Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings
Study looks at the evolutionary development of the human brain.... Read More...
glial cells
Transplanted brain stem cells survive without anti-rejection drugs
Researchers have developed a new method to transplant neural stem cells into mice without the need for lifelong anti-rejection medications.... Read More...
The ‘inflammation’ of opioid use: Research correlates inflammation in the brain and gut to negative emotional state during opioid withdrawal
Inflammation caused by opioid use to both the brain and gut may exacerbate symptoms of negative emotions associated with withdrawal. Targeting the inflammation could help alleviate the negative experiences of opioid withdrawal and prevent dependence.... Read More...
New pain organ discovered in the skin
In a groundbreaking finding, researchers have identified a new sensory organ under the skin that can detect pain as a result of impact or pinpricks. The organ comprises of glial cells with multiple long protrusions which collectively make up the mesh-like organ under the skin.... Read More...
Glial cells are critical players in brain’s response to social stress
The behavior of oligodendrocytes plays a critical role in determining whether we tolerate or succumb to stress. ... Read More...
Obesity: The key role of a brain protein revealed – Mouse study
The protein ACBP directly influences neurons that help both rodents and humans maintain a healthy weight.... Read More...
Stem cells from hair follicles have potential to repair myelin sheath in mice
Melanocyte stem cells from human hair follicles that carry CD34 have the ability to turn into glial cells. The CD34+ stem cells can regenerate myelin, both on neurons and in mouse models with a genetic defect that prevents the formation of healthy myelin sheaths. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.... Read More...
Scientists restore some functions in a pig’s brain hours after death
Yale researchers successfully restored cellular activity and circulation to a pig's brain, four hours after its death. The research challenges the assumption about both timing and the irreversible nature of the cessation of some brain functions following death.... Read More...
Shutting down deadly pediatric brain cancer at its earliest moments
Dysregulation of Zfp36l1 causes neural lineage progenitor cells to grow rapidly, taking on the properties of fast growing stem cells as they become cancerous.... Read More...
Scientists Identify Gene Partnerships that Promote Spinal Cord Regeneration
Axolotl salamander genes that allow the neural tube and nerve fibers to regenerate after spinal cord damage have been identified. These genes are also found in humans, but are activated differently.... Read More...
Discovery of the Genetics Conductor of Brain Stem Cells
Researchers describe their findings about how the Foxg1 gene is involved in the development and differentiation of neurons and glial cells from stem cells.... Read More...
Simple Drug Combination Creates New Neurons from Neighboring Cells
Researchers have identified a small set of molecules that can convert glial cells into new neurons. The finding could help develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and brain injuries.... Read More...