FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 6, 2024·4 min readAstrocytes Hold the Key to Stress Response RegulationAstrocytes, previously known for supporting nerve cells, have been identified as key regulators of stress responses in the lateral septum of the brain. Researchers demonstrated that astrocytes release adenosine to suppress nearby nerve activity when exposed to stress-inducing stimuli. This groundbreaking finding reveals that astrocytes interact dynamically with neurons to influence fear, anxiety, and social behaviors, varying based on the stress type and brain region.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 3, 2024·5 min readCannabis Impacts Brain Plasticity via Astrocyte ReceptorsResearchers discovered that cannabis affects brain development by interacting with CB1 receptors on astrocytes, not just neurons. Using a mouse model, they showed that removing these receptors impaired the brain’s ability to adapt during critical periods of plasticity, particularly in the visual cortex.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 18, 2024·5 min readAstrocyte Transplantations Offer Hope for Treating Brain DisordersAstrocytes, critical brain cells, are often lost in neurodegenerative diseases, but recent research highlights the promise of astrocyte transplantation to restore brain function. These transplanted cells integrate into the host brain, forming normal synaptic connections and promoting regeneration, though factors like donor cell type and transplantation timing influence success.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 12, 2024·6 min readGlial Cells May Influence Depression and SchizophreniaNew research highlights neuroglia (or glia cells) as critical players in mental health, potentially influencing conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Glia cells, long considered "support cells" in the brain, have now been shown to communicate through unique calcium signaling, impacting neuronal function and stress responses. Studies suggest that compromised astrocyte function, a glial cell type, may relate to depressive symptoms and schizophrenia.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 11, 2024·4 min readAstrocytes Play Role in Deciding the Fate of MemoriesResearchers have uncovered a surprising role for astrocytes—cells surrounding neurons—in deciding which memories are kept or forgotten. By manipulating astrocytes in mice using optogenetics, scientists found that acidifying these cells after a traumatic experience leads to forgetting the memory over time, while alkalinizing them preserves it long-term. This suggests astrocytes significantly influence emotional memory retention and could inform treatments for conditions like PTSD.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 6, 2024·6 min readAstrocytes’ Role in Memory Storage and Recall UncoveredAstrocytes, non-neuronal brain cells, have been shown to work alongside neurons to store and recall memories, reshaping our understanding of memory mechanisms. Researchers found that specific astrocytes express the c-Fos gene during memory formation, influencing neuron communication to store memories.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 30, 2024·5 min readNew Astrocyte Target for Alzheimer’s TherapyResearchers have identified a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease by focusing on astrocytes, non-neuronal brain cells involved in waste removal. They found that astrocytic autophagy clears amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers, toxic proteins in Alzheimer’s patients, and helps restore cognitive functions.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·September 4, 2024·5 min readHow Astrocytes Can Become Nerve CellsA new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of brain cell, can transform into nerve cells through changes in DNA methylation. Researchers discovered that astrocytes in certain brain regions have a unique methylation pattern, allowing them to generate nerve cells.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 19, 2024·4 min readAstrocytes: The Unsung Heroes of Learning and MemoryAstrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the brain, play a crucial role in learning and memory by regulating synaptic plasticity. Researchers developed a biophysical model showing how astrocytes interact with nerve cells to facilitate rapid adaptation to new information.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 3, 2024·5 min readBrain Energy Boost Mechanism DiscoveredResearchers identified a key mechanism that detects when the brain needs an energy boost, involving astrocytes and the molecule adenosine. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity, particularly in combating cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 30, 2024·4 min readAstrocyte Receptors Impact Memory Differently in Men and WomenResearchers discovered that astrocyte receptors impact cognitive function differently in male and female preclinical models. The study reveals that astrocytic signaling cannot be assumed to have the same cognitive effects across sexes. This finding suggests that therapies targeting astrocytic receptors may need to consider sex-specific impacts.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 15, 2024·5 min readResilience to Dementia: Having Alzheimer’s Pathology with No SymptomsA new study found that some individuals show no Alzheimer's symptoms despite having the disease's brain processes. This "resilient" group has unique molecular and cellular characteristics, including higher antioxidant production by astrocytes and less active microglia pathways.Read More
