FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·August 21, 2019·4 min read‘Key player’ identified in genetic link to psychiatric conditionsCYFIP1 plays a key role in the damaging effects of 15q11.2 deletion. When CYFIP1 is missing, myelin abnormalities occur. The findings shed light on how psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism, may develop.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·February 15, 2019·3 min read‘Lack of Cleaning’ in Brain Cells is Central to Alzheimer’sResearchers report dysfunctional mitophagy may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. When mitophagy is improved, symptoms of Alzheimer's almost disappeared in animal models of the disease.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·June 10, 2019·7 min read‘Like Looking at a Miracle’: Baby Blossoms Thanks to Gene Therapy For Spinal Muscular AtrophyZolgensma, an FDA approved gene therapy, supplements the production of the SMN protein to improve motor neuron function in children with spinal muscular atrophy after just one dose.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 31, 2019·4 min read‘Love hormone’ has stomach-turning effect in starfishOxytocin, a hormone commonly associated with love and bonding in humans, causes starfish to turn their stomachs inside-out to feed. The findings provide vital new evidence for the evolutionary role of oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptides as regulators of feeding in animals.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 22, 2021·4 min read‘Mini Brain’ Organoids Grown in Lab Mature Much Like Infant BrainsBrain organoids, or mini-brains, created from human stem cells appear to develop in much the same way as a human brain. The organoids follow an internal clock that guides their maturation in sync with the timeline for human brain development.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·February 12, 2016·3 min read‘Mini Brains’ Created to Study Neurological DiseasesResearchers report they have successfully developed 'mini-brains' made up of the many neurons and cells in the human brain. The mini brains could allow for better research and reduce the need for animal testing.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 18, 2018·2 min read‘Missing in Action’ Multiple Sclerosis Genes DiscoveredResearchers have identified four new genes that act independently as risk factors for multiple sclerosis.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·March 20, 2018·4 min read‘Missing Mutation’ Found in Severe Infant EpilepsyResearchers establish SCN3A genetic mutations cause infantile epileptic encephalopathy.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsPsychology·September 18, 2017·3 min read‘My Genes Made Me Do It’: Behavioral Genetic Evidence in Criminal CourtDespite growing evidence linking genetics to some criminal behavior, researchers report using genetic evidence is a court room is likely not to be an effective tool in persuading juries that a defendant is less culpable for their actions.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·April 11, 2017·6 min read‘Neuron-Reading’ Nanowires Could Accelerate Development of Drugs for Neurological DiseasesResearchers have developed nanowires that can record the electrical activity of neurons in fine detail. The technology will allow for better investigation as to how the brain works.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·August 12, 2020·4 min read‘Reelin’ in a New Treatment for Multiple SclerosisDecreasing the amount of Reelin significantly protected against disease symptoms and promoted recovery in symptomatic animal models of multiple sclerosis. Reelin levels appear to correlate with MS severity and stages. Researchers report lowering levels of the protein could be a potential avenue of treatment for the autoimmune disorder.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 25, 2021·3 min read‘Rejuvenating’ the Alzheimer’s BrainMicroRNA-132 regulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus, according to both mouse and human tissue studies. Restoring levels of microRNA-132 in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease reduces neurogenetic deficits and restores cognitive abilities, researchers say.Read More
