Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have modeled the molecular changes that occur when glutamate docks with a receptor on a neuron, enabling computer simulation of binding-site closure and opening. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drug therapies for disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
A University of Oregon research team has found that barn owls' exceptional spatial hearing abilities can help pinpoint problems in the human brain, including those related to hearing and behavior. The study used infrared monitoring to track changes in pupil dilation responses influenced by sound sources around an owl.
Researchers have identified Müller glial cells with stem cell properties that can regenerate the retina and restore vision in zebrafish. The team hopes to develop this approach for human use, potentially using a person's own cells to stimulate growth and repair.
Researchers used the Stroop task to test grapheme-color synesthetes, finding that opponent incongruent colors made it difficult for them to respond quickly. However, memories of objects associated with those same colors were not affected by color change. These findings suggest that synesthetic colors are perceived in a realistic way.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers discovered parietal neurons that respond with increasing activity as the number of items in a display is varied, suggesting an accumulator neuron role. This finding supports computer models separating summing and numerical identification processes.
A University of Southern California study reveals that sugar molecules attached to the surface of the receptor act as a hinge, opening a gate in the cell membrane and transmitting news of nicotine's arrival. The research also identifies a water molecule deep in the receptor's core, which may enable the receptor to alter its shape.
Researchers have identified a specific amino acid in the potassium channel protein that blocks anaesthetic activation, paving the way for targeted anaesthetics with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of how anaesthetics work and the development of new, more specific alternatives.
A recent study published in Neuron found that the brain's neural activity changes when searching for specific objects, regardless of their location. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity and discovered patterns of activity that were not previously understood.
Researchers identified the lateral occipital complex as a region affected by both working memory load and pain, but found that pain influences visual processing through the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. This modulation affects accuracy in recognizing images.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.
Dr. Douglas Black and colleagues reveal that a switch in PTB expression induces changes in alternative splicing patterns during neuronal development, adding a new layer of genetic regulation. This reprogramming enables the creation of unique genetic code in post-mitotic neurons.
A specific resonance pattern in the brain's auditory processing region is crucial for distinguishing speech, according to researchers. The inherent rhythm of neural activity in the theta band reacts to spoken sentences by changing its phase and samples segments about a syllable's length.
Researchers found that female mice with given birth had better auditory neurons at detecting and discriminating pup calls. The study suggests the brain improves information processing for specific communicative functions.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that can organize the activity of cells involved in short-term recall known as working memory. The study found that inhibitory neurons play a key role in coordinating this process, which could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully tracked human neural stem cells transplanted into the brains of rats, which migrated towards damaged areas and matured into functional neurons. The study used iron particles to track the cells in real-time, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a key player in the development of left-right asymmetry in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. A gene involved in gap junctions establishes communication between neurons on opposite sides, allowing them to coordinate their activity and create permanent differences. This discovery p...
Scientists have successfully implanted dopamine generators in brain cells, leading to improved symptoms in Parkinson's disease in non-human primates. The treatment involves injecting fragments of the carotid body into the striate area of the brain, which boosts the production of dopaminergic cells and increases dopamine release.
Researchers have found a way to induce autophagy, a process where cells recycle waste material, including misfolded proteins. By administering small molecules that enhance this process, they aim to stall the onset of Huntington's-like symptoms in humans.
AIDS researcher Dr. Edward Johnson has received a $1.8M NIH grant to study the molecular mechanics of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain disease that kills four percent of AIDS patients worldwide. The research aims to understand how the JC virus causes PML, which can occur even in patients with well-managed AIDS.
Hopkins researchers discovered a backup supply of stem cells that can repair severe damage to the nerves responsible for our sense of smell. These stem cells, called HBCs, grow from a population of cells not previously known for repair abilities and generate other active nasal stem cells.
A UCLA/University of Toronto team has discovered a protein called CREB controls neuron participation in memory formation, suggesting a new approach for preserving memory in people with Alzheimer's or brain injury. The study found that high levels of CREB lead to more likely storage of memories.
Researchers pinpointed brain regions critical to piecing together a continuous view of the world. By using an illusion known as boundary extension, they found two brain areas involved in extrapolating scenes and integrating discrete samples of surrounding space.
Researchers used physiological data to show how a theoretical model explains behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that the 'go' and 'stop' processes are intricately linked, resolving a long-standing paradox.
Researchers discovered hundreds of genes that bind to CREB and zif268, a crucial step towards understanding neural plasticity. The study's online database provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms behind learning and memory.
Researchers found that stem cells can induce a protective effect in brain tissue damaged by stroke, reducing ischemic injury. The study reveals that microglia cells also play a protective role in this reaction.
A Brandeis University study shows that the circadian neuronal network in fruit flies functions as a dynamic system that enables insects to adjust their behavior according to seasonal changes. The researchers discovered that two groups of neurons, morning cells and evening cells, alternate as master clocks depending on day length and se...
Neurobiologists found that richer individuals are slower to learn associating a stimulus with financial reward, leading to slower brain responses in reward areas. The study also measured marginal utility of money, finding greater wealth reduces the likelihood of picking up coins on the street.
A recent study found that reducing calorie intake later in life can induce health and longevity benefits similar to lifelong calorie reduction. The researchers discovered that certain drugs mimic this effect, which may lead to the development of new
Scientists at MIT have developed a way to reversibly silence brain cells using pulses of yellow light, potentially leading to the development of optical brain prosthetics. The method could enable specific treatments with few or no side effects, offering new hope for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
A leading theory of neural coding has been challenged by a Weizmann Institute research team, suggesting that brain function may be more dependent on chance than previously thought. The study found no evidence to support the idea that specific patterns of activity in neurons encode cognitive information.
Researchers have discovered that neural progenitor cells derived from human fetal stem cells can protect the vision of animals with degenerative eye disease. The new findings suggest novel ways to preserve vision in humans with no effective treatments.
A new study identifies a key molecular pathway in neurons that contributes to brain cell degeneration, a process linked to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. The Rho protein plays a crucial role in this destruction of neurons, and blocking its activity can prevent cell death.
Neurobiologists have found that DNA methylation is necessary for forming memories and regulates the activity of genes involved in memory formation. The study suggests that epigenetic regulation has a significant impact on behavioral changes brought about by environmental stimuli.
Functional connectivity MRI studies revealed that lower brain connectivity regions correlate with impaired visual field perception in neglected stroke patients. The study provides new insights into the neurological details of spatial neglect, highlighting the value of MRI in studying behavioral symptoms.
Researchers found two basic categories of cells: those that stay the same size but have drastically different energy needs based on mammal size, or cells that grow larger in larger mammals. This discovery sheds light on how organism size affects cell life span and function.
Researchers found that obese mice's brains don't detect critical fat hormone levels, but the rest of the metabolic pathway remains responsive. SOCS-3 may be responsible for this loss of sensitivity to leptin, a hormone regulating energy balance.
Researchers discovered that cortical inhibitory cells suppress communication by receiving more stimulation from the thalamus and reacting strongly due to faster response time. This finding helps explain early stages of brain processing, memory, language, cognition, and sheds light on epilepsy causes.
Researchers discover that enhancing proteasome function can recover UPS function and improve cell viability in HD model and patient cells. This breakthrough suggests a potential therapeutic approach to address the underlying protein misfolding disorder of HD.
Researchers create a super-thin membrane, 50 atoms thick, that can sort individual molecules with high efficiency. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dialysis, fuel cells, and neuro-stem cell cultivation.
Researchers develop a fluorescent marker to distinguish between mitochondria in neurons and glial cells, providing insights into neurodegenerative diseases. The study sheds light on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and neurological disorders.
Scientists have developed a potential neuroprotective treatment using a decoy peptide that tricks the toxic enzyme calpain, preventing over-excited receptors in the brain from causing cell death. The technique may lead to new drugs for stroke and Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers identify neural and signaling mechanisms responsible for hallucinogen effects by studying the activation of 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. The findings may advance understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders treated with existing pharmacological treatments.
Researchers at UCLA suggest that the brain uses physical changes to cells to monitor time, rather than a clock-like mechanism. The team's computer model showed that the brain-cell network can encode time through the context of preceding events, which was tested in a study with research volunteers.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center successfully cultured stem cells from human bone marrow that can differentiate into neurons and other central nervous system cells. These cells exhibit behaviors similar to those derived from brain tissue, suggesting a promising approach for treating brain disorders and tumors.
Researchers found that ion channels are physically bound to G proteins, allowing for precise targeting of electrical signals. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient drugs for epilepsy and other nervous system diseases.
Two studies in Neuron shed significant light on how the brain processes numerical information and how it develops in children. The research found that the parietal cortex activates during perception of both abstract quantities and numerical symbols, suggesting an important role for this region in processing quantitative information.
A team of researchers found the cellular mechanism that prevents protein mutations and accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new insights into neurological disease origins and potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota successfully used adult stem cells to replace the immune system and bone marrow of mice, offering a promising new therapy for people in the future. The study replicated previous findings and demonstrated that multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) can give rise to blood cells.
Researchers have isolated broad potential stem cells from amniotic fluid, which can give rise to various specialized cell types. These cells, named amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells, may represent an intermediate stage between embryonic and adult stem cells.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have clarified the cellular process responsible for signaling regional blood flow changes in the brain. Astrocytes play a crucial role in communicating with blood vessels through potassium ions, leading to rapid dilation and increased local blood flow.
During fasting, brain cells responsible for stimulating appetite make sure you stay hungry. The researchers revealed a link between active thyroid hormone in the brain and increases in an 'uncoupling' protein (UCP2) that boosts power-generating mitochondria, allowing the brain's hunger center to remain active.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has identified two proteins, SDF1 and Ang1, as key triggers for neuronal migration and regeneration after a stroke. These molecular signals, released by newly formed blood vessels, promote post-stroke neuroblast migration, holding promise for developing new therapies to repair brain cells.
Research by Graham R. Huesmann and David F. Clayton reveals that activated caspase-3 protein is essential for memory storage and forms short-lived, localized synaptic processes. The findings provide direct evidence of a change in caspase-3's availability during memory formation.
A study published by Stanford University researchers found that the brain's neural activity can predict movement variability, contradicting the long-held assumption that consistency lies in muscle mechanics. The research suggests that flexibility and improvisation are key features of human movement.
Researchers discovered that the chemical language of nerve cells is determined by electrical activity in the developing nervous system. This finding suggests modifying nerve activity could be a treatment for various brain disorders.
Adult stem cells in a specific region of the mouse brain have a built-in mechanism to participate in the repair and remodeling of damaged tissue. The study's findings suggest that these cells may also exist in humans, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders like stroke and traumatic injury.
Researchers found that mice with severely damaged brains showed substantial mending within weeks after losing specific genes. The repair was attributed to neural stem cell 'escapees' that retained or restored the gene activity, enabling regenerative potential.
Researchers have identified two molecular receptors in fruit flies that detect carbon dioxide, a key factor in attracting blood-feeding insects. This finding could lead to the design of insect repellents to combat global infectious diseases.
Botulinum toxins bind to neurons, disrupting communication and leading to paralysis. The new study provides a structural glimpse of how these toxins recognize receptors on human neurons, offering a promising target for designing drugs to block their action.
Researchers used a natural protein called BMP4 to inhibit glioblastoma, a deadly human brain cancer, in mice by targeting stem-cell-like clusters that feed the cancer. The treatment was successful in stopping cancer growth and improving survival rates.