Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers discovered a neural circuit in fruit flies that creates an internal representation of direction and velocity, allowing them to navigate accurately. This finding has implications for our understanding of self-movement perception in humans and other animals.
A recent CU Boulder study has shown that mitochondrial division is a complex process involving at least three constriction steps and two proteins, Drp1 and Dyn2. The discovery changes the understanding of mitochondrial function and its role in cellular processes such as energy generation and longevity.
A new model of brain dynamics, extending balanced network theory, provides deep predictions linking brain circuits to activity. The model accurately explains experimental findings on neuronal variability in living animals, enabling potential discovery of neural signatures associated with learning or disease.
Researchers found that distinct tau aggregate conformations cause different pathological patterns in the brain, affecting specific regions and progressing at varying rates. This discovery has implications for developing targeted therapies and diagnosing dementias.
A research team at CRCHUM discovered that the ABHD6 enzyme in certain brain neurons plays a key role in controlling body weight. Blocking this enzyme disrupts normal metabolism and prevents mice from losing weight, even under ideal conditions.
A new technology, developed by University of Calgary researchers, enables recording brain cell activity for weeks with higher resolution than conventional methods. This allows researchers to investigate neurological diseases and cognitive functions like learning and memory in animal models.
Early epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in determining the fate of neurons during embryogenesis. Deregulation of Uhrf1, a key epigenetic gene, leads to activation of endogenous retroviruses, causing accumulation of retroviral proteins and cell death.
A new robotic technique developed by Georgia Tech researchers enables the reuse of pipettes in patch-clamping, a method used to record signals from brain cells. The technique has been shown to produce results comparable to those obtained with fresh pipettes and holds promise for accelerating neuroscience research.
A new study published in Cell Reports identifies two proteins relevant to Alzheimer's disease, Interleukin-4 and STAT6, which play a crucial role in neural stem cell proliferation and formation of new neurons. This discovery offers hope for the development of regenerative therapies for Alzheimer's.
Researchers identify two distinct genetic markers, Rspo2 and Ppp1r1b, corresponding to negative and positive neurons in the basolateral amygdala of mice. These neurons regulate behaviors tied to negative and positive stimuli, respectively.
Researchers studied Zika virus's effects on animal models during early postnatal development and at weaning, finding increased apoptosis in certain brain areas and cell types. This knowledge could help develop treatments for Zika-related birth defects such as microcephaly.
The NIH has increased its investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $150 million, supporting 170 researchers at 60 institutions. This funding will help develop new tools and technologies to understand neural circuit function and capture brain activity.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a protein called CRHBP that reduces anxiety in male mice by halting the activity of a stress-inducing hormone. In contrast, the same protein has no effect on female mice.
Sreekanth Chalasani's sonogenetics technique uses ultrasonic waves to selectively activate cells in mammals, opening doors to deep brain stimulation, pacemaker technology and more. The $1 million grant from the BRAIN Initiative could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders.
Researchers found that depriving brain tumor cells of cholesterol specifically kills them and causes tumor regression. This alternative method targets glioblastomas, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, which are difficult to treat due to their biochemical composition and blood-brain barrier.
Quiescent human cells exhibit an inflammatory profile similar to acute infections when energetically stressed, suggesting a pro-survival strategy may not be well-suited for long-term chronic stresses. This could impair genome repair and increase cancer risk.
Researchers used Real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (RT-IMRI) to guide the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons into brains modeled with Parkinson's disease. The study found that RT-IMRI guidance enhances cell survival and improves procedure efficacy and safety.
Researchers found that induced neural stem cells promoted survival and functional recovery in mice modeled with ischemic stroke. The study also discovered that early administration of iNSCs protected the brain from ischemia-related damage, reducing infarct volume and enhancing sensorimotor function.
Researchers discovered a molecule, VGF nerve growth factor, triggered by running can help repair damaged nerve insulation in the brain. This finding could pave the way for new treatments for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A study by McGill University researchers found that the brain's biological clock regulates thirst in the hours leading up to sleep. By stimulating vasopressin release, the clock anticipates dehydration and increases water intake.
Researchers discovered a population of previously unrecognized young neurons that migrate in the human brain during the first few months of life. These neurons contribute to inhibitory circuits, balancing excitatory activity, and are associated with the plasticity of the brain observed during postnatal development.
Researchers at the Universities of Dundee and Strathclyde have identified a mechanism that allows neurons to protect against spreading brain damage. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that stimulating this network activity could limit major brain damage and shorten recovery periods.
A new study by USC scientists has mapped the electric current induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the human brain. The research provides solid data to develop science-based treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and chronic pain.
Researchers identify peptide allatostatin A in Drosophila that regulates feeding behavior and promotes sleep, with effects comparable to human galanin receptor. The study provides insights into the complex interactions of hunger, sleep and digestion.
A new study at Duke University reveals that applying a tiny force to the Piezo1 receptor can change its behavior while it's already activated. The researchers used magnetic fields and nanometer-sized beads to manipulate the protein, which sits on cell membranes and plays a crucial role in sensing forces surrounding cells.
UAB researchers found that removing transcriptional bookmarks can improve reprogramming of human fibroblasts to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This process may increase the yield and quality of iPS cells, essential for patient-specific cell-replacement therapies.
A recent study published in Neuron found that hunger is a strong motivational force that can curb rival drives states like thirst, anxiety, and social needs. In the presence of food, activated neurons mimic the state of hunger, suppressing competing systems and guiding motivated behavior.
Researchers develop a portable biological factory platform that can produce pharmaceuticals, specialized therapies, and experimental biomolecules using freeze-dried molecular components. The technology is applied in various fields, including vaccine production and designer antibody development.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus infects cranial neural crest cells, which form the bones of the skull, without killing them. Instead, it causes these cells to produce signaling molecules promoting new neural cell formation, potentially leading to smaller-than-average skulls and disproportionate facial features.
Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem cells from Nijmegen breakage syndrome patients and found that the P53 gene plays a crucial role in neural development, leading to cancer and neurological impairments. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the disease and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers identified molecules controlling cell repulsion through endocytosis, a process by which cells engulf neighboring protein complexes. This discovery provides insight into development and neuronal networks, as well as cancer growth and metastasis.
A new study led by TSRI researchers found that a compound can specifically inactivate alcohol-linked neurons, reversing compulsive drinking behavior in rats. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating alcohol dependence.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute developed a novel method to isolate and measure mitochondrial metabolite concentrations, providing greater resolution than traditional methods. The new approach offers improved speed and specificity, allowing for more accurate analysis of mitochondrial function in various disorders.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed syringe-injectable mesh electronics that stably record neural activity in mice for eight months or more, opening up new possibilities for studying neuro-degenerative diseases and aging processes. The technology also enables the delivery of electrical stimulation to the brain over three m...
Researchers found that when neurons fire in a coordinated rhythm, like different instruments in an orchestra, we remember the order of events. Notably, gamma activity associated with each object was temporally ordered along a slower theta oscillation when the order was correctly encoded.
Researchers at Salk Institute created a comprehensive map of the striatum, a lesser-known brain structure that controls movement. The study reveals how patch and matrix neurons coordinate diverse functions, shedding light on long-standing questions about neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Scientists have identified a specific group of neurons in the mouse hypothalamus that acts as the internal thermostat, regulating core body temperature. These neurons express the ion channel TRPM2 and limit excessive temperature rise in response to infection or trauma.
Researchers have developed a small device that can detect the initial signal of an epileptic attack and release a substance to stop it, all in the same area as the signal arises. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological illnesses such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at IBS find PLEKHG3 plays a crucial role in cell polarity and migration, allowing fibroblasts to move faster. The discovery can benefit fields like cancer, immunology, and neurological research.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that phosphorylation of the huntingtin protein prevents loss of critical brain cells and protected against behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for treating the devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers identify Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) as a key player in maintaining medium spiny neurons' identity and function throughout adulthood. The study reveals that PRC2's dysfunction contributes to Huntington's disease-like symptoms in mice, highlighting its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at TUM discovered that brain cells, specifically astrocytes, regulate sugar intake and adjust metabolism in response to hormones like insulin and leptin. This paradigm shift could lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity by targeting multiple cell types involved in metabolic processes.
Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...
Researchers demonstrate that groups of activated neurons can form the basic building blocks of learning and memory. They used optogenetic tools to control and observe brain activity in living mice, finding that neural ensembles can be artificially implanted and replayed.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have determined the structure of Eag1, a cancer-linked potassium channel, using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals key differences between Eag1 and other potassium channels, shedding light on its molecular mechanisms and potential role in cancer.
Researchers have identified two Zika proteins responsible for thousands of microcephaly cases in Brazil and elsewhere. These proteins stunt brain development and promote autophagy, leading to reduced neural stem cell differentiation and growth.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified the pre-mouth array, a region of the developing face that
Scientists have identified how prion proteins dock onto Schwann cells to maintain nerve integrity. The discovery resolves a 30-year-old question and holds promise for future treatments of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers discovered that microglia brain immune cells play a major role in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Targeting these cells within a few days after nerve injury can greatly reduce chronic pain in animals. This breakthrough could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.
Researchers identify citron kinase as key to building a normally sized human brain, finding mutations associated with severe microcephaly and lissencephaly. Studying stem cells and human brain tissue provides clues to the condition's origins, paving the way for further research into its causes.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that the timing of brain activity, not just the number of spikes, is crucial for recognizing shapes and perceiving the world. The study's findings have potential applications in developing more accurate visual prosthetics for people with blindness.
Researchers discovered that microvessels in the brain play a key role in reacting to spikes in demand and accelerating blood flow to respond to neuronal activity. The findings could help explain cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Astrocyte calcium signaling properties studied in visual cortex to understand their role in brain function and potential involvement in multiple brain disorders. The study aims to shed light on fundamental properties of astrocytes, providing a baseline for comparing and testing their role in brain disorders.
A new study identifies a genetic cause of ALS in 3% of cases, with the NEK1 gene playing a crucial role in neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of big data in ALS research and offers new targets for therapy development.
A new study pinpoints when melanoma cells metastasize to the brain months before they develop into fatal tumors. Researchers discovered that micro-tumor cells hijack astrogliosis to support metastatic growth, leading to potential early detection and intervention.
A recent study from the Neuromed Institute reveals that two previously separate processes converge into a single cell component, the autophagoproteasome. This discovery provides a new understanding of autophagy, a critical mechanism for cellular renewal and waste removal.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that the choroid plexus produces key signaling factors that regulate adult neural stem cells. As people age, these signals change, affecting stem cell behavior and leading to a decrease in new neuron formation.
Researchers found that people's expected performance ratings were influenced by the performance of others, particularly in cooperative situations. The brain imaging data revealed two distinct regions involved in estimating one's own abilities and those of others.
A toxic Alzheimer's protein can spread through the brain via the extracellular space, jumping from neuron to neuron. The spread of tau may explain why only one area of the brain is affected in early stages but multiple areas are affected later.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers found that bone marrow transplantation extended the lifespan of mice with a common ALS-causing gene mutation by 43 days. The study suggests that the gene operates at a crossroads between disease and autoimmunity, and may hold key to developing therapies for specific subpopulations of ALS patients.