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Study shows frequent mitochondrial DNA insertion in the brain cells

As direct descendants of ancient bacteria, mitochondria have always been a little alien.

22 Aug 2024

The critical role of PGK1 in Parkinson's disease

An enzyme called PGK1 has an unexpectedly critical role in the production of chemical energy in brain cells, according to a preclinical study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. The investigators found that boosting its activity may help the brain resist the energy deficits that can lead to Parkinson's disease.

21 Aug 2024

ASTN2 gene knockout in mice reveals key autism-related behaviors

More than 70 genes have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition in which differences in the brain lead to a host of altered behaviors, including issues with language, social communication, hyperactivity, and repetitive movements.

16 Aug 2024

Study: Early brain wiring driven by spontaneous cellular activity

In humans, the process of learning is driven by different groups of cells in the brain firing together. For instance, when the neurons associated with the process of recognizing a dog begin to fire in a coordinated manner in response to the cells that encode the features of a dog - four legs, fur, a tail, etc. - a young child will eventually be able to identify dogs going forward.

16 Aug 2024

New insights into lipid-induced senescence in dopaminergic neurons

A new research perspective was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), Volume 16, Issue 14 on July 19, 2024, entitled, "Lipid accumulation drives cellular senescence in dopaminergic neurons."

13 Aug 2024

MUSC researchers uncover the surprising role of the dorsal peduncular nucleus in opioid addiction

Opioids, like the commonly prescribed pain reliever oxycodone, are known for being highly addictive. In 2022, nearly 85,000 people died from an opioid overdose in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease control.

12 Aug 2024

Researchers uncover mechanism for storing and using visual knowledge in the brain

Our brain interprets visual information by combining what we see with what we already know. A study published in the journal Neuron by researchers at the Champalimaud Foundation, and supported by the CaixaResearch Health Call of the la Caixa Foundation, reveals a mechanism for learning and storing this existing knowledge about the world.

12 Aug 2024

Study sheds light on neuronal synchronization and conscious experience

For decades, scientists have focused on how the brain processes information in a hierarchical manner, with different brain areas specialized for different tasks.

12 Aug 2024

Can odors help fight infection? Nematode research suggests so

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, used the nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans to determine whether the olfactory nervous system could non-autonomously control the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in response to cellular stress.

12 Aug 2024

Research finds synaptic strength key to maintaining memory in old age

Over the course of life, memory fades with varying degrees, robbing older people of the ability to recollect personal experiences.

7 Aug 2024

Accelerated neuronal development linked to intellectual disabilities and autism

The mechanisms underlying intellectual disabilities or autism remain largely unknown. Researchers in the labs of Prof. Pierre Vanderhaeghen and Prof. Vincent Bonin at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research and NERF have discovered that mutations in a gene called SYNGAP1 disrupt the prolonged development of human neurons, which is thought to be essential for normal cognitive function.

6 Aug 2024

Rapid, noninvasive tool tracks neurons and biomolecules activated in the brain by psychedelic drugs

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a rapid, noninvasive tool to track the neurons and biomolecules activated in the brain by psychedelic drugs.

5 Aug 2024

Psychedelics' dark side: New model reveals risks of false insights and beliefs

Researchers introduce the FIBUS model to explain how psychedelics can lead to false insights and beliefs, highlighting the need for careful clinical evaluation to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

4 Aug 2024

Understanding brain coupling in conversations through linguistic context

When two people interact, their brain activity becomes synchronized, but it was unclear until now to what extent this "brain-to-brain coupling" is due to linguistic information or other factors, such as body language or tone of voice.

2 Aug 2024

High-resolution brain maps reveal vascular blueprint for healthy aging

Healthy blood vessels matter for more than just heart health. Vascular well-being is critical for brain health and potentially in addressing age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, according to new study led by Penn State researchers. The findings point to an understudied but possible key role the brain's vascular network - or energy infrastructure - plays in the onset of neurodegenerative disease.

31 Jul 2024

MS Australia unveils new grants to revolutionize multiple sclerosis diagnosis and care

MS Australia has announced new research funding to address disease progression, social needs, and biological signs of MS through three innovative incubator grants. These grants aim to improve diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing fresh ideas to meet unmet needs in MS care.

30 Jul 2024

UW research contradicts Musk's vision of high-resolution implants

Elon Musk recently declared on X that Blindsight, a cortical implant to restore vision, would have low resolution at first "but may ultimately exceed normal human vision." That pronouncement is unrealistic at best, according to new research from the University of Washington.

30 Jul 2024

Scientists explore early life factors contributing to SMA

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurological disease for which there is presently no cure, although current therapies can alleviate symptoms. In the search for better treatment options, scientists at DZNE and the Dresden University of Technology are now drawing attention to previously unnoticed abnormalities in embryonic development. They base their argument on studies of so-called organoids: Laboratory-grown tissue cultures that can reconstruct disease processes. Their findings are published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

27 Jul 2024

New brain atlas reveals hidden cell vulnerabilities in Alzheimer's

Researchers created a detailed transcriptomic atlas of six brain regions, revealing cell-type-specific and region-specific vulnerabilities in Alzheimer's disease and highlighting astrocyte genes linked to cognitive resilience.

25 Jul 2024

Breakthrough research identifies fibrin as key factor in preterm brain bleeds

Mark Petersen, MD, has seen firsthand the devastating effects of brain bleeds in premature babies. It's an exceedingly common condition that affects up to 20 percent of infants born before 28 weeks of gestation, bringing an increased risk for developmental delays and autism.

24 Jul 2024