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“Junk” DNA could provide access to innovative treatments for neurological conditions

The breakthrough study from the University of Sheffield’s Neuroscience Institute and Healthy Lifespan Institute offers critical new insights into the so-called junk DNA, or DNA that was previously believed to be unimportant to the coding of the genome, and how it affects neurological disorders like Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Alzheimer’s.

29 Sep 2022

New role for huntingtin protein—neuronal regeneration

A recent study led by the University at Buffalo proposes a novel role for the huntingtin protein (HTT), which leads to Huntington’s disease when mutated.

28 Sep 2022

An analysis of old genes’ influence on sea anemones

For the neuronal cell types’ categorization as more complicated creatures, the genetic fingerprint of Nematostella vectensis—the sea anemone—reveals that the members of this evolutionarily very ancient animal phylum employ identical gene cascades.

22 Sep 2022

Researchers reveal key developmental difference between the brains of modern humans and Neanderthals

AZoLifesciences speaks to Dr. Anneline Pinson and Prof. Dr. Wieland B. Huttner from The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics about their latest research which found a greater neuron production in the frontal lobe during brain development in modern humans than Neanderthals, due to the change of a single amino acid in the protein TKTL1.

From The Max Planck Institute 20 Sep 2022

Characterizing the transcription profile of microglia in a mouse model

Researchers from Tohoku University have now shown that the consolidation and extinction of contextual fear conditioning alter the microglial genes connected to the synapse—structures that permit neurons to communicate with one another.

13 Sep 2022

Brain cells with the same birthdate display distinct connectivity

According to a recent study, brain cells with the same “birthdate” are more likely to connect into cooperative signaling circuits that perform a variety of tasks, including memory storage.

From New York University (NYU) 25 Aug 2022

Novel method maps all gene expression patterns to a single reference embryo

Years of work by Trinity College Dublin developmental biologists in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh’s MRC Human Genetics Unit has resulted in an unparalleled resource that will help researchers assess how key genes control the differentiation of tissues and organs in developing embryos.

23 Aug 2022

Engineers develop the world's smallest EEG caps for mini brains

It could be the world's tiniest EEG electrode cap, created to measure activity in a brain model the size of a pen dot. Its designers expect the device to lead to better understanding of neural disorders and how potentially dangerous chemicals affect the brain.

18 Aug 2022

Cedars-Sinai builds bio-realistic and intricate computer models of brain cells

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have produced an unprecedented number of bio-realistic and intricate computer models of individual brain cells.

11 Aug 2022

Novel fluorescent probe likely to help decode neuronal talking

Numerous cells, including neurons, depend on the intracellular messenger molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to function. It does this by encouraging axon growth and maintaining neuronal communication.

15 Jul 2022

Researchers capture images of antibodies attacking neuron receptors using Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility

Scientists have for the first time photographed an autoantibody coupled to a receptor on the surface of a nerve cell using the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility at UT Southwestern.

14 Jul 2022

Researchers get funding to develop a vaccine against ALS disease

DZNE and Intravacc B.V., have received a grant from the European Union of € 2.5 million to further create a prototype ALS vaccine.

8 Jul 2022

Research reveals how two RNA-binding proteins interact with each other

Neurons are continually adapting to changing conditions. The biochemical basis for memory and learning is this plasticity.

5 Jul 2022

New biomedical research tool may help advance molecular diagnostics and drug discovery

A new biomedical research tool that enables scientists to measure hundreds of functional proteins in a single cell could offer new insights into cell machinery.

30 Jun 2022

New gene may affect the upper motor neuron cells in the nervous system, study reveals

A recent genetic finding supports the theory that abnormal lipid (fat) transport pathways inside brain cells cause motor neuron degenerative disorders.

From University of Exeter 20 Jun 2022

Scientists develop tiny probe for minimally invasive interfacing with neural circuits

Researchers at the University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a tiny neural probe that can be implanted for longer time periods to record and stimulate neural activity, while minimizing injury to the surrounding tissue.

From UC San Diego 10 Jun 2022

Researchers determine small protein’s structure, likely to pave the way for advanced treatments

For the first time, researchers have deciphered the atomic structure of a protein that transports one of the body’s most vital neurotransmitters into neurons.

9 Jun 2022

A novel mechanism shared by mutations in varied genes could help treat neurological diseases

Researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by Prof. Illana Gozes from the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, have unraveled a mechanism shared by mutations in the genes ADNP and SHANK3, which cause autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions.

25 May 2022

Researchers identify jellyfish’s stinging cells to promote new cell function

According to a recent Cornell study, the cnidocytes—or stinging cells—that are found in sea anemones, hydrae, corals, and jellyfish and make us cautious while wading in the ocean are also an ideal way of understanding the creation of new cell types.

18 May 2022

Researchers analyze the effect of dopamine on gene activity and addiction

North Carolina State University researchers have shown that neuron-like cells produced from human stem cells may be used to examine alterations in the neurological system linked to addiction.

10 May 2022