Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
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.
Salk scientists develop new method to quantify synaptic features, revealing high precision of plasticity and up to 10 times more storage capacity. The technique uses information theory to analyze synapse pairs from a rat hippocampus, offering a scalable approach for studying brain function.
A new study reveals that neural activity related to sound detection and movement are temporally separated but share commonalities, with neurons adapting their activity based on experience. The findings shed light on the brain's complex processing of sensory information and behavioral choices.
Researchers discover a new mechanism of neural plasticity underlying learning and memory processes, highlighting the crucial role of chondroitin sulfates in brain function. The study provides insights into how these molecules contribute to synaptic modifications and spatial memory.
Brain stem cells express genes for both maintaining their identity and differentiating into neurons without conflicts. Researchers found that messenger RNAs of stem cell genes are retained in the nucleus, preventing translation and allowing cells to maintain their status as stem cells.
A new study using electrophysiology and optogenetics has shown that neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to brightness illusions, settling a long-standing debate in neuroscience. The findings suggest that higher-level neurons play a crucial role in modulating activity in lower-level neurons.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence have discovered a brain circuit that inhibits food intake during nausea. The circuit involves special nerve cells in the amygdala, which send appetite-suppressing signals to distant brain regions, resulting in a loss of appetite.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that post-mitotic brain neurons re-entering the cell cycle rapidly succumb to senescence. This process is more common in Alzheimer's disease and may provide valuable information about neurodegeneration, while the technique used can be applied to other inquiries.
Researchers used a new integrated wireless system to record brain activity in frontal areas of macaques' brains while they foraged. The results indicate that foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics.
A study published in Nature reveals the existence of source inhibitory neurons (dInNs) in humans that differ from other species. The researchers used mosaic variants to trace the lineage of brain cells and found that inhibitory and excitatory neurons share a common family name, indicating they share a cellular relationship.
Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have released Kilosort4, an updated version of the popular spike-sorting software that requires less manual work and is more accurate. The new software improves processing and allows for easier use, making it indispensable for neuroscientists worldwide.
Weill Cornell Medicine scientists developed a human neuron model that simulates tau protein aggregate spread, a process driving cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The model identified novel therapeutic targets, including the UFMylation cascade, which can potentially block tau spread.
A team of researchers found potential ways to interrupt the misfolding of tau proteins by targeting sticky sites along the long form of mutated tau, preventing neurofibrillary tangles. This breakthrough could lead to therapeutic interventions capable of disaggregating or preventing tau aggregation.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that inflammation in certain neurons is necessary for forming long-lasting memories. The researchers found that DNA damage and repair within these neurons leads to stable memory assemblies, which are clusters of brain cells representing past experiences.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh are developing a platform to genetically modify glia cells using bioengineering modified RNAs. The goal is to increase or decrease disease-relevant genes in astrocytes or microglia to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
A new UCLA study discovered a brain circuit that makes mice pursue fatty foods even when not hungry. People may possess the same cells, which could offer new insights into eating disorders. The research suggests that food-seeking neurons drive cravings for high-calorie foods, rather than hunger.
The study identifies neurons as the primary cell subtype sensitive to iACS, with minimal gene expression changes within neurons. Rgs9 is found to be reduced in expression, while unilateral iACS application diminishes its positive neurons in the ipsilateral hemisphere.
A study published in Open Medicine found that Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine (GDLM) improves cognitive function in patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke. The treatment showed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, reducing inflammation and coagulation markers.
Researchers at UC San Diego discover that acute stress triggers a switch in neurotransmitters, leading to generalized fear responses. They also find that suppressing GABA production and using antidepressants can prevent this effect.
Researchers have found that the PTPσ-expressing growth cone senses extracellular matrix and drives neuronal migration in injured brains, leading to functional recovery. The study also shows that growth cones can be reversed to promote neuronal migration using heparan sulfate.
A new study using advanced microscopy technology has recorded the activity of one million neurons in mice, revealing hidden patterns of brain activity that were previously unknown. The research challenges long-held assumptions about brain dynamics and suggests that much of the brain's complexity is irrelevant background noise.
A new study led by Cleveland Clinic researchers suggests that sildenafil may help protect brain cells from Alzheimer's disease. The study found that sildenafil can lower levels of neurotoxic tau proteins and improve brain function in patients with Alzheimer's.
Two new studies explore the link between attention and eye movements, showing that attention can be lost when objects change suddenly before gaze falls on them. Researchers also found distinct neuronal signatures in primate visual cortex for attention and eye movement signals.
Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.
Researchers have developed a method to decode mouse neural activity, enabling accurate determination of location and direction within an open environment. This breakthrough could inform the design of intelligent machines that navigate autonomously without GPS or satellite guidance.
A new blood test uses the biomarker BD-tau to predict functional outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke. Higher levels of BD-tau are associated with more severe outcomes.
Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.
Astrocytes in the habenula region of the brain play a crucial role in regulating anxiety. The study found that artificial alkalization of these cells reduces theta band neuronal activity, while optogenetic alkalization increases it. This suggests that astrocytes tune into the 'marble blues' to control anxiety responses.