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‘Sushi-like’ nanodiscs provide structural snapshots of misfolding proteins

When proteins misfold, accumulate and clump around insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, they kill cells. Now, researchers, including University of Michigan biophysicists, have obtained a structural snapshot of these proteins when they are most toxic, detailing them down to the atomic level.

15 Dec 2017

Researchers explore how toxic protein clusters linked to Parkinson's disrupt brain cells

Researchers have glimpsed how the toxic protein clusters that are associated with Parkinson's Disease disrupt the membranes of healthy brain cells, creating defects in the cell walls and eventually causing a series of events that induce neuronal death.

15 Dec 2017

Aging brain's failure to coordinate deep-sleep brainwaves makes older adults forget

Like swinging a tennis racket during a ball toss to serve an ace, slow and speedy brainwaves during deep sleep must sync up at exactly the right moment to hit the save button on new memories, according to new UC Berkeley research.

15 Dec 2017

Scientists create atomic scale map that tracks how brain signals connect to neurons

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have used supercomputers to create an atomic scale map that tracks how the signaling chemical glutamate binds to a neuron in the brain. The findings, say the scientists, shed light on the dynamic physics of the chemical's pathway, as well as the speed of nerve cell communications.

15 Dec 2017

Researchers use cryptographic techniques to decode activity of motor neurons

Cracking the German Enigma code is considered to be one of the decisive factors that hastened Allied victory in World War II. Starting with clues derived from espionage, computer scientists were able to work out the rules that turned a string of gibberish characters into plain German, providing life-saving and war-shortening intelligence.

13 Dec 2017

Salk scientists unravel mystery about how the spinal cord deals with different information

We think of our brain as masterminding all of our actions, but a surprising amount of information related to movement gets processed by our spinal cord.

8 Dec 2017

Scientists discover how axons in developing visual system stabilize their connections

Scientists at Tokyo Tech have made an important discovery concerning the development of layer-specific axonal connections in the developing visual system of Drosophila flies.

8 Dec 2017

Study shows how electrical stimulation in the brain instructs appropriate response

The brain's complex network of neurons enables us to interpret and effortlessly navigate and interact with the world around us.

8 Dec 2017

Research brings scientists one step closer to understanding development of ALS

University of Michigan-led research brings scientists one step closer to understanding the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS.

8 Dec 2017

New compound targets APOE gene to reduce Alzheimer's damage in mice

People who carry the APOE4 genetic variant face a substantial risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

6 Dec 2017

Researcher discovers enzyme pathway involved in ALS pathogenesis

It is estimated that between 14,000 and 15,000 Americans have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, may be subtle at first but develop into more obvious muscle weakness and paralysis.

5 Dec 2017

Neurons have compatible shape, electrical properties for deep learning

Deep learning has brought about machines that can 'see' the world more like humans can, and recognize language. And while deep learning was inspired by the human brain, the question remains: Does the brain actually learn this way? The answer has the potential to create more powerful artificial intelligence and unlock the mysteries of human intelligence.

5 Dec 2017

Laser techniques could help revolutionize understanding of neurodegenerative diseases

Boulder researchers are embarking on a new project to study the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by using a new technique to measure neurons firing deep inside animal brains.

1 Dec 2017

Drug that stimulates neuron pruning promotes goal-directed behavior in mice

A drug that stimulates neuron pruning can nudge mice away from habit-driven behaviors when combined with retraining, neuroscientists have found.

30 Nov 2017

Nerve cell findings provide unique insights into neuromuscular conditions

The findings relate to a type of cell connection that allows electrical and chemical messages to flow from nerve to muscle cells, enabling motion.

29 Nov 2017

New microscope optimized to perform studies using optogenetic techniques

A newly developed microscope is providing scientists with a greatly enhanced tool to study how neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease affect neuron communication.

29 Nov 2017

Researchers solve 3D structure of primary optogenetic tool

An international team of researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the Institut de Biologie Structurale, and the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics has determined the 3-D structure of channelrhodopsin 2, a membrane protein widely used in optogenetics to control nerve cells with light.

28 Nov 2017

Researchers reveal impact of RNA-binding protein on memory formation process

Learning requires the chemical adaptation of individual synapses. Researchers have now revealed the impact of an RNA-binding protein that is intimately involved in this process on learning and memory formation and learning processes.

28 Nov 2017

Study: Women may be more susceptible to concussions due to more breakable nerve fibers

Women have smaller, more breakable nerve fibers in the brain compared to men that may make them more susceptible to concussions, suggests a new study from Penn Medicine neuroscientists published online today in the journal Experimental Neurology.

27 Nov 2017

Saving and erasure of memories depends on subtle brain signals, TSRI scientists find

The fragrance of hot pumpkin pie can bring back pleasant memories of holidays past, while the scent of an antiseptic hospital room may cause a shudder. The power of odors to activate memories both pleasing and aversive exists in many animals, from humans to the humble fruit fly.

23 Nov 2017

Neuron News and Research

‘Sushi-like’ nanodiscs provide structural snapshots of misfolding proteins

Researchers explore how toxic protein clusters linked to Parkinson's disrupt brain cells

Aging brain's failure to coordinate deep-sleep brainwaves makes older adults forget

Scientists create atomic scale map that tracks how brain signals connect to neurons

Researchers use cryptographic techniques to decode activity of motor neurons

Salk scientists unravel mystery about how the spinal cord deals with different information

Scientists discover how axons in developing visual system stabilize their connections

Study shows how electrical stimulation in the brain instructs appropriate response

Research brings scientists one step closer to understanding development of ALS

New compound targets APOE gene to reduce Alzheimer's damage in mice

Researcher discovers enzyme pathway involved in ALS pathogenesis

Neurons have compatible shape, electrical properties for deep learning

Laser techniques could help revolutionize understanding of neurodegenerative diseases

Drug that stimulates neuron pruning promotes goal-directed behavior in mice

Nerve cell findings provide unique insights into neuromuscular conditions

New microscope optimized to perform studies using optogenetic techniques

Researchers solve 3D structure of primary optogenetic tool

Researchers reveal impact of RNA-binding protein on memory formation process

Study: Women may be more susceptible to concussions due to more breakable nerve fibers

Saving and erasure of memories depends on subtle brain signals, TSRI scientists find

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