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Research suggests two protein coding genes can predict severe COVID-19

In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* pre-print server, researchers demonstrated that two genes, GTPase, IMAP Family Member 7 (GIMAP7), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), have the potential to predict severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with ~90% accuracy.

8 Jun 2022

Discovery of small protein’s structure could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders

Scientists have, for the first time, revealed at the atomic level the structure of a protein that carries one of the body's most important neurotransmitters into neurons.

8 Jun 2022

Age exacerbates COVID neuroimmunological symptoms

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago investigated whether aging exacerbated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection-induced neuropsychiatric disorders.

6 Jun 2022

Molecular 'connector' may underlie gender differences in cocaine’s effects, mice study shows

Scientists have long known that cocaine works by latching on to molecular connectors on the surface of brain cells, allowing dopamine, a chemical that promotes feelings of pleasure and reward, to accumulate in the space between brain cells.

3 Jun 2022

Researchers discover mechanisms underlying T-cell receptor's immunosuppressive function

Investigators have discovered the mechanisms underlying a T-cell receptor's immunosuppressive function, according to a study published Nature Immunology, findings that may provide insight into the development of novel precision therapeutics for chronic diseases, including cancer.

25 May 2022

Antibiotic rifampicin attenuates C9orf72-linked dementia in genetically modified mice

What did Stephen Hawking and Mao Zedong have in common? They both suffered from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a cure for which remains elusive. Scientists from Osaka Metropolitan University took an important step toward prevention of ALS and another brain disorder called Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with their research on the effects of the antibiotic rifampicin on genetically modified mice.

23 May 2022

A nano-sized neuromorphic memory device simultaneously emulates neurons and synapses

Researchers have reported a nano-sized neuromorphic memory device that emulates neurons and synapses simultaneously in a unit cell, another step toward completing the goal of neuromorphic computing designed to rigorously mimic the human brain with semiconductor devices.

20 May 2022

Researchers discover how one type of T cell creates functionally distinct, but genetically identical daughter cells

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have solved an immunology puzzle. A CD8+ T cell can have two functionally distinct daughter cells after it divides, despite the cells being genetically identical.

20 May 2022

Repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to schizophrenia risk

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have found that repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to an individual's risk of developing schizophrenia.

12 May 2022

Changes in gut microbiome impact depression

Over the last five years, the effects of the gut microbiome on depression have gained scientific attention, resulting in a significant increase in research papers.

8 May 2022

Impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on development of fetal auditory system

In a new study, researchers assessed the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy and the consequent impact on the auditory system of the infants.

6 May 2022

Type I interferon found to be major driver of memory, cognitive loss in Alzheimer's disease mouse model

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, progressively impairs memory, concentration and the ability to learn new things and accomplish everyday activities.

19 Apr 2022

Levels of little-studied enzyme found to decline with age and more dramatically with Alzheimer’s

A little-studied enzyme has been found in high levels in healthy neurons, levels that scientists say decline with age and more dramatically with Alzheimer's, making adjusting the enzyme's level a potential treatment for both.

19 Apr 2022

New study pinpoints how immune checkpoint protein LAG3 modulates T cell activity

Fighting cancer and chronic disease is tiring work for the immune system. When T cells are engaged in this kind of lengthy battle, they can become exhausted, or unable to function properly.

18 Apr 2022

A complete transcriptomic analysis of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease

An international group of researchers led by the UAB analyzed the genes that are expressed in neurons and astrocytes based on data from 800 individuals and compared what happens in Alzheimer's patients and in people without diagnosed dementia.

18 Mar 2022

Researchers find turbocharger for memory in the brain cells of mice

Scientists have long known that learning requires the flow of calcium into and out of brain cells. But researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have now discovered that floods of calcium originating from within neurons can also boost learning.

17 Mar 2022

Study offers insight into molecular biology of the brain in bipolar disorder patients

In a comprehensive study involving one of the largest-ever samples of post-mortem brains, scientists at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, in collaboration with researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, have pinpointed significant differences in gene expression in two specific regions of the brains of hundreds of patients who had bipolar disorder.

7 Mar 2022

Researchers show how the biological system can be steered with artificial organic neurons

For the first time, researchers demonstrate an artificial organic neuron, a nerve cell, that can be integrated with a living plant and an artificial organic synapse.

23 Feb 2022

Scientists use entire human GI tracts to shed light on cellular functions

If you get nervous, you might feel it in your gut. If you eat chili, your gut might revolt, but your friend can eat anything and feel great. You can pop ibuprofen like candy with no ill effects, but your friend's belly might bleed and she might get no pain relief.

21 Feb 2022

Imaging microscopy shows killer T-cells targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Researchers demonstrate how cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) with specificity for SARS-CoV-2 eliminate multiple infected targets.

30 Jan 2022