Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a neural circuit in the amygdala that generates anxiety. The critical role of dynorphin was revealed, which could serve as a cellular target for treating anxiety-related disorders.
A team of researchers has discovered that the loss of BMI1 gene expression in the brains and neurons of patients with the common form of Alzheimer's disease is not a consequence of the disease, but rather its cause. This finding offers new hope for developing a cure by targeting the BMI1 gene.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that cells from older individuals had impaired mitochondria, leading to reduced energy production. This finding could reveal more about the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related brain diseases.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg have discovered a new role for stress granules in the formation and elimination of these structures. The study found that ZFAND1 protein is necessary for normal clearance of stress granules, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD if not properly eliminated.
Researchers at OHSU have identified the molecular basis linking a pregnant mother's nutrition to her child's growth. A key protein called DLX1 was found to impact GHRH and AgRP neuron development, affecting growth and metabolism in infants.
Researchers have discovered a potential link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that drugs designed to treat Parkinson's may also work for TB. The study found that LRRK2 protein prevents immune cells from clearing bacteria, leading to build-up of protein in neurons that disrupts their function.
A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers has uncovered the mechanisms of overhydration leading to hyponatremia, a common condition in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study reveals that glial cells detect overhydration and trigger the release of taurine, which inhibits hydration sensing neurons.
Researchers have found that faster brain stimulation can lead to neuronal response failures, suggesting a 'less is more' approach for optimal therapy. This discovery challenges traditional intuition and highlights the importance of optimizing stimulation scheduling.
Research on mice brain structure found substantial molecular differences between male and female mice, particularly in the locus coeruleus region. Female mice have higher abundance of EP3 receptor and elevated levels of Slc6a15 and Lin28b genes associated with major depressive disorder.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons that give rise to unique mating calls in two closely-related frog species. The findings suggest that changes in these cells over time may have shaped vocal patterns in vertebrates. Ancient circuits involved in breathing control were found to be linked to the evolution of vocal patterns.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered that cerebrospinal fluid flow stimulates neural stem cell division through ENaC channel protein. The study highlights a new mechanism controlling neural stem cell proliferation and has implications for brain function and treatment.
Researchers found that social isolation in mice upregulates neuropeptide Tac2/NkB, leading to increased aggression and persistent responses to threatening stimuli. The peptide is overproduced in multiple brain regions, causing diverse behavioral changes that persist even after social isolation is reversed.
Researchers at Princeton University have created detailed maps of neurons using a quarter-million video game players, discovering six new neuron types. The Eyewire Museum showcases the intricate beauty of neural circuits, providing a valuable resource for neuroscientists worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered the molecular structure of a cellular valve, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell volume. The study reveals potential approaches for treating conditions such as cerebral ischemia, stroke, and cancer by targeting this protein.
A study published in Nature sheds light on the connection between the gut and brain, revealing a new pathway that may help guide therapies for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Researchers found that compounds produced by gut microbes can limit inflammation in the brain through their influence on microglia.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a multifaceted stem cell niche that gives rise to neurons, blood vessels, blood cells and immune cells. This breakthrough could lead to the growth of entire organs in a laboratory setting.
Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have discovered how melatonin suppresses neurons in the brain that keep you awake and alert. This finding could lead to new therapies for insomnia by targeting the MT1 receptor.
Researchers at City, University of London found that colour processing cells in the brain are crucial for interpreting colours in natural images, and that transitions between colours do not significantly contribute to perceived colourfulness. The study's findings support the importance of individual colours in determining what we see.
A ketogenic diet has been found to protect retinal cells from degeneration in a mouse model of glaucoma, increasing energy availability. The study suggests that a ketogenic diet may help maintain vision in patients with glaucoma.
Flesh-eating disease causes necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where bacteria exploit nerve communication between the nervous and immune systems. Researchers found two approaches involving nerve modulation that could prevent infections and halt disease progression.
A research study published at Purdue University identifies a small molecule SERCA activator that may improve memory and cognition, reducing cellular stress and preventing cell loss in neurons. The molecule corrects cells' calcium ion balance and represents a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration drug development.
A team of researchers used machine-learning techniques to reconstruct a short movie of small, randomly moving discs from signals produced by rat retinal neurons. Nonlinear decoding methods outperformed linear decoders in accurately reconstructing the movie.
Researchers found that brain cells react to endogenous opioids and synthetic opioids in distinct ways, with synthetic opioids activating receptors in internal locations that endogenous opioids cannot access. This difference could contribute to the more rewarding effects of synthetic opioids, leading to addiction.
Researchers successfully grafted induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells into the spinal cords of genetically identical adult pigs, eliminating the need for immunosuppression measures. The grafted cells survived long-term and displayed differentiated functionality without causing tumors.
A new mechanism involved in depression has been discovered, and a potential drug targeting this mechanism shows promise as an effective treatment with fewer side effects. The research found that Elk-1, a molecule directly involved in depressive disorders, can be targeted to give quicker response times.
Researchers used mathematical models to re-enact brain development in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding that the human brain requires fewer initial cells to grow. The study suggests that humans may have adopted a different developmental program to produce neurons efficiently within a longer gestational period.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have shed new light on the identity of brain stem cells that exhibit neural stem cell function. The study found that ependymal cells do not become neural stem cells when activated by injury, but rather regulate their function.
Researchers have discovered that plant cells use glutamate receptor-like proteins to build complex communication networks, with cornichon proteins regulating calcium ion concentrations. This finding opens new avenues for understanding cell-to-cell communication in plants and animals.
A new study published in Neuron reveals that common genetic variants are the primary drivers of migraine risk, with a greater burden of variants linked to earlier onset and more severe symptoms. The research also found that rare Mendelian genes play a smaller role in shaping the genetic landscape of migraines.
UT Southwestern researchers have obtained atomic-scale blueprints of the most abundant class of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The study's findings suggest new ways to treat nicotine addiction and neurodegeneration by designing drugs that interact with the receptor in different ways.
A study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has confirmed a connection between the circadian rhythm and aggression in Alzheimer's patients. The team identified a circuit linking the brain's circadian clock to an aggression centre, suggesting a potential target for pharmacological intervention. This discovery may lead to new ...
Researchers have developed a tiny, simple photoactive film that converts light impulses into electrical signals, stimulating neurons and potentially restoring sight to blind people. The technology uses cheap and widely-available organic pigments and has been successfully tested in experiments with non-functioning retinas.
Researchers have developed new mathematics to understand how proteins work together as an integrated network within cells, enabling them to adapt and reset themselves after exposure to a new stimulus. This finding has potential applications in various fields, including cancer therapies and understanding the human hormone system.
Researchers developed a mathematical model showing that two brains can agree on new odors if both have experienced similar overlaps in scents. The model resolves long-held paradoxes about the brain's smell center and highlights an underlying elegance to the olfactory system.
MIT researchers have developed a new MRI sensor that can detect direct signals of neural activity by tracking calcium ions, allowing for more precise mapping of brain function. The sensor can detect subtle changes in calcium concentrations outside of cells and respond in a way that can be detected with MRI.
Researchers at ASRC have developed nanomaterials with the ability to mimic some behaviors normally associated with living matter. The materials can be directed to conduct electrical signals and exhibit dynamic properties, such as self-assembling and disassembling in response to chemical signals.
Scientists have created a system to control gene expression with high precision using light, enabling potential treatments for cardiovascular disorders and regenerative medicine. The CaRROT system can turn genes on and off in specific locations within the genome, potentially driving stem cell differentiation into desired organs.
A global project is underway to map every type of cell in the human body as a resource for investigating health and disease. Penn bioinformatics researcher Casey Greene will use this funding to develop open, shared computational tools and algorithms to analyze large data sets without being instructed what features to look for.
Medical College of Georgia scientists found that drinking baking soda encourages the spleen to promote an anti-inflammatory environment, reducing destructive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This shift was observed in rats and healthy people, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cells and an increase in anti-inflammatory macrophages.
Researchers discovered that mature ependymal cells require continuous Foxj1 production to maintain shape and function, but viruses can shut down this process, leading to hydrocephalus. This study may lead to alternative treatments for the condition.
Scientists found that brief sleep arousals are triggered by wake-promoting neurons' electrical noise, which is affected by body temperature. Higher temperatures may lead to fewer and shorter arousals, potentially increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Scientists at EMBL Rome developed a light-sensitive chemical that selectively binds to nerve cells causing neuropathic pain, leading to pain relief. The method avoids targeting single molecules and shows promise for managing chronic pain in humans.
Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics have elucidated a neuronal population essential for fear conditioning in zebrafish, revealing a functional equivalent of the amygdala in mammals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding fundamental neural circuits and their evolution.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that exercise-induced appetite suppression is linked to the activation of temperature-sensitive TRPV1-like receptors in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus cells. These cells respond to heat and play a role in suppressing food intake in response to exercise.
Researchers found that Heriaeus melloteei spider venom can block leakage currents through mutated ion channels, potentially treating hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The toxin fixes the voltage-sensing domain of the channel, preventing ions from leaking out and restoring normal muscle function.
Researchers used optogenetic tools to activate neurons linked to ejaculation in male fruit flies, revealing a rewarding experience. The study suggests that the brain processes ejaculation as a natural reward, influencing motivation and addiction risk.
Researchers generated hypothalamic-like neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells of super-obese and normal-weight individuals. These brain cells responded differently to hunger hormones and obesity-related genes. The study provides a platform for modeling complex polygenic diseases like obesity.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method to study the brain's role in obesity by recreating brain neurons from obese patients' cells. The study found significant differences between super-obese and normal-weight neurons, suggesting genetic mutations may contribute to weight gain.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.
Researchers found that female POMC neurons fire faster than male's due to the expression of gene TAp63, leading to increased energy expenditure and protection against weight gain. This novel mechanism may facilitate future gender-specific therapeutic strategies for obesity and related disorders.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown uncover exquisitely organized map of visual space in feedback connections, providing insights into visual perception. The study reveals that these connections encode information from further locations in visual space, giving lower structures contextual 'whole picture' information.
A study led by researchers at Linköping University found that amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, has different properties in different cell types. Glial cells can produce mature, less harmful forms of the protein, while neurons are more susceptible to damage.
Researchers discovered that specific RNA molecules recognize and combine based on complex shapes to form cellular droplets. This understanding may help prevent the transition to an aberrant, solid state associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at University of Virginia Health System have found evidence that doctors can load custom blends of immune cells into the brain to battle diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery enables doctors to tailor immune responses without radiation, a major breakthrough in treating neurological disorders.
Researchers found mice engineered with Huntington's disease have excessive mitochondrial iron accumulation, leading to dysfunction and neuronal death. This study identifies a pathway for the neurodegenerative disease and has implications for related disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A protein involved in Alzheimer's disease may be a promising target for treating HIV-related neurological disorders. Elevated levels of BACE1 and Aβ oligomers were found in postmortem brain tissue of HIV-positive humans, suggesting similar mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
Researchers discovered that the apoE4 gene causes damage in human brain cells by altering its main structure and function. They found that adding a small molecule structure corrector eliminates signs of Alzheimer's disease, restores normal cell function, and improves survival in human apoE4 neurons.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new method to quickly and efficiently recognize the subtypes of cells within the body. This technology, led by Andrew Adey, allows for profiling thousands of cells simultaneously, improving our understanding of disease at the molecular level.
Studies found that a specific brain circuit regulates daily aggression patterns, which can be controlled to minimize evening-time agitation common in dementia patients. By manipulating this circuit, researchers aim to develop new treatments for managing sundowning syndrome.
Researchers argue that targeting neuraminidase, the 'N' protein, could substantially decrease infection rates and reduce disease severity for those infected with the influenza virus. The current anti-flu vaccines concentrate on hemagglutinin, leaving a big hole in immunity.