Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
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.
Researchers identified the thalamocortical pathway as the key area modified during learning, which physically changes links between brain regions. Learning refines the conversation between the thalamus and cortex at a cellular level, making it faster, stronger, and more precise.
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum found that energy depletion causes unusual glutamate releases that contribute to nerve cell damage. These abnormal events are self-reinforcing and can be reduced by inhibiting specific receptors.
A novel cannula delivery system allows repeated, nondisruptive delivery of imaging agents to the mouse brain during long-term multiphoton microscopy. This innovation enhances longitudinal studies on brain function, disease progression, and potential treatments.
Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.
Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals a novel mechanism connecting prolactin, estrogen, the brain, and metabolic adaptations during lactation. Hormonal changes during lactation lead to increased hunger and reduced fat-burning, which are sustained by a specific area of brain cells called ERα neurons.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanosensing mechanism allowing neurons to adjust their movement strategy when navigating confined spaces. Neurons use PIEZO1 protein channel to detect mechanical stress, triggering a signaling cascade that relocates motor proteins and generates contractile forces.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have discovered a new way that neurons act in neurodegeneration by studying human neural organoids from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). They found GRAMD1B plays a significant role in managing cholesterol and lipid stores, which are linked to brain diseas...
A small protein involved in neurodegeneration leading to Parkinson's disease also drives a type of skin cancer known as melanoma, according to new research. The study suggests new avenues for drug development to reduce the risk of developing both diseases by targeting alpha-synuclein.
Researchers discovered that C. elegans worms reconfigure brain cells and peptides to cope with infection, enabling them to survive longer. The study reveals unexpected findings on the role of neurons and neuromodulators in adaptive responses.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that harnesses immune cells to produce opioids, potentially alleviating chronic pain. Estrogen and progesterone drive this process, which could lead to more effective treatments for women experiencing pain after menopause.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has made a groundbreaking discovery about the immune system's response to the latent stage of Toxoplasma gondii. The study found that certain T cells can target neurons containing cysts, promoting parasite control. However, this process also poses a...
A study by Philip Kurian and colleagues reveals a revised upper bound on carbon-based life's computational capacity, connecting it to the universe's information-processing limit. The discovery of quantum superradiance in cytoskeletal filaments enables eukaryotic organisms to process information through tryptophan networks.
A study of human-specific genes reveals their crucial role in brain development, providing new insights into the evolutionary origins of the human brain. The research highlights the importance of these genes in determining brain complexity and size.
Researchers discovered that D1 and D2 neurons in the brain work together to process appetitive and aversive stimuli, with D2 neurons playing a key role in extinguishing negative associations. This understanding can help develop new treatments for anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
A team of researchers from Bonn and Tübingen investigated the brain's ability to retain a sequence of events in memory using implanted electrodes. They found that the traditional theory was contradicted by their data, but an alternative mechanism emerged through AI simulations.
Researchers isolated precise location of memory overlap in cells using advanced imaging techniques in mice, showing that memories are stored in dendritic compartments. Linked memories consistently engaged the same groups of neurons and their dendritic branches.
A new study reveals that maternal immune activation can alter hippocampal neuron excitability in newborn rats, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Prenatal inflammation has been linked to conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and depression, and may underlie their increased risk.
A new study by UCLA Health has discovered a drug that fully reproduces the effects of physical stroke rehabilitation in model mice. The drug, DDL-920, excites parvalbumin neurons, leading to significant recovery in movement control after stroke.
Researchers have discovered a novel imaging tool that captures functional activity in mouse models of TMJ injury and inflammation, revealing the simultaneous activity of over 3,000 trigeminal ganglion neurons. This finding suggests that CGRP antagonists could offer a promising solution for TMJ pain relief.
Researchers have discovered a new diterpene-based drug that facilitates the repopulation of mature functional neurons in brain regions damaged by traumatic injuries. The study found that these new cells are integrated into neural circuits and develop functional characteristics similar to those eliminated by the injury.
Scientists have identified a new target to prevent cold sores by understanding how the herpes virus triggers its own immune response. The discovery has important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus, with potential treatments in development.
A research team at the University of Cologne has identified a specific form of the tau protein, 1N4R, responsible for mediating toxic effects of protein clumps in human brain cells. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered column-like structures in the visual cortex of mice, where neurons processing stimuli from the same eye form clusters. This finding sheds light on the structural organization of the brain and may help solve the mystery of cortical columns' function.
New research found that neuroestrogens produced in the brain help suppress appetite, as confirmed by experiments where aromatase expression was restored specifically in the brain. This suggests a link between neuroestrogen levels and body weight regulation.
Researchers at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre develop novel experimental setup called Translocator, isolating fundamental elements of locomotion and motion-source separation. The team finds that individual cells in primary visual cortex use motor and vestibular signals to determine visual flow origin.
A new study identifies two groups of brain cells that help the mouse brain gauge the full range of possible rewards associated with a choice. The researchers used machine-learning concepts to study brain circuitry supporting reward-based decisions in mice, shedding light on how the human brain makes such choices.
Male fruit flies use high-frequency wing flicks to jam rival songs, while also performing courtship behaviors to win over females. The study reveals that mating decisions in flies are influenced by interactions between males, challenging previous assumptions about female preference.