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Giant neurons in the brain may play similarly giant role in awareness and cognition

Research from Rockefeller University reveals that giant neurons in the brainstem, called nucleus gigantocellularis, express genes linked to nitric oxide production and blood vessel relaxation. This discovery supports their role in initiating behavior and potentially understanding psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and ADHD.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Treating dementia with the healing waves of sound

Researchers at Tohoku University found that whole-brain low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy improved cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment was shown to enhance blood vessel formation, nerve cell regeneration, and protein expression without serious side effects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJul 19, 2018

Scientists find key to regenerating blood vessels

A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identifies a crucial signaling pathway for angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The findings may improve current strategies to increase blood flow in ischemic tissues associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2017

Exit through the lymphatic system

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified that cerebrospinal fluid exits the cranial cavity through lymph vessels in mice, rewriting anatomy textbooks. The study found that this pathway is responsible for flushing out unwanted substances and may offer a starting point for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

How new blood vessels sprout

Researchers at IBS and KAIST found that YAP/TAZ promotes cytoskeleton remodeling and junction formation in endothelial cells, essential for normal as well as pathological angiogenesis. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ leads to excessive blood vessel growth, while removal results in vision impairment and internal bleeding.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 2017

A rising star

Researchers at UCSB used star ascidian to study the interaction between cells and their physical environment, finding a mechanism that allows blood vessels to shrink without impeding blood flow. This discovery has implications for understanding cellular development and metastasis in cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJun 22, 2017