Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Research reveals plummeting melatonin levels in spring and summer may trigger multiple sclerosis relapses. Melatonin treatment restored T cell balance and improved clinical symptoms in a mouse model of the disease.
Researchers have identified a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reverses MECP2 alterations in mutant neurons, offering hope for treating the devastating neurological disorder. The breakthrough uses stem cell-derived 'mini-brains' to screen potential drug libraries, providing an efficient method for finding effective treatments.
Researchers found that activation of same brain regions can produce both reward and aversion responses, leading to cancelled effects in patients. This discovery may help develop more targeted treatments for addiction and depression.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain that rapidly inform multiple subregions of surprising rewards or punishments. These neurons enable flexibility in neuronal connections, allowing for plasticity and learning.
Researchers found that degenerating neurons in patients with Alzheimer's disease responded to gene therapy treatment by showing heightened growth, axonal sprouting, and activation of functional markers. The study suggests that nerve growth factor is safe over extended periods and merits continued testing as a potential AD treatment.
The study reveals that C9ORF72 mutations block the transfer of information between the nucleus and cytoplasm, leading to neuron deterioration. The research provides insight into developing targeted therapies for ALS and FTD.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method to precisely control embryonic stem cell differentiation with beams of light, revealing an internal timer within stem cells that lets them tune out extraneous biological noise. The technique enables stem cells to transform into neurons in response to a precise external cue.
A single molecular event in cells may hold the key to how mammals evolved intelligent brains. Alternative splicing (AS) enables cells to create more than one protein from a single gene, and researchers found that PTBP1 plays a crucial role in regulating AS events that lead to neuron development.
Researchers found a 24-hour day 'bicycle' mechanism turning key brain neurons on or off with sodium and potassium currents, awakening animals in the morning and putting them to sleep at night. This ancient mechanism is conserved across hundreds of millions of years of evolution and may lead to new drug targets for sleep-wake trouble.
Researchers aim to create temperature-activated proteins that can be controlled by temperature to better understand brain disorders. They plan to identify and engineer proteins with different temperature properties.
Scientists at McGill University have made a breakthrough in understanding the role of Netrin1, a protein that brings cells together and maintains their healthy relationships. The study used genetic technology to remove all Netrin1 from mouse embryos, revealing a greater disruption of the nervous system than previously thought.
Researchers discovered TDP-43 normally prevents unwanted RNA stretches from being used by nerve cells. When TDP-43 accumulates, it malfunctions, leading to a cascade of events that kills brain or spinal cord cells.
Scientists have found possible cancer markers in neural crest cells, a discovery that may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of brain and skin cancers. The research uses repetitive DNA sequences to identify potential genomic changes associated with cancer development.
Researchers designed a revolutionary high-throughput robotic platform to automate the process of generating patient-specific stem cells, reducing variability and increasing scale. This technology allows for 'clinical trials in a dish' and can identify potential drug metabolism and toxicity issues in human cells before clinical trials.
Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science develop a 6-layered structure incorporating neural cells, mimicking brain tissue. The breakthrough enables important insights into brain function and provides an experimental test bed for new drugs and electroceuticals.
Researchers discovered noncanonical genomic imprinting in mice brains, affecting serotonin and dopamine production. The study highlights a targeted form of genetic control that can influence offspring behavior and may contribute to brain disorders like autism.
A US patent has been granted to Oregon researchers for their fractal-based approach to electronic implants that match up with specific neurons. The technology, developed by University of Oregon physicist Richard Taylor, aims to overcome biological rejection issues and toxicity concerns in current implant designs.
The study found that neurons in the ventral premotor cortex retain information about objects and generate unique grip patterns. This advances brain-computer interfaces, enabling people with severe paralysis to control robotic arms and hands using their thoughts.
A new UC Berkeley study finds that brain rhythms synchronize within the frontal lobe to connect with other brain regions during cognitively challenging tasks. This synchronization enables quick communication between neurons, which is critical in various disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism.
A new approach to visualize glucose uptake activity in single living cells has been developed by Columbia University researchers. This technique uses stimulated Raman scattering imaging with a small alkyne tag to generate a strong Raman signal, allowing for high-sensitivity imaging of glucose uptake at the cellular level.
A new study by David Moorman and Gary Aston-Jones found that neurons in both dorsal and ventral prefrontal cortex work together to control behavior, rather than separate areas controlling 'going' and 'stopping' actions.
Researchers create remote controlled, next-generation tissue implant that allows neuroscientists to inject drugs and shine lights on neurons deep inside the brains of mice. The device has potential for mapping brain circuit activity and understanding disorders like stress, depression, addiction, and pain.
Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how support cells contribute to hair cell regeneration after damage or death. Approximately half of the dividing support cells differentiated into hair cells, while the rest self-renewed, maintaining a reserve force for regenerative action.
Researchers created miniature brains from patient skin cells to study autism, finding altered gene expression networks and an imbalance in neuron type. Suppressing a key gene corrected this bias, suggesting possible clinical interventions.
A new project at Brown University aims to make cells 'smart' enough to emit light precisely when needed to control themselves or their neighbors. This could lead to new ways to treat problems like epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind brain growth abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, revealing how PTEN gene mutations alter the trajectory of early brain development. Excess glia cells and changes in β-Catenin signaling contribute to the observed brain overgrowth.
Researchers from the UPV/EHU's Biophysics Unit have published a study in Nature that reveals the molecular architecture of cell fission processes. The study found evidence of an intermediate structure during membrane splitting, which may be a common feature in all fusion and fission processes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed an antibody that selectively detects and destroys a toxic protein causing widespread neurodegeneration after TBI, potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease and CTE. The treatment restores neurons' structural and functional abilities.
A University of Toronto research team discovered a new link between the genetic cause of ALS and its pathology, suggesting that C9orf72's mislocalization leads to TDP-43 buildup. This breakthrough offers new avenues for research and potential treatment or cure.
Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that can stimulate genes to work harder in specific tissues, offering hope for treating genetic diseases. The hybrid enzymes, which are fully synthetic and recognize target genes via RNA decoys, amplify gene expression in a limited way and only when the gene is active.
A new study reveals how synchronized gene activation is achieved in developing neurons through a TTP/miR-9 regulatory pair, which limits messenger destabilization and ensures coordinated accumulation of neuronal proteins.
A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to accelerate healing in laboratory rats with severe burns. The treatment uses bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which enhanced local blood supply, modulated the immune system, and secreted growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties.
A study published in Cell suggests that adult neural stem cells are pre-programmed to make specific neurons before birth, contradicting the long-held assumption of their potential for neural repair. The researchers found that the precise type of neuron each stem cell can develop into is determined by its location on the ventricle wall.
Researchers discovered that actin polymerization powered by the Arp2/3 complex is essential for forming and moving autophagosomes. The formation of 'actin comet tails' propels these compartments toward lysosomes for final processing, enabling cells to recycle misfolded proteins and damaged organelles.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have identified two new genes, taranis and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), as crucial for regulating normal sleep patterns in flies. The researchers found that these genes interact with other proteins to create a molecular machine that suppresses wakefulness and promotes sleep.
Scientists identified a microscopic structure in worms called C. elegans as the first sensor of the Earth's magnetic field. This discovery sheds light on how animals like geese and sea turtles navigate using the magnetic field, which varies from spot to spot on Earth.
A study published in NMR in Biomedicine found that brain cell density remains constant with age, contrary to previous assumptions that brain cell loss is associated with aging. The researchers used ultra-high-field MRI scans to make detailed images of the brain, revealing preserved cell density throughout the brain.
Dr. Vijay Tiwari is awarded the Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung Award for his pioneering work on understanding how cells change from regular to metastatic cells. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, which have significant implications for treating cancer and other diseases.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.
Researchers discovered that high doses of antioxidants can disrupt intracellular signaling in neural stem cells, leading to a decrease in their stemness properties. However, treatment with antioxidants improved stem cell function, but only up to a point.
Researchers have identified novel populations of nerve cells that regulate appetite, thermogenesis, and physical activity. Deleting the BDNF gene impairs thermogenesis and causes hyperphagia and severe obesity. The study reveals two distinct types of BDNF neurons with different biological roles.
A new study reveals that fragile X proteins FMRP and FXR2P play a vital role in the maturation of newly formed adult neurons. Mice lacking FXR2P had impaired learning and memory tasks, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for fragile X syndrome and autism. The study's findings also highlight the importance of fostering new nerve ce...
Researchers at Salk Institute found that a low glycemic index diet reduced symptoms of autism in mice, including impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The diet may influence gut bacteria and inflammation, which are linked to the development of autism.
A specialized PET tracer has been developed to visualize the function of nerve cells that lead to neuronal loss and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. The tracer binds to a transporter of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, allowing for the quantification of cholinergic neuron loss and its effects on cognition.
Researchers found that female mice are unable to detect male pheromones until they enter the ovulation cycle, where hormones such as progesterone decrease and allow them to sense potential partners. This study highlights the nose's role in making important decisions about behavior influenced by hormonal signals.
A new research team at RI-MUHC has developed a glutamate biosensor platform using revolutionary protein engineering technology Cyto-iGluSnFR. This platform allows for the detection of glutamate levels in brain cells, enabling the screening of millions of chemical compounds to develop new drugs targeting EAATs.
Researchers have identified a key role for microglia in the development of chronic pain, including hyperalgesia and allodynia. Microglia-to-neuron signaling is crucial for these effects, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers identified the PRDM12 gene essential for pain-sensing neurons in humans, which could lead to the development of new pain treatments. The study found that genetic variants of PRDM12 block the production of pain-sensing neurons, leading to conditions like congenital insensitivity to pain.
Researchers have developed high-throughput techniques to quickly and easily give every cell in a sample a unique genetic barcode, enabling scientists to analyze complex tissues at the single-cell level. This breakthrough allows for deeper understanding of cell diversity and gene expression.
Researchers created a human embryonic stem cell model that allows real-time tracking of cellular behavior during early human development. The study discovered critical molecular cues required for the formation of the neurovascular unit, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and autonomic neurons.
Researchers have identified and corrected defects in diseased cells, restoring normal activity in Cockayne syndrome patients. The study reveals the role of an enzyme, HTRA3 protease, in mitochondrial defects that contribute to premature aging. Therapeutic strategies using HTRA3 inhibitors or antioxidants may soon be tested in patients.
Researchers found that FDA-approved cancer drugs nilotinib or bafetinib can prevent overgrowth of neuron endings associated with Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly models, showing the drugs did not harm healthy brain development.
A Northwestern University team developed a novel graphene-based ink that can print large, robust 3D structures while preserving the material's unique properties. The ink allows for the creation of flexible and strong scaffolds that can support stem cells and promote differentiation into neuron-like cells.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies use a brain structure called the ellipsoid body to navigate and maintain their bearings. The ellipsoid body cells locked onto visual patterns, allowing the fly to track its orientation in the dark.
Researchers found macrophages accumulate in different parts of the brain during HIV infection, leading to neurological damage. The study provides new insights into the timing and dynamics of white blood cell traffic in the central nervous system.
Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.
A study published in Cell reveals the 3D structure of tubulin tyrosine ligase-7 (TTLL7) bound to microtubules, providing insights into how chemical markers influence cell functions. The findings also shed light on how disruptions in these patterns can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have developed a miniature fiber-optic microscope that can penetrate deeply into the brain of a living mouse. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study brain function in unprecedented detail and has potential human applications in understanding brain disease and developing new treatments.
Mark Grimes, a UM professor, used new data analysis techniques to study childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He discovered functional compartmentalization of signaling proteins in cancer cells, which could lead to triggering cell death and improving therapeutic progress.