Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers successfully induced neuronal cells from bone marrow stromal cells, offering a potential treatment option for neurological disorders. The findings have significant implications for the development of regenerative medicine techniques.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that a compound blocking AMPA glutamate receptors can dampen excitotoxic brain injury in premature infants. The study suggests topiramate may be useful in preventing cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully transformed human fat cells into functional nerve cells using a cocktail of growth factors and induction agents. The newly formed cells demonstrated characteristics similar to developing neuronal tissue and responded similarly to normal nerve cells under certain conditions.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to target specific populations of nerve cells in the brain using viruses. By injecting an adeno-associated virus into the brain, they can trigger the expression of a jellyfish gene that glows green in certain neurons. This approach has significant potential for the treatment of neu...
Researchers identified more than 500 proteins contained in the midbody structure necessary for normal cell division. Inactivating these proteins led to cytokinesis defects, causing abnormal cell division, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
Justin Crowley receives a $240,000 award to study neural circuit formation in the primary visual cortex. His research aims to understand how neurons form functional connections during development, which could lead to treatment options for nervous system damage caused by traumatic injury or disease.
A study by University of Washington researchers exposes the existence of two distinct circadian clocks within the mammalian brain, one tied to an internal schedule and another influenced by external light-dark cycles. The discovery sheds new light on how artificial day-night cycles can disrupt physiological rhythms in mammals.
A subset of neural stem cells has been identified as having the ability to track malignant brain tumors called gliomas. The researchers found that astrocytic progenitors express a chemokine receptor called CXCR4, which is attracted by stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) secreted by glioma cells.
Researchers have discovered a way to convert adult bone marrow cells into brain stem cells, which could potentially restore functioning in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The process eliminates ethical and logistical issues associated with fetal tissue use and allows for quick conversion within a few weeks.
A recent study by Dr. Edward Scott and colleagues found that donor cells containing a Y chromosome were present in the brains of three women up to 6 years after bone marrow transplantation. This suggests that bone marrow could be used as a therapeutic source of readily harvestable cells for nerve cell regeneration.
Researchers analyzed brains of deceased men with Parkinson's disease and found a significant decrease in neurons compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that neuron loss starts approximately 13 years before diagnosis, paving the way for potential preclinical intervention.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that nitric oxide attaches to parkin protein, reducing its ability to mark proteins for destruction. This process may contribute to Parkinson's disease progression, providing a potential new target for treatment.
A new study provides support for the ancient origin of the MT visual center in primates, suggesting it evolved early in primate evolution. The researchers used optical imaging to analyze the brain structure of a small nocturnal primate called the galago and found similarities with monkey brains.
Rett Syndrome researchers successfully introduced the 'Rett protein' into post-mitotic neurons, reversing symptoms in mice. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments and potentially even cures for Rett Syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder primarily affecting girls.
Research reveals leptin rewires neural feeding circuits by suppressing appetite-stimulating neurons and enhancing those that decrease hunger. The study suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between neuronal changes and behavioral changes, potentially contributing to obesity.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new gel-like substance that guides neural cells through channels, providing a greater surface area for neural stimuli transmission. This breakthrough could lead to stronger signals in regenerated nerves, paving the way for regenerative medicine applications.
Dr. Edward R. Perl, a renowned UNC neuroscientist, has been awarded the longest-running federal grant for pain research since 1957. His federally supported exploration of pain sensation's biological basis helped him become the first to document the existence of nociceptors.
Researchers at McGill University have identified 209 proteins involved in the cellular uptake process, shedding light on protein interactions and disease mechanisms. The study provides a comprehensive molecular inventory of clathrin-coated vesicles, with broad implications for various fields in biology and medicine.
Researchers mapped rat brain activity, finding that cells in sensory borders share information from multiple senses. The discovery may explain how individuals adapt to sensory loss and improve their remaining senses.
Researchers have discovered that a compound used to treat sepsis also protects vital brain cells from programmed cell death. The finding opens the possibility of creating a new compound with similar effects without increased bleeding side effects.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find normal cellular prion protein essential for prion diseases like BSE, and inducing neurotoxicity without scrapie prions triggers catastrophic outcomes. This discovery highlights the complexity of prion pathogenesis and challenges existing therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully grown nerve cells using an artificial three-dimensional network of nanofibers, a technique important in regenerative medicine. The innovative scaffold directs cell differentiation, driving neural progenitor cells to become neurons and not astrocytes.
In a breakthrough study, UCSD researchers discovered that Cdk5 phosphorylates and inactivates the protein doublecortin, leading to defective neuronal migration and lissencephaly. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this severe brain disorder.
Research suggests that changes in brain chemistry are more likely responsible for memory problems associated with normal aging, rather than cell loss. Analyzing data from past studies and ongoing research, experts aim to find cost-effective ways to extend knowledge on maintaining general brain health.
Researchers discovered that a single gene and brain protein are responsible for alcohol's intoxicating effects, leading to neural depression and uncoordinated movement. The finding suggests that targeting this channel could lead to new treatments for alcohol addiction.
Researchers discovered that kinesin molecules walk with a limp gait, taking asymmetric steps instead of regular strides. This finding has implications for understanding protein transport and potential therapies for diseases such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a brain area, the posterior cingulate cortex, that plays a crucial role in weighing costs and benefits for decision-making. This region is also linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed ultra-smooth diamond-like carbon that meets the requirements for ultra-high density magnetic storage devices. Additionally, scientists have used live pond snail nerve cells to implement neural memory on a semiconductor chip, while also studying how air bubbles slow sound waves in water.
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery by visualizing damaged nerve connections in living mice and tracking them over time. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of the underlying processes involved in Alzheimer's disease and potentially unlock new treatments.
Researchers found that stem cells from human peripheral blood improved motor and cognitive performance in transplanted rats, with reduced brain damage in the affected areas. The study suggests that using these stem cells may be a viable treatment option for stroke patients.
Researchers discovered that low levels of lead exposure can significantly impact the proliferation and development of neural stem cells. Dr. Jay Schneider's team found that lead inhibited the differentiation of stem cells into neurons or oligodendrocytes, but increased their ability to become astrocytes.
Researchers have discovered that the protein MeCP2 regulates gene expression in normal central nervous system cells, and its mutation may be responsible for Rett Syndrome. The study also suggests that BDNF, a highly active gene, plays a key role in the disease.
The GenSAT project offers a fully public, searchable database of gene expression in central nervous system cell types for individual genes. Researchers can analyze up to five genes per week using the Gensat platform.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) provides a comprehensive map of gene expression in the central nervous system. Researchers can use this tool to explore molecular machinery and chart functional circuitry of the brain and spinal cord, leading to better understanding of neurological disorders.
Scientists discovered that specific DNA damages cause transcriptional mutagenesis (TM) in non-dividing cells, leading to mutant protein creation. TM can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging by causing faulty proteins to be produced during normal cellular processes.
Researchers found neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) respond to discrepancies between intentions and actual events, indicating that the brain monitors the consequences of actions. The study used detailed studies measuring neural activity in macaque monkeys performing tasks requiring self-control.
Heme flooding can shut down cell membrane channels, killing neurons and constricting blood vessels. Researchers found a chemical called NS1619 restores channel function and may lead to a new treatment.
Scientists have found that brain clock cells in fruit flies rely on intercellular communication to sustain their circadian rhythms, even in the absence of light. The study also shows that a protein called PDF plays a crucial role in coordinating this process.
Preliminary research suggests that cranberry extract can reduce the severity of stroke by 50% in brain cell death. Cranberries also have powerful antioxidant capabilities and unique bacteria-blocking properties, which may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.
Researchers discover key mechanism underlying Hirschsprung disease by identifying genes that control neural crest stem cell migration. The findings may lead to potential correction of the disease through transplantation of neural stem cells.
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by mutations in genes expressed in neural crest stem cells that impair their ability to form a normal intestinal nervous system. The study identifies Ret and other genes involved in the disease, offering new insights into its causes.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have discovered that engineered nanoparticles can extend the lifespan of brain cells by three- to four-fold, allowing them to live up to 123 days. The study also suggests that these nanoparticles may preserve function and potentially treat age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have identified a signal that triggers half of the stem cells in the developing brain to commit suicide at a certain point in development. This finding may one day help victims of devastating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke by understanding cell death and potential recovery mechanisms.
Researchers at UGA have identified a lipid-protein duo causing massive stem cell death during brain development, but also hinting at potential recovery mechanisms for devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study reveals that this 'deadly couple' leads to the survival of cells destined to form neurons.
Researchers have found that the enzyme Pin1 plays a crucial role in protecting neurons from age-related degeneration and tangle formation in Alzheimer's patients. By understanding how Pin1 works, scientists hope to develop new therapies to prevent or slow down neurodegenerative processes.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between Pin1 abundance and degenerative damage susceptibility. Pin1-deficient mice developed a neurodegenerative disease similar to Alzheimer's, highlighting the protein's role in regulating proteins critical for cell division.
Researchers have created a triple-transgenic mouse that exhibits both plaque and tangle lesions, allowing them to study the relationship between the two and develop drugs targeting both. This model could lead to a single class of drugs for treating both inherited and sporadic forms of Alzheimer's disease.
UCSB scientists propose a new model for neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting tau dysfunction leads to abnormal microtubule dynamics. This new theory has important implications for developing effective drugs to treat the disease.
Recent studies establish that beta-amyloid activates caspases, cutting tau at its tangle-blocking end and generating abnormal filaments. This process occurs before neuronal apoptosis, promoting death of the neuron.
A molecule called nitric oxide is a natural regulator of new neurons in the adult brain. Blocking nitric oxide production stimulates neural stem cell proliferation, increasing brain neuron generation and contributing to the adult brain's architecture.
Researchers found that caspase cleavage of tau promotes the formation of abnormal filaments resembling tangles. This discovery provides a new link between amyloid-beta and tau tangles, suggesting a common cause for Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that tracking the motion of larger objects is more difficult than smaller ones. The center-surround receptive field organization in the brain's visual area helps filter out spurious signals, making it harder to distinguish moving objects from their background.
Neurons in the striatum, responsible for emotions and movement, are selectively killed in Huntington's disease due to abnormally high calcium levels caused by mutant huntingtin protein. This discovery opens new areas for treatment of the disease.
Researchers have discovered that brain stem cells can be transplanted without being rejected by the immune system, thanks to their unique properties. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for eye diseases such as blindness.
Plant fertility depends on understanding how pollen tubes navigate towards egg cells. Researchers identified a key molecular signaling system involving gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) that guides pollen tube growth.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that stem-like cells from peripheral blood can promote functional recovery after a stroke. The study found that rats treated with these cells showed significant behavioral improvement and reduced hyperactive behavior compared to those receiving no cellular treatment.
Granzyme A, a double-headed protease, is assembled into a dimer with identical catalytic domains connected by a covalent disulfide bond. This unique configuration enables the enzyme to recognize specific sequences and activate cell death machinery in tumor cells and virally infected cells.
Researchers have successfully treated rats with spinal cord injuries using embryonic stem cells, which can potentially treat paralysis and degenerative nerve diseases. The treated rats regained ability to walk after nine weeks, with analysis revealing new myelin sheaths and growth factors that stimulated neuron formation.
Researchers have found a link between low nerve cell counts and inherited auditory neuropathy, a disorder affecting approximately 250,000 people. The study suggests that new therapies may be developed to prevent or treat the condition, potentially preserving existing nerve cells through stem cell research.
Researchers found that signals from the basal ganglia may be preventing intact visual areas from functioning properly. Disrupting basal ganglia activity could restore balance and treat visual neglect, a condition where patients perceive only half of their surroundings.