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Rice scientists use blood test to track gene expression in the brain

Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski and colleagues have engineered a synthetic serum marker that enables non-invasive neural monitoring by tracking gene expression dynamics in the brain. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate brain development, cognitive function and neurological diseases more effectively.

Researchers investigate neuron differentiation in fruit fly brains

The study reveals that non-coding regions near sloppy-paired genes are essential for temporal transcription factor expression and that Notch-signaling regulates the transition to subsequent TTFs. This mechanism couples temporal patterning with neuron generation, providing insights into brain diversity.

Medical oddity reveals unheard-of 'immunity gene' mutations and new way to screen them

Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified two novel genetic mutations in an infant with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis, a condition that affects the brain's immune response. The new method uses a NF-κB reporter assay to precisely evaluate the harm caused by IRAK4 gene mutations.