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Advanced brain mapping reveals neuronal subtypes and their connections

Scientists at the Salk Institute are unveiling a new brain-mapping neurotechnology called Single Transcriptome Assisted Rabies Tracing (START). The cutting-edge tool combines two advanced technologies - monosynaptic rabies virus tracing and single-cell transcriptomics - to map the brain's intricate neuronal connections with unparalleled precision.

30 Sep 2024

Two genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's trigger microglial inflammation in females

Weill Cornell Medicine investigators have found that two genetic variants that confer high risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) together trigger a harmful inflammatory response in the brain's immune cells, particularly in females, in a preclinical model.

30 Sep 2024

New insights into astrocytes offer hope for Alzheimer's treatment

A research team led by Dr. Hoon Ryu from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh) Brain Disease Research Group, in collaboration with Director Justin C. Lee of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS, President Do-Young Noh) and Professor Junghee Lee from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has uncovered a new mechanism involving astrocytes for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and proposed a novel therapeutic target.

30 Sep 2024

New genetic mutation may cause a form of early-onset Parkinsonism

A team of scientists led by Prof. Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) has identified a new genetic mutation that may cause a form of early-onset Parkinsonism.

26 Sep 2024

Research uncovers mechanism of psychedelic-induced anxiety reduction

A classic psychedelic, similar to LSD, psilocybin and mescalin, was found to activate a cell type in the brain that silences other neighboring neurons, a result that provides insight into how such drugs reduce anxiety, according to a new study.

24 Sep 2024

Study uncovers decision-making impairments linked to Parkinson's drug

Parkinson's disease (PD), also known simply as Parkinson's, is a disorder of the nervous system that affects millions of people worldwide.

24 Sep 2024

New insights into how the brain processes the concept of zero

Despite its importance for mathematics, the neuronal basis of the number zero in the human brain was previously unknown.

24 Sep 2024

Innovative ALS study receives $22 million grant for experimental drug

Mayo Clinic in Florida has received a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIDS) to begin an innovative study that will provide hundreds of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) access to the experimental drug ibudilast over six months.

24 Sep 2024

Breakthrough research reveals key role of melatonin receptor in REM sleep

A significant breakthrough in the understanding of sleep mechanism opens new promise for treating sleep disorders and associated neuropsychiatric conditions: Scientists have pinpointed the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

23 Sep 2024

Hypothalamic ECM remodeling drives insulin resistance, contributing to obesity and diabetes

Researchers have discovered that remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the hypothalamus, specifically around AgRP neurons, drives insulin resistance and metabolic disease. Disrupting this ECM buildup improves insulin sensitivity and may be a promising treatment for obesity and diabetes.

19 Sep 2024

Cellular sludge around hunger neurons linked to worsening diabetes and obesity

Investigating ECM changes in the hypothalamus reveals mechanisms behind insulin resistance, offering insights into obesity and metabolic disease treatment.

19 Sep 2024

Researchers uncover receptor that dampens sensory input

Signals in our brain are not always processed in the same way: Certain receptors modulate these mechanisms, influencing our mood, perception, and behavior in various ways. One of these is the 5-HT2A receptor, which has a recently discovered unique characteristic.

18 Sep 2024

New biomarkers offer hope for early detection and prevention of Alzheimer's

The failure to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, at an early stage of molecular pathology is considered a major reason why treatments fail in clinical trials. Previous research to molecularly diagnose Alzheimer's disease yielded "A/T/N" central biomarkers based on the measurements of proteins, β-amyloid ("A") and tau ("T"), and "N" encompassing neurodegeneration. A/T/N can be measured in brain tissue, by in vivo brain imaging techniques, and by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.

18 Sep 2024