Physicist’s Tool has Potential for Brain Mapping
Researchers have developed a fiber-optic, two-photon optogenetic simulator which can be used to stimulate a light sensitive protein introduced into neurons and living cells in the brain. The researchers suggest this technology would be a useful tool for the BRAIN mapping initiative.
New Drug Enhances Radiation Treatment for Brain Cancer in Preclinical Studies
A new drug could help increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most deadly form of brain cancer. The ATM kinase inhibitor, in combination with radiation therapy, helped significantly extend survival rates in mouse models of GBM.
Out of Sync: Body Clocks Altered at Cell Level in Depression
Researchers discover evidence of altered circadian rhythms and disrupted brain gene orchestration in patients with major depression.
Scientists Show How Nerve Wiring Self-Destructs
Researchers have discovered a way in which the body can remove injured axons. They also identified a potential target for new drugs which could prevent the inappropriate loss of axons, as well as maintain nerve function.
Stem Cell Researchers Move Toward Treatment for Rare Genetic Nerve Disease
Researchers use induced pluripotent stem cells to advance disease-in-a-dish modeling of ataxia telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder associated with progressive loss of function in the cerebellum. Their discovery shows the positive effects of drugs that may lead to effective new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease.
Game-Changing Discovery of Gene Mutation That Causes Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks Offers New Hope
Researchers discover Sturge-Weber syndrome, a neurological and skin disorder, is caused by a genetic mutation which occurs prior to birth.
New Study Identifies Two Genes That Combine to Cause Rare Syndrome
Researchers find genetic mutations which appear to underlie a rare syndrome which combines reproductive failure with cerebella ataxi and dementia.
Scientists Find Potential Therapeutic Target for Cushing’s Disease
Researchers have identified that the TR4 protein, which regulates a gene that produces ACTH, drives the formation of pituitary tumors in Cushing’s disease.
Scientists Identify Critical Link In Mammalian Odor Detection
Researchers have identified the Ggamma13 protein is critical for the ability for mammals to detect odors. “Knockout” mice which lacked this protein were functionally anosmic, unable to smell. The study could provide insight into possible underlying causes of certain smell disorders in humans.
Scientists Create Novel Approach to Find RNAs Involved in Long-term Memory Storage
Researchers question why numerous different RNAs are transported to synapses. One reason, they suggest, is that they are stored to later help maintain long-term memory.
