Mouse brain region processes sound and motion at the same time
Movement and sound are processed simultaneously in the inferior colliculus, a new mouse study reveals.... Read More...
eLife
Chronic adversity dampens dopamine production
Those who experience chronic adversity throughout life have impaired ability to produce sufficient dopamine levels to help them cope with stressful situations.... Read More...
How we perceive vibrations through touch
Regardless of receptor types, spiking patterns determine vibrotactile frequency perception. The findings challenge existing theories about how Pacinian receptor channels work together in response to vibrotactile stimulation. ... Read More...
Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections
A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia. ... Read More...
Impaired learning linked to family history of Alzheimer’s
People with a family history of Alzheimer's disease perform worse on learning tasks than those without a genetic link to the disease. The learning impairments appear to be exacerbated by the APOE E4 gene and diabetes.... Read More...
Brain imaging may help identify teens at risk of increasing alcohol use
Neuroimaging study reveals teens with more gray matter in the caudate nucleus and left cerebellum were at increased risk of problem alcohol use over time. The findings reinforce the idea that brain structure differences may contribute to both psychiatric and substance use disorders.... Read More...
New Insight on How the Nose Adapts to Smells
A new study sheds light on how our sense of smell is affected by the decrease of neurons in our noses as we age.... Read More...
New Insight into Genetic Mutations Associated with Autism
Using CRISPR gene editing technology, researchers discover increased activity in neurons deficient in the CNTN5 or EHMT2 genes may cause ASD related characteristics in humans.... Read More...
Brain Hand Map is Maintained in Amputees with and Without Phantom Limb Sensations
A new MRI study reveals the brain retains neural 'fingerprints' of a missing hand, decades after amputation and regardless of whether the person experiences phantom limb sensations. ... Read More...
Antibiotic Could Protect Against Neurodegenerative Diseases During Aging
A new study reveals minocycline, a popular antibiotic, can help extend lifespan and improve protein balance in aging worms. Researchers say the protective mechanism of the medication could be exploited to help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's in humans.... Read More...
Dopamine Drives Early Addiction to Heroin
Researchers have identified a significant role dopamine plays in the development of heroin addiction. The study reports dopamine appears to directly cause drug reinforcement and, when dopamine neurons are silenced, mice are less likely to self administer the drug.... Read More...
Gene Signatures Predict Outcome After Spinal Cord Injury
Researchers report specific gene signatures can help to predict functional recovery following spinal cord injury. ... Read More...