Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
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.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that modifying astrocyte signals can limit the spread of damage after an ischemic brain stroke. By regulating neurotransmitter pathways, astrocytes play a critical role in the spread of damage following stroke.
A team of Chilean researchers, with collaboration from Carnegie's Wolf Frommer, has devised a molecular sensor to detect lactate levels in individual cells in real-time. This breakthrough provides an unprecedented sensitivity and range of detection for non-invasively detecting cancer.
Heavy drinkers show enhanced brain acetate metabolism, which may provide an energetic reward to compensate for drops in blood glucose levels. Additionally, planar cell polarity genes guide the formation of gut neurons, and their dysfunction is linked to gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Researchers found that the brain prioritizes neural diversity over number of neurons when faced with limited nutrients, a strategy essential for survival. This discovery may have implications for understanding human brain development and addressing intrauterine growth restriction.
Researchers implanted human brain cells into mice, finding enhanced learning and memory compared to normal mice. The study suggests that human-specific glial form and function contribute to the evolution of human cognition.
Scientists have found that mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to swelling, reduced blood flow, and death of neurons. Astrocytes, which supply nutrients to neurons, swell quickly and significantly, smothering them and their branches. This secondary damage can occur within hours of the initial injury.
Researchers discovered that CALHM1 channel plays a key role in transmitting signals from Type II taste cells to the brain. Mice lacking this gene have difficulty detecting sweet and bitter tastes, highlighting its importance for our sense of taste.
Researchers discovered that brain waves are shaped to selectively track sound patterns from a single speaker while excluding competing sounds. This finding could have important implications for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and aging.
A new study from Princeton University provides evidence for how the brain performs this feat. Grid cells are neurons that become electrically active as animals travel in an environment, and their activity ramping up and down corresponds with a proposed mechanism of neural computation called an attractor network.
A team of researchers discovered that ATP release is key to transmitting sweet, bitter, and umami taste information to the brain. The CALHM1 channel protein plays a crucial role in releasing ATP, allowing taste buds to send signals to the brain for these three primary taste types.
Research reveals that age-related dementia may begin with neurons' inability to dispose of unwanted proteins, leading to their accumulation. This decline in protein disposal mechanisms contributes to the development and progression of dementia, making it a promising area for novel therapies.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University developed a new method called CETS to identify heterogeneous brain cells through epigenetic variation analysis. This will simplify the study of brain pathologies such as depression and age-associated disorders.
Scientists have discovered a new class of molecular compounds capable of killing the influenza virus. The compounds work by clogging up an enzyme that helps the virus spread, and are more effective because they are water-soluble. This breakthrough could buy scientists time to develop new vaccines for emerging strains of influenza.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a signaling pathway that may determine genetic susceptibility for the development of FASD. The study found that phosphorylation events inside cells can render L1 adhesion molecules more vulnerable to alcohol's inhibitory effects, providing new targets for diagnosis and therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified two opposing behaviors triggered by salt concentrations in mammals, allowing them to avoid high-salt diets. The discovery may lead to the development of taste modulators to control appetite and reduce the effects of excessive sodium intake.
Researchers have identified a novel abnormal protein, C9RANT, that builds up in the brains of patients with ALS and FTD due to genetic abnormalities. Detecting C9RANT in cerebrospinal fluid may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for these diseases.
Researchers at Rice University created a computer model to study the growth of tiny blood vessels in the brain after a stroke. They found that individual cells respond to stimuli using rules and patterns, which can be replicated to guide vessel structure development.
Scientists have identified a natural trigger that enables stem cells to develop into different cell types in the body, including liver and brain cells. The discovery of protein Tcf15 could help improve techniques for turning stem cells into other cell types in the laboratory.