Synapse News and Research

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Retinoic acid induces synaptic plasticity in the human brain

Neuroscientists agree that a person's brain is constantly changing, rewiring itself and adapting to environmental stimuli. This is how humans learn new things and create memories. This adaptability and malleability is called plasticity.

1 Apr 2021

Light-activated protein can be used to study single synapses of neurons

Neurons are the primary cells of the nervous system, and the signals that are transmitted between them are responsible for all our actions and our cognitive ability.

10 Feb 2021

KAIST researchers identify mechanism underlying plasticity in adult brains

Developing brains constantly sprout new neuronal connections called synapses as they learn and remember. Important connections — the ones that are repeatedly introduced, such as how to avoid danger — are nurtured and reinforced, while connections deemed unnecessary are pruned away.

28 Dec 2020

Astrocytes regulate inhibitory synapses by binding to neurons

In the orchestra of the brain, the firing of each neuron is controlled by two notes--excitatory and inhibitory-- that come from two distinct forms of a cellular structure called synapses.

16 Nov 2020

Experts use super-resolution microscopy to observe individual synapse proteins

In the synapses of nerve cells (neurons), there are hundreds of specialized proteins that are important for the functioning of the nervous system. If something goes wrong here, neurological or psychiatric diseases can be the result - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, depression, and schizophrenia are just a few of them.

6 Nov 2020

New method sheds light on the neuronal mechanisms of fly motion vision

Where in a nerve cell is a certain receptor protein located? Without an answer to this question, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the function of this protein.

3 Nov 2020

Researchers receive $2.6 million grant to examine tau-glycan interactions involved in Alzheimer's disease

Tangles of misfolded tau proteins in the brain are closely associated with memory loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

29 Oct 2020

Study shows cocaine use in mice leads to formation of synapses

Drugs of abuse, like cocaine, are so addictive due in part to their cellular interaction, creating strong cellular memories in the brain that promote compulsive behaviors.

16 Oct 2020

Researchers identify brain protein that leads to seizures, abnormal social behaviors

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism that is responsible for causing the abnormal development of neuronal connections in the mice brain.

1 Sep 2020

UT researchers to explore the mysteries of brain connections

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin will lead an ambitious new project with 10 other U.S. institutions and global partners that has significant implications for understanding human brain health.

20 Aug 2020

Researchers identify the role of calcium channel subunits in synapse development

The ability of the human brain to process and store information is determined to a large extent by the connectivity between nerve cells. Chemical synapses are very important in this context as they constitute the interface for the transmission of information between individual nerve cells.

23 Jul 2020

New class of proteins can help treat neurological diseases

At the University of Texas Health Science Center, scientists have identified a new group of proteins that guard synapses against damage.

20 Jul 2020

Study sheds light on protein involved in Huntington’s disease

Researchers have performed a new study that exposes complex details regarding the biology of the huntingtin protein (HTT), which causes Huntington’s disease.

20 Jul 2020

New radiotracer provides a quantitative measure of disease progression after stroke

A new radiotracer, 18F-SynVesT-2, can directly assess synaptic density changes in the brain, providing an objective and quantitative measure of disease progression after stroke.

14 Jul 2020

Brain's dedicated immune cells clear paths through 'scaffolding' to let neurons talk

To make new memories, our brain cells first must find one another. Small protrusions that bud out from the ends of neurons' long, branching tentacles dock neurons together so they can talk.

7 Jul 2020

Method can help detect specific glial cells integral to synapses

The brain contains two types of cells. Glial cells receive less attention for their significance in the function and disease of the brain than other neurons.

From Brown University 26 Jun 2020

Fighting fish synchronize their attacks and also gene expression in the brain cells

When two betta fish are fighting for dominance, not only do their attacks mirror each other, but the gene expression in their brain cells also starts to align.

18 Jun 2020

cryo-EM images reveal proteins involved in brain activity

When the body continues to perform its daily biological processes neurotransmitters, regulate the level of electrical activity inside the brain.

18 Jun 2020

New protein design could help in drug discovery for Parkinson’s disease

The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a vital role in everything, starting from motor control to higher cognitive functions, arousal, motivation, sexual gratification, and reinforcement.

12 Jun 2020

Research identifies how neuronal transmission is disrupted in ALS

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, lose muscle control as nerve cells or neurons in the brain and spinal cord degenerate and can no longer send signals to muscles.

29 May 2020