New method tracks how brain cells age
Researchers develop TrackerSci to track newborn brain cells' growth and maturity. The study reveals radical shifts in cell types depending on age, with neurons and glial cells declining in elderly brains.
Neurons
Articles tagged with Neurons
An unexpected link between 2 schizophrenia risk proteins
A study in mice finds that two proteins, MAP6 and Kv3.1, interact to control movement, memory, and anxiety. Disrupting this interaction can lead to behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and impaired memory, highlighting potential new targets for schizophrenia treatment.
Converting brain immune cells into neurons helps mice recover after stroke
Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully converted brain immune cells into neurons, which restored brain function after a stroke-like injury in mice. The findings suggest that replenishing neurons from immune cells could be a promising avenue for treating stroke in humans.
New biomarker predicts whether neurons will regenerate
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a new biomarker using single-cell RNA sequencing, which can predict whether neurons will regenerate after an injury. The study found that the biomarker was consistently reliable across various parts of the nervous system and developmental stages.
Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science
Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.
“A new era in brain science”: Salk researchers unveil human brain cell atlas
Researchers assembled an atlas of hundreds of cell types that make up a human brain in unprecedented detail. The study uses techniques originally developed for mice to identify brain cell subtypes in human brains.
Cellular atlas of amygdala reveals new treatment target for cocaine addiction
Researchers created a unique, cell-by-cell atlas of the amygdala to identify potential new treatments for cocaine addiction. The study revealed connections between addiction behaviors and genes involved in energy metabolism, offering a brand-new way of thinking about the molecular biology of cocaine addiction.
Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Two Rice bioengineers win NIH Director’s New Innovator awards
Rice University bioengineers Jerzy Szablowski and Julea Vlassakis have received the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for their creative research projects on gene expression and cancer interactions. Szablowski is developing noninvasive methods to map gene expression, while Vlassakis is studying complex single...
Study shows how a single neuron’s parallel outputs can coordinate many aspects of behavior
A single neuron in C. elegans worm uses multiple neurotransmitters to control egg-laying and locomotion, demonstrating the ability to 'borrow' serotonin from other neurons. The study reveals how a single neuron can influence complex behaviors over multiple timescales.
Ultrasound enables gene delivery throughout the brain
Researchers at Rice University have developed a non-invasive gene delivery technique using ultrasound to efficiently deliver clinically used gene therapy vectors throughout the brain. The study, published in Gene Therapy, shows that opening more sites within targeted regions improves gene delivery efficiency.
U of M Medical School receives $16 million to uncover the 'wiring diagram' of the brain
The University of Minnesota Medical School has received a $16 million grant from the NIH BRAIN Initiative to create detailed maps of brain connections. This project aims to better understand how complex neural pathways generate human behaviors and develop treatments for brain disorders.
How do toxic proteins accumulate in Alzheimer’s and other diseases?
Scientists have identified a long non-coding RNA called SNHG8 that plays a crucial role in the development of toxic protein tangles in brain diseases like Alzheimer's. Replacing this RNA can prevent stress granule formation, which contributes to tau aggregation and brain damage.
Reducing stress on T cells makes them better cancer fighters
Researchers found that beta-blockers can revive exhausted killer T cells, making them better cancer fighters. The study discovered a link between the sympathetic stress response and immune system response to cancer.
Researchers identify neurons that guide flies upwind
A cluster of neurons in the fruit fly brain transforms memories about past rewards into actions, guiding the fly's navigation. The UpWiNs also send signals to dopaminergic neurons for higher-order learning, shedding light on parallel neural circuit mechanisms.
Tiny sea creatures reveal the ancient origins of neurons
Researchers found that specialized placozoan cells share similarities with neurons and may have given rise to them in more complex animals. The study sheds light on the evolution of neurons, focusing on the unique characteristics of these ancient creatures.
Does a brain in a dish have moral rights?
A group of experts has developed a framework to research and apply brain-cell-based computer technology responsibly. The technology has significant promise for accelerating disease understanding but raises questions about the moral status of bio-computers.
Study opens new frontier for research into neurodevelopmental disorder
A new study led by Dr. Armen Saghatelyan uncovered the migratory mechanisms of neuronal cells in a neurodevelopmental disorder. The team found that modulating autophagy with FDA-approved drug metformin restored the cells' migratory properties.
New research sheds light on origins of social behaviors
Fruit fly research suggests visual system is involved in regulating social behaviors, which could have implications for understanding human psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Altering GABA signaling in the brain affects social inhibitions, leading to increased courtship behavior in males.
Lesser-known brain cells may be key to staying awake without cost to cognition, health
A recent study found that activating astrocytes in the basal forebrain can keep mice awake for hours without affecting their sleep need or intensity. The researchers hope to develop interventions targeting these cells to improve productivity and health of shift workers and others who work long hours.
Uncovering the role of somatostatin signaling in the brain
A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.
Genetically modified neural stem cells developed by CityU and HKUMed researchers show promising therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury
Researchers at CityU and HKUMed developed genetically modified human neural stem cells that promote neural circuit reconstruction, reduce glial scar accumulation, and enhance axon outgrowth. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries with functional recovery.
A new mechanism encouraging the brain to self-repair after an ischemic stroke
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered a new mechanism that stimulates brain-autonomous neural repair after ischemic stroke by secreting lipids. The mechanism involves PLA2G2E, which increases dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) levels, promoting inflammation reduction and neuronal repair.
There and back again: how neurons make room for growth in a developing organ
Embryos orchestrate complex tasks by temporarily relocating neurons to create space for incoming progenitor cells, ensuring harmonious organ development. This study's findings have implications beyond retinal development and may shed light on human developmental disorders.
Mathematical theory predicts self-organized learning in real neurons
Researchers used a mathematical theory called the free energy principle to predict how real neural networks learn and organize themselves. The study successfully mimicked this process in rat embryo neurons grown in a culture dish, demonstrating the principle's guiding force behind biological neural network learning.
How flies develop sight: Scientists use single-cell sequencing to identify cell types in the visual system
Researchers identified new cell types in the developing fly's visual system using a tool that combines single-cell sequencing data with a novel algorithm. This discovery could provide exceptional tools for neuroscience to investigate developmental questions with high precision.
Nerve cells in the brain can halt all movement in the body – even breathing
Researchers have discovered a group of nerve cells in the midbrain that can completely stop all forms of movement and slow down breathing and heart rate when stimulated. The study provides valuable insight into how the nervous system controls movement and may help understand Parkinson's disease.
Gene therapy treats chronic pain by dialing down sodium
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry developed a gene therapy that regulates sodium ion channel activity to alleviate chronic pain. By targeting the specific region where CRMP2 binds to NaV1.7, they were able to reduce sodium influx and quiet down neurons, providing relief from pain in cell and animal studies.
How the brain detects and regulates inflammation
A multidisciplinary team of scientists has revealed the existence of a brain circuit involved in sensing and regulating inflammation. The circuit detects inflammatory hormones in the blood and organizes the immune response through the vagal complex and parabrachial nucleus.
Researchers identify the cellular mechanisms by which lactate helps our brains develop
Researchers discovered lactate's role in helping neural stem cells develop into specialized neurons. Lactate sends signals to cells, modifying and strengthening neuronal functions. The study provides insight into lactate signaling in the nervous system, with potential applications for preventing or controlling cognitive diseases.
Tracing maternal behavior to brain immune function
Research in rats suggests that loss of immune cells late in gestation may factor into the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia, a type of immune cell, sped up care for rat newborns in non-mom female rats.
New therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease discovered
Mutations in parkin gene break down contacts between lysosomes and mitochondria, disrupting essential metabolite supply to mitochondria. Restoring these contacts may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for Parkinson’s disease.
A new sensor shows brain cells making and then breaking contact
Researchers from Osaka University developed a fluorescent sensor to visualize Pcdh interactions in live neurons, allowing for the first time to observe dissociation of these interactions. This technique has potential applications in understanding brain disorders such as autism and epilepsy.
Study finds tracking brain waves could reduce post-op complications
A new MIT study reveals that analyzing brain wave patterns can help doctors determine when patients are at risk of entering a deeper state of unconsciousness during surgery. By tracking these patterns, anesthesiologists may be able to prevent postoperative cognitive impairments and reduce the risk of complications.
This eight-armed octopus-like pore detects taste
Researchers have captured never-before-seen images of the CALHM1 pore, which assembles into a circular channel with flexible arms resembling octopus tentacles. The discovery reveals how fatty molecules stabilize and regulate the channel, offering potential insights into its role in taste perception and Alzheimer's disease.
The timekeeper within: New discovery on how the brain judges time
Scientists found that cooling or warming the striatum region slows down or speeds up activity patterns, which correlates with rats' timing judgements. This provides evidence for the 'population clock hypothesis', suggesting that brains use decentralized and flexible sense of time.
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
A cluster of neurons in the brains of fruit flies has been found to control visual aversion to scary objects. The researchers discovered that these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin, which regulates vision when feeling afraid.
Orexin influences pupil size
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that orexin neurons directly influence emotional state through pupil size. This finding opens new avenues for medical treatment and diagnosis of sleep disorders like narcolepsy and other neurological conditions.
Low-glucose sensor in the brain promotes blood glucose balance
Researchers discovered that a specific group of glucose-sensing neurons in the brain, known as GI neurons, play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose balance. These neurons are activated when glucose levels are low and inhibited when levels are high, helping to regulate whole-body glucose levels.
How the brain processes numbers – New procedure improves measurement of human brain activity
Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.
Boy fly meets girl fly meets AI: Training an AI to recognize fly mating identifies a gene for mating positions
A research group at Nagoya University used AI to determine that Piezo plays a crucial role in controlling the mating posture of male fruit flies. Inhibition of Piezo led to an ineffective mating posture, resulting in decreased reproductive performance.
Chronic stress-related neurons identified
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.
COVID-19 can cause brain cells to fuse
Researchers discovered COVID-19 causes brain cells to fuse, initiating malfunctions that lead to chronic neurological symptoms. This cell fusion process has not been seen before and may be a major cause of neurological diseases.
University of Ottawa team leads promising new research on devastating brain disorder
A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.
Researchers find structures enabling a rapid transmission of nerve impulses in insects
A team of neurobiologists has found that fruit flies possess glial sheath structures similar to those in vertebrates, enabling rapid transmission of nerve impulses. The study reveals the evolution of these structures and their role in supporting neuronal function.
Fetal exposure to PCBs affects hearing health later in life
Researchers at Beckman Institute found fetal exposure to PCBs made it harder for mice to recover from sound-related trauma. Oxidative stress appears to be key mediator of the effect, suppressing auditory system's ability to heal.
BRAIN LOGISTICS: Missing link explains mRNA delivery in brain cells
Researchers discovered a protein complex called FERRY that plays a crucial role in transporting messenger RNA in neurons. The study provided evidence of the transport of mRNA using Early Endosomes (EEs) and a novel mode of binding RNA via coiled-coil domains.
Study associates sleep apnea in babies with increased risk of hypertension in adulthood
Research found that low oxygen levels in infants due to sleep apnea can lead to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in high blood pressure. The study's findings may contribute to the development of novel therapies for patients with hypertension who do not respond well to treatment.
Flexible nanoelectrodes can provide fine-grained brain stimulation
Rice University engineers developed ultraflexible nanoelectrodes that can deliver high-resolution stimulation therapy with minimal scarring and degradation. The devices showed precise spatiotemporal stimulus control, enabling the development of new brain stimulation therapies for patients with impaired sensory or motor functions.
New blood biomarker can predict if cognitively healthy elderly will develop Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers found that a combination of amyloid burden and blood markers of abnormal astrocyte activation can predict Alzheimer's disease progression. Testing for these biomarkers may help identify patients at risk, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Fruit fly's complex symphony of vision
A unique microcircuit in fruit flies' visual system transforms a single type of neuronal input to compute direction selectivity, with no inhibitory neurons present. The discovery reveals a striking example of the multilayered mechanisms of inhibition and excitation in the brain.
Researchers Clarify Neuronal Function Preventing Insects from Producing Eggs in Winter
In a breakthrough study, researchers discovered that the neuropeptide DH31 regulates reproductive dormancy in insects, controlling juvenile hormone production. This finding could lead to the development of new technologies to control agricultural pests and infectious disease vectors.
Reconstructing brain connectivity using 3D images
A team of scientists has developed an automated algorithm to reconstruct the shape of each neuron inside a light microscopy image using deep learning. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of generalizing algorithms across diverse species, brain locations, developmental stages, and microscopy image sets.
Induction of a torpor-like state with ultrasound
A multidisciplinary team led by Hong Chen successfully induced a torpor-like state in mice using ultrasound, which also worked on rats. The researchers found that stimulating the hypothalamus preoptic area with ultrasound activated neurons and induced changes in body temperature and metabolism, allowing for the preservation of energy.
Keeping time: Understanding the master clock in the brain
A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found a key molecule involved in sleep homeostasis also plays a critical role in circadian behavior. The SIK3-HDAC4 pathway modulates the length of the circadian period through NMS-producing neurons, contributing to the sleep/wake rhythm.
How tasty is the food?
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that ghrelin activates specialized nerve cells in the amygdala, promoting food consumption and conveying hunger feelings. The study uncovers the physiological processes behind feeding behavior, which may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for eating disorders.
Puppeteer fungus’ targeted takeover of zombie flies
A recent study by Carolyn Elya reveals the molecular mechanisms behind summiting behavior in infected fruit flies. The researchers discovered that hormonal axes mediate this behavior, and that fungal cells invade the fly's brains during summiting.
Scientists discover a deadly brain cancer’s hidden weakness
Glioblastoma steals cognitive faculties as it spreads, but its insidious ability to infiltrate neighboring networks may be its undoing. Researchers found neural activity can restructure connections in surrounding tissue, causing decline. The drug gabapentin blocks this growth-causing activity in mice with glioblastoma.
The feeling of hunger itself may slow aging in flies
A new study from University of Michigan suggests that the perception of not enough food can be sufficient to slow aging in flies. The researchers induced hunger in flies through various methods, including altering amino acid levels and using optogenetics, and found that these flies lived significantly longer than controls.
FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab could prevent free-floating amyloid beta fibrils from damaging the brain
Researchers identified the structure of a special type of amyloid beta plaque protein associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. Lecanemab, an approved AD treatment, can bind and neutralize these small aggregates, potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients with early AD.