Neuroscience News and Research

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Correction of immune system's faulty timing may offer a new strategy to prevent severe COVID-19

Once an infection is under control, the body normally uses a biochemical messenger known as TGFβ to downgrade its immune response.

27 Oct 2021

Internal workings of next-word prediction models closely fit the human brain

In the past few years, artificial intelligence models of language have become very good at certain tasks. Most notably, they excel at predicting the next word in a string of text; this technology helps search engines and texting apps predict the next word you are going to type.

26 Oct 2021

New insight into how neurons and astrocytes work together to form healthy synapses

Brain cells called astrocytes play a key role in helping neurons develop and function properly, but there's still a lot scientists don't understand about how astrocytes perform these important jobs.

26 Oct 2021

'Mini brains' allow researchers to study a fatal, untreatable neurological disorder

Cambridge researchers have developed 'mini brains' that allow them to study a fatal and untreatable neurological disorder causing paralysis and dementia – and for the first time have been able to grow these for almost a year.

22 Oct 2021

Novel research reveals a vital but previously unknown role for microglia

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have revealed a vital but previously unknown role for immune cells that protect the brain from disease and injury: The cells, known as microglia, also help regulate blood flow and maintain the brain's critical blood vessels.

18 Oct 2021

Researchers refine cryogenic electron microscopy technique

In the late 1600s, the Dutch tradesman Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek began investigating the world of the very small using the first microscope, discovering a riotous world of protists, bacteria, and other previously unseen organisms.

18 Oct 2021

Researchers discover how neurons filter distracting signals to coordinate movements

As you read this article, touch receptors in your skin are sensing your environment. Your clothes and jewelry, the chair you're sitting on, the computer keyboard or mobile device you're using, even your fingers as they brush one another unintentionally-;each touch activates collections of nerve cells.

15 Oct 2021

Regulatory network impacting brain evolution found in “junk DNA,” says study

Human DNA has a close resemblance to that of the chimpanzee, which in evolutionary terms is the closest living relative of humans.

13 Oct 2021

Oral diuretic pill may potentially be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk

A commonly available oral diuretic pill approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may be a potential candidate for an Alzheimer's disease treatment for those who are at genetic risk, according to findings published in Nature Aging.

12 Oct 2021

Research provides insights into the evolution of limb development in vertebrates

Scientists were part of new research that provides understanding on the advancement of limb development in vertebrates.

7 Oct 2021

Study uncovers a protein that indicates whether emotional memories can be changed

Researchers have discovered that a particular protein can be used as a brain marker to indicate whether emotional memories can be changed or forgotten.

5 Oct 2021

Novel technique helps researchers in single-organelle characterization

Scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign isolated and chemically characterized individual organelles within cells swiftly.

4 Oct 2021

Exploring cell and gene based therapies for Parkinson’s disease

After several decades of pre-clinical development, cell- and gene-based therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) are now actively being explored. In this special supplement to the Journal of Parkinson's Disease on "Repairing the Parkinsonian Brain," experts highlight some of the current strategies being pursued to restore lost function and replace what is lost in the PD brain, with special emphasis on the challenges associated with translating advanced therapeutic approaches into pioneering clinical trials.

24 Sep 2021

New drug-based genetic platform offers a simpler, more efficient way to study gene function

Studying the role genes play on basic biology and disease is now easier, faster and more efficient, say researchers at Baylor College of Medicine.

15 Sep 2021

Imaging technique can help visualize ultrastructural changes to dendritic spines in nanoscale resolution

Researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) have developed a new imaging technique capable of visualizing the dynamically changing structure of dendritic spines with unprecedented resolution.

6 Sep 2021

Researchers analyze the effects of using tetrahydrocannabinol during pregnancy

A group of scientists combined their mastery to obtain a thorough understanding of the risks linked with cannabis exposure at the time of pregnancy.

3 Sep 2021

Study proposes a novel approach for developing safer analgesics

Opioids are potent painkillers; however, their use is hampered as patients become tolerant to them, necessitating more and more doses.

From The University of California, Davis 31 Aug 2021

Massive study identifies 579 genomic locations linked to self-regulating behaviors

Researchers have identified 579 locations in the human genome associated with a predisposition to self-regulation-related behaviors, including addiction and child behavioral problems. With data from 1.5 million people of European descent, the effort is considered to be one of the largest genome-wide association studies to date.

27 Aug 2021

Old habit-controlling neurons may also play a key role in learning new tricks

Imagine working on your computer and typing the same long password you have used for years to access your email.

26 Aug 2021

Genome editing tool used to render male mosquitoes infertile and slow disease spread

Mosquitos spread viruses that cause potentially deadly diseases such as Zika, dengue fever and yellow fever. New U.S. Army-funded research uses gene editing to render certain male mosquitoes infertile and slow the spread of these diseases.

24 Aug 2021