Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
New research reveals that blackcurrants' anthocyanins and polyphenolics have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease in cultured neuronal cells. The effects are likely to be reproduced in the human body, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University has discovered that neurons in the brain's visual center respond to different components of a shape and fit them together like a puzzle to create an image. The brain constructs an internal representation of an object from disparate pieces, allowing for quick recognition of objects.
Researchers have discovered a new key area in the brain that responds to the fat hormone leptin, which plays a crucial role in resisting high-fat-diet-induced obesity. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) region, previously thought to only be involved in appetite regulation, was found to also respond to leptin and is essential for maint...
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the calnexin gene that can lead to degenerative blindness, providing new insights into retinal degeneration. The study's findings may one day enable doctors to deliver tailored treatments to patients with specific calnexin mutations.
A study published in Nature reveals that a molecular mechanism directs cells to migrate to the correct location within the developing neural tube of vertebrates. The research, conducted by Mount Sinai School of Medicine, identifies specific molecules involved in restoring polarity and guiding cell migration.
Researchers found that the loss of caspase-8 protein promotes neuroblastoma metastasis by allowing cancer cells to break away from the primary tumor and spread to other sites in the body. Novel treatments that restore the tumor-suppression role of caspase-8 may prevent metastases and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at UCSD develop mouse model for lissencephaly, a severe brain disorder in newborn children. The study shows that removing two genes from the mouse replicates human lissencephaly features, shedding light on the condition's causes and potential treatment.
A study published in Neuron found that the CB1 receptor is integrated with leptin signaling to control appetite, with implications for obesity treatment. Blocking CB1 receptors may offer a promising approach to treating obesity, and recent antiobesity drugs like rimonabant may also work by reducing endocannabinoid signaling.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed an antibody therapy that successfully targets and kills cancer cells in laboratory models of neuroblastoma. The treatment, which combines antibodies with immune system cells, has shown promise for treating low initial tumor levels or small cancer cell populations.
The study proposes a novel model of neural circuitry that fine-tunes behavior through feedback inhibition, potentially explaining regulatory mechanisms like temperature control and satiety. This framework provides a new tool for exploring working memory complexities and understanding mental health and disease.
Researchers introduce a modified form of ChR2 in C. elegans neurons and muscle cells, allowing blue-light activation to trigger strong contraction and backing behavior. Electrophysiological experiments confirm the effects are due to ion flow caused by light exposure.
Scientists have engineered human brain progenitor cells to produce a growth factor that has shown clinical promise for treating Parkinson's disease. The cells were transplanted into rats and monkeys, delivering the drug where it is needed, promoting nerve fiber growth and improving survival of defective cells.
Researchers found that specific fragments of the apoE4 protein are neurotoxic and accumulate in mitochondria, leading to neuronal death characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking interaction of these fragments with mitochondria may be a potential new strategy for inhibiting detrimental effects.
Researchers evaluated the effect of unilateral implantation of human RPE cells attached to gelatin microcarriers in six patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The study showed a 48% average improvement in motor symptoms at 12 months, sustained through 24 months, with no off-state dyskinesias observed.
Researchers estimated that 150 blood group compatible donors, 100 O donors, or ten highly selected donors could provide maximum benefit for HLA matching. The study aims to establish a hESC bank with sufficient HLA diversity for the UK population.
A memory trace is formed in a pair of neurons called the dorsal pair medial neurons, but only 30 minutes after the fact and through the mediation of a gene called amnesiac. The change can last about two hours, challenging the common-held precept that memories are stored in the same place.
Researchers found that BPA can mimic estrogen's actions in developing neurons, leading to potential harm to the brain. The study suggests that even low concentrations of BPA may be hazardous, as they are comparable to human fetal exposures and water supply levels.
Research reveals a novel role of serotonin transporters in controlling left-right asymmetry, with implications for embryonic development and potential side effects of certain antidepressant medications. The study also highlights the importance of dynamic serotonin movement within cells.
Researchers found that progressive loss of two types of hypothalamic neurons, Pomc and Agrp, leads to altered food intake patterns in mice. This discovery provides a potentially informative model for studying human age-related obesity and the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Researchers discovered that disrupting p53 activity in neurons extends lifespan and increases stress resistance in adult fruit flies. The study suggests that targeting p53 activity in different cell types may offer a way to prevent tumors while preserving healthy aging.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that reducing p53 protein activity in neurons can increase lifespan in fruit flies by 58%, a finding that suggests a potential mechanism for slowing aging through the caloric restriction pathway.
Researchers at EMBL and universities in Heidelberg and Ulm found that blocking a specific signal within brain cells may help prevent cell death after a stroke. The study suggests new therapies could be developed by controlling a molecule involved in passing the signal.
A new perspective on cortical development suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape brain regions. Researchers, led by Mriganka Sur, have discovered that transcription factors play a key role in controlling cell growth and connectivity during early prenatal development.
Researchers found that morning cells set pace for entire system, resetting evening clock daily without changing its intrinsic speed. Flies' circadian clocks are conserved with mammals, but studying them provides valuable insights into human brain anatomy.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that activating specific cells in the brain stem allows animals to suppress pain while performing essential tasks. This mechanism, known as
A study published by University of Iowa researchers has identified the CHIP protein as a crucial component in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. By suppressing misfolded proteins, CHIP may provide a promising route to therapy for these devastating brain disorders.
Researchers have discovered that NPY/AgRP neurons are crucial for regulating eating behavior and body weight. Eliminating these neurons in adult mice resulted in reduced appetite and significant weight loss, highlighting their importance in maintaining normal feeding behavior.
Researchers analyzed brain activity of rhesus monkeys to infer what they knew, finding novel nerve cells representing correct memory associations that persisted even after incorrect choices. Human memory relies on association, and behavioral performance may be influenced by external factors.
The study used repetitive triplet sequences of tones with alternating frequencies to explore how the brain perceives auditory streams. The researchers found that at intermediate frequency separations and speeds, listeners' perceptions shifted from a single stream to two separate streams.
Researchers have discovered that neural stem cells in adult mice can respond to Shh signaling and give rise to other neural cell types, including glial cells. The study also found that quiescent stem cells can self-renew after a year, with implications for tissue repair and cancer progression.
Researchers found that gene Math1 plays a pivotal role in forming neurons important for carrying hearing, vestibular, and balance signals. The gene is required for many components of a neuronal network that coordinates various sensations, including balance and position in space.
Researchers found that adult stem cell therapy significantly improves recovery of motor function and balance in an animal model of cerebral palsy. The treatment, which involves injecting stem cells directly into the brain, showed a 20% reduction in favoring the unaffected side and a 25% improvement in balance.
The study identifies aquaporin-4 as the target molecule of the NMO antibody, a significant finding that deviates from previous research on multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for neuromyelitis optica and other autoimmune disorders.
A team of researchers, including Brandeis University, is studying the role of glial cells in individual synapses and neural networks. The project aims to deepen understanding of glial cell function and its potential impact on diseases originating from malfunctioning glial cells.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that AgRP neurons play a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and body weight. The research found that these neurons are essential for acute regulation of eating, and their destruction leads to anorexia and changes in blood glucose levels.
Scientists have identified four sugar-coated faces made by stem cells as they develop into brain cells, which may help navigate the adult brain and repair brain injury or disease. These glycoconjugate markers could aid in functional recovery and controlling stem cell proliferation.
Scientists at EMBL and IRB-PCB found that disrupted genes in stem cells can lead to deadly tumors. The study shows that specific molecules control cell division and differentiation, and their disruption can result in cancer.
Researchers found that distinct brain regions were active when rats chose between environments associated with pups or cocaine. This discovery may provide insight into the neural basis of decision-making and preference formation in mammals.
Scientists have developed techniques to analyze the chemical composition of brain cells, enabling them to map the distribution of biologically important molecules like vitamin E. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of brain function in healthy and diseased brains.
Researchers found a strong association between orexin neurons and reward seeking behavior in rats. Orexin activation reinstated extinguished drug-seeking behavior and was related to preferences for cues associated with rewards.
Researchers have discovered that malfunctioning bone marrow cells can cause premature cell death and dysfunction in nerve cells, leading to neuropathy. The study provides a basis for understanding the dangerous nerve condition in diabetics and may eventually lead to a treatment.
Researchers have created a novel method to propagate mouse brain stem cells, which can either multiply without differentiating or become normal brain cells at the flip of a genetic switch. The technique combines epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor to promote cell growth, enabling scientists to study basic properties an...
Researchers found that astrocytes can generate seizure activity by releasing the brain chemical glutamate, which hypes up neurons and causes them to fire uncontrollably. This discovery offers new hope for treating epilepsy by targeting overlooked brain cells instead of just reducing brain function.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a link between nighttime death and sleep apnea caused by the loss of brain cells. Studies in rats suggest that the human brain also loses specialized neurons responsible for breathing during sleep, leading to severe breathing disruptions.
Researchers found that a combination of precursor cells and gene therapy led to significant improvements in functional recovery from spinal cord injury. The treatment promoted myelination, resulting in improved mobility and electrical activity in the affected area.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cholecystokinin (CCK) peptides trigger different responses in taste bud cells, helping the brain distinguish between bitter and sweet tastes. The study's findings provide new insights into how our brains process taste information.
Researchers found that heterotrimeric G proteins regulate cell division orientation, influencing brain size. Impairing Gβγ signaling leads to overproduction of neurons, potentially contributing to inherited disorders like microcephaly or macrocephaly.
Researchers investigate estrogen and estrogen-like drugs' ability to protect brain cells after a stroke. Preliminary data suggest that these substances can help traumatized cells survive and encourage stem cell maturation into new brain cells.
Scientists found that interleukin-12 allows some immune cells to bypass normal regulation and cause damage to the myelin coating in nerve cells, contributing to MS symptoms. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MS by inhibiting IL12 and restoring the function of T-regulatory cells.
Researchers discovered that bound NADH molecules rotate more slowly, affecting fluorescence levels in diagnostic tests. This finding resolves long-standing inconsistencies and enables better interpretation of quantitative data from diagnostic techniques.
The retina's dynamic adaptation allows it to prioritize unusual features over routine ones, improving predictive coding and enhancing the ability to pick out new information. This process occurs rapidly, often within a few seconds of exposure to a novel environment, and is observed in both salamanders and mammals.
Researchers identified a cell receptor called Ephrin-B2 as the key used by the Nipah virus to unlock cells, allowing them to develop vaccines and drugs to block viral entry. The discovery could help prevent infection and outbreaks of this deadly virus.
Researchers at UCI identified a protein called prokineticin 2 (PK2) that directs new neurons created from adult stem cells to specific brain regions. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as stroke and other brain injuries.
Researchers successfully treated a laboratory model of GM1 – gangliosidosis using genetically modified bone marrow cells that produce an enzyme breaking down excess GM1. The treatment restored the activity of degenerating brain cells, suggesting a potential cure for this neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers found that cells in the caudal region of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) synchronize their gene-expression rhythms to dawn, while those in the rostral SCN exhibit an opposite response. This suggests that synchronous gene expression may be a hallmark of short-day acclimation, while regional de-synchrony increases on long days.
A recent study using fruit flies has revealed the role of the dFMRP protein in regulating actin dynamics, which is crucial for neuron formation. This research holds promise for a better understanding of fragile-X-syndrome and brain development.
Scientists found that mobile genetic elements, known as LINE-1, play a role in brain diversification by introducing new gene expressions and influencing cell function. This process is unique to the brain and leaves other organs unaffected.
Researchers have discovered that glial cells in roundworms play a crucial role in forming tubes around neurons, similar to myelination in the human brain. This process is essential for neuron function and is also similar to the process of myelination, which is critical for healthy nerve impulses.
Raw garlic activates TRPV1 and TRPA1 ion channel proteins in pain-sensing neurons, detecting temperature and pain. The loss of allicin when garlic is cooked accounts for the change in pungency.
Researchers discovered that rat brains exhibit distinct responses to a six-hour delay in the light schedule, with one region adapting quickly and another taking several days. The study suggests that this difference in response is due to the neurotransmitter GABA, which affects brain regions differently.