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.
Scientists Develop Drug that Slows Alzheimer’s in Mice
A drug developed by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, known as J147, reverses memory deficits and slows Alzheimer’s disease in aged mice following short-term treatment.
North Carolina Coal Plant Emissions Might Play Role in State Suicide Numbers
A new study points to a correlation between suicide rates and environmental pollution caused by emissions from coal-fired electricity plants in North Carolina.
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.
Cocaine Vaccine Passes Key Testing Hurdle
Researchers have successfully tested a new vaccine in primates to battle cocaine addiction. Using neuroimaging techniques, they demonstrated the vaccine prevents cocaine from reaching the brain and producing a dopamine induced high. Human trials could begin within the next year.
Sense of Touch Reproduced Through Prosthetic Hand
Artificial sensors in a prosthetic hand allows rhesus macaques to sense tactile stimulus, according to a new study. A similar device could be used in human trials within the next year, researchers hope.
Preclinical Study Shows Heroin Vaccine Blocks Relapse
Scientists reported successful preclinical tests in rats of a new vaccine against heroin addiction. The vaccine targets heroin and its psychoactive breakdown products in the bloodstream, blocking relapse.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Researchers describe in detail the underlying neurobiology of the “world’s second most famous amnesiac”, EP, who suffered profound memory loss after damage to key portions of his brain.
Scientists Reverse Memory Loss in Animal Brain Cells
Using the nerve cells of sea snails, researchers reverse memory loss by determining when cells were primed for learning. Retraining cells with the use of an optimized training schedule helped compensate for memory loss.
Bad Decisions Arise from Faulty Information, Not Faulty Brain Circuits
Researchers conclude that poor quality information is to blame for bad decision making, not faults with neural processing.
