Articles tagged with Neurons
A scientist at the Gladstone Institutes has discovered a way to convert human skin cells into brain cells, offering new hope for regenerative medicine and personalized drug discovery. The breakthrough discovery allows for efficient and robust methods to transform adult skin cells into neurons capable of transmitting brain signals.
Researchers at Brown University discovered how bats can distinguish between target echoes and background clutter using subtle changes in sound intensity. By delaying their neural response to weaker echoes, bats can effectively 'defocus' clutter, maintaining a clear image of the target.
A signaling pathway plays a key role in determining the type of new neurons generated from postnatal neural stem cells. The study found that sonic hedgehog signaling, which is active in specific locations within the subventricular zone, influences neuron production and can redirect adult stem cell fate.
Researchers at Caltech created an artificial neural network out of DNA, exhibiting brain-like behavior by recalling memories based on incomplete patterns. The DNA-based neural network consists of four artificial neurons made from 112 distinct DNA strands and demonstrated correct responses in a mind-reading game.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new strategy to improve the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) by fusing two proteins. This approach increases efficiency and purity, decreases tumor formation risk, and simplifies the process, making it more feasible for human transplantation.
Scientists successfully induced non-REM sleep in mice by controlling the activity of orexin neurons using a light-activated protein. The study provides clues to the underlying cause of narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by abnormal sleep and muscle weakness.
Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully identified and isolated 'organizer' cells in human embryos, which are responsible for determining the shape of the embryo during development. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of embryonic development and potential applications in treating spinal damage.
A new study found that hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) amplifies Huntington's disease by promoting neuronal death and reducing cell survival. The findings suggest that AMPK could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HD.
Kristopher Nazor, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has been awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship from Autism Speaks Foundation to investigate the genetic form of autism known as Fragile X Syndrome. He will use pluripotent stem cell technology to understand how neural development is affected in this disorder.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered SAGA's importance in fruit fly development, targeting different genes by interactions with transcription factors. SAGA regulates transcription elongation and is associated with paused polymerase II on developmentally regulated genes.
Leptin's antiobesity effects are attributed to modulation of inhibitory output via GABA neurons, which suppress appetite and energy expenditure.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that high doses of progesterone can inhibit the growth of neuroblastoma cancer cells. In laboratory research, progesterone was found to cut tumor growth in half over eight days without causing harm to healthy neurons.
Researchers examined the brain of a person with object agnosia, revealing that damage to a specific area can affect distant cortical regions. The study suggests that neural plasticity is possible even when the brain is damaged in adulthood.
Researchers found that SUMO proteins can hinder the formation of insoluble protein clusters, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that sumoylation, the process by which SUMO molecules attach to alpha-synuclein, may play a role in preventing protein aggregation.
A study published in Cell Transplantation investigated the optimal routes for transplanting neural stem/progenitor cells in animal models of spinal cord injury. Intralesional injection was found to be the best method, with high cell survival rates and no complications. This method holds promise for treating other disorders
Researchers found that neurons can prefer multiple signals simultaneously and choose based on competing signals. This discovery could lead to more efficient brain implant design for treating neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have demonstrated direct conversion of a non-heart cell type into a heart cell by RNA transfer. This breakthrough approach, called Transcriptome Induced Phenotype Remodeling (TIPeR), offers potential for cell-based therapy for cardiovascular diseases and personalized scre...
Researchers have identified Foxp2 as a gene that helps regulate the wiring of neurons in the brain, leading to insights into speech and language disorders. The study found that altering Foxp2 levels impacts the length and branching of neuronal projections, which modulates brain connectivity.
Researchers at Salk Institute use genetically embedded tools to study neural stem cell differentiation and protein activity in brain cells. The technique, described in a recent study, may aid in the development of regenerative medicine and help scientists understand the mysteries of stem cells.
Researchers found that alpha-tocotrienol triggers production of a protein in the brain that clears toxins from nerve cells after a stroke. The study also identified two other mechanisms: blocking an enzyme's release of toxic fatty acids and inhibiting neuron death gene activity.
A Tel Aviv University researcher suggests investors can master their fear of the market by analyzing and understanding its dynamics. The team's study reveals a strong correlation between volatility and price variations, enabling investors to redefined risk parameters and enrich their portfolios with stocks that behave in different ways.
A Johns Hopkins team discovered that a single brain stem cell can replace itself and generate specialized neurons and glia. They also found that these cells can amplify, producing two new stem cells like themselves.
A single sex pheromone receptor protein determines chemical response specificity of sexual behavior in the silkmoth. The study found that manipulating this receptor can turn moths into detectors for any odor, revealing its critical role in successful reproduction.
A team of researchers has discovered a gene connected to the production of new brain cells in adults, which acts as an 'off switch' before neurons are formed. However, further experiments revealed that Foxj1-expressing cells functioned as stem cells until adulthood, producing fewer neurons than expected.
Researchers found that chronic stress causes overproduction of the RCAN1 gene, leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Down syndrome. Overexpression of this gene causes hyper-phosphorylation of tau proteins, damaging brain cells and disrupting signal transmission.
Researchers have identified a central switch responsible for transforming healthy brain cells into epileptic ones. The discovery marks a dramatic change in understanding how temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) develops, revealing the role of epigenetic mechanisms and a master switch-like protein called NRSF.
Researchers found a group of approximately 20 cells in the brains of fruit flies that controls when and how long they sleep. This sleep state is essential for long-term memory formation, suggesting a connection between memory and sleep. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding sleep and its role in memory consolidation.
NJIT researchers Reginald C. Farrow and Zafer Iqbal developed a method to fabricate arrays of nanoscale electrical probes, which may lead to improved diagnostic tools for measuring biological cell activity. The patented technique allows for precise control over the location of individual nanotubes in an array.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet discovered that a gene linked to dyslexia, DCDC2, regulates cilia signaling in brain neurons. This finding presents a possible new neurobiological mechanism for dyslexia and highlights the importance of cilia in cell migration and development.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and UW-Madison traced how a specific gene became activated in optical neurons of a fruit fly species over four mutations. They found that small alterations in transcriptional enhancers caused 'leaky' gene activity, leading to the development of a new trait.
A team of scientists has discovered that nicotine suppresses appetite by activating a specific set of neurons in the hypothalamus. The researchers believe this could lead to the development of a drug that helps smokers stay thin and potentially aids non-smokers struggling with obesity.
Researchers say stem cell therapeutics may offer therapy through simple cell replacement procedures to restructure damaged organs and tissues. However, factors related to patient selection need careful consideration due to stage and severity of disease, prior therapies, and immunosuppression.
A new animal study finds that a high-fat diet can cause inflammation and injury to brain cells in the hypothalamus, leading to weight gain. The research suggests that this neuronal injury may be permanent, contributing to the difficulty of achieving sustained weight loss in obese individuals.
Researchers have clarified an important step in the complex control circuit of insulin in the brain. Insulin inhibits nerve impulses, suppressing feelings of satiety and increasing energy expenditure, promoting overweight and obesity.
Two new studies show that light exposure enhances the brain's ability to organize nerve endings from each eye, leading to improved sorting of visual signals. Researchers discovered that a specific type of light-sensitive cell plays a crucial role in this process.
Ependymoma, a devastating brain tumor in children, is chemo-resistant and incurable in up to 40 percent of cases. Researchers will investigate the role of the Ephb2 gene in ependymoma development.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that neurons need the MeCP2 protein throughout their entire existence. Without it, even as an adult, neurons can develop Rett-like behaviors and die prematurely. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating Rett syndrome patients by providing a steady supply of the protein.
Researchers at UCR identified three classes of volatile odor molecules that can impair or completely disrupt mosquitoes' carbon dioxide detection machinery. The findings offer powerful advantages as potential tools for reducing mosquito-human contact and could lead to the development of new generations of insect repellents and lures.
Researchers have identified a small noncoding RNA that promotes the production of an alternative splice variant of KCNIP4, leading to neurodegeneration and potential disruption in beta-amyloid processing. Elevated levels of this RNA were found in brain cells from Alzheimer's disease patients.
The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.
Researchers created functional neurons from human skin cells using four proteins, bypassing the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This advancement enables the study of neural diseases and development of more effective treatments and cures.
A Yale University study found that monkeys can imagine different outcomes, a process linked to the brain's prefrontal cortex. This discovery may help researchers develop treatments for diseases such as depression and schizophrenia, which often involve obsessive thoughts about past choices.
A Johns Hopkins team has identified a newly discovered protein called Iduna that protects the brain against stroke and neurologic disorders. The protein works by interrupting a cascade of molecular events that result in cell death, and its presence increases three- to four-fold in preconditioned mouse brain tissue.
A team of researchers at Brown University and India Institute of Technology Kanpur created a scaffold-looking structure consisting of carbon nanofibers that regenerated natural heart tissue cells and neurons. The approach, if successful, would help millions of people suffering from heart attacks.
Researchers found that a steroid hormone called ADIOL moderates inflammation in the brain and may lead to new treatments for patients with neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery could also help predict risk or responses to drugs that mimic its actions.
Researchers found that anticipating feelings of guilt can motivate cooperation, with increased activity in areas processing negative emotions. The study suggests a neural mechanism underlying guilt-aversion-driven cooperation, challenging the 'warm-glow' hypothesis of altruism.
Researchers have discovered that a specific type of T-cell can kill neurons, raising concerns about the potential effectiveness of an MS therapy. The study found that these protective T-cells, which are meant to regulate the immune system, can instead cause autoimmune diseases like MS.
Researchers at the University of Oregon are working on a project to design fractal devices that can be implanted in the eyes to restore vision. These devices will mimic the natural pattern found in the retina and could potentially overcome current limitations in chip technology, which are not compatible with neurons.
A study by Dr. Alexey Terskikh and colleagues found that the SOX2 gene maintains the potential for neural crest stem cells to become neurons in the peripheral nervous system. This discovery could help inform therapies for neurocristopathies, diseases caused by defects in the neural crest or neurons.
Scientists have successfully reversed the toxicity of mutated ALS protein in yeast cells using a human gene. By introducing a 'rescue' protein, they eliminated the deadly effects without sending the toxic protein back to the nucleus. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for the disease.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues report a game-changing advance in stem cell science: the creation of long-term, self-renewing neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells that can be directed to become many types of neuron. The new process promises to have broad applicatio...
A Gladstone scientist has made two significant stem-cell discoveries, creating powerful new approaches for using stem cells and stem-cell-like technology. Dr. Sheng Ding reveals novel and safer methods for transforming embryonic stem cells into large numbers of brain cells and adult skin cells into neural stem cells.
Researchers identified a step-by-step process involving TET1 and Apobec1 that converts methylated cytosine into hydroxymethylated cytosine, indicating a potential unified mechanism for DNA methylation status change. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases associated with epigenetic abnormality.
A new report links differences in brain structure to political orientation, finding that liberals have larger anterior cingulate cortexes and are better at coping with conflicting information, while conservatives have larger amygdalas and are more sensitive to threats.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch that regulates protein behavior, expanding biomarker possibilities for diagnosing and tracking mental illnesses. The study found a key modification of the Disrupted In Schizophrenia gene (DISC1) governs its functions in new neuron production and neural migration.
Researchers at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University have identified a key brain switch that regulates neuron migration, which may help in early detection of schizophrenia and other conditions. The study suggests that up to 10% of psychiatric illnesses are driven by defects in this switch system.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identifies a previously underappreciated cellular fat storage depot controlled by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), which plays a crucial role in balancing cellular cholesterol levels and regulating autophagy.
A new study in flies reveals that the sense of smell plays a crucial role in controlling appetite. When flies are starved for hours, their insulin levels drop dramatically, increasing the sensitivity of odor-sensitive neurons.
Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that invisible infrared light can activate rat heart cells and toadfish inner-ear cells, sparking potential breakthroughs in cochlear implants for deafness. The study also raises possibilities for optical pacemakers that use infrared signals instead of electrical signals.
A team of researchers at Marshall University has identified and analyzed unique adult animal stem cells that can transform into neurons, which could pave the way for novel therapies for slowly progressing diseases like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. The discovery is especially interesting as it involves using readily available and...