Neuroscience News - AI, Neuroscience, Psychology Research

·April 30, 2020·2 min read

A potential treatment for chronic pain

A newly developed peptide called Tat-P4-(C5)2 is targets and only affects nerve changes that pose a problem resulting in chronic pain. Previous studies have also shown the peptide can also reduce addiction.

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·April 30, 2020·2 min read

Eyes send an unexpected signal to the brain

A new study puts into question conventional belief that the eyes communicate with the brain exclusively via one signaling pathway. Researchers have identified a subset of retinal neurons that sends inhibitory signals to the brain. This subset of neurons is also involved in the synchronization of circadian rhythms to light/dark cycles and pupil constriction to bright light intensity.

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·April 30, 2020·6 min read

Antibodies from Llamas Could Help in Fight Against COVID-19

Linking two copies of a specific antibody produced by llamas, researchers have created a new antibody that binds tightly to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The antibody, called VHH-72, blocks the virus from infecting cells in lab cultures. Researchers say this is one of the first antibodies found to neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. Animal studies are currently underway to test if the antibody is viable in the fight against coronavirus. If successful, the antibody therapy will move into human testing.

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·April 29, 2020·4 min read

Increased risk of language and cognition deficits in children whose mothers took SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy

Children exposed to SSRI antidepressants in utero had an increased risk of experiencing language and cognitive deficits in kindergarten.

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·April 29, 2020·4 min read

To prevent antimicrobial resistance, vaccinate the world’s kids

Immunization with the vaccines for pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus reduces the rates of acute respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections in small children, thus reducing the need for antibiotic medications. Researchers say if universal childhood vaccination is achieved, an additional 40 million cases of antibiotic-treated illnesses could be prevented each year.

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·April 29, 2020·5 min read

Implant-free optogenetics minimizes brain damage during neuronal stimulation

Researchers genetically engineered neurons to produce a newly developed, light-sensitive protein called SOUL. They then used optogenetic technology to shine a light through the skull and alter neural responses through an entire mouse brain.

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·April 29, 2020·4 min read

Breastfeeding helps prevent mothers from developing diabetes after childbirth

Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing diabetes, a new study reports. In mouse models, lactation improved glucose tolerance and increased beta-cell mass three weeks post-delivery. Prolactin produced as a result of lactation induced serotonin production of beta cells. Findings suggest serotonin mediates the long-term beneficial effects of lactation of female metabolic health by increasing beta-cell proliferation and reducing oxidative stress in beta-cells.

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·April 29, 2020·3 min read

Molecular switch plays crucial role in learning from negative experiences

Neuromedin U acts as a signaling molecule that allows neurons to communicate with each other, playing a key role in the recall of negative events.

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·April 29, 2020·5 min read

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

Researchers have honed in on a link between genetics, the gut microbiome, and memory. A new study identified a lactate as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger in mouse models. Mice fed Lactobacillus microbes had increased levels of GABA in their brains.

This shows the shadow of a man in a tunnel

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·April 29, 2020·5 min read

Drug reduces risk of pedophiles re-offending

Degarelix, a drug that reduces testosterone levels, shows potential in the treatment of pedophilic disorder. Men with a history of child sexual abuse who took the drug had reduced overall sexual desire and decreased attraction toward children, with noticeable effects within two weeks.

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·April 29, 2020·2 min read

Tobacco smoking increases lung entry points for COVID-19

Smoking remodels the gene expression of lung cells so that the ACE2 gene is more highly expressed in goblet cells. The effects of smoking on ACE2 pulmonary expression indicates an increase in the overall entry points for coronavirus and increases the risk for viral binding and entry of COVID-19 into the lungs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2020·2 min read

Feeling burned out? The contributors could be more related to depression than you think

Study contradicts the conventional belief that burnout is associated with workplace factors, and depressive symptoms are more heavily influenced by personal factors. Burnout, researchers say, is much more closely related to factors that drive depression than previously thought.