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New study uncovers potential driver of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease may be driven in part by cell stress-related biochemical events that disrupt a key cellular cleanup system, leading to the spread of harmful protein aggregates in the brain, according to a new study from scientists at Scripps Research.

24 Feb 2022

Researchers develop artificial organic neuron capable of integration with living plant

Researchers, for the first time, establish an artificial organic neuron, or a nerve cell, which can be combined with an artificial organic synapse and a living plant.

24 Feb 2022

Study reveals how a fly’s brain contributes to sensing the cold and limiting reproduction

Scientists have uncovered a set of neurons in fruit flies that shut down in cold temperatures and slow reproduction, a system conserved in many insects, including mosquitoes, which could provide a target for pest control.

18 Feb 2022

3D structure of protein channel helps shed light on sensitive touch response of Venus fly traps

Scientists at Scripps Research have revealed the three-dimensional structure of Flycatcher1, an aptly named protein channel that may enable Venus fly trap plants to snap shut in response to prey.

18 Feb 2022

Cryo-electron microscopy reveals structures of a muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

New research co-led by a University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine professor is shedding light on some of the mysterious dynamics that define the interplay between nerves and muscle.

17 Feb 2022

Genetic mutation introduced into human genome protects against Alzheimer’s disease, research says

Scientists were successful in editing the genome of human cells cultured in vitro to introduce a mutation offering protection from Alzheimer’s disease.

14 Feb 2022

Hemoglobin plays role as a chemosensory signal for mother mice to protect offspring

Biochemists in Japan were surprised to discover that the molecule hemoglobin in the blood works not only as an oxygen carrier, but when the blood is spilled as a result of aggression, accident or predator attack, the molecule also acts as a chemosensory signal -; a chemical stimulus picked up by the senses, namely smell in this case -; for lactating mother mice, prompting digging or rearing behavior in them to check the surrounding environment and keep their offspring safe.

11 Feb 2022

Study discovers a novel role for hormone-sensitive neurons in maternal nesting behavior

Gestation leads to a modification of brain circuits and behaviors such as nesting within the animal kingdom. The underlying biological, neural and hormonal mechanisms have been unknown until now.

7 Feb 2022

Different autism risk genes have similar effects on brain development, study finds

Autism spectrum disorder has been associated with hundreds of different genes, but how these distinct genetic mutations converge on a similar pathology in patients has remained a mystery.

3 Feb 2022

Researchers provide first evidence of the gene-environment interaction in the social dysfunctions typical of autistic disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a wide range of behavioral issues.

2 Feb 2022

Oligodendrocyte plays major role in the development of multiple sclerosis, says study

A team of international researchers revealed that oligodendrocytes, a kind of central nervous system cell, may play a different function in the progression of MS.

2 Feb 2022

Experts unravel a new form of communication between brain cells

Scientists discovered hundreds of proteins that are constantly transferred throughout the healthy brain in small membrane-enclosed sacs.

31 Jan 2022

Increasing the expression of a gene slows Alzheimer’s progression in mice

According to a recent research, enhancing the expression of one gene in cells that help the brain’s neurons, shields neurons in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.

13 Jan 2022

Discovery may lead to a better understanding of prion and other neurodegenerative diseases

Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), are fast-moving, fatal dementia syndromes associated with the formation of aggregates of the prion protein, PrP.

23 Dec 2021

Novel tool provides an unprecedented view of brain cell activity

To decipher the mysteries behind memory and learning, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a system to trace millions of connections amongst brain cells in mice.

22 Dec 2021

Neural circuit coordinates breathing with negative emotions, says study

Recently, a group of Salk scientists unraveled a neural network in the brain that coordinates breathing rhythm with feelings of fear and pain.

21 Dec 2021

Protein protects against heart damage following cancer treatment

Cancer treatment is hard on the body, however for the patient to endure cancer, it is mostly necessary to undergo the treatment.

17 Dec 2021

Researchers find a sour receptor conserved from fruit flies to humans

Humans and fruit flies respond to many of the same tastes -; sweet, salty, bitter and so on. The receptors that identify these substances, however, are very different between us and insects. Except when it comes to sour.

14 Dec 2021

Detachable head-mounted photoacoustic microscope images brain activity in mice

Scientists recently generated the first detachable head-mounted photoacoustic microscope for imaging brain activity in freely roaming mice.

13 Dec 2021

First molecular structure of TDP-43 could pave the way for new ALS therapies

Scientists have determined for the first time the structure of the molecule associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple other neurodegenerative diseases.

9 Dec 2021