Articles tagged with Sensory Neurons
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Researchers found that the skin relies on TRPM8 sensor for cold detection, while internal organs primarily use TRPA1 sensor. This difference explains variations in external and internal cold perception, and has implications for understanding thermal homeostasis and pathologies related to cold sensitivity.
Researchers at UCSF found distinctive brain patterns in children with sensory processing disorder, which could help clinicians refine treatments for tantrums and emotional volatility. The study suggests that over-responsive children's brains dial up inward-focused networks to gain self-control.
Researchers discovered that vertebrate lonesome kinase (VLK) triggers direct extracellular interaction for phosphorylation, mediating injury-induced pain. This process attracts N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor proteins, strengthening synaptic connections and enhancing postsynaptic potentials.
Researchers have identified the cells and connections underlying a fish's ability to dynamically change color to match its surroundings. The study found that specialized skin cells called melanophores control the color change, which helps the zebrafish evade predators by lightening its skin over tens of minutes.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic tumors form pseudosynapses, exploiting the body's nervous system to drive tumor growth. Calcium waves triggered by glutamate binding promote metastasis and cancer progression.
Researchers at Northwestern University captured a detailed look at TRPM3, a core temperature sensor, revealing how it turns on when temperatures rise. The finding uncovers a new way that cells sense temperature, helping explain how the nervous system distinguishes harmless warmth from dangerous heat.
Researchers have identified a group of cells called Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the brainstem's lateral parabrachial nucleus as critical for regulating long-term pain states. These neurons integrate information about hunger, fear and thirst, allowing pain signals to be modulated by other brain circuits signaling more urgent needs.
The Neuropixels Ultra probe overcomes technical challenges in recording individual cells across multiple brain regions. It detects twice as many brain cells and distinguishes specific subtypes, enabling scientists to decode and track brain cell performance related to visual stimuli.
Scientists at Tufts University have developed a three-dimensional model to study the regeneration of nerve tissue in the nose, revealing that dormant stem cells play a key role in preserving the sense of smell. The research found that these stem cells actively support the generation of new olfactory neurons.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that nerve cells can sense mechanical forces in fat tissue, regulating brown fat activity and influencing energy balance. Mice lacking this sensing ability were resistant to obesity and metabolic conditions.
Researchers introduced a recombinant protein to pericytes, which change shape and create cellular bridges that support axon regeneration. In mouse experiments, the treatment promoted robust axon regenerative growth and restored leg function.
New research identifies specific populations of neurons in the amygdala that play a key role in regulating nutritional needs and turning them into action. The study reveals distinct groups of neurons responding to thirst and hunger, guided by molecular cues.
Researchers have mapped the long-range synaptic connections involved in vocal learning in zebra finches, uncovering new details about how the brain organises learned vocalisations. The study provides a framework for understanding how the brain integrates sensory and motor information to guide learned vocal behaviour.
Researchers have discovered a common gene linked to human kidney disease is also present in sea anemones, allowing their hair cells to detect water movement. This finding suggests an evolutionarily ancient role for the gene in sensing fluid movement, predating the common ancestor of mammals and sea anemones.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found that excessive neuronal activation over time leads to brain function decline, contradicting previous theories. Interventions targeting reduced neuronal hyperactivation, such as dietary changes, may mitigate age-related cognitive decline in humans.
Macrophages may help prevent peripheral neuropathy by slowing its onset and reducing damage. Researchers discovered that these immune cells produce chemokines to recruit other macrophages, which protect against sensory axon loss.
Tobias Ackels' research reveals that mammals can differentiate between odor sources at lightning speed, using a temporal dimension to orient themselves in space. This ability is encoded in the output of the olfactory bulb and could be used for early detection of dementia.
Research identifies IL-1R1-expressing neurons in key brain regions, including the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus, which regulate sensory processing, mood regulation, and memory. The study provides new insights into how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood, and memory disorders.
A study led by University of Cincinnati researcher Jun-Ming Zhang investigates the link between blood vessel movement and neuropathic spontaneous pain. The research aims to understand how blood vessel movement triggers cluster firing of neurons, a key mechanism in neuropathic pain.
Scientists investigated the role of ancient VR type-1 (ancV1R) receptor in pheromone detection using knockout mice. The study found that ancV1R-deficient female mice had impaired pheromone detection and exhibited abnormal sexual behavior.
Researchers at Linköping University pinpointed the exact location of a specific calcium channel fine-tuning pain signals. This knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that protein netrin1 limits BMP signaling to specific regions of the spinal cord, crucial for sensory neuron development. This finding reshapes our understanding of complex spinal circuits and could inform future therapeutic strategies for spinal cord repair.
A new study has identified 16 distinct types of nerve cells in humans, challenging the long-held assumption that each type of sensation is linked to a specific nerve cell. The research reveals complex interactions between these nerve cells and their functions.
A new brain-mapping neurotechnology called Single Transcriptome Assisted Rabies Tracing (START) has been developed to map the brain's intricate neuronal connections. The technique combines two advanced technologies to resolve cortical connectivity at the resolution of transcriptomic cell types, enabling the identification of distinct p...
Neuroscientists have discovered a global process across the brain that coordinates sensory input with motor action through learning. In trained mice, neurons link sensory evidence to action initiation, integrating information across multiple brain regions.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that male fruit flies ignore physical threats as they pursue a female fly, driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine. As courtship advances, dopamine levels increase, blocking sensory pathways and reducing the ability to respond to threats.
Researchers have found a new brain mechanism that detects prediction errors between expected and actual sensory inputs, boosting responses to unexpected information. This discovery could offer insights into the neural circuits underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs).
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified specific groups of neurons in the female fly's brain responding to the sex-peptide, which influences post-mating behaviors. The study found that the peptide targets higher-order 'command neurons' essential for behavioral decision-making.
A previously unknown mechanism in the brain causes migraine attacks by carrying proteins to specific nerve cells, explaining one-sided headaches. The discovery may lead to new treatment options and help understand other headache diseases.
Researchers describe how a spreading wave of disruption and brain fluid flow triggers headaches, detailing the connection between aura symptoms and migraine pain. The study identifies potential new drug targets for migraines, including proteins that bind with sensory nerves in the trigeminal ganglion.
Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.
Insects like fruit flies use simple, efficient systems to recognize odors. Researchers found that paired olfactory receptor neurons in fly antennae facilitate computations in the central brain through pre-processing stage.
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 found that spinal cord injury triggers abnormal neuronal activity that causes abdominal fat tissue compounds to leak and pool in the liver and other organs. A short course of gabapentin, commonly prescribed for nerve pain, prevented this damaging metabolic effect.
Researchers at UCSF have identified laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that sense water and acid in the upper airway, triggering a cough reflex. The discovery could lead to interventions to prevent pneumonia and treat certain types of chronic cough.
Researchers found proteasomes in neurons near the skin that convey sensory signals from the central nervous system. The protein grinds down proteins and helps differentiate between pain and itch sensation.
Researchers at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders discovered two neuronal populations in the spinal cord that enable learning and remembering movements. The dorsal neurons facilitate learning, while the ventral neurons ensure recall and performance.
Researchers discovered a class of cerebellar inputs, called climbing fibres, are essential for associative learning to occur. These
The study investigates how different genes related to autism spectrum disorders affect the brain's neural circuits, resulting in heightened sensitivity to sounds. The researchers aim to identify a potential biomarker for sensory hypersensitivity and develop treatments using optogenetics and minocycline.
Neuroscientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that glial cells use different molecules to communicate with different neurons, enabling distinct 'conversations' with each neuron. This clustering of molecules ensures that the glial cell can influence how neurons respond to environmental cues like temperature and smell.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers discovered that protons are the primary signals transmitting tactile sensations from Merkel cells to nerves. Protons bind to ASIC receptors on nerve endings, triggering an influx of sodium ions that propagate action potentials up the nerve towards the brain.
Researchers discovered that a specific phase of neck motor neuron activation in roundworms adjusts their trajectory toward higher salt concentrations. This finding highlights the neural mechanisms underlying navigation and sensory-motor integration, shedding light on how even simple animals adapt to environmental changes.
A study published in eLife found that nerve fibers in the human skin are ensheathed by keratinocytes, which may play a role in communicating information about external stimuli to the central nervous system. This discovery could lead to new avenues for treating patients with small fiber neuropathy.
Research found that female silkmoth long sensilla recognize silkworm feces as a deterrent, helping females avoid mulberry trees with high silkworm populations. In contrast, male silkmoths have specialized antennae to detect female sex pheromones, but no clear male counterpart has been identified.
Researchers have developed a spinal cord stimulation technology that restores sensation, improves function, and reduces phantom limb pain after trans-tibial amputation. The study showed significant improvements in balance control and gait stability, with an average 70% reduction in phantom limb pain.
Jenny Wilkerson receives $1.94 million grant to develop novel models and investigate antinociceptive profiles of basal sex hormone alterations in patients with chronic post-op pain. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of altered sex hormone levels on recovery times, drug effectiveness, and long-term health.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...
Scientists at Imperial College London have found that cells within hair follicles can detect touch and release neurotransmitters serotonin and histamine. This discovery may help understand histamine's role in inflammatory skin diseases like eczema.
The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide that plays a crucial role in activating atopic dermatitis, or eczema. In a mouse model of AD, mice without BNP exhibited reduced thickened skin and itching compared to control mice with BNP.
Researchers discovered that sensory neurons grow end organs tailored to their specific skin type, rather than predetermined programming. This finding could lead to new therapies for damaged or diseased nerves and better understanding of congenital neuropathies.
A new study reveals that the receptor PIEZO2 in sensory neurons plays a crucial role in controlling gut motility and transit time. This finding has significant implications for understanding gastrointestinal disorders and developing therapeutic applications.
Scientists have identified five distinct subtypes of sensory neurons in the colon that carry signals to the brain, with different subtypes responding to gentle and intense forces. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal conditions and inform the development of more effective therapies.
Researchers boosted inhibitory interneuron activity in Fragile X mice, reducing hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. The study found that even young mice with Fragile X had lower PV neuron density and functional decoupling, but treatment restored excitatory neuron function and reduced hypersensitivity.
Researchers used a new transgenic mouse model to study the impact of oxidative stress on neurons and blood vessels, revealing that high levels of stress can cause sensory neuron degeneration and cardiac hypertrophy. This combination is associated with Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
A team led by Carmen Birchmeier has investigated the process of swallowing in more detail, revealing that sensory cells in the vagus nerve play a key role in detecting mechanical stimuli in the esophagus. This understanding could lead to better treatments for swallowing disorders, including malnutrition and weight loss.
PolyU researchers have developed optoelectronic graded neurons that can perceive dynamic motion, achieving an information transmission rate of over 1000 bit/s. This breakthrough enables highly accurate motion recognition, surpassing conventional image sensors by up to 99.2% accuracy.
Researchers aim to understand how neurons receive signals for taste and touch sensations, exploring potential emotional correlations. The study will investigate the organization of brain circuits supporting these intersections, with implications for health and disease.
A new study found that ocean acidification is causing Dungeness crabs to physically sniff less and have decreased ability to detect food odours. This loss of smell may be partially explaining the thinning of crab populations, as reduced food detection could impact energy availability for reproduction.