Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers discovered that statins increase the development of oligodendrocytes from glial progenitor cells, a crucial reservoir for brain cell customization. The findings suggest potential benefits and risks associated with statin use in brain health and dementia prevention.
Researchers found that humans prefer novel stimuli over familiar ones and associate novelty with activation of the ventral striatum, a region linked to reward anticipation. This suggests humans use novelty as a substitute for true choice uncertainty.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered a protein that suppresses cell division in brain cells, effectively 'putting the brakes' on Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that when this brake fails, dementia results.
Researchers have genetically programmed embryonic stem cells to become nerve cells when transplanted into the brain, resulting in tangible therapeutic improvement in mice with stroke. The new nerve cells integrate into the existing network and provide cognitive benefits.
Researchers discovered that BK channels become abnormally active after a seizure, leading to neuronal overexcitability, which may be associated with epilepsy development. A BK channel antagonist reversed abnormal excitability, offering new hope for individuals suffering from epilepsy.
Researchers identified two peptides, NORQ and Hcrt, as crucial regulators of stress-induced analgesia in mice. The peptides interact with each other to modulate pain perception, suggesting a potential link to medical conditions caused by excessive stress.
Scientists are using a powerful supercomputer to create a model of normal human language that can read, comprehend, and repeat basic words. The 'Chatter Box' project aims to understand how the brain supports language function and how it breaks down after brain damage.
A new study reveals that ownership increases value by enhancing the salience of possible loss, explaining the aversion to parting with possessions. The endowment effect is linked to increased activation in brain regions associated with predicted gain and loss.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that beta-endorphin peptide-producing neurons in the brain regulate stress response and immune function, controlling tumor growth. The study shows promise for therapeutic treatments to bolster the immune system.
Research reveals new neurons produced in cerebellum of young and adult rabbits, expanding understanding of mammalian neurogenesis. This breakthrough opens new avenues for brain repair and regeneration research in humans.
Researchers found that MeCP2 is a key regulator of genes in the hypothalamus, turning them on and off. Altering MeCP2 levels can cause Rett syndrome or other neurological disorders, highlighting the need for tailored treatments.
Seven pioneering scientists recognized for transforming human knowledge in nanoscience, neuroscience and astrophysics. The Kavli prizes have been awarded to seven scientists who have advanced our understanding of ultra-small matter properties, brain circuitry and quasars.
Researchers identified regulatory sequences that act like zip codes, determining where odour receptors are expressed in olfactory neurons. These elements positively and negatively regulate receptor expression, suggesting a broader role in nervous system development.
Astrocytes have been found to produce a protective protein called metallothionein (MT), which is secreted to surrounding nerves and helps prevent damage from free radicals and metal ions. The level of MT uptake by nearby nerves correlates with the extent of nerve repair.
A new study suggests that embryonic cells giving rise to connective and skeletal tissues of the skull and facial structures do not originate from the neural crest as previously believed. Instead, they come from a distinct thin layer of epidermal epithelial cells next to the neural crest.
A clinical trial found gene therapy to be safe and effective at slowing disease progression in Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder. Neurological function was assessed using a rating scale throughout an 18-month follow-up period.
A Northwestern University study has discovered that multicellular organisms respond to stress in an integrated manner, with two specialized neurons controlling the response of individual cells. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that cells within a multicellular organism respond individually to stress conditions.
Normally functioning prions prevent neurons from self-destruction by inducing overactive brain cells that respond longer and more vigorously to stimulation. This hyperactivity eventually leads to neuron death, potentially explaining why misfolded prions cause dementia.
Yale scientists found that both male and female flies have similar brains and that specific signals can trigger 'male' behavior in females. The study suggests a largely unisex brain, with subtle anatomical differences making the difference between male and female behavior.
Dr. Milan Fiala has received the 2008 Alzheimer Award for his work on phagocytosis of amyloid-beta and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. His research suggests that the immune system's failure to clear waste products from the brain is a key contributor to the disease.
A new study reveals that yeast mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell division, with implications for treating human diseases. The research found that mitochondria can act as the 'command center' directing cell division, and that understanding this process could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.
Researchers found that perceiving a good reputation activates the brain's reward system in a similar manner to monetary rewards. The study used fMRI experiments on 19 people and found robust activation of reward-related brain areas, particularly the striatum.
A study in flies found that despite sex-based behaviors, their brains have a largely unisex structure, suggesting key switches control the difference between male and female behavior. Researchers discovered that artificial activation of male-specific singing neurons triggered female flies to exhibit male-like behavior.
Researchers found that rats use exploratory sniffing to discriminate odors quickly, with neural responses confirming minimal processing takes place in the olfactory bulb. The study suggests odorant identity may be encoded by sequence of responses rather than peak activation.
A new Alzheimer's vaccine shows promise in clearing beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, but lacks impact on learning and memory impairments. Researchers suggest that a combination of therapies targeting plaque growth and neuron damage may provide better treatment opportunities.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in cannabinoid signaling, interacting with neurons through endocannabinoid-glutamate signaling. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for cannabinoid-related drug abuse.
Scientists identified Lis1 gene as essential for neuroepithelial stem cell division in mice, providing insight into brain development and potential link to lissencephaly. The study suggests neural migration defects may be caused by defects in other processes like proliferation and division.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified proteins that promote tumor growth in certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Targeting these proteins with small molecules may lead to new therapeutic options for patients.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia decreased when glutamate levels went down. This suggests that glutamate may play a role in the disease and could be used as a biomarker of disease severity, leading to potential new treatments.
A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine explores the neural mechanisms behind hunger and food cravings. The research found that when subjects were fasting, their brains responded strongly to visual cues of donuts, highlighting the brain's ability to prioritize needs in a complex environment.
Researchers uncover the specific receptor subtypes affected by chronic nicotine exposure, revealing new insights into its addictive properties. A two-protein complex also protects nerve cells by promoting growth and survival, showing promise as a therapeutic agent.
Neurons can modulate nerve impulses by releasing two neurotransmitters that target the same receptor, accelerating inhibition and enhancing temporal resolution of inhibition. This finding may represent a new way the brain precisely controls nerve impulses in its circuitry.
Researchers suggest that minocycline can limit Japanese Encephalitis (JE) death by reducing neuronal death, microgliosis, and viral titre. The study found that treatment with minocycline provides complete protection against experimental JE, improving behavioral outcome as well.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.
New research reveals VEGF-B's protective effects on nerve cells without inducing angiogenesis, providing new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases. VEGF-B treatment has shown to inhibit brain cell death in mouse models of stroke and ocular neurodegenerative disorders.
A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that chronic pain disrupts the equilibrium of the brain's regions, leading to permanent damage. This constant firing of neurons can alter connections and even cause death.
A study found that eating apples, bananas, and oranges can protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The fruits' phenolic phytochemicals prevented neurotoxicity in neuron cells.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College reveals that the brain contains its own store of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a powerful enzyme that boosts blood flow to brain cells via nitric oxide synthase. This finding has significant implications for understanding stroke and Alzheimer's disease, and may lead to new treatments.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identify a new neural stem cell type, the rosette neuron stem cell (R-NSC), capable of differentiating into region-specific neuronal cell types. The R-NSC has expanded differentiation potential compared to previously identified neural stem cells.
Researchers discover that individual brains are adapted to their unique auditory environment and can learn to localize sounds. The study may lead to more sophisticated hearing aids and speech recognition systems.
UCI researchers have found a novel method to sort stem cells based on their electric charges, which could expedite therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technique uses electrodes on a tiny glass slide and has the potential to be more cost-effective and quicker than current methods.
A Northwestern University study found that overexcited neurons can cause protein damage in muscle cells due to neurotransmitter imbalance. This imbalance can lead to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.
Researchers found that boosting autophagy in fruit flies prevented the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons and promoted longevity. Boosting autophagy facilitated the removal of damaged molecules that accumulate during cellular aging, which is critical for neurons to stay healthy and functioning.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that the immune system plays a role in sculpting away unwanted synapses in the developing brain. The finding could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests that neurons in the frontal lobe encode economic value in a 'menu invariant' way, enabling transitive preferences. This finding provides a key insight into the neural circuits underlying decision-making and may shed light on choice deficits associated with frontal lobe damage.
Researchers have discovered a novel method to produce dopamine cells for Parkinson's disease treatment by cultivating ventral midbrain neural stem cells with Wnt5a. This approach yielded substantial recovery in mice with PD-like disease, without tumor development.
Two transporters, SMCT1 and SMCT2, can circumvent the blood-retinal barrier to deliver lactate and ketone bodies to a healthy eye, potentially preventing neuronal cell damage. Understanding these transporters' activity may enable early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and natural delivery mechanisms for drugs.
A recent study by MIT scientists suggests that adult stem cells produced in the brain can only make limited connections, making it challenging to use them for replacement therapy. The research calls into question the potential of using adult stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue and replace lost neurons.
Researchers found that acetylcholine enhances visual processing by selectively enhancing information in the brain's visual cortex. This enhancement allows neurons to detect and signal stimuli below detection threshold, a process similar to how attention strengthens signals.
Neuroscientists are developing software that may turn thoughts into speech for patients like Eric Ramsey, who was left 'locked-in' after a car accident. By analyzing signals from his brain activity, the team has identified distinct patterns associated with vowel sounds, allowing them to correctly identify around 80% of the time.
Researchers found that the NF1 gene regulates the development of astrocytes and neurons by controlling two signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to separate treatments for the condition's two major symptoms: brain cancers and learning disabilities.
Scientists found that Roaccutane increases production of proteins reducing serotonin availability, potentially leading to depression-related behavior. Low serotonin levels are linked to aggression and clinical depression.
A new imaging technique has enabled scientists to measure mouse satiety and hunger levels in the brain, offering a more objective understanding of why people become obese. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to observe neuronal activity in the hypothalamus area, revealing that certain neurons 'light up' when mice are hungry or full.
Researchers used C. elegans to study sex differences in brain function, finding that hermaphrodites prefer buttery smells while males prefer fresh vegetables. The team's genetic modification revealed that even few neurons can influence behavior, challenging the idea that all sex differences result from neuron-specific differences.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new technique called Brainbow that allows for the imaging of neurons in a wide range of colors, enabling scientists to better map the complex wiring diagram of the brain and nervous system. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding brain disorders and development.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a common nervous system receptor that inhibits its binding protein, leading to abnormal neuron growth and development. This unusual mechanism directs the formation of tens of thousands of neurons vital for odor detection.
Researchers found that excessive glucose chains induce neuronal death and cause Lafora disease by disrupting glycogen levels. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers detected viral genetic material in the placenta of a pregnant woman who died from bird flu. The study found that H5N1 virus can infect organs other than the lungs, including the brain, liver, and intestinal cells, in infected adults and fetuses.
A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals that the brain regions controlling singing behavior shrink rapidly after testosterone withdrawal, leading to neuron loss and apoptosis. This natural phenomenon may hold potential medical implications for understanding age-related degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that approximately 10% of subplate neurons survive into adulthood and maintain functional connections. These cells generate electrical signals and receive inputs from neighboring neurons, undergoing plasticity to adapt to experience and activity.