Optogenetics News and Research

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Researchers discover brain pathways involved in sleep preparatory behavior in mice

Researchers have discovered the brain pathways involved in 'sleep preparatory behaviour' in mice, which is likely to also apply to humans.

21 Sep 2023

Cerebellum plays a key role in generalized convulsive seizures, study finds

Recurrent seizures are debilitating and can sometimes, be fatal. The onset and presentation of seizures vary significantly among epilepsy patients. Of more than 25 categories of seizure presentations within epilepsy, those with motor convulsions are perhaps the most disruptive and generally most feared among patients and caregivers.

2 Aug 2023

Living digital camera: scientists capture light patterns in DNA for image storage

Researchers described a technique of capturing two-dimensional (2D) light patterns into DNA.

6 Jul 2023

Study reveals neural circuits underlying adolescent stress-induced postpartum social behavior

Stress during adolescence can cause postpartum behavioral changes in women and other mammals, including depression and changes in social behavior after the birth of a child.

23 Jun 2023

BU researcher receives $2.8M grant to study serotonin's role in chronic stress and depression

Michael Wallace, PhD, assistant professor of anatomy & neurobiology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, was awarded a $2.8 million from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health.

23 Jun 2023

Neurons involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that are involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The

22 Jun 2023

Optogenetics can be a promising shock-free approach to treat atrial fibrillation

New research published in the Journal of Internal Medicine demonstrates that optogenetics-;which uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of targeted cells-;is a promising shock-free approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AF), or an irregular, often rapid heart rate, for immediate restoration of regular rhythm.

21 Jun 2023

Binge drinking during adolescence leads to long-lasting brain changes, research suggests

Heavy alcohol consumption may cause permanent dysregulation of neurons, or brain cells, in adolescents, according to a new study in mice.

9 Jun 2023

New insights into the importance of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors

The pandemic and its aftermath have raised anxiety to new levels. But the roots of anxiety-related conditions, including obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD), are still unclear.

5 Jun 2023

Activation of adult-born neurons restores cognitive, affective function in Alzheimer’s mouse models

People with Alzheimer's disease develop defects in cognitive functions like memory as well as problems with noncognitive functions that can lead to anxiety and depression.

6 Apr 2023

Researchers reveal the metabolic reactions upon activating Akt2 enzyme

Takeaki Ozawa and his team from the University of Tokyo reveal the metabolic reactions upon activating an enzyme called Akt2. In doing so, they reveal the inner workings of insulin-regulated metabolism.

21 Feb 2023

New optogenetic tool to study and modulate plasticity in the cerebellum

Light can trigger a signaling cascade in the cerebellum. This also illuminates processes that play an important role in cerebellar diseases.

1 Feb 2023

Novel experimental approach slows physical decline and extends the lives of roundworms

Scientists in aging research today report a novel experimental approach that slowed the rate of physical decline and lengthened the lives of roundworms commonly used in biological studies, C. elgans.

30 Dec 2022

Specialized MRI sensor can detect light deep within tissues

Using a specialized MRI sensor, MIT researchers have shown that they can detect light deep within tissues such as the brain.

22 Dec 2022

New method uses light to change long-term behavior of neurons

Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and MIT have developed a new method to target diseased neurons in the brain and change their long-term behavior using light, paving the way for potential new treatments for neurological conditions such as epilepsy and autism.

8 Dec 2022

Reversing paralysis with electrical stimulation of neurons

In a recent study published in the Nature journal, researchers assessed the impact of spatiotemporal epidural electrical stimulation (EES) on individuals suffering from chronic spinal cord damage.

13 Nov 2022

Memory: a revolutionary treatment for mental health disorders and neurodegeneration?

In this interview, we speak to Dr. Steve Ramirez about his latest neuroscience research that investigated the power of our memories.

2 Nov 2022

Study provides insight into how sleep and wakefulness regulate inhibitory synapses

Using a mouse model, researchers have discovered a new daily rhythm in a type of synapse that dampens brain activity.

1 Nov 2022

Wireless, battery-free pacemaker could make life easier for heart disease patients

Atrial fibrillation – a form of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia – leads to more than 454,000 hospitalizations and nearly 160,000 deaths in the United States each year. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 60 million people are affected by the condition.

28 Oct 2022

BU neuroscientists hope to uncover new ways to treat memory-related disorders

You may not realize it, but each time you recall a memory-;like your first time riding a bike or walking into your high school prom-;your brain changes the memory ever so slightly.

3 Oct 2022