Articles tagged with Neurons
A rare connexin mutation has been linked to a baby's disordered breathing, with researchers discovering that astrocytes with the mutation cannot bind to carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to the development of an algorithm to pinpoint when a premature infant's breathing pattern goes south.
Researchers developed a sound-based training approach to enhance brain's distractibility, improving focus in aged rats and humans. Training reduced distraction-related errors and improved memory and attention spans.
A study in mice reveals that Sox2 protein can convert NG2 glia, a type of support cell, into neurons in the injured cerebral cortex. This finding supports the notion that cellular reprogramming may become a way to replace degenerated neurons in the adult brain.
The study found that astrocyte hyperactivity is caused by energy carriers like ATP, leading to calcium fluctuations and changes in brain perfusion. The research suggests a novel potential approach for treating Alzheimer's disease by mitigating the hyperactivity of these cells.
A new study suggests that malfunctioning tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, is the key event triggering neuron death in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that when tau fails to function, neurons can't clear toxic proteins, leading to cell death.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine implicated a new gene in non-syndromic autism, suggesting similar molecular pathways among different types of autism. The study used mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells and the 'Tooth Fairy' project to identify TRPC6 as a novel predisposing gene for ASD.
Researchers successfully generate neural stem cells that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons, opening the door to transplantation therapies. The breakthrough allows cells to divide repeatedly without ongoing expression of reprogramming factors, making them suitable for therapeutic use.
Research reveals women have on average 43% more cells than men in the olfactory bulb, suggesting a biological basis for their superior olfactory abilities. This finding may have implications for reproductive behaviors and pair bonding.
Scientists have found that ganglioside GD3 is crucial for maintaining neural stem cells in the brain. Removing GD3 from mice resulted in reduced stem cell populations and impaired function, highlighting its importance in brain health.
A study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration finds that tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, causes neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that remaining Abeta inside the neuron destroys cells, while malfunctioning tau prevents cells from clearing toxic proteins.
Researchers have developed CNiFERs cells to track dopamine signaling, providing a real-time readout of neurochemical activity associated with learning, memory and reward. The study reveals that dopamine release is linked to classical conditioning and anticipatory behavior.
Researchers found that reduced levels of SNX27 protein lead to increased beta-amyloid production and brain plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Adding new copies of the SNX27 gene can repair memory deficits in Down syndrome mice.
Researchers discuss the limitations of brain simulations, citing the need to account for individual experience and social context. They also raise concerns about the potential creation of artificial consciousness and the technical challenges of simulating complex biological systems.
Researchers successfully converted adult human skin cells into medium spiny neurons, a subtype of brain cells affected in Huntington's disease. The newly generated cells survived and functioned like native cells in the mouse brain, demonstrating a promising approach for treating the disease.
A team of researchers has successfully recorded sight neurons in a jumping spider's brain for the first time. The study reveals that jumping spiders use different sets of eyes to process acuity and motion, requiring integration of inputs from multiple eyes in the brain.
Scientists have developed a novel probe that uses tarantula venom to visualize electrical activity in neurons and other cells. This breakthrough could help researchers better understand ion channel dysfunctions leading to conditions such as epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers have developed a novel probe that reports on the electrical activity of cells using tarantula toxin, allowing for the observation of voltage-activated ion channels in live cells. This breakthrough has the potential to help scientists understand the function of specific ion channels and identify drug targets for neurological...
Researchers have observed a previously predicted pathway for ion permeation in potassium channels does not occur, revealing a fundamental physical principle that facilitates the channels' operation. The discovery uses advances in technology to show that pairs of potassium ions are stably formed and then passed through the channel.
A study reveals that distinct genetic mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders produce similar molecular effects, suggesting a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach may be effective for conditions like seizures and ADHD. The research identifies shared molecular pathways involved in these diseases, providing new insights into their ca...
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.
Scientists discovered a new type of brain activity that forecasts when a spontaneous decision occurs more than a second in advance. The premotor cortex neurons can predict the rat's actions with remarkable accuracy.
Researchers have uncovered how pacemaker neurons are synchronized at dusk and dawn to maintain proper functioning of biological clocks. This understanding enhances knowledge of sleep-wake cycle regulation and offers promise for addressing related afflictions.
The NIH is developing an advanced electrode array system that will enable researchers to better understand how the brain works through unprecedented resolution and scale. The system, which will pack over 1,000 tiny electrodes, will allow scientists to simultaneously study thousands of neuronal cells in various brain regions during comp...
Researchers at Salk Institute will create an epigenetic map of each cell type in the brain, allowing for deeper understanding of neurons' identity and functional differences. The study aims to reveal possible windows into brain development and disease.
Four CSHL scientists will conduct research in the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, aiming to map the human brain and understand brain disorders. The initiative seeks to develop transformative tools for studying the brain's structure and function.
Chronic alcohol exposure disrupts normal sleep cycle by over-activating brain chemicals. Targeted medications may help treat sleep issues related to alcohol use disorders, according to Boston University School of Medicine researchers.
Researchers found that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can safely tolerate treatment with cells cultured from human placental tissue. Early signals also suggest the potential for repairing damaged nerve tissues, offering a new frontier in treatment for the disease.
Researchers used neural recordings to predict when a rat would give up waiting for a delayed tone. The findings suggest that individual brain cells cast votes for actions, but the outcome is not predetermined.
Researchers will merge biophysical and statistical approaches to create detailed computational models of neuronal activity. This could reveal insights into how proteins regulate computations in neurons, potentially shedding light on complex brain diseases.
Researchers found that the protein BRD4 plays a crucial role in regulating stem cell identity, holding promise for regenerating tissues and organs. The study suggests that inhibiting BRD4 could be used to reprogram stem cells into specific cell types, such as neurons.
A study published in Neuron found that neurons in the medial temporal lobe respond more strongly to blended faces when a subject recognizes the face as belonging to one person. The results suggest that conscious recognition plays a crucial role in whether neurons fire, rather than the raw visual stimulus.
A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals how dying brain cells trigger the growth of new neurons each spring. The researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and depression.
A study published in PNAS reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme interacts with a cell receptor to lock it in a closed state, reducing neuron signaling in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The mechanism may provide insight into the development of new drug therapies for these conditions.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the stiffness of surfaces on which stem cells are grown influences cell fate. A soft, brain tissue-like surface directed cells to become neurons, while stiffer surfaces favored the stem cell state.
A new study from Rutgers University-Newark reveals that the ability to persist in the face of personal setbacks may depend on how the news is delivered. The study found that when individuals perceive a loss of control, activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex is necessary to promote persistence.
Researchers reveal that archerfish actively control the dynamics of their water jets to hit targets at varying distances, employing a unique tool-using behavior. This adaptability has potential applications in human-built nozzles and industries.
Research finds that brain regions associated with learning and emotion regulation are activated when people perceive control over setbacks, promoting persistence. This knowledge has implications for education and treatment programs.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Researchers found that transplanting B10 human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the bladder wall of mice with spinal cord injury improved bladder function by promoting the growth of smooth muscle cells. This study provides potential evidence for MSC-based cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for bladder d...
Researchers found that neurons in human skin can process geometric data about touched objects, performing calculations similar to those done by brain neurons. This allows the skin to send more detailed information to the brain before further processing.
Researchers have identified a process that explains how diverse neurons are generated in the fruit fly's visual system, involving temporal patterning and cell survival.
Scientists found that brain activity patterns are shaped by neural connectivity and have limitations on how adaptable they are during learning. The study used a brain-computer interface to train animals and showed that subjects learned easier-to-learn patterns more readily, while harder-to-learn patterns were entirely new.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns can be combined in new ways to learn a skill more easily, but there are limits to cognitive flexibility. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for stroke and other brain injuries.
Scientists have obtained an atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor, a massive multi-subunit complex that integrates chemical and electrical signals in the brain. The structure reveals how the receptor is regulated and offers new insight into its function, which is tightly controlled and associated with neurological diseases.
Casey Diekman is leading a research effort to understand the biological clock's role in regulating daily behavior patterns. Preliminary results suggest that circadian rhythms are deeply encoded in neuronal electrical programming, influencing hormone production and other physiological indicators.
Researchers found retinal thinning as an early marker for frontotemporal dementia, prior to cognitive symptoms. The retina acts as a 'window to the brain,' and studying it can track changes in neurons.
A new study reveals that neurons in the brain's inferotemporal cortex fire strongly and selectively when exposed to familiar images, especially those seen many times before. This finding suggests that the brain uses this mechanism to track a rapidly changing visual environment and may lead to improvements in perception and cognition.
A new review paper explores the use of dimensionality reduction in neuroscience to uncover the complexity of brain function. By analyzing the activity of hundreds of neurons concurrently, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how the brain distinguishes between different odors, makes decisions under uncertainty, and thinks abo...
Researchers identified a key clue to treating absence seizures by deleting the T-type calcium channel CaV3.3 in mice, which suppressed burst firing and increased tonic firing. This study challenges existing hypotheses and provides a foundation for developing effective treatment methods.
Researchers found that green tea polyphenols effectively protect spinal cord neurons against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research revealed that green tea polyphenols inhibit neuronal apoptosis, indicating a protective role in spinal cord neurons under oxidative stress.
Researchers have developed a new method to create patient-specific neural crest cells from skin cells, which can help study and potentially treat rare disorders. The technique accelerates the creation of these cells, allowing for more accurate predictions of disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered mouse line that allows them to study calcium levels in living brain cells, enabling new research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the immune system's role in brain function.
A study found that elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease have fewer inhibitory neurons, leading to fragmented sleep. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of remaining ventrolateral preoptic neurons and sleep fragmentation, highlighting a potential link between aging and sleep disorders.
Researchers found that HSP72 protects retinal ganglion cells and lateral geniculate body in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension from injury by blocking the activation of the stress-activated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase apoptotic pathway. Zinc sulfate inhibited HSP72 expression, while quercetin induced its expression.
Research finds that peripheral nerve injury increases the expression of α1-adrenoceptors on pain-signalling nerve fibers. This up-regulation may intensify pain by boosting neural excitability. Blocking alpha-1 adrenoceptors could be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic pain after peripheral nerve injury.
Research highlights the importance of glial cells in CNS regeneration. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, but also influence the survival and fates of transplanted neural stem cells. Regulating their behavior can create a permissive microenvironment for neuronal regeneration.
Researchers have found that blood cells in crayfish can differentiate into neurons, challenging our understanding of neural development and regeneration. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurological diseases such as clinical depression and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method for analyzing hundreds of cells individually using microfluidic technology, which reveals novel molecular features in diverse cell types. This approach holds promise for understanding how the human cortex arises from cells spun off from stem cells.
Researchers have found that adult myelination is crucial for regulating neural networks and supporting functions such as learning and memory. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, highlights the importance of myelin plasticity in coordinating with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Researchers identify mechanism explaining Zipf's law, a pattern found in complex systems. The study uses neural data from blowflies to demonstrate how the law arises when units respond to a hidden variable.