FeaturedNeuroscience·September 7, 2023·5 min readIs the Blood-Brain Barrier a Key to Behavior?The blood-brain barrier (BBB) in carpenter ants isn't just a protective boundary, but actively shapes ant behavior. The BBB produces an enzyme called Juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe) that degrades the Juvenile Hormone (JH3), which promotes foraging behavior.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·July 12, 2023·7 min readUnlocking the Secrets of the Blood-Brain BarrierNew research reveals crucial insights about the blood-brain barrier's permeability. Using zebrafish and mice models, researchers identified a neuron-originating signal pivotal for the barrier's formation and maintenance.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 21, 2023·3 min readTiny Polystyrene Particles Detected in the Brain Just Two Hours After IngestionTwo hours after ingestion, tiny particles of polystyrene, a widely used plastic commonly used for food packing, can be detected in the brain. These plastic particles can increase the risk of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·March 9, 2023·4 min readTransporting Antibodies Across the Blood–Brain Barrier to Treat Alzheimer’s DiseaseResearchers have developed a new method that uses antibody fragments encapsulated in nanomicelles which can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce levels of amyloid-beta in the brains of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·February 27, 2023·3 min readResearchers Detail Changes in the Blood-Brain Barrier Related to Alzheimer’s DiseaseIn those with Alzheimer's disease, the choroid plexus becomes enlarged and has increased accumulation of abnormal inflammatory signatures.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 17, 2023·6 min readAchieving a Better Understanding of How the Blood-Brain Barrier WorksResearchers have created a new model of the blood-brain barrier that can mimic fluid flow to and from the brain.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 17, 2022·5 min readWhy Does the Alzheimer’s Brain Become Insulin-Resistant?Insulin binding receptors are predominantly located in the microvessels within the blood-brain barrier. In patients with Alzheimer's, the abundance of these receptors is decreased. This decrease could lead to the loss of insulin response in the Alzheimer's brain.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·November 22, 2022·4 min readGene-Delivering Viruses Reach the Brain in Step Toward Gene Therapy for Neurological DiseasesResearchers have developed a family of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver gene therapies directly to the brain.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeuroscience·November 16, 2022·8 min readImplanted Pump Safely Delivered Chemo Straight to the Brain in Patients With Brain CancerA new implantable pump system safely and effectively bypasses the blood-brain barrier to deliver chemotherapy drugs to those with glioblastoma brain cancer.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 15, 2022·6 min readNew Role for Blood-Brain Barrier in Neuron Function and DamageThe signals that originate in the cells of the blood-brain barrier also play a direct role in controlling what happens to the neurons the barrier is protecting.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeuroscience·June 1, 2022·5 min readEngineers Develop Nanoparticles That Cross the Blood-Brain BarrierResearchers have developed drug-carrying nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for more effective delivery to the brain than conventional medications. The nanoparticles can get into tumors and kill glioblastoma brain cancer cells.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 22, 2022·4 min readNew Discoveries About the Origin of the Brain’s Immune SystemNew findings reveal phagocytes do not fully mature until after birth, contradicting previous assumptions that they mature during embryonic development.Read More
