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electrophysiology

·July 26, 2012·2 min read

Ion Selectivity in Neuronal Signaling Channels Evolved Twice in Animals

Scientists have now revealed that voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for neuronal signaling in the nerves of animals, evolved twice in higher and lower animals.

Electrophysiology Featured

·July 25, 2012·2 min read

Cylindrical Cell Structure Parts May Aid in Targeting Diseases Such as Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

The model of microtubule assembly that most people accept shows the individual subunits, dimers of the protein tubulin, just adding to the grow cylinder. But another model indicates that tubulin dimmers first form an open sheet structure that later closes into the cylinder. Xing and his team concluded that their computational study of the models indicate that the second model should be seriously considered for further testing.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 23, 2012·3 min read

Synthetic Stimulants Called Bath Salts Act in the Brain Like Cocaine

Results of a new study offer compelling evidence for the first time that mephedrone, like cocaine, does have potential for abuse and addiction. “The effects of mephedrone on the brain’s reward circuits are comparable to similar doses of cocaine,” Dr. Malanga, a professor of neurology, pediatrics and psychology at UNC School of Medicine said. “As expected our research shows that mephedrone likely has significant abuse liability.”

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2012·6 min read

Scientists Read Monkeys’ Inner Thoughts

By decoding brain activity, scientists were able to 'see' that 2 monkeys were planning to approach the same reaching task differently - even before they moved a muscle.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 18, 2012·2 min read

Protein Build-Up Leads to Neurons Misfiring

Using a two-photon microscope capable of peering deep within living tissue, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found new evidence that alpha-synuclein protein build-up inside neurons causes them to not only become leaky, but also to misfire due to calcium fluxes.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 12, 2012·10 min read

Large, Medically Important Class of Proteins Starts to Yield Its Secrets

Five recent research papers shed light on elusive G protein-coupled receptors. New techniques and insights used to solve the GPCR structures are discussed.

Electrophysiology Featured Psychology

·July 11, 2012·7 min read

Why the Thrill is Gone: Scientists Identify Potential Target for Treating Major Symptom of Depression

Scientists have laid bare a novel molecular mechanism responsible for the major depression symptom, anhedonia, the loss of the ability to experience pleasure. The brain circuit involved in this newly elucidated pathway is largely identical between rodents and humans, upping the odds that the findings point toward new therapies for depression and other disorders. Additionally, opinion leaders hailed the study’s inventive methodology, saying it may offer a much sounder approach to testing new antidepressants.

Electrophysiology Featured

·July 5, 2012·4 min read

Robot Vision: Muscle-Like Action Allows Camera to Mimic Human Eye Movement

Using piezoelectric materials, researchers have replicated the muscle motion of the human eye to control camera systems in a way designed to improve the operation of robots. This new muscle-like action could help make robotic tools safer and more effective for MRI-guided surgery and robotic rehabilitation.