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GABA

·October 8, 2012·2 min read

Discovery of Gatekeeper Nerve Cells Explains the Effect of Nicotine on Learning and Memory

Researchers discovered a new group of nerve cells that regulate processes of learning and memory. These cells act as gatekeepers and carry a receptor for nicotine, which can help explain our ability to remember and sort information. The newly discovered gatekeeper nerve cells, also called OLM-alpha2 cells, provide an explanation to how the flow of information is controlled in the hippocampus.

Autism Featured Neurology

·August 22, 2012·6 min read

Low-dose Sedative Alleviates Autistic-like Behavior in Mice with Dravet Syndrome Mutation

A low dose of the sedative clonazepam alleviated autistic-like behavior in mice with a mutation that causes Dravet syndrome in humans.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 8, 2012·4 min read

New Model Synapse Could Shed Light on Disorders Such as Epilepsy and Anxiety

A new way to study the role of a critical neurotransmitter in disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction has been developed. This model synapse can precisely control a variety of receptors for the neurotransmitter called GABA, which is important in brain chemistry.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 6, 2012·4 min read

Brain’s Stem Cells Eavesdrop to Find Out When to Act

Working with mice, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have figured out how stem cells found in a part of the brain responsible for learning, memory and mood regulation decide to remain dormant or create new brain cells. Apparently, the stem cells “listen in” on the chemical communication among nearby neurons to get an idea about what is stressing the system and when they need to act.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 12, 2012·2 min read

Naturally Occurring Protein Has a Role in Chronic Pain

Researchers in France and Sweden have discovered how one of the body’s own proteins is involved in generating chronic pain...

Featured Neurology

·March 15, 2012·3 min read

Stem Cells Hint at Potential Treatment for Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease, the debilitating congenital neurological disorder that progressively robs patients of muscle coordination and cognitive ability, is a condition...

Featured Neuroscience

·June 22, 2011·3 min read

Deconstructing Vision: Motion, Critical Windows and Curing Blindness in India

What if blind eyes could see? What does that mean? That’s the question neuroscientist Pawan Sinha and his team at...

Featured Genetics

·September 28, 2010·2 min read

Early Life Stresses Could Have Lasting Effects On GAD1 Gene

Neuroscience research published in September's Journal of Neuroscience suggests early life stresses may modify the GAD1 gene, which controls the production of GABA. Through their research on rats, researchers were able to note that those who experienced a lack of affection showed an obstruction within the DNA which controls the GAD1 gene. As it is believed that GABA deficits might be apparent within schizophrenic patients, researchers propose that the modification of GAD1 might determine a child's predisposition to mental illness.

Electrophysiology Neurology Neuroscience

·July 15, 2010·2 min read