an effect that persists even after the drug has been cleared from the brain, potentially underlining nicotine addiction.