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.
A team of researchers has invented tiny, light-powered wires that can modulate brain electrical signals, promising a new approach to understanding and treating brain disorders like Parkinson's disease and psychiatric conditions. The nanowires use silicon and gold to trigger neurons to fire electrical signals.
Scientists have identified a key protein quality control mechanism in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and weight. The discovery sheds light on how genetic mutations can lead to severe forms of childhood obesity.
Researchers developed compounds that modify DNA packing in Ewing sarcoma cells, inducing chromatic relaxation and reducing expression of oncogenes. This approach aims to promote neural differentiation and inhibit tumor growth, offering new potential treatment strategies for childhood cancer.
A neuroeconomics model suggests that valuing identity over accuracy leads to accepting incorrect information aligned with political party beliefs. Strategies to reduce this effect include creating a superordinate identity, engaging in constructive dialogue, and increasing the value of accurate beliefs.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that birds and primates share similar brain cell types linked to cognitive abilities, such as goal-directed behaviors. This finding suggests that these species may have evolved intelligence independently, despite their distinct anatomical structures.
A new study published in Science suggests that loss of mossy cells plays a critical role in both convulsive seizures and memory problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. In a mouse model, researchers found that turning on mossy cells prevented seizures from transitioning into convulsions.
Researchers created a detailed molecular atlas of brain blood vessels and the life-essential blood-brain barrier, providing new knowledge on cell functions and disease involvement.
A study published in Scientific Reports has identified a drug that can reverse the damaging impacts of heavy alcohol consumption on brain cells. Tandospirone was found to improve brain neurogenesis and reduce anxiety-like behaviors associated with alcohol withdrawal, opening up new avenues for treating substance-abuse deficits.
Researchers found that silencing astrocytes in the brain's breathing center caused rats to breathe at a lower rate and tire out on a treadmill earlier. Astrocytes were shown to use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to communicate with other cells, and their modulation was linked to changes in oxygen levels.
The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science is awarded to Alexander Rudensky for his work on regulatory T cells and their role in cancer treatment. Two younger immigrants, Polina Anikeeva and Sergiu P. Pasca, receive $50,000 prizes for their promising contributions to biomedical engineering and brain disease research.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have transformed skin cells from patients with Huntington's disease into brain cells, allowing them to study the degenerative disorder. The resulting neurons exhibited 'symptoms' of the disease, including DNA damage and cell death, which were prevented by correcting malfunctioning genes.
Researchers found genetic clues to distinct susceptibility to virus infection in congenital Zika syndrome, using Brazilian twin babies with different outcomes. The study revealed a single gene cannot explain the cases of CZS development nor brain resistance to Zika virus.
Scientists at Rockefeller University discovered early abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells with Huntington's disease, suggesting the disorder originates much earlier than previously thought. The study implies that existing treatments may do more harm than good and necessitates a new approach to treating the disease.
A study published in JNeurosci found that stimulating carbon dioxide-sensing neurons in the midbrain of adult male mice awakened them without affecting breathing. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University researchers has reversed symptoms of respiratory and cognitive abnormalities in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. The findings suggest that stimulating neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex could be therapeutic for Rett patients, potentially leading to improved breathing and cognitive f...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discover that oestrogen can induce neuroblastoma cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells. This finding has implications for treating aggressive forms of the disease, particularly those with high levels of the oestrogen receptor.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that kisspeptin, a hormone in the brain, drives attraction to the opposite sex and triggers sexual behavior. The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating patients with low sexual desire disorders.
Researchers found that a repurposed drug used to treat Hepatitis C effectively protected and rescued neural cells infected by the Zika virus in both cell cultures and mouse models. The study suggests that the drug could be effective against Zika-infected adults, including pregnant women.
Researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in lab-grown brain cells by targeting the ZNF274 protein, which silences many genes. The breakthrough provides clues for treating this genetic disorder and offers new hope for patients with life-threatening childhood obesity.
Researchers have created the world's first monkey clones using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a technique that made Dolly the sheep. The cloned monkeys, Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, are genetically identical long-tailed macaques born recently at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai.
University of Texas researchers use supercomputer simulations to study how blast waves affect the brain's perineuronal nets, potentially leading to life-threatening injuries. They also explore materials for space shuttles, aiming to improve their durability and performance.
Arizona State University is developing a biomanufacturing platform to generate human neurons for testing treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. The project aims to engineer neural cell types needed for drug screening, potentially leading to innovative solutions for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a key molecule, Pax7, which acts like a pioneer factor to open specific parts of the genome. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms of genome access and has significant implications for our understanding of cell diversification and disease prevention.
Researchers have developed a microfluidic device that emulates the human blood-retinal barrier, allowing for the study of its structure and physiological conditions. The device enables cells to communicate and interact with each other like in a living organ, making it an essential tool for boosting in vitro experimentation.
Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have identified a potential therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease by clearing senescent astrocytes, which stop dividing and secrete deleterious factors. This approach shows promise in preventing symptoms of the incurable neurological disorder.
Researchers have used a material's persistent photoconductivity to stimulate PC12 neurotypic cells, demonstrating a faster and noninvasive way to influence cellular behavior. The technique, which was shown to increase calcium ion levels within the cells, has the potential to advance research on cellular behavior.
Research at the Santa Fe Institute shows that living systems use collective computation to make decisions, with individuals contributing their own opinions and preferences. The system can produce accurate distributions of power, even in complex environments like primate social groups.
An international team of researchers identified activation of CRH-positive neurons in PVH as sufficient and necessary to induce dietary preference for carbohydrates over fats. The study reveals the role of AMPK and CPT1c in regulating food selection behavior.
A study in mice suggests that West Nile virus infection can lead to persistent neurological problems due to unresolved inflammation. Targeting this inflammation with an arthritis drug may prevent some of these problems with memory.
A new study from the University of Bergen shows that impairment in mitochondria may actually protect the brain in Parkinson's disease. Brain cells with decreased complex I levels are less likely to contain Lewy bodies, abnormal protein-aggregates that characterize Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have developed a new technique to map electrical circuits in the brain with unprecedented accuracy, revealing the detailed architecture of microcircuits. This breakthrough enables researchers to understand how the brain processes complex information and may lead to insights into behavior and sensory processing.
A recent study by University of Utah Health researchers has discovered a novel protein, Arc, that resembles viral proteins and plays a significant role in cell-to-cell communication in the brain. The protein facilitates the transfer of genetic material between neurons, potentially altering our understanding of how memories are formed.
A new study in mice reveals that excess cholesterol may be hindering the repair of fatty protective sheaths around neurons. Researchers found that phagocytes, which ingest debris, had internal organs called lysosomes overwhelmed with cholesterol crystals, reducing their ability to repair myelin.
Exosomes from tick cells can transmit viral proteins and genetic material to vertebrate host cells, enabling the spread of brain-infecting viruses. This discovery suggests that tick-borne Flaviviridae viruses may use exosomes to drive transmission and dissemination within the vertebrate host.
Researchers identified rare genetic variations in Thorase protein associated with schizophrenia, reversed anti-social behavior in mice using perampanel. The study provides preliminary support for Thorase's role in behavioral disorders.
Researchers at UCSB have identified a unique class of gustatory receptor neurons necessary for calcium taste in fruit flies. They found that calcium is sensed as slightly bitter and sour, but its effects on human health are complex, with high levels associated with diseases.
Biomedical engineers have discovered a way to enhance the effectiveness and safety of sonogenetics, emerging techniques that use sound waves to control neuron behavior. By attaching microscopic beads to receptors on cell surfaces, they can produce cell-stretching effects with much less risk of cellular injury.
The primate brain's anterior medial patch uses a combinatorial code to adjust neuron firing rates for face recognition. This coding mechanism is also found in the fruit fly olfactory system.
Researchers developed an antibody selection system to identify therapeutically significant antibodies that induce microglia-like cells. These cells migrated to the brain and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, reducing brain amyloid deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered how cells adapt to stressors by reprogramming their internal signaling networks, which could lead to therapeutics for multiple diseases. The studies focus on cellular mechanisms that protect against cell death and dysfunction, particularly in the context of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a novel form of protein aggregation that is both reversible and has positive physiological consequences for cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists discovered a complex color vision circuit in mice involving the M5 cell, which may process color information and lead to new treatments for humans. This finding expands our understanding of color vision and its relationship with other types of vision.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins used supercomputers to create an atomic scale map of how glutamate binds to a neuron in the brain. The study reveals that glutamate molecules follow specific pathways on the surface of glutamate receptors, with positively charged atoms guiding its negatively charged atoms.
A researcher at Case Western Reserve University is investigating the link between abnormal embryonic brain development and autism. The study aims to understand how cell-signaling defects lead to excessive early brain-cell growth and enlarged neonatal brains, resulting in long-term alterations in brain circuitry.
Research at Kanazawa University identifies FGF signaling as essential for gyri formation in the cerebral cortex, enabling large-scale neuron development and brain functions. The study uses a ferret model to analyze genome-level interactions, revealing the importance of FGF signaling in gyrus formation.
A study at Brown University reveals a previously unknown set of matching barrel structures in the cortex, providing insight into how sensory information is processed. The discovery suggests that layer six may play a greater role than previously realized in communicating with the thalamus.
Researchers have developed a more detailed map of the human brain's cellular diversity, identifying 35 subtypes of neurons and glial cells linked to various brain disorders. The study provides insights into genetic risk factors for diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
A comprehensive atlas of gene expression in human brain cells reveals new insights into autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. The study identifies links between neural stem cell populations and neurodevelopmental disease, opening up new avenues for research.
Scientists develop modified CRISPR-Cas9 technique that alters gene activity without cutting DNA, reversing diseases in mice models. The technique uses adeno-associated viruses to introduce genetic manipulation machinery to cells, promoting expression of target genes without introducing mutations.
A new gene therapy transplantation technique could improve treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by generating genetically engineered microglia-like cells in the brain. This technique has been tested on an experimental model for a metabolic disease and may have future therapeutic applications for other neurodegenerative diseases.
A study found that a cancer medication can improve symptoms of Huntington's disease in mice, including increased mobility and longer lifespan. The drug targets mitochondrial health and protein removal, also relevant to other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced the DNA of a single mitochondrion, revealing vastly different sequences between individual mitochondria within a cell. This breakthrough may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, such as those caused by accumulated mitochondrial mutations with age.
Researchers at UC Riverside have found a way to access and manipulate taste neurons in the pharynx of common fruit flies, which could help control the spread of mosquito-related illnesses and reduce agricultural losses. This genetic approach offers a new framework for understanding the complexities of insect feeding behaviors.
Researchers at Lobachevsky University are creating a neurochip that can transmit signals to healthy brain cells, potentially replacing damaged areas. The team aims to develop an artificial neural network of 100 nerve cells within three years.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder are developing a new laser microscopy technique to study the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This technique, which involves shooting pairs of photons deep into brain tissue, may enable earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.
A new study using pluripotent stem cell technology reveals that having too much or too little of the CHRNA7 gene can lead to similar biological effects in brain cells. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and offers a potential avenue for treatment.
Researchers from TSRI have identified a process in nerve cells called the S-nitrosylation reaction that may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that this reaction can trigger cell death by preventing the proper removal of damaged mitochondria, leading to neuronal damage and death.
Two distinct mechanisms have been identified by which Th17 and Th1 lymphocytes breach the blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis, targeting neurons and degrading myelin insulation. Understanding these pathways could lead to development of specific therapies to block immune cell entry.
A study published in Stem Cell Reports reveals that DNA-encoded factors influence the vulnerability of brain cells to Alzheimer's disease. Brain regions with higher Aβ protein levels are more susceptible to damage, while protected areas have a less toxic response.
Diffusion concentrates signal in one place, facilitating cell differentiation in Drosophila embryos. The mechanism amplifies the signal from transcription factors, increasing the likelihood of viable embryos.