Astrocytes Identified as Target for New Depression Therapy
Neuroscientists found that astrocytes may be responsible for the rapid improvement in mood in depressed patients after acute sleep deprivation. This study identified how astrocytes can regulate a neurotransmitter involved in sleep.
Scientists Build a Microimplant that Uses a Laser to Control Individual Nerve Cells
Scientists developed an implant that is able to genetically modify specific nerve cells, control them with light stimuli, and measure their electrical activity all at the same time.
Large, Medically Important Class of Proteins Starts to Yield Its Secrets
Five recent research papers shed light on elusive G protein-coupled receptors. New techniques and insights used to solve the GPCR structures are discussed.
Short-term Memory is Based on Synchronized Brain Oscillations
Scientists have now discovered how different brain regions cooperate during short-term memory. Holding information within one’s memory for a short while is a seemingly simple and everyday task. We use our short-term memory when remembering a new telephone number if there is nothing to write at hand, or to find the beautiful dress inside the [...]
