Articles tagged with Neurons
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
A new metabolic compound called BHB-Phe has been discovered to regulate appetite and body weight by interacting with neurons in the brain. BHB-Phe influences feeding behavior and reduces body weight in mice, while its related compound Lac-Phe also promotes weight loss.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a variant of TMEM16F protein that enhances the spread of Parkinson's pathology, potentially leading to new treatments. The study found that cells with the mutation secrete more pathological α-synuclein, which can form Lewy bodies and damage brain cells.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that TYK2 transforms tau into a toxic protein contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Partially restraining TYK2 could be a strategy to reduce tau levels and toxicity.
University of Cincinnati researchers highlight the importance of emergency consent in acute stroke trials due to time-sensitive nature and high mortality rate. They argue for more efficient alternatives to traditional informed consent, emphasizing patient autonomy and beneficence.
Researchers identify BNC2 neurons that rapidly respond to food cues and inhibit hunger, alleviating negative feelings associated with appetite. The discovery expands the classic model of hunger regulation and may provide new therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes created a new mouse model to study Alzheimer's disease, transplanting human neurons into mouse brains. The study found that immune cells called microglia cause harmful inflammation and clumps of misfolded proteins when interacting with the APOE4 protein.
Scientists have developed a polymer-based therapeutic for Huntington’s disease, which disrupts protein interactions to preserve cell health. The treatment successfully rescued neurons and reversed symptoms in mouse studies, showing promise as a potential delay or reduction of disease onset.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a unique stem cell type, the neural crest stem cell, which can be reprogrammed into different cell types. This discovery challenges longstanding theories in cellular reprogramming and highlights the potential of these cells for stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
Researchers from Penn Vet discovered that a species of parasitic worms can evade the mammalian urge to scratch an itch by blocking the sensation, allowing it to enter the body undetected. The study found that activating specific neurons can block the entry of these parasites, preventing their dissemination through the body.
Researchers have developed Rastermap, a visualization tool that enables scientists to uncover activity patterns in thousands of neurons. The tool sorts neuronal activity into clusters based on similarity and maps them onto a graphical representation, allowing for the identification of patterns that can be further tested in the lab.
Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.
A team of scientists, led by Anne Bang, is working to establish clearer connections between genes and their effects on brain function and mental health. They will use high-throughput screening technology to study over 100 genes in brain cells.
A new magnetic gene therapy technology allows for precise control of specific brain circuits non-invasively with magnetic fields. The technology has shown promise in reducing abnormal movements in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, and may have potential applications for treating psychiatric disorders and chronic pain.
Researchers found lower neuron density in regions of the cerebral cortex responsible for tasks like memory, learning, and problem-solving in children with autism. In contrast, other brain regions like the amygdala showed increased neuron density, suggesting unique promise in characterizing individuals with autism.
A study by TIFR Mumbai and collaborators has identified the ventral hippocampus as a critical brain region in mediating the anxiolytic effects of psychedelics like DOI. The researchers found that targeting parvalbumin-positive interneurons in this region is key to reducing anxiety behavior.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug, RI-AG03, that successfully targets and blocks both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein. The peptide-based approach shows significant potential in preventing the build-up of Tau proteins and neurodegeneration, addressing a critical gap in current treatments.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered estrogen's fast actions are mediated by the coupling of ER-alpha with ion channel protein Clic1, controlling chloride ion flux and enabling rapid neuronal responses. This finding sheds light on estrogen's role in regulating various physiological processes.
A new brain-mapping neurotechnology called Single Transcriptome Assisted Rabies Tracing (START) has been developed to map the brain's intricate neuronal connections. The technique combines two advanced technologies to resolve cortical connectivity at the resolution of transcriptomic cell types, enabling the identification of distinct p...
A mouse model study led by Ohio State University researchers reveals the importance of DNA loops and protein complex cohesin in nerve cell regeneration. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for nerve injuries by understanding how chromatin organization affects gene expression.
A team of researchers from Bonn and Tübingen has discovered that individual nerve cells in the medial temporal lobe recognize the number zero as a numerical value. The study found that neurons respond to both Arabic numerals and empty sets, but not both simultaneously.
A recent study by FAU researchers reveals how the brain coordinates food intake to ensure we receive the right amount of energy. The hypothalamus, a control center in the brain, triggers behaviors like eating and satiety through a complex mechanism involving four teams of neurons that work together like relay runners.
Researchers have identified the lateral septum as a key region in the brain that regulates feeding behavior, leading to the development of new anti-obesity strategies. The study found that GLP-1R agonists like liraglutide activate neurons in this region to suppress appetite and reduce body weight.
Researchers have found evidence for place cells in zebrafish brains, allowing them to create internal maps of their environment. The brain region, telencephalon, is also thought to be analogous to the mammalian hippocampus and plays a key role in spatial orientation, social networks, and memory.
A new algorithm, inspired by the nervous system's matchmaker, pairs drivers with riders in a way that maximizes everyone's happiness. The algorithm creates near-optimal pairings while preserving privacy, making it suitable for everyday applications.
A study at Karolinska Institutet reveals that morphine activates a 'morphine ensemble' of neurons in the brain, leading to pain relief. This understanding may help develop new strategies to treat pain without triggering addiction and overdose.
Researchers have developed novel photoacoustic probes for neuroscience applications, enabling visualization of neurons in specific brain regions. The probes use a combination of protein and synthetic dye to bind to chemicals and emit sound waves that can be detected by imaging equipment.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
A new study reveals that zebrafish spinal cords regenerate by leveraging the survival and adaptability of severed neurons, rather than relying on stem cells. The research identifies genetic targets to promote this type of plasticity in humans and other mammals.
Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers compares the effectiveness of one-photon (1P) versus two-photon (2P) voltage imaging in neural circuits. The study found that 2P excitation requires approximately 10,000 times more illumination power per cell compared to 1P excitation, posing significant challenges for 2P voltage imaging.
Researchers found that artificial induction of GluCer leads to cellular senescence in DA neurons, highlighting the role of lipid aggregation in PD. The study proposes that lysosomal impairment and lipid accumulation trigger expression of a cellular senescence phenotype in vulnerable DA neurons.
Glial cells play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, producing amyloid beta and contributing to plaque formation. Researchers discovered that knocking out BACE1 enzyme in oligodendrocytes reduced plaque formation by 30%, opening up new avenues for therapies.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
Researchers developed a new visual diagnostic technique called Cap-QuIC that can distinguish infected samples with the naked eye, enabling faster and more accurate disease detection. The method builds upon previous groundbreaking diagnostic techniques and leverages simple action to detect misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins.
Researchers genetically engineered Toxoplasma gondii to produce and release therapeutic proteins in the human brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The method has potential implications for treating diseases caused by protein deficiencies or abnormal expression.
Researchers developed a method to study aged neurons in the lab without a brain biopsy, accurately reproducing the hallmarks of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study identified aspects of cells' genomes that contribute to the development of the disease and found potential treatment strategies targeting these factors.
Researchers studied Alzheimer disease blood biomarkers and found a strong association with incident all-cause dementia risk. Biomarker levels increased with age and were linked to dementia starting in midlife.
Neurons in the brain's zona incerta (ZI) are activated by maternal presence, reducing infant distress and stress hormone levels. The study suggests that these neurons integrate sensory signals to facilitate social interactions, providing a potential entry point for studying infant development.
Salk researchers created tools to study neuropeptides, finding they control the brain's fear response in mice. Neuropeptides are released during a mild stimulus, triggering fear behaviors, which can be reduced by silencing their release.
The UNLV study found that brain activity patterns change with the number of experiences, not time, and that increasing speed affects perception. The research suggests that our brains register a 'vibe' about time, making it faster when we're having fun or doing tasks efficiently.
Chong Xie and his team at Rice University have won a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an implantable neural electrode system for high-resolution, long-term neural recording and stimulation. The project aims to improve the resolution of existing devices by increasing the density of neurons sampled.
Researchers have developed a multi-component hydrogel scaffold to mimic the amyloid-beta containing microenvironment associated with AD. The study found elevated levels of neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers in healthy neuronal progenitor cells cultured within this environment.
Scientists have discovered a new hormone, CCN3, that helps maintain bone density and strength in breastfeeding women. In mice, CCN3 increased bone mass and strength, even when estrogen levels were low. The hormone also accelerated bone healing in fracture models, offering hope for treating osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a small molecule that could potentially treat Angelman syndrome by 'turning on' the dormant paternally-inherited UBE3A gene copy. The compound, (S)-PHA533533, has shown excellent uptake in developing brains and bioavailability, making it a promising lead for gene therapy.
Researchers have found that blocking Interleukin-6 (IL-6) from binding to neurons in the area postrema prevents cachexia in mice. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting these neurons, potentially treating cancer cachexia and improving patients' quality of life.
Researchers found that removing the choroid plexus leads to a reduction of newly born immature neurons and fewer repairing damage caused by a stroke. The study suggests that the choroid plexus keeps regenerative cells ready to deploy to injured areas in animal models.
Researchers found that removing the choroid plexus led to a reduction in newly born immature neurons, which are essential for repairing damage caused by stroke. The study suggests that the choroid plexus may be necessary to retain these cells and facilitate brain repair after injury.
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...
Researchers at EPFL have published an open-source project Tabulae Paralytica, providing a comprehensive understanding of spinal cord injury biology. The study identifies specific neurons and genes involved in recovery and proposes a successful gene therapy derived from its discoveries.
Research finds that Huntington’s disease damages microscopic blood vessels in the brain, affecting coordination between neuronal activity and oxygenation. The study uses non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.
Researchers at MIT developed a novel image sensor that can track neural voltage changes in real-time. By optimizing pixel timing, the new sensor doubles signal-to-noise ratio and detects subtle 'subthreshold' variances, enabling better understanding of brain functions.
Researchers found that Orco protein is necessary for the development and life of olfactory cells in ants. Mutant ants lacking Orco experience massive olfactory neuron loss, suggesting a link between Orco and neuronal survival.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered a new RNA virus, Apocryptovirus odysseus, associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The virus is found in two hypervirulent strains of the parasite, exacerbating toxoplasmosis disease and triggering an immune response.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that ketones can rescue impaired neuronal function in the hippocampal network. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Rice University have identified genes critical for enteric nervous system development using zebrafish embryos. Opioid signaling pathways are required for the formation of nerves in the gut, contradicting previous assumptions about their role in pain perception and addiction.
ConVERGD, a new tool developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, enables precise manipulation of cellular subpopulations for studying specific behaviors. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize fundamental research and healthcare.
Researchers developed AI software to analyze animal behavior, enabling precise linking of brain circuits and neurons. The program reconciles differing results by providing transparent explanations for machine-learning predictions, facilitating cross-lab comparisons and reproducibility in behavioral research.
Researchers discovered the key role of protein Contactin-4 in shaping neurons and its interaction with APP, a gene strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that CNTN4 regulates neural elongation and is co-dependent with APP for brain development.