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 discovered that a small group of hypothalamus neurons, called POMC, modulate the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. The study reveals new molecular mechanisms involved in this connection and highlights the importance of mitochondrial dynamics in glucose sensing and insulin release control.
A new mathematical framework developed by Tatyana Sharpee and colleagues provides a theoretical understanding of how different cell types divide work among themselves. This framework could help explain greater efficiency and reliability in cell function, as well as the impact of disease when division of labor is not effective.
Researchers discovered that direction-selective ganglion cells in the retina sense their owner's motion through space by detecting radial optical flow. This allows the brain to integrate information from visual and vestibular systems to sense rotation and maintain image stabilization.
Researchers at Salk Institute developed a new protocol to derive astrocytes from human stem cells, which could provide breakthroughs for treatments of stroke, Alzheimer's and psychiatric disorders. The method allows for faster and more effective production of astrocytes, enabling researchers to model neurological disorders in a dish.
Scientists at the University of Geneva found that a protein called Sara plays a crucial role in guiding endosomes to differentiate between cells, a process essential for fly hair development. Mutant flies without Sara have naked backs, highlighting the significance of this mechanism in cancer tumour formation.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a $7.7 million federal grant to develop three-dimensional human brain models called organoids for studying West Nile and Zika virus infections. The study aims to understand the differences between these two neurotropic viruses, which have distinct disease effects in humans.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered that sour-sensing taste cells play a crucial role in detecting water on the tongue. The study found that these cells are responsible for sensing water through a pathway also used for basic tastes, such as salt and sugar. This finding challenges current understanding of how mammals detect water.
A new study reveals that microglial cells are essential for normal brain function, and impaired TREM2 gene expression can lead to devastating consequences. The researchers found that mutations in the TREM2 gene disrupt microglial function, leading to impaired phagocytosis and catastrophic effects on energy metabolism.
A new study published in Nature Communications identifies specific neurons in the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex that encode perceived and memorized information. The researchers found that these neurons can signal whether a representation is real or imaginary, which may help treat disorders like schizophrenia.
Scientists have discovered a simple code for facial identity in the primate brain, allowing them to reconstruct faces from neural activity. By analyzing electrical signals from specific nerve cells, researchers can create a multidimensional face space and decode additional faces.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new technique that reduces computational overhead for deep learning by up to 95% using hashing, a tried-and-true data-indexing method. The technique blends locality-sensitive hashing and sparse backpropagation to achieve significant savings in energy and time.
MIT researchers create temporally interfering (TI) stimulation, a new technique that stimulates neurons in the brain without implants. This method uses low-frequency electrical signals to target specific areas of the brain, offering new possibilities for brain research and potential treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Georgia State neuroscientists rewired the brain of one species to have the connections of another, finding distinct neural circuits underlying swimming behavior in two closely related sea slugs. The study's results suggest that behaviors can be conserved while their neural basis shifts over evolution.
Researchers discovered a new GPCR, substance P neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), that signals from the inside of neurons to sustain excitation and transmit pain. Targeting NK1R internalization alleviated pain in rats using modified compounds, offering prolonged pain relief.
Researchers have discovered a key connection between circadian clocks in the brain and peripheral organs, revealing how they synchronize their rhythms. The study found that a specific neuropeptide pathway enables communication between the central clock in the brain and peripheral clocks in organs like the prothoracic gland.
Researchers have discovered that neural crest cells colonize the spleen during embryogenesis and persist into adulthood, displaying markers indicating a glial lineage. These cells are arranged anatomically adjacent to blood vessels, pericytes, and nerves, suggesting an astrocyte-like phenotype.
A recent study by Dr. John Peever has found a link between REM sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Lewy bodies dementia. The research suggests that sleep disorders may be an early warning sign for these conditions, which can appear up to 15 years later.
Researchers have identified a neural circuit in flies that updates its internal compass based on the insect's own movements, allowing it to track turns and navigate in the dark. This mechanism is similar to what has been suggested to exist in larger mammalian brains, including humans.
Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have discovered how fruit flies use a specialized nerve cell system to navigate their environment, involving the activation and suppression of neighboring neurons. The discovery sheds light on the fly's internal picture of the outside world and its cognitive processes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how a potential treatment for Huntington disease produces its effects, but found impaired NRF2-mediated activity in neural stem cells from HD patients. This limits the therapeutic potential of NRF2 signaling.
Researchers have discovered how the enteric nervous system, a complex network of nerve cells in the gut, is formed during mouse development. The study reveals that individual progenitor cells produce specific types of cells, which form overlapping columns and exhibit synchronized activity.
Scientists developed an automated approach to track neurons in the brain of freely crawling worms, enabling researchers to correlate neural activity with specific movements and behaviors. The new algorithm, dubbed Neuron Registration Vector Encoding, improves upon previous methods by assigning a unique identity to each neuron it detects.
Researchers found that RIPK3 acts as part of the brain's anti-viral inflammation response, placing an order for chemokines to attract infection-fighting white blood cells. This approach restricts viral pathogenesis without directly stopping virus reproduction within brain cells.
Scientists at the University of Seville have found that adult carotid body mother cells can transform into both blood vessels and neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for pediatric tumors and Parkinson's disease, as these stem cells may contribute to tumor growth.
The Gruber Foundation has awarded $1.5 million to three top scientists for their groundbreaking work in cosmology, genetics and neuroscience. Sandra Faber, Stephen Elledge, and Joshua Sanes have been recognized for their pioneering research on galaxy structure, DNA damage response pathway, and synapse formation.
A study found that male fruit flies have specific neurons called MS1 that release octopamine to keep them awake during courtship, suppressing sleep. The researchers also discovered that these neurons communicate with other brain cells to enhance male sexual behavior.
Researchers developed a lab-based model of the blood-brain barrier defect that causes Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. The study may hold promise for treating this syndrome and analyzing other neurological conditions.
A steroid hormone called ecdysone has been identified as a crucial trigger for brain development in fruit flies. The hormone is similar to human thyroid hormone and its activity timing may hold clues to maternal hypothyroidism, a condition that can cause severe neurological defects and fetal brain damage.
The researcher is studying calcium channels in gonadotropes to understand their role in reproductive disease. This knowledge can lead to the development of new treatments for infertility, tumor growth, and other disorders.
A recent study has identified the molecular mechanism behind lithium's effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder, providing a clear path to developing new diagnostic tests and therapies. The research, led by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to map lithium's response path...
Research on fruit flies reveals that those lacking the Fragile X protein have less inhibition among their neurons, resulting in impaired information processing and increased anxiety. This finding provides valuable insights into human brain diseases and may lead to new treatments for Fragile X syndrome.
Researchers found that wine-derived human gut metabolites are protective against neuronal death in human cells under stress conditions. The exact composition of these metabolites depends on the individual's gut microbiota, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers find Lgl1 controls neural stem cell proliferation, producing neurons and glia cells in the developing cortex. The study reveals two mechanisms of Lgl1 function: one for embryonic development and another for postnatal brain growth.
Scientists at the University of Queensland have identified a new type of lymphatic brain cell in zebrafish that surrounds the brain and clears damaging cellular waste. This discovery provides insight into how the brain forms and functions, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases like stroke and dementia.
Researchers designed UltraTracer to work with existing algorithms, turbo-charging them for faster processing and larger datasets. The software can compare tens of thousands of neuron shapes to better understand cell types.
Researchers at UCI have developed a method to generate human microglia cells from skin stem cells, providing a powerful new approach to study and potentially treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. This discovery marks an important step in using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for targeted approaches.
Researchers at MIT discovered a brain circuit that governs how we respond to conflicting environmental cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms behind rapid decision-making. The study suggests that information flow between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex is critical for coordinating behavior in the face of competing signals.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that voltage rhythms are synchronized across the entire suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), maintaining a tissue-wide rhythm. This discovery suggests that inter-cellular interactions within the SCN may be responsible for synchronizing voltage changes, separate from asynchronous calcium rhythms.
Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Genetics discovered a direct neural link connecting the brain's visual system to its feeding center, linking visual perception of food to feeding motivation. This study, using genetically engineered zebrafish, shows that 'eating with the eyes' is deeply rooted in evolution.
A team of scientists has discovered an antibody that can measure tau levels in the blood, which accurately reflects brain damage. This breakthrough could lead to a non-invasive test for tau-based diseases, monitoring disease progression, and measuring treatment effectiveness.
Yuna Ayala's research team discovers how TDP-43 protein causes damaging plaque buildup in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. They found that phosphorylation regulates TDP-43's activity, location, and processing, which may be crucial for cellular metabolism.
A recent review explores why animals favor one side of the brain, highlighting perceptual specialization, motor specialization, and parallel processing. The research also sheds light on environmental influences and genetic aspects of asymmetrical development, potentially providing insight into brain conditions in humans.
Researchers discovered a birth-and-death cycle of neurons in the adult mouse gut, with about five percent of nerve cells regenerating daily or a third every week. This finding has profound implications for understanding and treating digestive system disorders and diseases.
New cells in retina found to directly affect biological clock by sending signals to brain region regulating daily rhythms. Disruption of circadian rhythms linked to health issues like gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, depression, and cancer.
Scientists identify a common mechanism in two forms of neurodegeneration affecting young adults and the elderly, linked to progranulin protein mutations. The discovery advances efforts to find better treatments and cures for these diseases, including frontotemporal dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Researchers have determined that fluorescent granular perithelial cells, which protect the brain against diseases, arise from endothelial cells in the circulatory system. This finding may contribute to understanding cognitive decline of aging and HIV infection of brain cells.
Scientists have discovered that specific cells in the brain's medial amygdala program innate reproductive and aggressive behaviors. The study found that male and female brains respond differently to mating cues, with distinct patterns of activation in neurons expressing different transcription factors.
Researchers at Columbia University found that haphazard neural activity in mice with schizophrenia symptoms may underlie the disease. The study suggests that disruptions in small networks of neurons could produce characteristic psychosis symptoms.
As people age, they experience a decline in deep sleep, which is crucial for memory and cognition. This shift can start as early as the mid-thirties and becomes more pronounced with age.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new function for rapamycin that may help prevent neurologic damage and some related diseases. The compound appears to stop cellular senescence, a stage cells reach where they get old and start secreting damaging substances.
A study by Stanford researchers identifies a near-global repressor protein, Myt1l, that works to block many cell fates but one. This discovery suggests the possibility of a network of master regulators specific to each cell type.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new brain pathway that controls hand movements, contradicting the long-held belief that motor functions originate from the frontal lobe. This finding has implications for understanding hand movement and may lead to better treatments for patients with motor function disorders.
Researchers developed a novel technique to eliminate specific peripheral neurons without affecting the brain, revealing their crucial role in maintaining normal adiposity. The study showed that mice lacking these neurons became fat quickly, opening new avenues for understanding diseases related to the peripheral nervous system.
Researchers found that a transient increase in intracellular calcium ions causes cell deformation and contributes to neural tube formation in African clawed frogs. The pattern of fluctuation in calcium ions is complex, with local and transient rises causing morphological changes.
Researchers found that friction between moving tissues generates force that shapes the nervous system of zebrafish embryos. This force is a key mechanism for regulating morphogenesis during embryo development. The study's findings indicate a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying birth defects in humans.
Researchers at Emory University are studying the 3q29 deletion syndrome, a genetic mutation associated with a 40-fold increased risk for schizophrenia. They will create a neuronal model of the syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells and integrate their research with other targets identified in genetic studies.
Scientists have developed a new technique to produce human brain and muscle cells in just a few days, allowing for the creation of millions of functional cells. This breakthrough method, OPTi-OX, enables researchers to study diseases such as Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis at unprecedented purities.
Researchers found a circuit in the central amygdala that responds to rewarding events and stimulates reward-related behavior, contradicting the consensus that the structure is primarily linked with fear.
Researchers identified neurons in the amygdala that promote reward-related behaviors and suppress fear responses, finding that appetitive behaviors are driven by the same circuitry as defensive behaviors. The study reveals a push-pull mechanism in the brain regulating emotional states and behaviors.
Researchers observe how large groups of neurons learn and unlearn a new association in the brain, blurring lines between stimuli. The findings have implications for studying emotional memory disorders like PTSD.