Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers at Harvard University have found that mice can distinguish between specific odors even when surrounded by multiple background smells. The team used fluorescent proteins to create images of how different scents activated neurons in the brain, revealing a neural explanation for how animals separate relevant from irrelevant se...
A new study by Yale researchers found that blocking the effects of PPARgamma in brain cells can prevent weight gain and resistance to high-fat diets. This discovery has key implications for treating type 2 diabetes, where weight gain is a common side effect of medication.
Researchers found that PPARγ activity in pro-opiomelanocortin neurons is crucial for whole-body energy balance and glucose metabolism. Mice lacking PPARγ in these neurons gained less weight and had improved glucose levels when fed a high-fat diet.
A study published in Ear and Hearing reveals that prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent damage of the hair cells in the ear. This damage affects the brain's recognition of speech sounds, potentially increasing difficulty in distinguishing them. The researchers used rats to simulate two types of noise trauma and found t...
Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique that allows for real-time visualization of brain sound processing in mice. This breakthrough enables the study of complex neural interactions and may lead to better treatments for hearing loss.
A team of scientists at the University of California, San Diego, has developed synthetic glycopolymers that mimic natural sugars on cell surfaces. These molecules successfully guided embryonic stem cells into neural rosettes, precursors to mature neural cells.
A study by Yale researchers has identified a crucial role for prolyl endopeptidase enzyme in regulating glucose sensing in the brain. The findings suggest that this enzyme plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels, and could eventually lead to new treatments for diabetes.
Astrocytes play a vital role in controlling gamma oscillations, which are essential for higher-level brain function and memory. The study found that disabling astrocytes disrupts gamma waves and impairs novel object recognition memory.
Researchers have identified two mutations in the CC2D1A gene that prevent its expression, leading to intellectual disability, autism, and seizures. The gene regulates a critical signaling pathway controlling neuronal balance.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that pre-treatment with the anti-aging protein Klotho can prevent neuron death in the presence of toxic amyloid and glutamate. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tiny gold particles can fuse with cell membranes without damaging cells. This discovery suggests possible strategies for designing nanoparticles that could get into cells more easily.
Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.
Macrophages play a crucial role in regulating intestinal movements, and their interaction with the nervous system is adaptable to changes in the bacterial environment. The discovery may lead to new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Scientists identify astroglial cells as crucial players in Down syndrome's abnormal neuron development and find that an inexpensive antibiotic can correct many abnormalities. They also show that minocycline, a commonly used tetracycline antibiotic, promotes healthy interactions between astroglia and neurons.
Researchers found that intranasal administration of nerve growth factor increases its content and receptor in spinal cord neurons, improving locomotor behaviors after spinal cord injury. This study provides evidence for the use of intranasal nerve growth factor as a treatment for spinal cord repair.
Researchers found that citalopram increases the efficiency of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) differentiating into neuronal-like cells. This improvement in cellular differentiation is associated with increased cell proliferation and survival while maintaining neuronal characteristics.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a chemical switch controlling neuron generation and survival in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and stroke victims. This switch, MEF2, may be a potential therapeutic target to protect against neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative diseases.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that a gene deletion linked to schizophrenia alters brain cell skeletons, disrupting layer formation. Researchers also identify a crucial protein involved in building cellular skeletons, which may contribute to the condition.
A study found that exposure to BPS causes hyperactive behavior and alters brain development in zebrafish, similar effects observed with BPA. The research suggests that BPS may lead to altered brain connections and explain the hyperactivity seen in another experiment.
The discovery of the Snf2h gene's role in cerebellum development highlights its importance in balance, fine motor control, and complex physical movements. Without this gene, the cerebellum becomes smaller, leading to compromised balance and refined movements.
Researchers tracked neural activity to discover covert changes of mind in monkeys and humans, finding they're more frequent in uncertain conditions. The study offers new insights into decision-making processes and innovative ways to study this complex behavior.
Researchers have discovered that simultaneous transplantation of neural and vascular progenitor cells reduces brain damage and improves behavioral recovery after ischemic stroke. The study suggests that cotransplantation of these two cell types is more effective than single-cell therapy in promoting recovery.
Researchers discover that retinal ganglion cells pass on worn-out mitochondria to astrocytes for disposal at the optic nerve head. This process challenges the common understanding of cellular trash management and has implications for diseases like glaucoma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that astrocytes can monitor and respond to nearby neural activity, but only when primed by the fight-or-flight chemical norepinephrine. This ability suggests that astrocytes may help control the brain's ability to focus.
A neuroscientist proposes a novel explanation for habituation, which allows the brain to filter out insignificant environmental stimuli. The 'negative-image model' explains how repeated activation of neurons leads to increased inhibition, altering responses in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that an almost century-old drug approved for treating sleeping sickness also restores normal cellular signaling in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms of the neurological disorder in animals.
A new study reveals that parasympathetic neurons originate from immature glial cells in mouse embryos, forming a previously unknown developmental pathway. This discovery may lead to new medical treatments for congenital disorders of the nervous system.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that calcium channels in resting neurons activate the breakdown of Sp4, a transcription factor regulating gene expression. The research suggests that misregulation of Sp4 may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Researchers confirm the role of Phox2b-expressing neurons in detecting and modulating CO2 levels. The study reveals a small region of the brain maintains homeostasis by detecting adequate CO2 levels, which may help prevent sudden death cases.
Researchers have discovered a key gene mutation responsible for impaired mental function in children with intellectual disabilities. TUBB5 is essential for healthy brain development, and mutations can cause problems with normal fetal brain development.
Scientists are exploring the potential of adult stem cells from bone marrow to treat brain damage by manipulating neural markers. The research, published in Developmental Biology, aims to develop a way to introduce stem cells into the brain and modify them to repair damaged brain cells.
Researchers have localized stress-activated hormone receptors in oral taste cells responsible for detection of sweet, umami, and bitter. The findings suggest that stress hormones may directly affect how these cells respond to sugars and certain other taste stimuli.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine discovered that leptin affects not only brain cells called neurons but also other types of cells involved in appetite regulation. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have obtained an unprecedented view of a type of brain-cell receptor implicated in neurological illnesses. The team's atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor should serve as a template and guide for the design of therapeutic compounds.
Pericytes, a type of stem cell found in the brain, play a key role in brain repair after a stroke by migrating to damaged areas and converting into microglia cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting pericytes as a potential treatment for stroke treatment.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified the group of neurons in the brain that determines how a mouse responds to stress, whether with resilience or defeat. The study's findings may lead to improved treatments for depression.
Researchers discovered that neurons can mobilize calcium from large dense core vesicles to facilitate the release of neuropeptides. This process enables fine-tuning of communication between neurons and other cells.
Researchers at Duke University discovered an antibody that simultaneously blocks the sensations of pain and itching by targeting Nav1.7 sodium channels. The study showed promising results in mouse models, suggesting a new treatment option for pain and itch conditions.
The Mosers' groundbreaking discovery of specialized neurons called grid cells has been recognized with the €750,000 Körber prize. The prize money will support their research on grid cell formation and interaction with the environment.
University of Missouri researcher James Lee has been awarded a $1.5 million NIH grant to investigate the link between amyloid-beta peptide and blood capillary damage in Alzheimer's patients. His study seeks to understand how A-beta interacts with cerebral endothelial cells, leading to cell breakdown and neuronal degeneration.
A new study reveals that the brain learns to hear by decoding rhythmic bursts of electrical activity from cells in the inner ear. The research suggests that abnormal rhythms may contribute to Central Auditory-Processing Disorders, which affect speech and language development in children.
A system of slowly conducting nerves in the skin respond to gentle touch, triggering rewarding sensations. This 'soft touch wiring' plays a crucial role in human social behavior and may be disrupted in individuals with autism.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a new stem cell therapy that shows promise for treating multiple sclerosis in humans. In a mouse model, the therapy resulted in significant recovery of mobility and function after implantation of human stem cells into the spinal cord.
A study by Whitehead Institute researchers has identified a potential treatment for Niemann-Pick disease, a rare genetic disorder. The researchers found that combining low doses of cyclodextrin with the drug carbamazepine can lower cholesterol levels and restore autophagy defects in cells affected by the disease.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified galanin neurons in the brain's medial preoptic area (MPOA) that regulate parental behavior in mice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of conditions like post-partum depression and potentially offer new treatment options.
Researchers found that human neural stem cells can repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, allowing them to walk again. The breakthrough has significant implications for developing a new treatment approach for MS patients.
Researchers at the Salk Institute used stem cells to study neural function in people with schizophrenia, finding unusual activity in early developmental stages that may lead to diagnostic tests. The study suggests that events during pregnancy could contribute to the disease.
Researchers at McGill University found that free radicals stimulate a molecular mechanism that increases cell defenses and promotes longevity. The study used the roundworm C. elegans as a model organism and found that elevating free radical generation induced a substantially longer life.
The study found that rAAV/ABAD-DP-6His increases superoxide dismutase activity and decreases malondialdehyde content, reducing oxidative stress-induced injury in PC12 cells. The treatment also maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces apoptosis, indicating its neuroprotective effects.
Researchers investigated the Pael-R gene's involvement in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model cells using RNA interference. The study found that Pael-R expression decreased after treatment, but apoptosis and survival rates did not differ significantly between groups.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells, suggesting they could be used as a therapy for stroke. These cells have the potential to form complex networks and communicate like normal neurons, offering hope for new treatments.
Researchers have developed tiny, biodegradable nanoparticles that can carry DNA to brain cancer cells in mice, demonstrating potential for targeted treatment. The particles selectively induce death in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact, with the possibility of being given to patients during neurosurgery.
Amita Sehgal's team discovered a circuit in fruit flies that controls their daily behavior, with corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) playing a key role. The research provides new insight into basic brain function and could inform studies on human sleep and circadian rhythms.
A Stanford team has re-engineered light-sensitive proteins to switch cells off more efficiently, enabling researchers to better understand brain circuits involved in behavior and emotion. This breakthrough improves the precision of optogenetics, a technique used to study biological systems with electrical signals.
Researchers successfully transplanted human neural stem cells into nonhuman primate brains and observed their long-term survival and differentiation into neurons. The study holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that maternal trauma, illness, or substance abuse activates a single gene in brain cells, leading to structural abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests that even minor environmental insults can permanently change how brain cells respond.
Researchers used amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes to deliver nerve growth factor, improving complex dispersibility and reducing toxicity. This improved the promotion of cell differentiation in PC12 cells and chick embryo dorsal root ganglion.
Researchers discovered that cancer drugs can eliminate neural inflammation associated with dementia-linked diseases by eradicating microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain. The study found that these cells exacerbate many neural diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain injury.
A team of researchers led by Jane Wang from Cornell University has discovered a proportional control law in the tiger beetle's chasing behavior. The study reveals that the beetle uses a sideways force proportional to its prey's angular position to turn towards it.
UAlberta researchers found that activating both AMPK and retrograde response pathways simultaneously can benefit cells with damaged mitochondria. This study provides a new concept for dealing with metabolic problems associated with mitochondrial disorders.