Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers at Duke University have created a novel method for genome tinkering using an RNA guide, allowing precise control over specific genes. The tool has potential applications in gene therapy and regenerative medicine, including reprogramming stem cells into neurons.
Researchers at Princeton University created enhanced proteins that respond quickly to changes in neuron activity, allowing for a more precise view of neuron signals. The new sensors can be customized to react to different rates of neuron activity, giving scientists a comprehensive understanding of brain-cell communication.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover that individual neurons' ability to flush out toxic proteins, not the buildup itself, contributes to Huntington's disease progression. A newly developed technology allowed them to see how different types of neurons respond to mutant huntingtin protein over time.
Researchers found that Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-1 modulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis by inhibiting kisspeptin-activated gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. The study also revealed a potential role for gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in regulating reproductive development.
Researchers discovered unique patterns of DNA methylation that emerge when neurons form new connections in children's developing brains, shedding light on the role of epigenomics in learning, memory, and mental illness. The study provides a new framework for understanding brain development and function.
Researchers found two distinct strains of alpha-synuclein that promote different patterns of misfolding, leading to unique sets of symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders. The study suggests that different structural shapes of the protein may contribute to co-occurrence of synuclein and tau accumulations in certain brain diseases.
Researchers developed a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve language function in stroke patients with chronic aphasia. The technique demonstrated long-term improvement in language production, enabling continued development of language capacity months after treatment.
Researchers discovered the Arl13b gene plays a crucial role in guiding neuron formation and placement during early brain development. The study found mutations in this gene may contribute to brain malformations seen in Joubert syndrome and autism-like features.
Researchers at UCLA have found a possible link between histamine cells and the loss of hypocretin neurons in people with narcolepsy. The study suggests that an excess of histamine cells may cause the destruction of hypocretin cells, which is thought to contribute to the sleep disorder.
Researchers identified a key role for Scara1 in clearing amyloid beta from the brain, which may lead to a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's. In mouse models, Scara1 deficiency accelerated A-beta deposition and death, while upregulation enhanced clearance.
Two Salk studies reveal that neurons in area V4 of the visual cortex exhibit trade-offs between stimulus complexity and translation invariance. This challenges the existing understanding of neural processing, with implications for building more advanced computer systems and developing therapies for visual disorders.
Researchers discovered that individual oligodendrocytes can coat neurons with myelin for only five hours after birth. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis, including targeting the blockages that prevent cells from producing myelin.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have developed a lab-on-a-chip that can detect cells with sub-cellular resolution, enabling early detection of diseases such as viruses and cancer. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure electrical properties of cells, offering a non-invasive and quick method for disease diagnosis.
A team of NYU biologists found that a series of genes expressed in brain stem cells control the generation of neural diversity in the visual system of fruit flies. This process, known as a temporal cascade, ensures the sequential generation of different neural types.
Neuroscientists have developed a carbon nanotube probe that captures individual brain-cell signals, improving upon metal and glass electrodes. The new probe allows for more precise recordings of electrical signals from single neurons, enabling better understanding of the computational complexity of the brain.
A study by researchers at the University of Oregon reveals a novel stem cell mechanism in fruit flies that may help explain how neurons form in humans. The research shows how a select group of stem cells can create progenitors that generate numerous subtypes of cells, increasing neural diversity.
A high-fat diet in pregnant monkeys resulted in permanently changed brain cells controlling food intake, leading to increased body weight and preference for fatty foods in their offspring. This study suggests a potential long-term impact on human health.
Researchers describe 'chase and run' cell movement mechanism that explains process of metastasis. Cancer cells recruit healthy cells using small chemical molecules, promoting directional collective migration.
Researchers develop mathematical approach to understand synchrony in medical and ecological conditions, with potential applications in epilepsy and predator-prey systems. The formula analyzes indirect coupling in complex systems, enabling predictions and tests through experiments.
Glycans play a vital role in cellular communication, but disruptions in their behavior can lead to serious problems. Researchers found that glycans in NPC cells do not recycle properly, causing miscommunication and travel difficulties within the cell.
University of Michigan researchers have discovered how a defective gene in Down syndrome is regulated and its impact on neurological development. By studying fruit fly neurons, they identified two molecular pathways that converge to regulate the gene's abundance, offering a possible therapeutic approach to an aspect of the syndrome.
A multi-institutional team of researchers pinpointed the genetic traits of cells giving rise to gliomas, a common form of malignant brain cancer. They identified a core set of genes and pathways dysregulated during tumor progression, providing rich new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
A new study found that people with narcolepsy have a large increase in the number of neurons producing histamine, which may contribute to symptoms like preserved consciousness during cataplexy and fragmented nighttime sleep. This discovery suggests that drugs reducing histamine signaling at night may improve sleep in narcolepsy.
Scientists develop new animal model to study Parkinson's disease, tracing protein spreading in brain regions. The experiment reveals clues on mechanisms underlying pathological progression.
Scientists have developed two new indicator molecules that can visualize the activation of auto-aggressive T cells in the body, shedding light on the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. The indicators enable researchers to track T cell activity and activation patterns in real-time, offering new avenues for drug development.
Researchers have identified a new compound class that promotes neuroblastoma cell differentiation, which can stop tumor cells from dividing and growing. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel treatments for high-risk childhood cancer.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered the neural mechanism behind cockroach aversion to glucose in roach baits. This genetic trait helps roaches reject baits made with glucose, a common ingredient in roach-bait poison.
Defects in cellular trash removal processes lead to toxic protein build-up and neuronal damage in Gaucher disease, mirroring Parkinson's disease pathology. Researchers suggest targeting mitochondrial function to develop treatment strategies for both diseases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cocaine addiction and identified a promising new anti-addiction drug. The compound, CGP3466B, blocks cravings for cocaine in addicted mice by preventing GAPDH from entering the nucleus to trigger cell death.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a molecular mechanism that enhances attention and reduces cognitive noise in the brain. By manipulating glutamate coupling to NMDA receptors, they improved perceptual abilities and increased the fidelity of neural responses.
Scientists at Cambridge's Department of Chemistry have mapped the pathway that generates 'aberrant' forms of proteins, which are at the root of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. The breakthrough opens up possibilities for a new generation of targeted drugs and earlier diagnosis of neurological disorders.
A new tool developed by UT Arlington physicist Samarendra Mohanty has the potential to map and track neuronal interactions in the brain. The fiber-optic, two-photon, optogenetic stimulator uses low-energy near-infrared light to precisely excite neurons, allowing researchers to understand how brain connections function.
Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to create a disease-in-a-dish model of ataxia telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder causing neurodegeneration and immune system failure. The study identified potential new therapeutic drugs that can increase ATM protein activity and improve DNA repair.
Researchers used low doses of leukemia drug nilotinib to clear toxic proteins from mouse brains affected with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The treatment improved movement and functionality in treated mice compared to untreated ones, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
McGill University researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of the Parkin protein, which protects neurons from cell death due to damaged mitochondria. The study's findings suggest that designing mutations in Parkin could provide better protection for nerve cells and potentially slow disease progression.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that progenitor cells in the adult brain are highly dynamic, transforming into cells that insulate nerve fibers and help form scars. These cells communicate with each other to maintain a regular distribution throughout the brain and spinal cord.
A new study in mice reveals that the timing of gene mutation during thalamus development significantly affects TSC-like behavioral symptoms and disease severity. The research highlights the importance of the thalamus in brain function and suggests a potential target for future treatments.
Researchers found that increasing parkin levels in fruit flies extended their life span by more than 25 percent, reducing damaged proteins and improving mitochondrial function. The study suggests that boosting cellular 'garbage disposal' could delay the onset of aging-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have developed a method to convert skin cells into neural progenitor cells without passing through the pluripotent stem cell stage. This breakthrough allows for the production of specific types of neural cells, enabling rapid drug screening and modeling of neurological diseases such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.
Researchers have discovered a method for physical diagnosis of schizophrenia by collecting tissue from the nose through a simple biopsy. This finding could lead to a more accurate diagnosis and early detection of the disease.
Researchers developed a statistical modeling approach to assemble and evaluate the fitness of individual neurons, identifying diverse yet robust populations as the most successful. This method can help understand the importance of neuronal diversity and predict how alterations in neuron variability impact function.
Researchers identified key differences in gene expression between rock- and sand-dweller brains during development and used small molecules to manipulate developmental pathways. The study showed that competing molecular signals during brain development generate natural and adaptive differences in the telencephalon earlier than thought,...
A study published in the journal Neuron reveals that a gene called CD33 contributes to Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting immune cells' ability to remove toxic molecules. Inactivation of CD33 has been shown to enhance microglia's clearance of beta-amyloid plaques, potentially reversing the disease's progression.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a new regulator of the proteasome's activity, tankyrase, which uses ADP-ribosylation to modify PI31. This discovery has significant implications for treating multiple myeloma and other diseases, offering a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that new astrocytes produced from stem cells after brain injury are effective in promoting recovery. These cells make their way to the injured area to form an organized scar, which stops bleeding and allows tissue recovery.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have developed a computer-based method to analyze biological data and identify unique factors for 166 different human cell types. These master regulators determine cell development and distinguish between cell types, paving the way for potential cell replacement therapies.
Researchers discover that expanded DNA regions in Fragile X-associated Tremor syndrome cause the production of an abnormal FMR1polyG protein, leading to neurodegeneration. The protein's translation is critical to elicit toxicity, and blocking its production can suppress neuron damage.
Giant axonal neuropathy is caused by mutations in the gigaxonin gene, leading to accumulation of neurofilament proteins. The study shows that gigaxonin regulates neurofilament protein degradation, shedding light on the molecular pathology of GAN.
Researchers at CWRU School of Medicine discover a technique to directly convert skin cells into myelinating brain cells, potentially treating multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The new method enables rapid production of functional oligodendrocytes, which provide insulation for neurons.
Research found that mutations in neuroligin-3 protein block endocannabinoid signals, affecting brain excitability and communication between neurons. The study suggests targeting the endocannabinoid system may help reverse autism symptoms.
Researchers found that playing sounds synchronized with slow brain oscillations during sleep enhances these oscillations and boosts memory. The approach is non-invasive and easy to apply, making it a potential tool for improving sleep and enhancing memory.
Researchers propose that the brain automatically assesses its environment, making trade-offs in resource allocation. This adaptation process can lead to improved sensitivity for one stimulus at the expense of another.
Autophagy, a type of internal 'spring cleaning', helps maintain neural stem cells' readiness to become new brain and nerve cells. Without this process, these crucial stem cells suffer damage from waste products and their ability to differentiate diminishes.
Researchers are developing implantable electrical devices to target specific cells in the body and control diseases like inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Initial results show that it is possible to manipulate neural signals specific to different inflammatory mediators.
Researchers identified an enzyme called ACOT7 that helps neurons get rid of excess fats that can be toxic. In a study, mice with non-working ACOT7 gene showed signs of neurodegeneration when fasting, highlighting the enzyme's role in protecting against fat toxicity.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have identified a population of stem cells capable of generating new appetite-regulating neurons in the brains of young and adult rodents. This discovery could lead to a permanent intervention for obesity, potentially offering a solution that lasts beyond dieting.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that whole cells and cell fragments orient and move in response to electric fields, with two distinct pathways identified. These findings could lead to new ways to heal wounds and deliver stem cell therapies.
Researchers at Yale University have found that AgRP neurons, which regulate appetite, also impact immune cell function. Suppressing these neurons can lead to increased inflammation and vulnerability to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Research by David Alexander and Cees van Leeuwen reveals that brain activity is not limited to specific areas, but rather follows a wave-like pattern across the entire cortex. This challenges traditional views of brain function and highlights the complex, dynamic nature of brain activity.
Researchers found that individuals with autism have broader tuning of neurons in the fusiform face area, leading to difficulties in recognizing faces. This impairment affects social interactions and limits facial expression understanding.