Articles tagged with Neurons
A new study by MIT neuroscientists reveals that circular RNA, specifically circHomer1, strongly influences how neurons build circuit connections during visual system development. Knocking out circHomer1 prevents synapse maturation and delays expected neural adjustments in response to monocular deprivation.
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains how bacteria can drive treatment resistance in patients with oral and colorectal cancer. The study also identifies a new biomarker for improved immunotherapy responses in solid tumors.
Research reveals that ovarian aging is not just about egg quality, but also the surrounding cells and tissues. The study found that eggs cluster in pockets surrounded by egg-free zones, which decline in density with age, influencing egg lifespan and maturation.
Angelo Forli's research project aims to investigate the hippocampus, a key region for memory and learning, to understand its mechanisms and adaptability. His team will explore how neural networks regain control of regenerated organs and develop new technologies inspired by brain's 'regenerative intelligence'.
A collaborative team at Scripps Research is creating the first atlas of interoception, a process by which the nervous system monitors physiological signals to maintain vital functions. The team aims to build a comprehensive framework for mapping internal sensory pathways using $14.2 million NIH funding.
A researcher is exploring the hidden functions of vascular-neuronal interfaces to uncover how blood vessels influence brain development and connectivity. The study aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by disrupted communication between blood vessels and neurons.
Researchers have identified a group of cells called Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the brainstem's lateral parabrachial nucleus as critical for regulating long-term pain states. These neurons integrate information about hunger, fear and thirst, allowing pain signals to be modulated by other brain circuits signaling more urgent needs.
Researchers at OIST investigate the neural basis of social hierarchy in male mice, identifying brain cells involved in determining dominance. The study found that the 'loser effect' is attributed to activity of certain brain cells, called cholinergic interneurons, and has implications for understanding human social behaviors.
The Neuropixels Ultra probe overcomes technical challenges in recording individual cells across multiple brain regions. It detects twice as many brain cells and distinguishes specific subtypes, enabling scientists to decode and track brain cell performance related to visual stimuli.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown used machine learning techniques to show that mice's facial movements reflect their hidden thoughts. This discovery could offer unprecedented insight into brain function and potential new research tools.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have created an artificial neuron with electrical functions that mirror those of biological neurons. The low-powered protein nanowire, made from bacteria, enables efficient communication between living cells and could lead to the development of new bio-inspired computers.
Researchers discovered a precise coordination between two proteins, BDNF and MMP-9, to strengthen specific brain connections. This mechanism is essential for learning, memory, and overall brain health.
The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...
Researchers used ultraflexible probes to track neurons in the visual cortex of mice for 15 consecutive days, revealing that millisecond rhythms explain how the brain maintains a stable picture of the world. The findings provide new insights for brain-computer interfaces, sensory prostheses and therapies for neurological disease.
Researchers used precise neural activity measurements from epilepsy patients to study how brain processes speech. The findings suggest the auditory cortex operates on a fixed, internal timescale independent of speech structures, providing a consistently timed stream of information.
Scientists at Linköping University develop artificial neurons made of conductive plastics that perform advanced functions like biological nerve cells. They simplify the basic structure to make it compact and biologically relevant.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
Scientists at UCSF successfully used CRISPRa to increase SCN2A levels in mice with the genetic disorder, resulting in reduced seizures and improved brain function. The therapy offers hope for treating neurodevelopmental issues related to SCN2A haploinsufficiency.
A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC found that a stem cell transplant performed one week after an ischemic stroke in mice led to significant brain cell growth and functional recovery. The treated mice showed improved fine motor skills, gait, and reduced inflammation compared to untreated mice.
The team will study neurons within a brain organoid, a millimeter-sized, three-dimensional structure grown in the lab from adult stem cells, to design smarter and more sustainable artificial intelligence. They aim to replicate complex computations that occur in the human brain to improve AI efficiency.
Researchers found that lung cancer cells can form functional synapses with neurons, supporting their growth and survival. Disrupting glutamate signalling led to lower tumour burden and longer survival in experimental mice, highlighting promising therapeutic targets.
Researchers discover lung cancer cells in the brain form synapses with neurons, promoting tumor growth. This finding highlights the importance of neural signaling in cancer growth and suggests novel therapies to interrupt this signaling.
Researchers found distinct effects of single disease-causing gene variants across different brain regions, pointing to hippocampal disruptions as a key factor in cognitive problems beyond seizures. This study provides an early step toward understanding why current treatments often fall short and may help identify new therapies.
Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.
A team developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) neuron that perceives dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. The device demonstrated synaptic plasticity, integrate-and-fire dynamics, and spike tuning, mirroring biological neurons' behavior.
A USF-led Nature study identifies how a genetic variant disrupts microglia function, increasing Alzheimer's disease risk. The PICALM gene defect impairs waste-processing organelles in microglia, causing harmful lipid droplets to accumulate and weaken their ability to clear debris.
Researchers at POSTECH and Korea Brain Research Institute unveil NeuO's mechanism of selective neuron staining through PAK6 kinase phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens path for precise tracking and study of living neurons in brain.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that overactivated dopamine neurons degenerate and die, leading to Parkinson's disease symptoms. Chronic activation of these cells can cause cell death, potentially triggered by genetic, environmental toxins, and compensating for lost neurons.
The study demonstrates that modulating the vagus nerve can effectively halt the progression of cachexia, enhance chemotherapy outcomes, and improve survival in preclinical models. This intervention restores normal liver metabolism, reduces systemic inflammation, and alleviates cachectic symptoms.
A parasitic worm has evolved to suppress neurons in the skin to evade detection, reducing its own survival. Researchers discovered that the worm produces molecules blocking TRPV1+ activity, essential for pain sensation and immune responses, allowing it to infect the skin undetected.
The "HippoBox" project aims to investigate neuroplastic changes in the hippocampus using brain organoids in real weightlessness. The research could provide new insights into cognitive health of space travelers and potential treatments for depression and dementia.
Researchers have discovered that dialing down sugar metabolism can break down neural integrity, but manipulating this process can also activate protective programs in neurons. Two proteins, DLK and SARM1, are involved in extending axon health, with their activity influenced by the cell's internal conditions.
Recent research reveals parvalbumin interneurons contribute to the tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex. PV inhibitory neurons are crucial for maintaining tonotopy strength. The study provides new insight into spatial encoding mechanisms of sensory information in the cortex.
Researchers found that repeated tickling increases oxytocin receptor expression in a rat brain region, mediating social bond formation across species. Pleasant tactile stimulation drives affinity-like behavior, indicating the formation of social bonds.
Researchers discovered a two-step mechanism where inhibitory neurons release nitric oxide to rapidly dilate blood vessels, followed by slower, localized vasodilation via astrocyte activation. This breakthrough sheds light on how neural signals are translated into blood volume changes in brain imaging.
A combination of two approved cancer medications may slow or reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by reversing gene expression changes in neurons and brain cells. Researchers analyzed public data from deceased donors and found a link between these drugs and reduced risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that neurons have a built-in 'backup battery' in the form of stored glycogen, which helps them function during periods of metabolic stress. This discovery challenges traditional views on brain energy metabolism and opens new avenues for exploring treatments for neurological conditions.
A new study from UC San Francisco challenges the traditional view of how the brain strings sounds together to form words and orchestrates the movements to pronounce them. The brain relies on a wider network of neurons across many brain areas, centered in the middle precentral gyrus, to coordinate speech-motor sequencing.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed new technology to image brain waves, revealing three new types of brain activity. The ultra-sensitive optical instruments can detect signals of genetically engineered proteins and show neural activity across the majority of the mouse neocortex.
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe to visualize AMPA receptors on living brain cells, revealing that new receptors are inserted from inside the cell during long-term potentiation. This breakthrough allows for rapid study of synapse strength and plasticity, shedding light on memory formation and learning.
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons born later in brain development mature faster than those produced earlier, ensuring a balanced neural network. This regulation is controlled by genetic mechanisms and may contribute to developmental disorders.
A recent study using machine learning and computational modeling reveals that astrocytes play a more active role in brain function than previously thought. Astrocytes subtly modulate communication between neurons during synchronous brain activity, influencing network coordination and stability.
A specific group of neurons in the amygdala has been identified as a key player in anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior. Restoring balance to this area can reverse these behaviors in mice.
A new study from the Buck Institute has uncovered how breaking down glycogen in neurons may protect against toxic protein buildup and degeneration. Researchers found that restoring an enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase can reduce tau-related damage and improve oxidative stress reduction.
Researchers found that low-intensity rTMS can increase synaptic plasticity of cortical axons in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in excitatory boutons. This suggests potential as a targeted treatment to improve quality of life for AD patients.
Researchers discovered that exploring environments can encode visual features, speeding up learning when tasks arise. The study found that unsupervised learning occurs even without specific goals or tasks.
Scientists have discovered the structure and shape of key receptors in the cerebellum, a region critical for movement, balance, and cognition. This finding could lead to the development of therapies to repair damaged synapses and improve brain function.
A UC Riverside study found that Toxoplasma gondii can significantly disrupt brain function by interfering with communication between brain cells. Infected neurons release fewer extracellular vesicles, which can lead to seizures, neural damage, or altered brain connectivity.
Researchers have identified a specific group of neurons in the brain responsible for suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol dependency and related health challenges.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg identified a group of nerve cells controlling semaglutide's appetite-suppressing effects without causing nausea. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new CRISPR technology called CRISPR-TO that can transport RNA molecules to specific locations within neurons, enabling repair and regeneration. The technology has shown promising results in increasing neurite growth by up to 50% in mouse brain neurons.
Researchers have gained insights into the brain's locus coeruleus and peri-LC neurons, revealing their role in regulating arousal, attention and response to stress and fear. The study provides a detailed roadmap for studying these key players, potentially opening doors for new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.
Researchers have identified the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as the basis of emotional inference in animals and humans. In a study published in Nature, Xiaowei Gu and Joshua Johansen found that rats can learn inferred emotions by associating a neutral stimulus with an unpleasant experience.
Researchers found that hormone fluctuations during the mouse estrous cycle impact the shape and behavior of hippocampal neurons. The study suggests that sex hormones influence cognitive functions like memory and learning.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have developed a powerful new method for selectively and reversibly breaking connections between brain cells, targeting specific synapses without harming neurons. The technique, inspired by the brain's own system for recycling proteins, allows for the elimination of eith...
A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights the crucial role of the ubiquitin-selective unfoldase p97/VCP in breaking down aggresomes, which are protein aggregates that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The research found that blocking this enzyme leads to improper protein folding and aggregation.
A new study reveals how a promising Parkinson's drug works by inhibiting the enzyme USP30, which prevents damaged mitochondria from being degraded. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies for Parkinson's disease and chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a miniaturized iontronic micropipette to precisely modulate neuronal and astrocytic activity. The study revealed dynamic dynamics between cells, highlighting the importance of chemical signaling in brain function.