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Genetics

The image shows the thermosensitve afferents of TRPM8.

·February 13, 2013·2 min read

Scientists Turn Off the Ability to Feel Cold

Researchers have isolated chills at a cellular level, identifying the sensory network of neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold. By better understanding the specific ways in which we feel sensations, scientists hope to one day develop better pain treatments without knocking out all ability to feel for suffering patients.

The image shows two soldiers performing a computer test,

Featured Psychology

·February 13, 2013·3 min read

Gene Associated with High Anxiety Can Have Protective Effect on the Battlefield

Through a combination of genetic and psychological testing, researchers have identified factors that mitigate against PTSD. In combat, soldiers who avoided threats were more likely to develop PTSD as a result of traumatic experiences, the study found.

The image shows a coronal MRI scan of a patient with ALS.

Featured Neurology

·February 12, 2013·3 min read

Novel Protein May Help Detect Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Dementia

Researchers discover an abnormal protein that accumulates in the brains of patients affected with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The findings have uncovered a potentially new therapeutic target and biomarker that would allow clinicians to confirm diagnosis of the diseases.

Corticogenesis with six cortical layers is shown.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology

·February 11, 2013·3 min read

Genes for Autism and Schizophrenia Only Active in Developing Brains

Genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during the early stages of brain development, according to a study in mice led by researchers at the University of Oxford.

The image shows Gage Crump, head research for this project.

Featured Genetics

·February 11, 2013·3 min read

Researchers Uncover Genetic Clues Which may Lead to Better Understanding of Organ Development and Birth Defects

Researchers have discovered clues to the development of the head at the cellular level, which could point scientists to a better understanding of how organs and birth defects form in humans.

The photograph shows a bulldog with a sad looking face.

Featured Genetics

·February 8, 2013·2 min read

Putting our Heads Together: Canines may Hold Clues to Human Skull Development

Reviewing research on dog cranium development, scientists consider how the information garnered over the past eight years could help us understand human skull development.

The image shows a lego man acting as a gatekeeper for the brain activity to neuronal growth.

Featured Psychology

·February 7, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Uncover Key to Antidepressant Response

Researchers identify a protein that appears to be the target of both antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy. The experimental results explain how these therapies likely work to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain to grow and mature.

The image shows Jacob with a female researcher.

Featured Genetics

·February 7, 2013·5 min read

Experimental Gene Therapy Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy offers Hope for Youngster

A nationwide clinical trial for a new type treatment that could offer help to those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a devastating neuromuscular disease.

The image shows Newborn neurons in the brain of a 3 month old mouse.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Dickkopf Makes Fountain of Youth in the Brain Run Dry

Scientists have discovered that significantly more neurons are generated in the brains of older animals if the signaling molecule Dickkopf-1 is turned off. The results give rise to the question whether the function of Dickkopf-1 may be turned off using drugs to prevent age related cognitive decline.

Featured Psychology

·February 6, 2013·2 min read

Induction of Mild Inflammation Leads to Cognitive Deficits Related to Schizophrenia

Researchers have identified an exceptional mouse model of schizophrenia. The study identified a mutant mouse lacking the Schnurri-2 protein (Shn-2 KO) that exhibits behavioral deficits and other brain features consistent with schizophrenia.

The image shows the structure of protein LRRK2.

Featured Genetics

·February 6, 2013·4 min read

Study Points to Possible Cause and Treatment for Non-familial Parkinson’s

Researchers identify a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie common non-familial forms of Parkinson’s disease. The study implicates two genetic variants that disrupt protein sorting in neurons.

Image shows brain slices with deposits of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neurology

·February 5, 2013·3 min read

Study Confirms No Transmission of Alzheimer’s Proteins Between Humans

While evidence suggests pathological proteins linked to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders are capable of spreading from cell-to-cell within the brains of affected individuals, new research shows no evidence to support concerns that these abnormal disease proteins are “infectious” or transmitted from animals to humans or from one person to another.