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astrocytes

·October 15, 2025·6 min read

Astrocytes, Not Neurons, Hold the Key to Emotional Memory

New research reveals that astrocytes — not neurons — are responsible for stabilizing emotional memories by re-engaging during recall. After an emotionally intense event, such as fear, specific astrocytes become biologically tagged with adrenoreceptors, making them responsive when the memory is later reactivated.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 25, 2025·4 min read

Infant Brain Gene Regulator May Predispose Adults to Dementia

A new study reveals that the brain’s vulnerability to disorders like multiple sclerosis and dementia may begin in early life. Researchers identified a developmental “switch” in astrocytes, the brain’s support cells, governed by the NR3C1 gene.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 4, 2025·5 min read

Astrocyte Disruption Tied to Depression After Childhood Stress

Researchers have shown that astrocytes in the lateral hypothalamus play a pivotal role in how stress shapes behavior, particularly after early-life adversity. In mice, stress led to smaller, less branched astrocytes and abnormal orexin neuron activity, with sex-specific patterns in activity levels.

This shows a Brain surrounded by glial cells.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 1, 2025·6 min read

New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms

A new study reveals that astrocyte-derived GABA, not neuronal activity, plays a central role in PTSD by impairing the brain’s ability to extinguish traumatic memories. Researchers found this excess GABA originates from the enzyme MAOB in astrocytes and disrupts fear regulation in the medial prefrontal cortex.

This illustrates how astrocytes assist in GABA neurotransmission.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 26, 2025·7 min read

How Astrocytes Keep Neural Teams in Sync

Astrocytes, long overshadowed by neurons, are proving vital to how the brain processes information. A new study shows that astrocytes use a protein called Gat3 to manage ambient GABA levels, helping neurons work together to encode visual input.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 22, 2025·6 min read

Synaptic Tau and Astrocytes Drive PSP Progression

ew research uncovers how tau pathology spreads and damages synapses in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Using human postmortem tissue and live brain slice models, scientists showed tau accumulates in both pre- and postsynaptic terminals, likely propagating neuron-to-neuron.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 8, 2025·6 min read

Astrocytes Take the Lead: Hidden Stars of Brain Rhythms Revealed

New research highlights how astrocytes, long considered mere support cells, actively shape brain network dynamics. Using computational models and machine learning, researchers showed astrocytes fine-tune synchronized neural activity crucial for memory, attention, and sleep.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 7, 2025·3 min read

Astrocytes in Obesity: Brain Cells That Control Metabolism & Cognition

A new study reveals that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells in the striatum, are key players in how obesity alters brain function and metabolism. Researchers showed that manipulating astrocyte activity in obese mice improved their cognitive flexibility and metabolic regulation.

This shows a person on a treadmill and neurons.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 13, 2025·5 min read

Exercise Rewires Alzheimer’s-Affected Brain Cells

Using cutting-edge RNA sequencing, researchers mapped how exercise affects specific brain cell types in a model of Alzheimer’s disease. They found that physical activity alters gene activity in microglia and a newly identified type of astrocyte linked to blood vessels, which may protect memory.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 29, 2025·8 min read

Astrocytes May Hold the Key to Brain’s Vast Memory Capacity

New research proposes that astrocytes—long thought to be merely supportive cells—may significantly enhance the brain’s ability to store memories. Unlike neurons, astrocytes cannot fire electrical signals but can influence synaptic activity through calcium signaling and gliotransmitters.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·6 min read

Astrocytes Control Behavior Through Slow Brain Signaling

Astrocytes, once thought to be mere support cells, are now shown to play a leading role in regulating behavior by modulating neuronal activity through slow biochemical circuits. In zebrafish, researchers discovered that astrocytes respond to norepinephrine by releasing ATP, which is then broken down into adenosine—an important neuromodulator that signals neurons to stop swimming when progress is futile.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·6 min read

Astrocytes Take Center Stage in Brain Function and Behavior

Long thought to be mere support cells, astrocytes are now shown to play a powerful, dynamic role in regulating brain function and behavior. New research in fruit flies and rodents reveals that astrocytes don’t just support neurons—they selectively respond to neurotransmitters and influence which neural signals are prioritized.

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astrocytes

Astrocytes, Not Neurons, Hold the Key to Emotional Memory

Infant Brain Gene Regulator May Predispose Adults to Dementia

Astrocyte Disruption Tied to Depression After Childhood Stress

New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms

How Astrocytes Keep Neural Teams in Sync

Synaptic Tau and Astrocytes Drive PSP Progression

Astrocytes Take the Lead: Hidden Stars of Brain Rhythms Revealed

Astrocytes in Obesity: Brain Cells That Control Metabolism & Cognition

Exercise Rewires Alzheimer’s-Affected Brain Cells

Astrocytes May Hold the Key to Brain’s Vast Memory Capacity

Astrocytes Control Behavior Through Slow Brain Signaling

Astrocytes Take Center Stage in Brain Function and Behavior

Shocking Disparities: Women Face Higher Risk of ECT

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